RAZALI SURPRISED ASEAN HAS YET TO MAKE ITS STAND ON SUU KYI

SUBANG JAYA (Malaysia), May 19 (Bernama) -- Former Malaysian Permanent
Representative to the United Nations and Ex-UN Special Envoy to Myanmar Razali
Ismail said Tuesday he was surprised that Malaysia and ASEAN countries have yet
to make their stand on the issue concerning Myanmar pro-democracy and opposition
icon Aung San Suu Kyi's trial by the country's military junta.

Razali said Suu Kyi was a well-known figure to the Malaysian and ASEAN
leaders and what she had undergone was a matter of special interest not just to
the Malaysians but also to the whole ASEAN people.

"I am surprised that Malaysia has not said something about this issue to
express a sense of outrage..and I am surprised that other countries of ASEAN too
had said very little about it.

"I understand why we did not say anything, because we believe in the
principle of non-interfering with the affairs of neighbouring countries, but
whatever happens to her can have consequences, particularly on the issue of what
are the obligations of neighbours towards such situations.

"Our people too wanted to ask what do we stand for? If nothing is said then
it would be interpreted by the military that there was no serious
constraints..then they can do what they like to her, it was very unfortunate,"
he said at a press conference after delivering a speech entitled 'Global
Teamwork' organised by the Taylor University College Model United Nations
(Taymun)'s Club, here Tuesday.

Suu Kyi, 63, went on trial Monday on charges of harbouring a United
States (US) man who swam to her home. On that charge, she faced up to five years
in detention.

Taymun is an academic simulation of the UN which aimed at educating its
members about civics, effective communication, globalization and multilateral
diplomacy.

Students take on roles as foreign diplomats where they research a country,
investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult and then develop
solutions to world problems.
-- BERNAMA