ASEAN Ministers Praise Malaysia’s Proactive Role in Addressing Myanmar Crisis
By Samantha Tan
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- ASEAN Foreign Ministers have commended Malaysia’s proactive leadership in reviving efforts to implement the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and facilitating constructive dialogue to address the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo said both the informal and extended informal consultations on the implementation of the 5PC, held on Saturday ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), proceeded smoothly.
“Yes, the consultations went very well. We reaffirmed our commitment to the 5PC and agreed that ASEAN will continue working hard.
“We congratulated Malaysia on its efforts so far to bring some kind of process moving forward so that perhaps there could be some real dialogue between the opposing factions,” he told Bernama after attending the consultations.
Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane also expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s bold and proactive approach in addressing the Myanmar issue, saying ASEAN remained actively engaged in efforts to pursue peace in the country.
When asked about Timor-Leste’s bid to join ASEAN, Thongsavanh said it was not within his purview to decide, but added that “continued engagement will be key”, and he believed ASEAN remained supportive of Timor-Leste’s full membership journey.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, on the other hand, praised Malaysia’s leadership, saying that he “would like to give credit to the current Chair for taking proactive steps.”
He said Malaysia had demonstrated responsibility in addressing the Myanmar issue and ensuring continued engagement through ASEAN processes.
The first informal consultation was attended by the previous, current and incoming ASEAN Chairs, namely Laos, Malaysia and the Philippines, while the extended informal consultation involved all ASEAN Foreign Ministers, except Myanmar.
Both sessions were chaired by Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim initiated separate dialogues with Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing and the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), which marked a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between conflicting parties.
The move has been seen as a potential breakthrough in ASEAN’s mediation efforts.
The 5PC was adopted by ASEAN in April 2021 following the military coup in Myanmar on Feb 1 that year. It calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and for the envoy to be granted access to all stakeholders in Myanmar.
Despite its significance, implementation of the consensus has largely stalled due to the junta's continued non-compliance, with the issue remaining a central concern in ASEAN’s ongoing engagement with Myanmar.
The 46th ASEAN Summit is being held under Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability”. This year also marks Malaysia’s fifth time chairing ASEAN, following previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
-- BERNAMA
