Kuala Lumpur: The proposal to appoint a Permanent ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar is a reflection of the region’s political commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis, an academic said. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of Malaysian and International Studies Fellow, Dr Muhamad Azwan Abd Rahman, stated that the move illustrates ASEAN’s unified and courageous approach to tackling Myanmar’s protracted conflict.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Muhamad Azwan Abd Rahman emphasized that ASEAN’s decision signifies the bloc’s readiness to adopt a clearer, bolder, and more balanced stance on the Myanmar issue. During a special Bernama TV broadcast of the 46th Summit: Regional Diplomacy and Global Powers, he elaborated that the Myanmar crisis is complex, and today’s decision underscores ASEAN’s commitment to addressing the situation constructively.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting saw member states agree to initiate internal consultations regarding the proposed appointment of a Permanent Special Envoy on Myanmar for a three-year term. This move aims to ensure continuity and sustained engagement with the country, which has been embroiled in a political and humanitarian crisis since a military coup in February 2021.

Dr Muhamad Azwan noted that the proposed three-year mandate is a pragmatic step, allowing time to build trust and foster inclusive, ongoing dialogue. He stressed that ASEAN’s willingness to consider a permanent envoy indicates its intention to confront the political reality in Myanmar in a structured and consistent manner.

He further explained that Myanmar’s crisis is rooted in a complex power struggle, with the people demanding change. Dr Muhamad Azwan asserted that ASEAN cannot remain a bystander and must serve as a vehicle for the people of Myanmar to determine their own future. He highlighted the importance of appointing an envoy who can engage with a broad range of stakeholders.

Currently, ASEAN special envoys are appointed annually by the chair of the bloc. Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, has named former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tan Sri Othman Hashim, as the bloc’s fifth envoy since the crisis began.