Kuala Lumpur: The decision by all major stakeholders in Myanmar to participate in direct engagement with ASEAN leaders marks a significant step forward in efforts to resolve the country’s protracted conflict, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In an interview with ASEAN media ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, Anwar said the recent meeting in Bangkok, involving the ASEAN Troika and Myanmar’s Foreign Minister U Than Shwe, reflected a shift in attitude, especially from the military junta.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the importance of the ceasefire and the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian assistance, including into other areas. He highlighted the unprecedented nature of his meetings with both conflicting parties and the engagement of the Troika as a positive beginning in conflict resolution efforts. Anwar has called on his ASEAN counterparts in Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia to engage through multiple channels, such as military and diplomatic, to achieve a full ceasefire and ensure unhindered humanitarian assistance.
Yesterday, ASEAN Foreign Ministers 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. Earlier this month, Anwar initiated separate dialogues with Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), marking a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between conflicting parties. The move is 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 February 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.
On the situation in Gaza, Anwar voiced support for a multilateral approach to reconstruction, proposing that ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China could work together on an alternative to United States-driven plans. He stressed that any rebuilding efforts must reflect the will and aspirations of the Palestinian people. Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia’s strong stance on the Palestine issue and noted an evolving consensus within ASEAN for an immediate ceasefire, condemnation of atrocities, and respect for human rights.
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.