Kuala Lumpur:Negotiation and dialogue have been central to Malaysia's diplomatic approach for decades, according to Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, the Political Secretary to the Finance Minister.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kamil emphasized that hosting Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing should not be seen as an endorsement of the violence occurring in Myanmar. In a Facebook post, he responded to criticism from former Klang MP Charles Santiago regarding the president's visit, stating that while engagement with Myanmar's leadership is open to criticism, it does not equate to agreement with the ongoing abuses.

Kamil highlighted historical precedents where Malaysia engaged diplomatically without recognition. He cited the 1955 Baling Talks where Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, met with Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng, and the 1974 visit by second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein to China, which led to diplomatic ties despite ongoing communist threats.

He added that Malaysia has facilitated negotiations in the Philippines and southern Thailand, and received U.S. President Donald Trump without endorsing American policies. The aim, according to Kamil, is to keep communication open to resolve conflicts.

In the context of Myanmar, Kamil noted that during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim engaged with various stakeholders, including the National Unity Government, to address the crisis. The focus was on ending violence, ensuring humanitarian aid, and promoting political dialogue.

Kamil stressed the importance of voluntary and dignified repatriation of Myanmar nationals and maintained that diplomacy involves engaging with disagreeable parties when peace and security are at risk.