KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — Myanmar authorities have been urged to immediately put a stop to transnational crime, which has had a significant impact on neighbouring countries and Asean as a whole.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the problem has spread and is now harming countries bordering Myanmar.
“We want the Myanmar authorities and all responsible parties there to stop this situation because it has become a problem for countries within Asean,” he said.
Mohamad was speaking to the press after chairing the Extended Non-Official Consultation on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus today, held in conjunction with the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits.
Those present at the meeting included Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono and the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Theresa P. Lazaro.
He added that Asean also wants the Myanmar administration to cease all forms of hostility against its own people.
Efforts to end violence and hostilities are among the key pillars of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), which remains the foundation for all actions taken by the regional bloc on the Myanmar issue.
On the matter of Asean observers for Myanmar’s upcoming elections, Mohamad said Asean is firm that they must be conducted fairly, transparently and inclusively, involving all citizens, as no party can stop the polls.
“Asean does not want this election to be one where only part of the Myanmar population can participate while others cannot. So, this matter will also be raised at the leaders’ meeting the day after tomorrow,” he said.
Asean remains steadfast in upholding the 5PC to address issues in Myanmar, including facilitating dialogue and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches its intended destinations.
“We deeply regret that humanitarian aid is still being disrupted and that much of it has yet to reach the intended areas due to several restrictions.
“So, we urge the Myanmar administration to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance, as this is one of the key pillars of the 5PC,” Mohamad said.
Myanmar has been mired in a prolonged political and humanitarian crisis since the military overthrew the National Unity Government on February 1, 2021.
In April that year, Asean leaders held an emergency meeting and adopted the 5PC, which, among others, called for an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue with all parties concerned to restore peace and stability, and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar.
The Myanmar crisis is expected to be among the key agenda items during the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits from Sunday (October 26) to Tuesday (October 28) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre under Malaysia’s Asean 2025 chairmanship.
