SHAH ALAM, June 25 — Malaysia has urged Myanmar to release political prisoners and ensure an inclusive peace process to restore stability in the country, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Mohamad said the issue of political prisoners is among critical matters raised in talks with Myanmar authorities and efforts to address the country’s political crisis.
He said Malaysia is committed to a peaceful resolution in Myanmar, including through the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC), which is the main framework to resolve the crisis.
“I have raised other critical issues, including the release of political prisoners in Myanmar; addressing the refugee situation, particularly Rohingya refugees, especially those in Malaysia; and strengthening cooperation to combat online financial crimes.
“I also proposed to Myanmar the establishment of autonomous regions, as well as (for it to consider) federalism,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during a question-and-answer session at Parliament today.
Mohamad was responding to a question from William Leong Jee Keen (Harapan-Selayang) about Malaysia’s foreign policy on Myanmar and the progress of the 5PC.
The 5PC is a peace plan ASEAN adopted on April 24, 2021, to address the political crisis in Myanmar following a military coup. It is the bloc’s primary framework to restore stability in the country.
The plan comprises five mandates — the immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue, the appointment of a special envoy to Myanmar, the access of humanitarian aid, and for the Myanmar government to allow visits from the special envoy.
Mohamad added that discussions with Myanmar’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe covered post-election political stability in Myanmar, the 5PC progress, and proposals for an inclusive dialogue with stakeholders.
Their talks also touched on how ASEAN can help Myanmar achieve lasting peace and national reconciliation.
Mohamad clarified that Malaysia’s engagement with Myanmar does not indicate a recognition of the post-election administration, and asserted that the discussion was aimed at maintaining communication and encouraging progress towards peace and inclusivity.
“There is no issue of Malaysia recognising the Myanmar government after the election.
“That remains ASEAN’s position until what is done is inclusive, reflects the people’s choice, achieves lasting peace, involves all parties, and includes the release of political prisoners and refugees,” he said.
Mohamad also acknowledged the 5PC progress is limited, but said there have been changes.
“There are signs of some changes in Myanmar’s situation, but it has yet to reflect progress (according to markers) decided by ASEAN leaders to fulfil the (5PC),” he said.
He added that ASEAN leaders have agreed for their foreign ministers to continue informally engaging with Myanmar to find a way forward.
Mohamad said the focus is on ensuring Myanmar is not isolated, while maintaining communication channels to prevent external parties from filling the vacuum created by prolonged instability, complicating the situation.
He noted that future approaches on the Myanmar issue must align with ASEAN principles and changes to the 5PC require prior approval from member states.
