KUALA LUMPUR – Asean must urgently convene a special meeting to discuss the military coup in Myanmar, said an academician.
Prof Zaid Ahmad of Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Department of Government and Civilisation opined that such a meeting is also necessary in the event the situation gets worse.
He said although the foundation of the bloc is based on the principle of non-interference, the recent political developments in Myanmar can no longer be seen as an entirely internal matter as it involves regional security and stability, as well as a humanitarian crisis.
“Since Asean has been institutionalised, it is a wise move to use it as a platform to discuss matters of common concern,” he said.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo had jointly called for Asean to convene a special meeting to discuss the political situation in Myanmar following the military coup.
The leaders had made the call after a meeting in Jakarta last Friday in conjunction with Muhyiddin's official visit to Indonesia.
"It is feared that the political upheaval in Myanmar could affect peace and stability in this region. In this regard, I fully agree with the suggestion that both foreign ministers be given the mandate to work out an understanding for a special Asean meeting to be held to discuss this matter more thoroughly,” Muhyiddin had said.
Myanmar’s military launched a coup on the morning of February 1, a day before its Parliament was set to sit, and had detained State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and other senior members of the National League for Democracy (NLD).
The junta had also declared a one-year emergency and vowed to “take action” against alleged voter fraud during the November 8 general election, which the NLD party won.
Muhyiddin had also said that Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta viewed with serious concern the current political situation in Myanmar, as it is a setback for the country’s democratic growth.
Meanwhile, Asean security analyst Prof K.S. Nathan believes that diplomatic dialogue is the most effective solution to the crisis.
He said for now, Asean can play a constructive role by urging the junta and other key players in Myanmar’s political sphere to return to the table for discussions.
“There needs to be a willingness for parties concerned in the country to talk and work for peaceful internal reconciliation.
“Yes, it is a long process but there is no shortcut to it,” said Nathan, who is also a former director at the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
In a statement after the coup, Brunei, as this year's Asean chairman, had called for “dialogue, reconciliation and the return to normalcy in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar”.
“We reiterate that the political stability in Asean member states is essential to achieving a peaceful, stable and prosperous Asean community,” the statement said. – Bernama, February 9, 2021
