JAKARTA – Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has urged Myanmar’s military to stop the killing and violence against civilians to put an end to the country’s crisis, as part of three proposals put forward by Malaysia to Myanmar at the special Asean Leaders’ Meeting at the Asean Secretariat here today.
“Second, to release political detainees promptly and unconditionally,” said the prime minister during intervention at the meeting, which was attended by Asean leaders and Myanmar’s military junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.
Third, he said, Myanmar needs to allow the Asean chair and Asean secretary-general to have free access into Myanmar.
“Malaysia hopes that Myanmar will positively consider Malaysia’s proposals,” he said.
The Myanmar crisis took centre stage at the meeting after the February 1 military coup against the civilian government, which was swiftly followed by the declaration of a year-long state of emergency.
The coup triggered mass protests which were met with deadly violence resulting in hundreds of people being killed.
Muhyiddin said Myanmar’s armed forces (Tatmadaw) are central to finding a solution to the crisis.
“We realise that the success of Asean’s efforts on Myanmar very much depends on the willingness of the Tatmadaw to cooperate,” he said.
Malaysia, he said, stands ready to engage constructively with all parties and galvanise efforts with all Asean member states towards helping Myanmar overcome the current political crisis.
“Malaysia hopes that Myanmar will continue to work with Asean to uphold its principles,” he said.
‘Meaningful’ engagement needed
Muhyiddin issued a stark warning that the deplorable situation in Myanmar must stop immediately.
“Malaysia believes the killings and violence must end. All parties must urgently restrain from any provocations and actions that will perpetuate violence and unrest,” he said.
The prime minister called for a meaningful, inclusive political dialogue which can only take place with the prompt and unconditional release of political detainees.
“This would be a good starting point and ease international pressure on Myanmar and Asean,” he said.
In drawing attention to the Asean principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other member states, Muhyiddin said it did not mean the grouping should ignore a serious situation that jeopardises the peace, security and stability of the region.
“The principle of non-interference is not for us to hide behind; it cannot be a reason for our inaction,” he said.
The prime minister said there is a tremendous expectation from the international community over how the bloc addresses the issue.
“Within the Asean domain, constructive engagement is anchored in trust, understanding and goodwill,” he said.
Muhyiddin had a special message for the people of Myanmar.
“The people of Myanmar are the people of Asean, the success of Myanmar is the success of Asean. Most importantly, the future of Myanmar will shape the future of ASEAN. There is no denial of how important Myanmar is to Asean,” he said. – Bernama, April 24, 2021
