JAKARTA – The United Nations (UN) is pinning its hopes on Malaysia, as among three key member states in Asean, towards finding a political solution to the crisis in Myanmar following a military coup in 2021.
UN secretary-general António Guterres said the world body is hopeful that Malaysia, Indonesia and Laos can helm efforts to significantly improve the situation in Myanmar.
Speaking during the 43rd Asean Summit here, he also expressed concern about the massive refugee crisis, mostly involving the Rohingya people from Rakhine province, who have fled Myanmar by the millions
“I remain deeply concerned about the worsening political, humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar, including Rakhine state, and the problem of the massive number of refugees living in desperate conditions.
“I welcome Asean’s principled approach to the five-point consensus. And I call on them to continue to seek a unified strategy towards Myanmar,” he said at a press conference at the Jakarta Convention Centre here. The summit, which began on Monday, concludes today.
“We are strongly hopeful that after Indonesia and not only Lao PDR, but also with the troika of Indonesia, Lao PDR and Malaysia, Asean will remain totally committed to find a political solution in Myanmar.
“And that political solution will of course need release of all political prisoners and needs to clearly pave the way for the reestablishment of democratic institutions in Myanmar,” he added.
Guterres sounded the UN’s full support for Asean’s ‘five points of consensus’, adding that the body also supports the initiatives of the present Indonesian chairmanship of Asean.
Laos will assume the position next year while Malaysia takes over in 2025.
Gutteres had earlier today held a bilateral meeting with Anwar on the sidelines of the summit.
Malaysia has taken the Myanmar military regime to task for placing obstacles in the implementation of the agreed-upon five points of consensus brokered by Asean and comprising measures to bring peace and legitimacy to the country.
The five points comprise provisions for an immediate end to violence, dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, allowing humanitarian assistance by Asean, and enabling a visit by the regional bloc’s special envoy to Myanmar to meet with all parties.
Anwar had told his counterparts during an Asean leaders’ retreat on Tuesday that it is imperative for the five points to be implemented, as the conflict in Myanmar affects not only its own people but also impacts neighbours like Malaysia.
He stressed that there are now more than 200,000 refugees from Myanmar in Malaysia. He indicated that it is highly difficult to send them back to their country.
“For a country like Malaysia, we can’t view this (delay in implementing the five points) as something usual that can be postponed, because it has caused so much difficulty and hardship to our country,” he had said.
Financial support to alleviate refugee crisis
Asked about constraints in rendering humanitarian aid to victims who are inaccessible due to the conflict, Guterres assured that the UN does not include political considerations when attempting to provide much-needed aid.
“We are doing our best to mobilise our country team, to mobile the international community in order to find the resources that are necessary to address the dramatic humanitarian needs of the population inside Myanmar because of the conflict, because of mismanagement,” he said.
Referring to the “dramatic situation” of Rohingya refugees languishing in Bangladesh, he lamented that there has been a big decrease in international financial support to alleviate the humanitarian problem.
“It is time for international financial support on Myamnar, inside and outside the country, to be re-established at the necessary level because we are witnessing an enormous tragedy and we lack the resources needed to respond to it,” he said
Guterres cited his appreciation for the “determined efforts” of Indonesia as chair of Asean to engage all sides in the conflict and political violence.
“And I reiterate my urgent call to the military authority of Myanmar to listen to the aspirations of its people, release all political prisoners, and open the door to the return to democratic rule,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the bilateral meeting between Gutteres and Anwar, the Prime Minister's Office said that both sides discussed issues of mutual interests, including on Asean-UN cooperation, Palestine and Myanmar.
Anwar had reiterated Malaysia's commitment to work closely with UN and Asean, particularly on efforts to find a peaceful political situation for Myanmar. – The Vibes, September 7, 2023
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