MYANMAR’S military leadership and its opposition government have pledged to extend a ceasefire and guarantee the safety of humanitarian workers, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Friday, raising hopes for expanded regional relief efforts following the devastating March 28 earthquake.
Anwar said both Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of Myanmar’s ruling State Administration Council, and Mahn Win Khaing Than, Prime Minister of the National Unity Government (NUG), gave their assurances in separate discussions with him during a working visit to Thailand.
“I appealed to both leaders to ensure peace, avoid new conflicts, and reduce military presence, as these are essential for the success of humanitarian efforts,” said Anwar.
“The indication I received from both is that they are committed to extending the ceasefire. This is a precondition imposed by all parties involved in humanitarian operations.”
He added that he would immediately brief ASEAN counterparts to coordinate regional support and enable more personnel from member states to take part in relief operations.
“They have pledged to honour their commitments. There will be a ceasefire and no unnecessary provocations. Otherwise, the entire humanitarian exercise could fail,” Anwar warned.
Anwar also welcomed recent moves by the junta to de-escalate tensions, including the release of nearly 4,900 detainees in conjunction with Myanmar’s traditional New Year on Wednesday. According to rights groups, at least 22 of those freed were political prisoners.
“It is a very positive sign of goodwill, which may allow ASEAN to engage with them more meaningfully,” said Anwar. “During my discussions, I emphasised the importance of ceasing fire and enabling humanitarian efforts to cover all of Myanmar, regardless of the regions or political affiliations involved. I received assurances to this effect.”
Malaysia has taken a proactive role in relief efforts, deploying the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) under Operation Starlight III just two days after the 7.7 magnitude quake struck central Myanmar. A Malaysian field hospital, staffed by Armed Forces medical personnel, has since been established in Naypyidaw.
The earthquake and its aftermath have left over 3,600 people dead, more than 4,800 injured, and at least 141 still missing. Myanmar’s Meteorological and Hydrological Department has recorded 109 aftershocks, including a 6.4-magnitude tremor.
An estimated nine million people have been affected across 58 townships, with the UN highlighting that at least 2.7 million children are among those impacted. The worst-hit areas include East Bago, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Southern Shan and Sagaing.
Anwar’s face-to-face meeting with Min Aung Hlaing was attended by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The next morning, Anwar held a virtual meeting with Mahn Win Khaing Than to discuss escalating humanitarian needs and the path to regional cooperation.
The breakthrough comes amid years of stalled diplomacy on Myanmar within ASEAN, with Malaysia often taking a firmer stance on engaging both sides of the country’s political divide. – April 18, 2025
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