MALAYSIA’S Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on Wednesday called on all parties in Myanmar to create an environment conducive to holding elections, as the crisis in the country continues to loom over ASEAN’s regional agenda.
Speaking at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur, Mohamad urged Myanmar’s stakeholders to commit to a more stable and peaceful setting that would enable democratic processes to take root.
However, it remains unclear whether the statement signals a shift in ASEAN’s stance under Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship, as the bloc has previously maintained that elections in Myanmar should not be prioritised ahead of achieving national peace.
Reuters reported that in a broader address, Mohamad warned of deepening geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation and ongoing global disruptions. He called on ASEAN member states to remain united and strengthen efforts toward building a more resilient Southeast Asia.
“This region must preserve strategic autonomy and collective action in addressing new threats such as climate change, technological disruptions, and rising global polarisation,” he said.
“In a world fractured by conflict, our founding fathers chose cooperation and multilateralism. Today, we face new threats: climate change, technological shifts, and societies polarised by political and economic divides.”
He added that regional security continues to be overshadowed by the strategic rivalry of major powers, while protectionist trends threaten multilateral trade—long a key engine of ASEAN’s economic growth.
“Conflicts beyond our region are disrupting our markets, supply chains, and food security. These challenges affect us all, especially the Global South,” Bernama cited him saying . “ASEAN must stay focused on building a resilient future for Southeast Asia.”
Mohamad also reflected on ASEAN’s founding through the 1967 Bangkok Declaration, describing it as a visionary act amid Cold War nuclear tensions and proxy wars. He said Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, rooted in the principles of inclusivity and sustainability, is aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 to build a resilient, innovative and people-centred region.
The 58th AMM and related meetings are taking place from 8 to 11 July under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, involving 24 ministerial-level sessions with ASEAN Dialogue and Sectoral Partners.
The four-day summit is hosting around 1,500 delegates, including ASEAN foreign ministers, Timor-Leste, ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) participants, Sectoral Dialogue Partners and senior ASEAN Secretariat officials. - July 9, 2025
