[UPDATED] M’sia-Myanmar meet not endorsement of junta govt: Wisma Putra

KUALA LUMPUR – Wisma Putra has dismissed claims that a meeting between a Malaysian ambassador to Myanmar and a minister of the military junta government yesterday points to a recognition of the governing State Administration Council (SAC).

In a statement today, the Foreign Ministry said the meeting was to convey the decision by Petronas Carigali Myanmar (HK) to temporarily suspend upstream operations of the Yetagun gas project to Myanmar’s Electric and Energy minister.

This comes after the Petronas subsidiary on April 2 declared force majeure on the gas field located offshore Myanmar following challenges in the wells deliverability that resulted in reduced production rate.

“Malaysia’s position on Myanmar is clear and consistent,” said the statement

“We have persistently called for an immediate end to violence, unconditional and immediate release of political detainees, and resumption of an inclusive dialogue involving all parties for a political transition and peaceful settlement of the ongoing crisis.”

The ministry said this is in the best interest of Myanmar and its citizens.

“We will continue our constructive engagement with all concerned parties towards this end.”

Activist and Free Rohingya Coalition co-founder Ro Nay San Lwin in a tweet last night posted pictures of the meeting, which was aired on TV, between Malaysian ambassador Datuk Zahairi Baharim and Myanmar minister Aung Than Oo.

He highlighted that Zahairi is the first ambassador from an Asean country to have met with a military cabinet member, and questioned if Malaysia recognises the SAC government.

The Pakatan Harapan secretariat council in a statement today urged Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to explain the meeting, claiming it has raised questions over Malaysia’s stand against the Myanmar junta after its democratically elected government was toppled by the military in a coup d’etat on February 1. – The Vibes, April 8, 2021