Asean to review its next course of action concerning instability in Myanmar, says Zambry

JAKARTA: Asean will determine its next course of action after a review of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) aimed at addressing the instability in Myanmar more effectively, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

The Foreign Minister said that Malaysia and other partners within Asean had reviewed the implementation of the 5PC, which could not be implemented effectively due to the challenges faced from Myanmar’s Junta side.

“Malaysia and other partners had expressed our views that we cannot just let it be without any strong action taken against Myanmar’s Junta.

“And therefore we have submitted a few proposals for deliberation of the leadership level at the Asean summit, on the next course of action based on the review that had been made,” he told reporters here after attending the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) on Monday (Sept 4).

Zambry added that efforts were also being made to ensure a peaceful and effective measure to address the issue in Myanmar.

The 5PC, among others, calls for an immediate end to violence and the provision of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.

There had been no significant progress on the implementation of the consensus since it was agreed upon in April 2021.

Myanmar had plunged into an upheaval since a military coup last year ousted the government of Aung San Suu Kyi, who was now in military custody and faces a raft of charges that could jail her for more than 150 years.

The coup sparked widespread protests and unrest that the military had sought to crush by force.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Indonesia, as the chairman of Asean, the country still had some “homework” to do, including to deal with the situation in Myanmar.

“Our chairmanship has worked hard to push for a united Asean solution,” said Marsudi.

“Asean can only steam forward in full force if we can ensure a peaceful and lasting solution in Myanmar.”

Earlier in a separate statement, Zambry stressed on the importance of unity and harmony within Asean, as it positions itself as the driver of peaceful and stable regional architecture towards building a cohesive, sustainable and resilient Asean community.

“Regarding the issue of Myanmar, I expressed disappointment over the extension of the state of emergency in Myanmar due to the prolonged political crisis in the country.

“I raised my concerns about reports of a deteriorating economy, ongoing violence, and restricted humanitarian access.

“I also called on Asean to be more resolute in seeking a solution to the Myanmar crisis,” he said.

On a separate matter, He said that the development on the issue of cross-border crime was discussed during the Asean Political Security Community meeting.

“In this effort, Malaysia has raised the issue of job scam in the previous meeting and this has become one of the main agenda of discussion.

“We also came up with a few proposals to improve our good working cooperation between Asean countries to address the issue of job scams.

“So far, Malaysia received good cooperation from several countries that are also affected by the issue including Cambodia, Philippines and Thailand.

“I also have recorded our appreciation to those countries for extending their assistance to us,” added Zambry.