We welcome the initiative by the United Nations to send its special envoy, Dr Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, to negotiate a peaceful solution to end the massacre. However, we are disappointed with the outcome of the special session on the situation in Burma as convened by the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

In addition, we deeply regret and are quite disappointed with the fact that the Asean members are not unified in sending a strong signal but instead decided to continue with softer 'non-intervention' approach. Time and time again, this sort of approach proves that it does not bring any constructive changes in the case of the Burmese government.

It is sad that the Asean governments still believe and uphold this policy even though in 1988, thousands died when troops opened fire at protestors in Rangoon. How could one turn a blind eye to the massacre happening in our neighbouring country? Nothing has change since then and it seems that nothing will change now.

We strongly feel that the time of a soft approach has passed and a more decisive action is needed now. The Burmese government has continuously shown its disregard for the international community. It continuously chooses to violate the rights of its people resulting in its people suffering for a long period.

As a human rights organisation, we strongly feel that it would be in the best interest if more unified action is taken by Asean in order to send a strong signal that the world is outraged with the situation and demand that peace and respect for human rights and fundamental freedom be restored immediately.

How long more do the Burmese people need to suffer before Asean members decide to take a strong and constructive action? How many lives do we need to sacrifice before anyone will put a stop to this carnage? We should not be repeating the same mistake that we made in 1988. The Burmese people are crying out for help.

The writer is president, Education and Research Association for Consumer Malaysia.