M'sia praised for proactive role in Myanmar peace efforts

An expert commended how Malaysia, as the Asean chair this year, was looking for ways to resolve the protracted conflict in Myanmar.

Counter Risk Consultancy Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing partner Peter Nicoll said there was a “more proactive engagement to resolve the conflict”.

He cited how dialogues were initiated with the military junta and National Unity Government (NUG) - a group of politicians ousted in the 2021 military coup.

“Additionally, Asean plans to dedicate upcoming meetings solely to the Myanmar conflict itself… trying to revitalise the stalled peace process,” he commented on the ongoing 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

Nicoll said this was evident, whereby a separate meeting was held on Saturday between Myanmar’s senior officials and Laos, the previous Asean host, current host Malaysia, and next year’s host, the Philippines.

“While Asean’s initial approach has not yet yielded the desired outcome, recent initiatives may well signal a willingness to adopt more assertive and inclusive strategies to address the ongoing crisis in Myanmar,” he said.

He was speaking during a talk show on Asean aired over Bernama TV and hosted by Jessy Chahal.

University of Nottingham Malaysia’s School of Politics head Benjamin Robin Barton said it is natural to be pessimistic about Myanmar.

This is because up until now, there has not been a breakthrough, and it was a very complex situation given that there are the junta and other groups which do not speak with the same voice.

Promoting engagement, not legitimising junta

Nicoll said Malaysia’s theme for this year’s Asean Summit, “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, presents an opportunity and challenge regarding the Myanmar crisis.

“It is a very important move by Malaysia (to initiate negotiations with different parties) and also opportune because Malaysia is chairing the Asean Summit.”

On the surface, he said Myanmar’s exclusion from high-level meetings might appear contradictory to the notion of inclusivity.

“However, a deeper interpretation reveals that this move is not about exclusion for its own sake, but about upholding Asean’s collective credibility and ethical responsibility,” he said.

Nicoll said inclusivity must go beyond the discussion table and has to encompass the voices and rights of all Myanmar people, especially those silenced since the 2021 coup.

“By denying the junta political legitimacy while still allowing a political representation, Asean is attempting to balance engagement with principles,” he added.

- Bernama

Comply with 5PC before holding election, Asean urges Myanmar

Singapore minister hails Anwar's lead in rallying Asean on Myanmar

Myanmar to participate in Asean summit, informal discussions

UN fears 427 Rohingya perished at sea earlier this month