Mohamad: ASEAN Exploring New Approaches To Strengthen 5PC Implementation In Myanmar
KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- ASEAN is exploring new approaches to strengthen the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) in efforts to resolve the crisis in Myanmar, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said that despite signs of improvement in Myanmar, the country has yet to achieve the progress agreed upon by ASEAN leaders under 5PC, which continues to serve as the main framework for peace efforts.
Mohamad said that at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, on May 8, regional leaders agreed that ASEAN foreign ministers should hold informal engagements with Myanmar to assess current developments and identify the next steps.
“The 5PC will remain in place, but ASEAN leaders want foreign ministers to think about how they can jointly work with Myanmar to manage its implementation.
“If we need to make some changes, everything must be approved by the ASEAN heads of state,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a supplementary question from William Leong Jee Keen (PH-Selayang) on whether a new approach had been considered, given Myanmar’s continued failure to comply with the 5PC in resolving the crisis.
Mohamad said Malaysia had also proposed that the six-month ceasefire implemented by Myanmar, set to end at the end of July, be extended as a second phase towards a more comprehensive peace effort.
He said Malaysia had also urged Myanmar to provide a clear roadmap for the continuation of the peace process, including inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders.
Mohamad said ASEAN does not want Myanmar to remain marginalised, as this could create space for external interference, thereby undermining efforts to resolve the conflict.
“We do not want to leave a vacuum that would ultimately be filled by third parties with vested interests, thus further complicating the situation in Myanmar and ASEAN,” he said.
Mohamad said Malaysia would continue to engage with all stakeholders, including the Myanmar government, the National Unity Government, the People’s Defence Force and ethnic armed groups, to support ASEAN-led peace efforts.
-- BERNAMA
