By M.Saraswathi
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- Embroiled in a decades-old civil war, the ongoing unrest in Myanmar has placed the Southeast Asian nation in a delicate and complex position vis-à-vis its fellow ASEAN member states.
It is often cited by Western media as a perpetual sore thumb in what is otherwise one of the world’s most peaceful regions. However, all is not lost, as some light at the end of a troubled tunnel may be emerging.
This followed recent diplomatic engagements initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with the support of the grouping’s member countries, suggesting the situation may be on the cusp of positive change.
As Chair of ASEAN this year, Anwar promptly stepped in, backed by ASEAN, to directly engage with junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to coordinate country-wide humanitarian efforts, regardless of the sub-regions involved.
Ironically, the devastating earthquake—where the death toll rose beyond 3,700—proved a blessing in disguise, prompting a conditional ceasefire between the warring factions.
Undeniably, it enabled negotiations with all relevant parties to deliver humanitarian relief.
It also allowed ASEAN to galvanise efforts towards a peaceful and inclusive resolution for Myanmar, a move that has since gained momentum.
Certainly, these are encouraging developments, as Anwar also engaged separately with both Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok and their opponents—the shadow National Unity Government (NUG), which includes Aung San Suu Kyi.
Being able to engage all parties, secure a ceasefire and ensure that humanitarian aid can reach any sub-region, regardless of the controlling group, is “remarkable progress,” said Anwar.
“We engage them separately, but it's time for them to talk (the junta and the opposition),” Anwar told the media ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, scheduled for May 26 and 27, themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability.’
Located in northwest Southeast Asia, the country was far from perfect when it joined ASEAN in 1997, having been governed by a military dictatorship with a history of human rights violations, particularly against Rohingya refugees who were forced to flee their homes in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
The 2021 military coup that deposed democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Suu Kyi further worsened the situation, prompting the bloc to bar junta leaders from its summits and ministerial meetings.
Nevertheless, Myanmar's senior officials have continued to attend preparatory meetings for ASEAN summits, and the current gathering at the KLCC is no exception.
ASEAN neighbours are understandably perturbed by the ongoing armed conflict, which has reportedly claimed more than 50,000 lives.
Notably, two meetings on the Myanmar conflict will be held as part of the ASEAN Summit here.
These include informal and extended informal consultations on the implementation of the five-point consensus, namely: an immediate end to violence, dialogue among all parties, appointment of a special envoy, humanitarian assistance by ASEAN, and the envoy’s visit to Myanmar to meet all stakeholders.
Undoubtedly, this represents a significant step forward, grounded in humanitarian principles and the broader aim of regional stability.
It is also an opportunity for Myanmar to join hands with ASEAN and work collaboratively to resolve its crisis once and for all.
“Re-engaging with ASEAN will actually help Myanmar build its economy. But of course, the government there needs assurance that our actions won’t be politically interventionist,” said University of Nottingham Malaysia Assistant Professor of Business Economics, Dr Tan Chee Meng.
He believes ASEAN can contribute to economic development and business initiatives, but must avoid political discourse, as it could be perceived as interference and undermine the military government's authority.
“ASEAN needs to exercise soft power by engaging as a united group, showing it can handle internal challenges,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit.
Tan said the stakes are high, as failure to address Myanmar’s troubles effectively could reflect poorly on the grouping’s cohesiveness.
On Myanmar’s part, the junta must acknowledge that the country faces serious economic problems, making it vital to engage with fellow ASEAN members acting as peacemakers for its own survival.
Even if the military government wishes to remain in power, it must ensure a semblance of economic prosperity.
Otherwise, “it risks losing further public support and worsening the already volatile political situation,” Tan said.
Although the country’s economy recorded some expansion in recent years, post-pandemic investment sentiment remains weak amid regulatory uncertainties and political instability.
Myanmar must recognise the long-term adverse effects of the ongoing conflict and act decisively and effectively on these interconnected issues, he said.
While ASEAN remains ready to lend a helping hand, Anwar emphasised that the people of Myanmar must decide their own future, in line with ASEAN’s policy of non-interference in domestic affairs.
Understandably, ASEAN cannot impose strict conditions, such as immediate democracy or specific election formats, but must maintain respect for Myanmar’s sovereignty and allow it to determine its own path and pace towards peace.
Even if that progress is gradual, what matters most now is that the country is moving—albeit slowly—towards greater inclusivity, stability, and long-term engagement within the broader ASEAN community.
-- BERNAMA
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