Malaysia, Myanmar Edge Towards Diplomatic Reset After New Leadership Transition  

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, May 20 (Bernama) -- Putrajaya and Nay Pyi Taw are now working to restore ties nearly five years after Myanmar’s military coup plunged the nation into diplomatic isolation.

Diplomatic dialogue is resuming after a lengthy thaw, following the election of former armed forces chief Min Aung Hlaing as president on April 10 - a development that is prompting diplomats to rethink on re-engagement with the Southeast Asian nation. 

During a one-day working visit on Tuesday to Nay Pyi Taw, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan held talks with his counterpart, U Tin Maung Swe on a broad range of issues.

“The two foreign ministers cordially discussed matters relating to the enhancement of relations between Myanmar and Malaysia at the bilateral level and in the context of ASEAN.

“They exchanged views on promotion of existing cooperation in the areas of mutual interests,” Myanmar’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said on its Facebook page on Tuesday.

Mohamad’s visit also comes shortly after the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, in the Philippines on May 8, where several member states struggled to reach a consensus on the status of Myanmar’s newly elected government.

Since the coup in February 2021, which ousted the elected civilian government, ASEAN has not recognised the military-led administration in Nay Pyi Taw and has distanced itself diplomatically. 

Observers say the revitalising of Malaysia-Myanmar bilateral relations signals a political shift that could redraw regional diplomacy in Southeast Asia and pave the way for Myanmar's return into ASEAN’s fold after prolonged political turmoil, armed conflict within the country and international scrutiny.

“ASEAN must bridge the gap because in Cebu, there were different views on post-election Myanmar. Mohamad's visit shows Malaysia has now recognised the election outcome, and it is a good move. 

“While some other countries are yet to recognise (the Myanmar elections). A recalibrated engagement with Myanmar is now needed,” Bangkok-based geopolitical analyst Kavi Chongkittavorn told Bernama. 

ASEAN, he said, should pave the way for an informal meeting with Myanmar leaders following the national elections to bring an amicable reconciliation to the long-standing Myanmar crisis. 

Last year, Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, worked relentlessly to bring an end to the ASEAN-Myanmar political stalemate and stop the ongoing armed civil war raging in parts of the country. 

The move was to allow critical international humanitarian assistance into the country affected by the civil conflict and a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28 last year.

According to the United Nations, about 3.3 million people have been displaced due to the ongoing crisis while about 5,000 people have lost their lives since the coup.

Observers believe that a peaceful Myanmar with about 55 million people is vital for regional stability. 

-- BERNAMA