Malaysia reiterates call for a clear end game in Myanmar during special meeting of ASEAN FM

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia reiterated its call for ASEAN member states to work on a framework that has a clear endgame to facilitate the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) to bring back democracy and peace in the junta held Myanmar.

Caretaker Malaysian foreign minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah said the matter was highlighted during the Special Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers held in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday to discuss the way forward on ASEAN's efforts to address the situation in Myanmar, namely with regard to the implementation of the 5PC.

"In this Special Meeting, Malaysia reiterated its position that ASEAN needs to have a framework to facilitate the implementation of the 5PC with a clear endgame for a Myanmar that is democratic, inclusive and just, peaceful and harmonious, as well as prosperous where civil and political rights are guaranteed by the Constitution.

"A transition plan would be required for this Framework. Malaysia also re-emphasised that aside from the ASEAN Summits, no political representative from Myanmar should be invited to any ASEAN Ministerial Meeting," he said in a statement.

Deputy Secretary-General for Bilateral Affairs of the Malaysian Foreign Ministry, Norman Mohamad represented Saifuddin at the special meeting.

Saifuddin said that towards encouraging constructive dialogue among all parties concerned, Malaysia proposed for ASEAN to engage the National Unity Government (NUG), National UnityConsultative Council (NUCC) and other stakeholders.

To improve humanitarian efforts, Malaysia recommended ASEAN to consider the Inclusive Humanitarian Donor Forum proposed by the NUG to support ASEAN's efforts on humanitarian assistance.

"In addition, Malaysia suggested for ASEAN to review the current cooperation with the Myanmar Humanitarian Task Force to include cooperation with local, international and UN bodies, non governmental and civil society organisations," he added.

He said the special meeting agreed to study various proposal made during the meeting where recommendations will be submitted for the consideration of the ASEAN Leaders at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits, scheduled on Nov 11 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

-- BERNAMA