Myanmar’s new government led by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing appears more receptive to regional peace suggestions, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said today in Parliament in Kuala Lumpur [1, 2].
Min Aung Hlaing became Myanmar’s president in April and appointed a new cabinet after a widely criticised election [1, 3, 2]. In May, Mohamad Hasan met with Myanmar Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe in Naypyitaw. Their talks focused on implementing ASEAN’s five-point consensus peace plan, which includes political dialogue and humanitarian access [1, 3, 2].
Hasan noted that Myanmar seemed more open during these talks compared to previous ASEAN engagements when Malaysia held the chair last year. “I see that the Myanmar side this time seemed more open to the suggestions that were expressed compared to our previous interaction,” he said [1].
The discussions also covered the release of political prisoners and addressing the large Rohingya refugee population residing in Malaysia [1, 3, 2]. ASEAN leaders have directed foreign ministers to explore ways to work with Myanmar in implementing and potentially modifying the five-point plan. Hasan cautioned that any adjustments would require approval from all ASEAN leaders [1].
The peace plan has largely stalled as Myanmar’s military continues to reject dialogue with opposition groups it labels terrorists, obstructing efforts towards reconciliation [1, 3, 2].
The most recent concrete development came yesterday when Hasan briefed Malaysia’s Parliament on Myanmar’s increased openness and ASEAN’s ongoing diplomatic efforts [1, 2].
