Malaysia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mohamad Hasan, has called on Myanmar's military government to prioritize peace over elections. Speaking at a recent gathering of ASEAN foreign ministers, Hasan emphasized that the focus should be on reinstating peace in the war-torn country rather than holding elections that could lead to further divisions.
“The priority is to stop the violence, reinstate peace in Myanmar,” – Mohamad Hasan
ASEAN has appointed Othman Hashim, a former Malaysian diplomat, as its special envoy on the Myanmar crisis. Hashim is expected to visit Myanmar soon to attempt the implementation of ASEAN's peace plan. This plan, known as the five-point consensus, was unveiled in April 2021 but has seen little progress due to the ongoing conflict.
The Myanmar junta plans to hold elections in 2025, a move criticized by many as a sham. Despite these challenges, ASEAN remains committed to engaging in peaceful dialogue with Myanmar's leaders. The bloc has no intention of expelling Myanmar from ASEAN, as reiterated by Mohamad Hasan.
“We should carve Myanmar out for now, and I don’t think the Myanmar issue should frustrate our moves. It would be ideal if we could have just a strong consensus in giving a strong message to the Myanmar regime,” – Anwar Ibrahim
ASEAN continues to bar the junta leadership from its summits due to their non-compliance with the peace agreement. The situation remains unstable as Myanmar's junta battles ethnic minority armed groups for control over territory. In contrast, ASEAN seeks a resolution that restores stability and a democratic government in Myanmar.
“We are trying our very best to put our heads together, together with the dialogue partners and also the countries neighbouring Myanmar, (and propose) how best can we ensure stability and restore a democratic government,” – Mohamad Hasan
Beyond Myanmar, ASEAN foreign ministers discussed initiatives to enhance cross-border travel between member states. Malaysia proposed a single visa program aimed at boosting tourist numbers and promoting economic growth within the region. This initiative comes amidst discussions on simplifying policies that would facilitate ease of movement among ASEAN nations.
“We must simplify policies that will increase the number of tourists coming in. Of course, we cannot be tolerant on the security front but I believe this issue should be discussed further within our respective countries,” – Tiong King Sing
“(For example), when (tourists) come to Malaysia, they will want to go to Singapore and after they enter Thailand they will want to enter Malaysia etc, but as it stands there are some restrictions for tourists administratively,” – Mohamad Hasan
Another significant topic at the meeting was Timor-Leste's potential full membership in ASEAN. Granted observer status in November 2022, Timor-Leste has been working diligently on a roadmap for integration into the bloc. President José Ramos-Horta expressed optimism that Timor-Leste could become ASEAN's 11th member by 2025.
“We have made tremendous progress (since 2023),” – José Ramos-Horta
“That it is not realistic, (or) even fair, to expect Timor-Leste to join ASEAN only when it has reached the level of Malaysia, Singapore or Thailand.” – José Ramos-Horta
As Malaysia prepares to assume the role of ASEAN chair in 2025, it remains focused on fostering a collaborative environment within the bloc while addressing pressing issues such as the crisis in Myanmar and regional economic cooperation. The commitment to peaceful dialogue and strategic partnerships underscores ASEAN's approach in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
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