No action taken against Myanmar despite repeated violations, says Mohamad

By HIDAYATH HISHAM

ASEAN has not imposed any sanctions or punitive measures against Myanmar despite the country’s repeated failure to comply with the Five-Point Consensus.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (picture) said the bloc continues to pursue a peaceful resolution through ASEAN-led mechanisms without resorting to exclusion or penalties.

“The Five-Point Consensus is not a problem if there is honesty and sincerity,” he told reporters at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ press conference during the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) today.

“What we need is for them to stop the hostilities, cease fire, talk to everybody, and make sure that there is unhindered humanitarian aid.

“When we are all together, we will make sure that Myanmar returns to being a fully democratic country,” he said.

Mohamad said ASEAN does not intend to take further actions, but external support remains important to ease the humanitarian situation.

Commenting on the planned Myanmar elections between December and January, he said the priority must remain on stopping violence and creating inclusive political dialogue.

“We have already sent a very strong message to Myanmar that we would want them to comply with the Five-Point Consensus first.

“Stop the hostilities, cease fire, sit down together with all parties, with the stakeholders, and then let this humanitarian aid reach the respective area — and then only we talk about the election,” he added.

Mohamad warned that an election without broad participation would only worsen the situation and stressed that ASEAN is not prioritising elections over the broader peace process.

“What is the point if it is just a whitewash to cover up in the eyes of the international community? So there’s no point,” he said.

Mohamad added that ASEAN continues to uphold its long-standing principle of non-interference, even as the Myanmar crisis poses growing regional challenges.

However, he said that the consequences of the conflict have spilled beyond Myanmar’s borders.

“It has become a trans-national, trans-border crime with money laundering and job scams. Millions of people have been displaced,” he added.

According to him, Malaysia is currently managing over 200,000 Rohingya refugees.

“We don’t want to meddle in their internal affairs, but it has become an ASEAN issue,” he said, adding that ASEAN will continue working through collective mechanisms to address the crisis.