Violence against Myanmar civilians has fallen to 20% of previous levels since Malaysia assumed ASEAN chairmanship, says foreign minister.
KUALA LUMPUR: Incidents of violence against civilians in Myanmar have declined significantly since Malaysia assumed the chairmanship of ASEAN.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan told the Dewan Rakyat that this development reflects ASEAN’s ongoing efforts including peace negotiations among conflicting parties.
“Since Malaysia took over as ASEAN Chair, acts of violence against civilians in Myanmar have dropped significantly,” he said in reply to Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman during Question Time.
Mohamad stated that violence against civilians has decreased from 100 incidents to only about 20% of that figure.
He explained that Malaysia has served as a facilitator during negotiations between ASEAN and Myanmar’s conflicting factions.
The minister said Malaysia encourages dialogue and conveys the concerns and perspectives of all sides to the Myanmar government.
However, he acknowledged that the situation in Myanmar remains complex due to numerous ethnic groups with differing ideologies.
Mohamad reaffirmed Malaysia’s stance that any election in Myanmar must be conducted transparently, fairly, and inclusively.
“As long as the election does not meet ASEAN’s expectations of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, it will be difficult for the bloc to recognise such a process,” he said.
On humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, Mohamad said Myanmar authorities are undertaking a verification process.
This verification process aims to facilitate the repatriation of refugees once conditions in Myanmar improve. – Bernama
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