Asean may consider adjustments to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) if necessary in order to break the long-standing deadlock in Myanmar, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan told the Dewan Rakyat.
PETALING JAYA: Asean may consider adjustments to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) if necessary in order to break the long-standing deadlock in Myanmar, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said the 5PC remains the regional bloc’s primary framework for addressing the Myanmar crisis, but foreign ministers have been tasked with exploring ways to move the process forward in consultation with all parties involved.
“Now Asean leaders want the foreign ministers to think of ways for us, together with Myanmar, to manage the 5PC.
“If there is a need to adjust it, then we adjust it a little, but everything must be approved by the heads of government of Asean countries before we make any changes,” he said.
Mohamad was responding to William Leong Jee Keen (PH-Selayang), who asked about possible steps to resolve the stalemate if Myanmar continues to disregard the consensus.
He said the 5PC is centred on four main principles: ending violence, engaging all stakeholders, ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches affected communities, and appointing an Asean special envoy.
“The 5PC remains the core agreed to by all Asean leaders at that time, including the Myanmar leader himself,” he said.
“It is not that difficult. Stop the violence, engage with all parties, ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the people, and have a special envoy.”
Mohamad also said he had raised the extension of the ceasefire, which is set to expire at the end of July, during recent discussions with Myanmar’s new foreign minister, U Tin Maung Swe.
“I asked that the ceasefire be continued so we can move into the second phase,” he said, adding that Myanmar should outline clear stages for the peace process.
He said discussions had also covered political stability after elections, inclusive dialogue, humanitarian issues and cooperation on cross-border challenges such as online financial crimes.
Mohamad further suggested that Myanmar consider adopting elements of autonomy and federalism as part of its long-term political solution, citing Malaysia’s own federal structure as an example.
“I gave Malaysia as an example. We practise federalism, and they appeared very interested in that suggestion,” he said.
He added that Myanmar had shown greater openness compared with previous engagements and welcomed Malaysia’s continued dialogue with various stakeholders.
Malaysia has held multiple engagements with more than 30 Myanmar stakeholders in Kuala Lumpur, with further meetings expected in July, he said.
