Malaysia and the Philippines should look into finding other possible approaches to get the Myanmar junta’s cooperation in resolving the region’s humanitarian crisis, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said he raised the issue with Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. yesterday, calling it a “contentious” and unresolved situation that is spilling over to other Asean nations.
Anwar also cited the fact that thousands of Myanmar refugees are currently living in Malaysia as evidence that the problem was not just a domestic one in Myanmar.
“I did express my concern about the contentious, unresolved issue in Myanmar affecting Malaysia adversely due to the huge number of refugees exceeding 200,000 people now in Malaysia,” Anwar said during a joint press conference with Marcos Jr. at the latter’s official residence in Malacanang Palace here this evening.
“The president, in his wisdom, reiterated the need for the five-point consensus, but I would certainly suggest exploring new areas on how the Myanmar junta can be persuaded to work and collaborate as a team within Asean, and resolve the outstanding issue, which cannot be considered as purely internal because it is affecting the security and welfare of the region.”
Myanmar’s military staged a coup against the democratically elected ruling party, the National League for Democracy, and deposed its state councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, on Feb. 1, 2021.
Anwar is currently in the Philippines on a two-day official visit with his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Anwar suggested that Asean temporarily suspend Myanmar’s membership because the conflict and atrocities committed against ethnic minorities in Myanmar, such as the Rohingya, have an effect on Asean member states during his official visit to Thailand last month.
As a result of the unrest and conflict, more Rohingyans and other persecuted ethnicities have fled to Thailand, Bangladesh, and Malaysia.
Prior to Anwar’s media address at Malacañang Palace, Marcos Jr. declared that both nations have made a commitment to supporting Asean’s development and peace-building initiatives, emphasising the significance of finding a solution to the Myanmar situation.
He also praised Malaysia for its efforts to bring peace to the southern Philippines.
“We commend the progress made towards achieving sustainable and inclusive peace in Mindanao. It is a combination of years and effort and sincerity among all parties which will soon realise the dividends of peace,” Marcos Jr. said.
“We recognise the great contribution that Malaysia has played to the peace process in the southern Philippines, and we hope that this support shown over the past few years will continue to contribute to the success of the peace process, and the establishment of the Bangsa Moro autonomous region.”
The Philippines government is working to improve the lives of people in Mindanao, according to Marcos Jr. He also extended an invitation to Malaysia to continue supporting those efforts.
The president also thanked Anwar for being the first head of government in the world to visit the Philippines since assuming office in June.
Meanwhile, Marcos Jr. stated that both countries have agreed to re-energize investment exchanges, with a particular emphasis on the halal industry, agriculture and food security, and the digital economy.
“We also spoke of further deepening our people-to-people ties, continued cultural exchanges, and tourism.”
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