ASEAN foreign ministers suggest Myanmar should prioritize ending domestic violence rather than holding elections.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan pointed out that they believe Myanmar should urgently implement the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) agreed upon by ASEAN.
“We know Myanmar wants to hold elections, but we told them that elections are not the priority at the moment.”
He said this at a press conference after the informal meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers ended. Myanmar was represented at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aung Kyaw Moe.
Hasan mentioned that even if elections are held, they should be inclusive and not conducted in isolation among certain social strata.
The Five-Point Consensus calls for the immediate cessation of violence, dialogue among all parties, appointment of a special envoy, allowing ASEAN to provide humanitarian aid, and permitting the ASEAN envoy to visit Myanmar and meet with all parties.
Regarding the Five-Point Consensus, he said ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed the principles and decisions of ASEAN leaders as the main reference for resolving the situation in Myanmar and urged Myanmar to implement this consensus.
He stated that the ministers emphasized the need to continue efforts to achieve an inclusive and enduring peaceful solution in Myanmar, promoting regional peace, security, and stability.
“Therefore, we call on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, prioritize humanitarian aid, and create an environment conducive to inclusive dialogue.”
He stated that ASEAN foreign ministers support the appointment of Tan Sri Othman Hashim, former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the ASEAN Chair's Special Envoy on Myanmar, considering his extensive experience and suitability for engaging with Myanmar and other ASEAN countries while understanding their perspectives.
“If we do not understand their perspectives, it will be difficult. Therefore, we cannot simply impose the Five-Point Consensus without understanding their views.”