Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar explained that our country is extending a helping hand to Myanmar based on our stance of ensuring peace in the ASEAN region and enhancing the economic status of member states to ensure comfortable economic growth in the region, to avoid burdening our "neighbors."
Anwar continued, saying that within ASEAN, Singapore and Malaysia are more advanced, followed by Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, while Laos and Cambodia lag behind.
"In ASEAN, we have a different approach. We want to elevate the economic status of all neighbors to ensure peace and more comfortable economic growth."
"If any area is neglected, it will burden our neighbors, such as the issue of Myanmar. Some ask why we are busy helping Myanmar when we also have poverty at home, why build hospitals in Myanmar?"
"They forget about the 200,000 Rohingya in Malaysia. If this issue is not resolved, the smuggling of opium will worsen."
Anwar said this on Monday (April 14) during his speech at the Ministry of Finance's monthly assembly.
He stated that on April 17, he will meet with Myanmar's military government leader Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok.
In a phone call with Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing, he conveyed that our country wishes to provide assistance out of "neighborly" reasons and as ASEAN members, and he hopes Myanmar can temporarily ceasefire because people are suffering, and our country must ensure the safety of the SMART rescue teams going to Myanmar for disaster relief.
He also expressed gratitude for Myanmar’s leader's positive response and directly agreed to meet him in Bangkok, showcasing the friendship between both parties.
"We are prepared for discussions, even if we proceed with cooperation without reaching several agreements."
Anwar continued, saying that after hosting State President Xi Jinping, he will head to Bangkok to address ASEAN matters. Besides meeting with Myanmar’s government head, he will also have meetings with Thai Prime Minister Phetchom Tan and members of the ASEAN Advisory Council.
"We want to resolve the issues of Golok River and Rantau Panjang, including the construction of bridges and the dredging and cleaning of the Golok River to mitigate the flood risks in southern Thailand and the Kelantan state area."