Selangor Journal
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks during the ‘Special One-on-One Exclusive Dialogue with Forum Leadership’ session, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2025. — Picture by AFIQ HAMBALI/PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

PM says critical to secure peace in Myanmar; Asean treading with caution

DAVOS, Jan 22 — Asean is progressing cautiously on Myanmar as it is critical to secure peace in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said Asean’s approach is not about enforcing a particular system but ensuring inclusivity and peace, as well as participatory democracy.

“The first positive indication in the last few months is the preparedness to engage, and I assure them through colleagues and our agencies, particularly intelligence agencies, (that) we are not here to impose.

“The system of governance, even within Asean, is a bit different. Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam or Laos, they are quite different. As long as they are representative of some sort of participatory democracy, we are not imposing,” he said.

Anwar said this during an Asean plenary titled “Even Stronger Together”, on the priorities of Malaysia as Asean chair of 2025 and Asean’s important role in shaping the global economic landscape.

He said recent low-key engagements among influential intelligence authorities have shown promise, particularly in setting parameters to ensure inclusivity in resolving the crisis.

“Delaying means suffering for many people, including refugees in Bangladesh and even in Malaysia, where there are 200,000 refugees from Myanmar. It is totally atrocious to allow this to continue,” he said.

He said Myanmar’s authorities have been made aware of the need for Asean to take a strong position, as failures in governance have impacted peace and security in the region.

Anwar also said Asean remains committed to working with the international community, including the United Nations, to find a sustainable solution to the crisis in Myanmar.

“I am cautiously optimistic. Of course, we will coordinate with the UN on this, but Asean will continue to discuss this. We have agreed even to allow for countries, particularly Thailand, to engage on a different level, and we coordinate,” he said.

During the session, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in Asean through engagement and mutual respect, adding that Asean should not be forced into taking positions against any global power.

“We tend to engage and form a policy that will benefit one another because if you do not cater to that, then there will not be peace and tranquillity among neighbours, as you have seen in the case of Myanmar.

“As a trading country, Malaysia, as a trading region (Asean), we take that position that we should continue to engage and attract American and European investors more aggressively,” he said.

Anwar emphasised China’s importance as a neighbour, highlighting Malaysia’s ongoing engagement with countries like Australia and India, saying this reflects Asean centrality, which allows the region to engage and navigate complex situations.

He elaborated on the significance of connectivity, particularly in the digital realm, saying Asean is increasingly focusing on advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to foster greater understanding and cooperation among its member states.

“Digital connectivity, including AI, is crucial, and the region is focusing on these issues for better understanding between countries. But again, the fundamentals remain economic,” Anwar said.

The session was moderated by World Economic Forum president Borge Brende.

The other panellists were Vietnam Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Special Envoy to the United Nations secretary-general on Myanmar Julie Bishop, Global Chair of Mastercard Michael Miebach, and Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Prof Muhammad Yunus.

— Bernama

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