Malaysian PM urges ASEAN to explore new strategies to resolve Myanmar crises

Bangkok, The Gulf Observer: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged ASEAN to explore new strategies and approaches in resolving the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

Anwar stated in an exclusive interview with Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) that the Myanmar crisis can no longer be considered the internal affairs of the country because it has affected its neighbours, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia as a result of the influx of refugees fleeing the country, BERNAMA reported.

“Myanmar conflict not to be resolved in near future unless ASEAN take a revise, on what, we have to discuss” He said.

“The ASEAN Way has been extremely productive in dealing many other issues (in the region). However, the ASEAN Way need to revise when it comes on Myanmar crisis because constructive engagement has not been working” he continued.

Anwar, who was sworn in as Malaysia the 10th Prime Minister in November last year, described himself as a junior among the other ASEAN leaders. He had discussed issues concerning Myanmar with his counterparts in Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and Thailand during his official visits to these countries recently.

During his maiden visit to Thailand, Anwar had met his counterpart Prayuth Chan on Thursday and discussed multiple issues of mutual interest including Myanmar.

Anwar stated that ASEAN should make coherent and concerted efforts as a regional organisation to resolve the conflict in Myanmar during a joint press conference following the meeting.

He reaffirmed that Malaysia would do whatever is required to facilitate the peace process regarding the crisis in Southern Thailand.