KUALA LUMPUR – Asean’s Role in the Myanmar Crisis

As the Myanmar crisis enters its fourth year, questions loom over Asean’s ability to end the violence. With 5,350 lives lost and 3.3 million displaced, the crisis has dubbed Myanmar’s civil war as “Asean’s Gaza.” The repercussions extend beyond Myanmar, affecting Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and even Bangladesh.

The Refugee and Criminal Impact

The breakdown of law and order in Myanmar’s border areas has enabled criminal gangs to set up scam farms, ensnaring victims including Malaysians. These atrocities highlight the need for urgent action to stabilize the region.

Asean’s Response and Challenges

Following the military coup in April 2021, Asean established the “Five-Point Consensus” (5PC), calling for an end to violence, dialogue among parties, a special envoy, access to parties, and humanitarian assistance. However, progress under the 5PC remains minimal.

At the recent Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, the group expressed deep concerns about the ongoing conflict and humanitarian situation but failed to propose specific measures or timelines for action.

The Arms Sales Conundrum

The Myanmar junta has imported billions in arms from countries within Asean, largely from Russia, China, Singapore, Thailand, and India. These arms sales have funded the continuing violence.

While Singapore temporarily reduced exports to Myanmar, other Asean countries deny allegations of funding the military through their financial systems. However, experts argue that more robust action is needed to halt arms trafficking.

Humanitarian Aid and Diplomatic Efforts

Asean has barred the junta from attending political summits since 2021, a step intended to pressure the military to implement the 5PC. However, this measure has had little impact on curbing the violence.

The latest reports indicate that rebel groups have faced multiple junta airstrikes, including a recent attack that reportedly killed 28 people and wounded 25, including nine children, in Rakhine state.

Expert Opinions on Solutions

According to UN special rapporteur Thomas Andrews, halting arms exports to the junta is a critical step Asean can take. The sharp reduction in Singaporean exports is cited as a positive example.

Elaine Pearson from Human Rights Watch argues that Asean must move beyond its non-interference principle and take stronger measures to deter atrocities and hold the military accountable.

Former foreign minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the need for Asean to recognize regional impacts and put aside non-interference policies in certain circumstances.

Malaysia’s Role and the Way Forward

Malaysia, assuming the Asean chairmanship, faces significant challenges in addressing the Myanmar crisis. While Malaysia has consistently condemning the junta and raising the issue in Asean meetings, more concrete actions are required.

The ongoing crisis demands that Malaysia and other Asean members take concrete and decisive steps to halt violence and support dialogue for a peaceful resolution.

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,” Albert Einstein’s quote aptly encapsulates the current dilemma faced by Asean.

Conclusion

Asean must not allow the Myanmar issue to fade into the background. Continued focus and stronger measures are essential to achieving a cessation of violence and humanitarian assistance.

As Malaysia assumes the chairmanship, it must take a proactive role in leading the regional response to this crisis. Only through decisive action can Asean hope to make a significant impact.

We can hope and try, but reality often demands more. Let us hope that Asean’s efforts yield positive outcomes.

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