ASEAN's Struggle for Peace in Myanmar: A Call for Dialogue and Aid

ASEAN's plan for peace in Myanmar, created four years ago, is feasible to implement, Malaysia's foreign minister asserts, urging the junta to allow humanitarian aid and fair elections. Despite the Five-Point Consensus, the military government has shown reluctance to engage in dialogue, raising skepticism about upcoming elections.

ASEAN's efforts to forge peace in Myanmar have hit a stubborn roadblock, according to Malaysia's foreign minister. On Friday, he urged Myanmar's ruling junta to stick to the bloc's four-year-old peace plan and allow the distribution of humanitarian aid amidst ongoing turmoil.

The Five-Point Consensus, agreed between ASEAN and Myanmar after the 2021 coup protests evolved into a broader rebellion, remains largely unexecuted as the military junta views adversaries as 'terrorists.' Malaysia's Mohamad Hasan emphasized the need for dialogue as the only viable path to peace after meeting with ASEAN ministers in Kuala Lumpur.

As December's multi-phase election looms, critics argue it's orchestrated to prolong military rule. Hasan insists on a fair and inclusive process, urging comprehensive participation at the upcoming ASEAN leaders summit. Meanwhile, fierce fighting and barred opposition cast doubt on the election's legitimacy.

(With inputs from agencies.)