STATEMENT BY
MR. AZRIL ABD AZIZ
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL ARRIA-FORMULA MEETING ON MYANMAR
NEW YORK, 29 JULY 2021
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Mr. Chair,
Malaysia remains gravely concerned over the situation in Myanmar with the continued use of lethal violence against civilians and the threat of armed conflict. We are also concerned with the deteriorating humanitarian situation which is further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to prevent the situation from worsening.
2. Malaysia’s position on Myanmar is clear and consistent. We call for all concerned parties to work together towards a peaceful settlement of this crisis. We support an inclusive dialogue for political transition in line with the ASEAN’s Five Points of Consensus and the General Assembly Resolution 75/287. We also call for the prompt and unconditional release of political leaders, including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and their associates.
Mr. Chair,
3. As ASEAN has been playing a central role in ensuring peace and stability in the region, Malaysia acknowledges the high expectation of the international community on ASEAN to resolve the political crisis in Myanmar. Since the coup, ASEAN continues to actively pursue various engagements with the Tatmadaw in the interest of peace, stability and prosperity of the country and the region. This has also resulted in the issuance of the ASEAN Five Points of Consensus that was agreed in April this year.
4. Malaysia continues to strongly call for the expedient implementation of the ASEAN Five Points of Consensus. We look forward to the appointment of the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair and for the Special Envoy be given access to visit Myanmar, as well as access to all parties concerned to start constructive dialogue in seeking a peaceful solution in Myanmar. In this regard, it is important that ASEAN’s efforts are fully supported by the international community, including by all concerned parties in Myanmar.
5. My delegation also believes in the importance for the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to look immediately into the humanitarian assistance of the needy in Myanmar, with the support of the Secretary General of ASEAN, through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).
Mr. Chair,
6. Malaysia is concerned that the current situation in Myanmar will have adverse impact on the Rohingyas. Malaysia continues to urge the international community to provide political support for the Rohingya cause. As a country directly impacted by the Rakhine State crisis, Malaysia reiterates the call for a safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of displaced Rohingyas to their place of origin in the Rakhine State. We welcome the humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya refugees currently sheltering in host countries, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Chair,
7. In conclusion, Malaysia will continue to pursue constructive engagements on issues affecting the region in the interest of peace, stability and prosperity. We reiterate our readiness to work closely with the United Nations Secretary-General, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General and other UN mechanisms, including the UN Security Council towards finding a peaceful solution in relation to the situation in Myanmar.
I thank you.