Speeches & Statements

STATEMENT BY

DATO' SERI UTAMA HAJI MOHAMAD BIN HAJI HASAN

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MALAYSIA

OIC CONTACT GROUP ON
ROHINGYA MUSLIMS OF MYANMAR

22 JUNE 2025

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE

_____________________________________________________________________________

Excellencies,

Assalamua’laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Mr. Chairman,

1.   Malaysia is deeply concern with the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. We urge that the safe, dignified and sustained return of internally displaced Rohingyas to Rakhine State, must be prioritised.

2.    As the ASEAN Chairman, Malaysia is committed to taking a constructive approach to address the situation in Myanmar.

3.   We have identified three key priorities, which are to:

      i.   promote inclusive political dialogue;
     ii.   ensure the cessation of violence; and
     iii.   to scale up humanitarian assistance.

4.   Malaysia, through the ASEAN Special Envoy, has intensified efforts to engage inclusively with all stakeholders. Because, at present, there are many stakeholders in Myanmar.

5.   Such inclusive engagement would lay important groundwork for deeper cooperation on shared priorities, particularly in advancing humanitarian assistance.

6.   In this regard, Malaysia would like the OIC Contact Group and our Special Envoy to identify fields of collaboration that could further complement efforts in supporting a peaceful and inclusive resolution.

Mr. Chairman,

7.   The recent earthquake has caused serious humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.

8.   It is therefore crucial to ensure a safe, secure and enabling environment for timely and effective aid distribution to all affected communities.

9.   The conflicting parties had announced a unilateral temporary ceasefire.

10.   Nonetheless, we call on all parties to continue towards a more permanent ceasefire and work towards a sustainable resolution to the crisis.

Mr. Chairman,

11.   Despite these encouraging developments, funding for humanitarian efforts remains critically insufficient. We encourage members of the OIC to continue their support for relief efforts.

12.   Malaysia has contributed 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid consisting of essential supplies, deployed the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), and set-up a field hospital immediately after the earthquake, in Sagaing City, the area most affected by the earthquake.

Mr. Chairman,

13.   We believe that to achieve a sustainable and lasting solution, we must work on instilling trust and confidence among the stakeholders.

14.   While this is not easy, building trust is the key to rebuilding a nation torn by conflict.

15.   In conclusion, Malaysia encourages greater engagement between the OIC Member States and the stakeholders, while focusing on ending the violence, alleviating the humanitarian crisis with a view of supporting peace in Myanmar.

16.   I thank you, Mr. Chairman.