AMID CRISIS, MALAYSIA RALLIES ASEAN TOWARDS PEACE AND AID IN MYANMAR

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- The temporary ceasefire in Myanmar, declared amidst a devastating humanitarian crisis following a recent earthquake, offers a crucial window for relief efforts and potentially lays the groundwork for longer-term peace, an opportunity that Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, is working actively to support.

Malaysia has emerged as a key player in galvanising ASEAN’s humanitarian and diplomatic response.

Following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan led a humanitarian mission to the affected areas, reaffirming ASEAN’s solidarity and commitment to peace.

The mission, jointly coordinated with Thailand, delivered 15 tonnes of humanitarian aid, pledged RM10 million in assistance, and deployed 50 SMART team personnel for search and rescue operations.

More significantly, Malaysia used the opportunity to propose an extension of the ceasefire, currently set to end on April 22, urging all parties in Myanmar to uphold the truce in the interest of humanitarian recovery.

“The ceasefire is a critical window, and Malaysia’s leadership within ASEAN reflects a broader hope that this moment of pause may pave the way toward inclusive political dialogue,” said Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) defence expert Dr Nor Aishah Hanifa.

She noted that the earthquake and its aftermath could serve as a turning point if political actors place the survival of the people above their own agendas.

“Malaysia is playing a delicate but important role. As ASEAN Chair, we are not interfering, but we are encouraging. This is the essence of ASEAN diplomacy,” she told Bernama International News Service.

Nor Aishah stressed that Malaysia’s approach balances firm humanitarian commitment with respect for Myanmar’s sovereignty, aligning with ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and its longstanding principle of non-interference. 

She pointed to Malaysia’s diplomatic messaging, using terms like “welcoming” and “proposed”, as a sign of careful, principled leadership.

While acknowledging the fragility of the ceasefire, she said Malaysia’s actions reflect ASEAN’s collective desire to promote peace.

“Our contribution is based on humanity. We are not trying to influence Myanmar’s political future, but we are expressing solidarity within the ASEAN family.”

Malaysia’s humanitarian leadership, particularly under the weight of ASEAN Chairmanship, has rekindled a glimmer of hope that this temporary ceasefire might be extended and, eventually, form the basis for broader reconciliation.

“While the challenges are immense, ASEAN, under Malaysia’s stewardship, has shown it can respond decisively in times of crisis. The next step must be to translate this momentum into sustained dialogue and inclusive peace efforts,” Nor Aishah said.

However, not all regional analysts are optimistic. 

Professor Dr James Chin of the University of Tasmania said that while Malaysia’s leadership is commendable, the prospects for genuine peace remain bleak without greater international leverage.

“There have been numerous ceasefire announcements over the years. None have endured because the Myanmar military does not view peace as a real option,” he said.

Chin warned that without enforceable commitments, ceasefires are often tactical pauses rather than steps toward reconciliation.

Still, he acknowledged that Malaysia’s efforts signal ASEAN’s hope for a different trajectory, even if constraints remain.

“Malaysia is doing what’s possible within ASEAN’s framework. But unless the region is willing to do more.. like considering peacekeeping options.. the suffering will continue,” he added.

-- BERNAMA