Kuala lumpur: ASEAN will continue discussions on deploying observers to Myanmar, along with other initiatives to address the crisis in the country, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He stated that the bloc remains firm that the Five-Point Consensus is the primary reference for guiding regional efforts to help restore peace and stability in Myanmar.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, regarding sending an ASEAN observation team, deliberations will occur at the senior offices level. The importance of continuity in ASEAN efforts vis- -vis Myanmar was reaffirmed, and discussions included the proposal to revise the term of the ASEAN special envoy on Myanmar. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in July agreed that elections in Myanmar must be fair, transparent, inclusive, and credible, emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogue before the elections.

ASEAN underscored the need to sustain momentum in its efforts on Myanmar and discussed a proposal to extend the mandate of the ASEAN Special Envoy to support more consistent engagement. Senior officers were tasked to further deliberate on the proposal, with discussions on whether to establish a fixed tenure, such as three years, or continue the current practice of appointing a special envoy based on the ASEAN chairmanship.

Mohamad mentioned that ASEAN senior officials will further deliberate on the proposal and revisit the issue, stressing that there is no urgency to decide at this stage. Myanmar's authorities announced an election will be held on December 28 despite calls to prioritize national peace and stability efforts.

He also emphasized strengthening collaboration with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those most in need, in line with ASEAN's humanitarian principles. The contributions of member states, external partners, the United Nations, and the private sector in efforts to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Myanmar were appreciated by ASEAN.