Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian delegation's visit to Myanmar in May did not amount to recognition of the country's new government following its election, but was part of ASEAN's efforts to maintain channels of communication in addressing the crisis in the country, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He clarified that Malaysia remains steadfast in its position of not recognizing the Myanmar junta and emphasized that the visit in no way affected the stance of Malaysia and ASEAN on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the visit followed a decision made at the 48th ASEAN Summit, which called on ASEAN foreign ministers to continue informal engagement with Myanmar. Mohamad explained that he met with Myanmar Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe at a hotel, not at the Foreign Ministry, to convey the matters that Malaysia and ASEAN wish to see in order to bring about changes in Myanmar.

Elaborating further, Mohamad said he had also reminded Myanmar during the meeting that while the country has rights as an ASEAN member, it must also fulfill its obligations as a member of the regional bloc. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and communication, stating that ASEAN does not want Myanmar to be further isolated, which could create a vacuum exploitable by external parties.

Mohamad announced that Malaysia would hold another round of meetings with Myanmar stakeholders, expected to take place in early or mid-July, as part of ongoing efforts to seek a resolution to the crisis. He reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to urging all parties to cease violence, implement a ceasefire, engage in inclusive dialogue, and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the people of Myanmar, aligning with the objectives of the 5PC.