It should also lift all internet, telecommunications, and social media restrictions and ensure access to information. 2021 Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. - Bernama. Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, are holding talks Tuesday to discuss the worsening political crisis in Myanmar. COLUMNISTS: COMMENTARY- Asean must help Myanmar’s return to democracy; PHILIPPINE LOTTO: Mega 6/45 & Ultra 6/58: Fri. 2/26/2021; ASEANEWS HEADLINES: COVID 19 NEW VARIANTS & VACCINES: MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte … ASEAN ready to provide help with Myanmar floods. Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore have expressed grave concern and called for a peaceful resolution. The will and goodwill of ASEAN to help will not be implemented if Myanmar does not open its doors to ASEAN,” she said. Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:01 AM February 27, 2021. To do so, the Tatmadaw must adhere to the wishes of the Myanmar people and respect their rights to speak out, protest peacefully, and be governed by the representatives they elected. According to Al Jazeera, Suu Kyi is facing another charge under the country’s natural disaster management law. This demonstrates that Asean is capable of working productively with military leaders for the greater good of the whole population, and of acting as a mediator between them and the international community. As Myanmar is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), its domestic political crisis is extending beyond its physical boundary to ASEAN as a regional institution. This demonstrates that Asean is capable of working productively with military leaders for the greater good of the whole population, and of acting as a mediator between them and the international community. In one swift coup d’état, the Tatmadaw has dealt a devastating blow to Myanmar’s decade-long experiment with political, social, and economic liberalization, and returned Myanmar to the military rule that it has known for far longer. Asean has the advantage of being willing and able to directly engage with its member states when others cannot. Asean must help bring Myanmar back to normalcy, says Hisham. Analysis: Can Asia help Myanmar find a way out of coup crisis? There is great political diversity among the Asean member states, and Myanmar is not the only nation in the region to have experienced military coups. Foreign ministers representing each of ASEAN… In one swift coup d’état, the Tatmadaw has dealt a devastating blow to Myanmar’s decade-long experiment with political, social, and economic liberalization, and returned Myanmar to the military rule that it has known for far longer. 10 States― Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in 2008, which killed around 84,000 people in Myanmar, ASEAN played a key role in arranging humanitarian assistance to the then-isolated country. Skyscraper window cleaners Fadlin and Aiza have guts that would put any man to shame / ALISHA NUR / 05 MAR 2021, ASEANEWS EDITORIAL CARTOONS: False sense of security, HEADLINE: PETALING JAYA, Malaysia- Wonder women, ASEANEWS HEADLINES: PETALING JAYA, Malaysia- Wonder women, L.A. ASEAN marks its 50th anniversary today. Mar 02. In an ASEAN chairman's statement, Brunei said: "We encourage the pursuance of dialogue, reconciliation and the return to normalcy in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar." Asean has a chance to be a part of that solution and should make the most of this opportunity to facilitate constructive dialogue, reconciliation, and the return to democratic governance in line with the will of the Myanmar people. When Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar in 2008, the military government initially refused much needed international aid, and the natural disaster turned into a major humanitarian crisis, and a standoff between the military government and the international community ensued. Indonesia is the world’s largest producer and exporter of palm oil, the largest exporter of coal, and the second-largest producer of cocoa and tin. So it is perhaps unsurprising that the responses from member countries have varied. Don't miss out on the latest news and information. ASEAN member states on March 2 said they are… Asean must help bring Myanmar back to normalcy, says Hisham. World. Can ASEAN Help Solve Myanmar’s Domestic Political Crisis? A statement from Brunei as the chair of Asean recalled the principles of the Asean Charter, including the adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, and respect for and the protection of human rights. @[email protected] JR BIDEN JR 100DAYS-COVID RELIEF PLAN: WASHINGTON- $1.9 trillion Covid plan clears US House, heads to Senate, CA LOTTO – MEGA MILLION: TUE., SEP. 22, 2020 | $22 Millions, POLITICS: YANGON- Aung Na burns the rope at both ends, ELECTION USA: ‘Super Tuesday’ gives Biden momentum- Wall Street surges on Joe Biden bounce, ASEANEWS HEADLINES: VIENTIANE, Laos- New NA building to host upcoming inaugural session. Myanmar has been a member of ASEAN since 1997. STORIES: Essential California- Thursday 3/4/2021- 30 years after Rodney King, COLUMNISTS: COMMENTARY- Asean must help Myanmar’s return to democracy, PRES. The limitations of Asean are well documented, with the principles of noninterference and consensus decision-making restricting its ability to act. But there are also elements of trust, understanding, and goodwill within the regional grouping, which the rest of the international community lacks when it comes to Myanmar. Asean needs to speak with a collective voice and sense of unity to have any chance of positively influencing events in Myanmar as the repercussions and destabilizing effects of Tatmadaw rule will be felt across the whole region. This will clearly not serve the interests of the Myanmar population, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when international cooperation, aid, and support are crucial. Myanmar has received extensive military aid from China in the past. 2021 Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. ASEAN was preceded by an organisation formed on 31 July 1961 called the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA), a group consisting of Thailand, the Philippines, and the Federation of Malaya. SPACE RESERVE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. ASEAN is chaired by an annually rotating presidency assisted by a secretariatbased in Jakarta, Indonesia. (AP/Gemunu Amarasinghe) Since its founding in 1967, the… Myanmar began economic reforms in 2011, resulting in average GDP … Asean must endeavor to use its unique position and relationship with Myanmar to project a positive influence on the military government. Photo: MOFA Some member states are concerned that ASEAN’s goodwill to help would be unlikely to materialize if Myanmar doesn’t open its doors to the bloc. The limitations of Asean are well documented, with the principles of noninterference and consensus decision-making restricting its ability to act. Estimates from the United Nations and others revealed a poverty rate of 25%. KUALA LUMPUR: Asean must play a more proactive role to contribute to Myanmar’s return to normalcy, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. ASEAN ready to assist Myanmar March 4, 2021 Amid the unfolding unrest since the military coup in Myanmar, the ASEAN 2021 Chair has called on all parties in the country to refrain from instigating further violence, and conveyed ASEAN’s readiness to assist Myanmar in a positive, peaceful and constructive manner. Other ASEAN members have built export industries around natural resources. For a start, rather than waiting for the next scheduled meeting in the calendar, a special ministerial meeting as called for by the prime minister of Malaysia and the president of Indonesia should be convened to urgently decide upon a more proactive and unified response. On the one hand, ASEAN has been consistently reassured by Myanmar that it will keep ASEAN informed of developments and call for help when needed. In a statement of remarks made during the summit, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan warned an inability to find a common ASEAN position “would starkly underscore our lack of unity, and undermine our credibility and relevance as an organisation”. When Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar in 2008, the military government initially refused much needed international aid, and the natural disaster turned into a major humanitarian crisis, and a standoff between the military government and the international community ensued. But there are also elements of trust, understanding, and goodwill within the regional grouping, which the rest of the international community lacks when it comes to Myanmar. “These norms of consensus and noninterference have in… We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Some experts see this approach to decision-making as a chief drawback for the organization. Foreign ministers of Southeast Asian countries prepared for a special meeting with Myanmar's ruling military on Tuesday in an effort to quell deadly violence and open a … ASEAN itself was created on 8 August 1967, when the foreign ministers of five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, signed the ASEAN Declaration. Myanmar's junta will face regional pressure Tuesday to end a deadly crackdown on anti-coup protesters, after some Southeast Asian powers broke diplomatic traditions and … The Jakarta Post/ANN, Eric Paulsen is the representative of Malaysia to the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. Published 2 March 2021. Last Feb. 1, the world was stunned as the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, seized power on the day of the convening of the newly elected parliament after the nation voted decisively for the return of Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy in the November 2020 election. The Jakarta Post/ANN, Eric Paulsen is the representative of Malaysia to the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. However, the regional grouping was able to negotiate with the military leaders, bringing about an unprecedented breakthrough, with Asean leading a tripartite humanitarian mechanism along with the Myanmar government and the United Nations. However, the regional grouping was able to negotiate with the military leaders, bringing about an unprecedented breakthrough, with Asean leading a tripartite humanitarian mechanism along with the Myanmar government and the United Nations. By The Star/ANN. The Philippine Daily Inquirer is a member of the Asia News Network, an alliance of 22 media titles in the region. If it wants to cultivate the image of a regional force that prioritizes peace, stability, and prosperity, and is truly committed to the principles in the Asean Charter, now is the time to step up. Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore have expressed grave concern and called for a peaceful resolution. For a start, rather than waiting for the next scheduled meeting in the calendar, a special ministerial meeting as called for by the prime minister of Malaysia and the president of Indonesia should be convened to urgently decide upon a more proactive and unified response. Marty Natalegawa says ASEAN must tell Myanmar’s military to stop shooting at innocent civilians. Singapore, Indonesia favor ASEAN role to help Myanmar defuse crisis KYODO NEWS - 27 minutes ago - 19:56 | World , All Singapore and Indonesia strongly support the holding of a meeting of foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to help Myanmar resolve its post-coup political conundrum, Singapore's Foreign Ministry said Thursday. Asean must help bring Myanmar back to normalcy, says Hisham. Mar 02. This will clearly not serve the interests of the Myanmar population, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when international cooperation, aid, and support are crucial. “We expressed ASEAN’s readiness to assist Myanmar in a positive, peaceful and constructive manner,” it said. Despite ASEAN having a policy of not interfering in its members’ internal affairs, the Rakhine issue has been on the agenda since 2017. ASEAN’s total trade was $2.5trn in 2014, an increase of nearly $1trn over seven years, according to the ASEAN Secretariat. While there is a sense that Asean cannot do much when a member state is determined to ride out the storm, given the lackluster response to Myanmar’s “clearance operations” against the Rohingya in 2017, there is a significant precedent to show that Asean can engage effectively with Myanmar in times of great difficulty. Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. South East Asian countries generally don't criticise each other about their internal affairs. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. Myanmar crisis ‘a litmus test’ for ASEAN, says Indonesia’s ex FM. A statement from Brunei as the chair of Asean recalled the principles of the Asean Charter, including the adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, and respect for and the protection of human rights. February 8, 2021 February 8, 2021 Sokvy Rim* 0 Comments. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Tuesday said the regional group is ready to provide relief and humanitarian assistance to Myanmar amid the massive floods that swept through several regions and states. Asean needs to speak with a collective voice and sense of unity to have any chance of positively influencing events in Myanmar as the repercussions and destabilizing effects of Tatmadaw rule will be felt across the whole region. Some 73% of executives surveyed in Myanmar said their companies’ level of trade and investment in ASEAN had increased since 2013, and 93% said they expected it to increase further through 2020. This has led to Myanmar’s ASEAN s only the sixth trade balance turning from a surplus in 2005 to a deficit in 2013. Analysis: Can Asia help Myanmar find a way out of coup crisis? Myanmar’s road to democracy has been long and arduous, and it must not be allowed to stop here. COLUMNISTS: COMMENTARY- Asean must help Myanmar’s return to democracy; PHILIPPINE LOTTO: Mega 6/45 & Ultra 6/58: Fri. 2/26/2021; ASEANEWS HEADLINES: COVID 19 NEW VARIANTS & VACCINES: MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte … As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Myanmar’s domestic political crisis is extending beyond its physical boundary to ASEAN as a regional institution. Asean has the advantage of being willing and able to directly engage with its member states when others cannot. ASEAN role urged to help restore normalcy in Myanmar Indonesian, Singaporean foreign ministers express support for proposed meeting on Myanmar crisis. ASEAN ready to assist Myanmar March 4, 2021 Amid the unfolding unrest since the military coup in Myanmar, the ASEAN 2021 Chair has called on all parties in the country to refrain from instigating further violence, and conveyed ASEAN’s readiness to assist Myanmar in a positive, peaceful and constructive manner. – Bernama. Important decisions are usually reached through consultation and consensus guided by the principles of noninterference in internal affairs and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Last year, Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the UN’s development (UNDP) and refugee (UNHCR) agencies to help with the voluntary return and reintegration of displaced Rohingya. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. In an article written by Eric Paulsen, representative of Malaysia to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) - ASEAN must work together as a bloc to facilitate Myanmar’s return to democracy. So it is perhaps unsurprising that the responses from member countries have varied. While Myanmar is just beginning to open its economy, it has large reserves of oil, gas, and precious minerals. There is great political diversity among the Asean member states, and Myanmar is not the only nation in the region to have experienced military coups. Although we should be realistic about its leverage, Asean also needs to seriously consider that failing to act in this crisis will likely diminish its international standing. ASEAN leaders can help solve Rohingya crisis. As Myanmar’s protesters and military dig in, can Asean, the US or China help the situation? The Philippine Daily Inquirer is a member of the Asia News Network, an alliance of 22 media titles in the region. It should also lift all internet, telecommunications, and social media restrictions and ensure access to information. Last Feb. 1, the world was stunned as the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, seized power on the day of the convening of the newly elected parliament after the nation voted decisively for the return of Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy in the November 2020 election. As the commander in chief, senior general Min Aung Hlaing, leads a military government under a state of emergency and faces international condemnation, isolation, and calls for punitive sanctions, how will Asean, of which Myanmar is a member, respond? All in all, Myanmar’s share in total intra-ASEAN exports is still extremely small at around 1%. KUALA LUMPUR: Asean must play a more proactive role to contribute to Myanmar’s return to normalcy, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. KUALA LUMPUR: Asean must play a more proactive role to contribute to Myanmar’s return to normalcy, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. ASEAN has previously been condemned for failing to effectively address Myanmar’s Rohingya crisis. Asean has a chance to be a part of that solution and should make the most of this opportunity to facilitate constructive dialogue, reconciliation, and the return to democratic governance in line with the will of the Myanmar people. Will Myanmar's neighbours help? Others, such as Cambodia and Thailand, initially referred to the coup as a domestic matter to be resolved by Myanmar, although the prime minister of Thailand also highlighted the importance of Asean taking a collective stand. Myanmar’s ASEAN export growth rate wa-highest. While there is a sense that Asean cannot do much when a member state is determined to ride out the storm, given the lackluster response to Myanmar’s “clearance operations” against the Rohingya in 2017, there is a significant precedent to show that Asean can engage effectively with Myanmar in times of great difficulty. A peaceful solution must be reached in the best interests of the country’s whole population, including all ethnic minorities. The Star/ANN. By The Star/ANN. If it wants to cultivate the image of a regional force that prioritizes peace, stability, and prosperity, and is truly committed to the principles in the Asean Charter, now is the time to step up. He said it was crucial that Asean leads a sincere discussion and constructively engage with Myanmar … What Asean can do is to keep the issue on the agenda, and tell the Myanmar government it hopes for a viable, good long-term outcome and it stands ready to help, he added. While the international community grapples with how best to respond, it is likely that greater sanctions will be imposed, targeting individuals and entities, banning investment and trade, and suspending development aid and technical assistance. 27 States– Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russian Federation, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste, United States… A peaceful solution must be reached in the best interests of the country’s whole population, including all ethnic minorities. On the other hand, ASEAN … – Bernama. Path to effective collective action lies in casting off long-standing aversions. Others, such as Cambodia and Thailand, initially referred to the coup as a domestic matter to be resolved by Myanmar, although the prime minister of Thailand also highlighted the importance of Asean taking a collective stand. While the international community grapples with how best to respond, it is likely that greater sanctions will be imposed, targeting individuals and entities, banning investment and trade, and suspending development aid and technical assistance. The Tatmadaw should be encouraged to release Suu Kyi, politicians, activists, journalists, students, and others who have been arbitrarily detained, and take practical and conciliatory steps forward. As the commander in chief, senior general Min Aung Hlaing, leads a military government under a state of emergency and faces international condemnation, isolation, and calls for punitive sanctions, how will Asean, of which Myanmar is a member, respond?