Indonesia, Malaysia Call for ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Myanmar Political Turmoil

President Jokowi and Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin deliver a joint press conference, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (5/2). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat Press/ Lukas)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Prime Minister of Malaysia Muhyiddin Yassin discussed various global and regional issues in a bilateral meeting held in the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (5/2).

Both leaders also paid special attention to the development of political situation in Myanmar and ordered respective foreign ministers to initiate the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers’ meeting to discuss about this issue.

“As part of one family, we have ordered foreign ministers of both countries to speak with the Chair of ASEAN to propose for ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting regarding Myanmar’s situation,” President Jokowi said in a joint press conference with PM Muhyiddin Yassin.

Both leaders also expressed a hope that political turmoil in Myanmar can be resolved based on the prevailing laws.

President Jokowi further said that ASEAN member countries must respect and uphold ASEAN Charter, particularly principles of rule of law, good governance, democracy, human rights, and constitutional government.

Echoing similar concern, PM Muhyiddin Yassin also called for the organization of ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting. He added that Malaysia shared deep concern over political turmoil in Myanmar and considered the current situation a step back for democracy in the country.

“Myanmar’s political unrest could also disturb security and stability in the region,” he said. (TGH/UN) (RAS/LW)