Tok Mat: Asean must not remain silent on Myanmar
In his opening remarks at the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AFMM), Mohamad said Asean could not remain silent and must use its voice to speak up for the oppressed and offer solutions grounded in principles and international law.
"At the regional level, we have asserted and demonstrated our proactiveness. Asean took swift and immediate action following the tragic earthquake that struck parts of Myanmar and Thailand.
"Our quick response is a reflection of the spirit of compassion, solidarity and humanity that inspired the founding of Asean itself. It is also a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Asean family to support Myanmar in this time of adversity.
"We call on the stakeholders in Myanmar to cease hostilities, and to extend and expand the ceasefire, to facilitate the long and difficult path towards recovery, and ease the suffering of the people of Myanmar.
"This tragedy has reminded us that crises do not recognise borders. Natural disasters are much like the global challenges we face today. They demand collective resolve and solidarity," he said today.
Mohamad added that Asean's collective spirit must now guide the regional bloc as it confronts challenges within and beyond the region, amid uncertainties of the present and the future.
"Crises around the world continue unabated. The total siege of Gaza by the Israeli forces is causing mass starvation and deaths.
"The atrocities committed against the Palestinian people continue to reflect indifference and double standards. They are a direct result of the erosion of the sanctity of international law.
"Asean cannot remain silent. We have a voice in world affairs, and we must use our voice to speak up for the oppressed and offer solutions grounded in principles and international law," he said.
The AFMM would centre on advancing A sean community-building efforts in the lead-up to the 46th Asean Summit, which is set to commence tomorrow.
Ministers will also discuss the follow-up to the Asean Leaders' review of the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar yesterday and hold consultations on Timor-Leste's full membership in Asean.
The meeting will focus on advancing Asean Community-building efforts, with a briefing from the Asean Secretariat on developments under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
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