May 20, 2026 | Burma Independent Voice
Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that the Myanmar military has shown notable signs of progress following consecutive discussions with ASEAN, indicating that Naypyidaw is becoming more open to sitting down with all conflicting factions to find a peaceful resolution.
The Malaysian Foreign Minister, who traveled to Naypyidaw on Tuesday, May 19, made these remarks during a press conference at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang, Malaysia, after meeting with the junta’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, U Tin Maung Swe.
According to the Malaysian Foreign Minister, the junta’s new diplomat appeared more approachable and open than his predecessors. He explicitly conveyed the regime’s readiness to sit side-by-side at the negotiation table with all conflicting groups, which the Malaysian minister described as a significant new development.
In line with the mandate from the recent ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, ASEAN foreign ministers were tasked with engaging Myanmar authorities to analyze and formulate a new approach to the ongoing crisis. Consequently, a report on this visit will be submitted to the Malaysian government, followed by a virtual consultative meeting among ASEAN foreign ministers.
Malaysia stands ready to facilitate a gathering of the various anti-junta resistance organizations in a single location. However, the minister emphasized that this process will be handled with extreme caution to avoid appearing as though undue pressure is being exerted on Naypyidaw. Instead, Malaysia has requested suggestions from the junta regarding their internal vision and proposed next steps.
Junta officials also noted during the meeting that a ceasefire had been established following a discussion between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Myanmar military chief last year. As this ceasefire is set to expire on July 30, Malaysia has urged the regime to extend it for at least another six months or ideally make it indefinite.
The Malaysian Foreign Minister reiterated to the junta that, in strict accordance with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC), all violence and attacks against their own citizens must cease immediately to allow Myanmar to transition onto a new, constructive path.
