The slow deliberation process has again raised the question of the bloc’s commitment to dealing with the political aftermath of a military coup launched against the elected civilian government on Feb. 1, as the risk for regional instability looms large.

On April 24, six Southeast Asia leaders gathered for the first time since the start of the pandemic in the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, where they met Myanmar’s coup leader Min Aung Hlaing, to discuss the situation “as a family”.

In the meeting, they reached a five-point consensus on the political and humanitarian crisis in the country. Out of the five points, the military junta is responsible for stopping all forms of violence and deescalating tension. The leaders also agreed that a special envoy should be appointed to facilitate mediation, with the assistance of ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi.

Read also: ASEAN leaders have reached consensus on Myanmar crisis: Jokowi

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said on Saturday he had talked with several leaders, including Brunei Darussalam Sultan Hasanal Bolkiah, who as the chair of ASEAN this year, has to name his envoy to Myanmar.

In the conversation, Jokowi said, without actually revealing whether or not they discussed the future envoy, he followed up on the results of the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting, which he had initiated as previous regional attempts to engage with Myanmar’s military, known as the Tatmadaw, fell on deaf ears.

Popular

Prabowo begins third year with tighter grip as public support slips

Power for the people

Diaspora feel ‘left out’ of dual nationality proposal