Malaysian PM Anwar calls on ASEAN 'to take action' on human rights violations in Myanmar

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take action on human rights violations in the junta-led Myanmar, saying the regional bloc must pursue peace and justice at all times.

“In all honesty, non-interference is not a license for indifference. What I mentioned in Bangkok recently, about the need to temporarily carve out Myanmar on the account of the blatant human rights violations, it was said in the larger context of staying true to one of the key ideals of ASEAN, which is nothing less that sustain the cause of justice and the rule of law,” Anwar said.

Anwar noted that ASEAN’s core principles, which includes making decisions by consensus building and non-interference, should not stand in the way of serving justice and compassion.

“We have to amplify our communities and stand as cooperative partners for a just and peaceful world... Words have power, greater than the destructive and hateful actions of the few. If left unwritten and unread, then we are all in a lot of trouble,” Anwar added.

“This makes Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry extremely nervous, but we have to move on, find new steps in dealing with this."

Anwar made the call after he was conferred with a Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa degree by the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

The Malaysian Prime Minister said he also shared this view with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when the two leaders met on Wednesday at Malacañang Palace.

"This  is one of the main issues in my discussion with President Bongbong Marcos last night. We have to deal with this situation and we must build a new consensus that would effectively deal with outrageous violent human rights violations and disregard of the rule of law in Myanmar,” Anwar said.

Back in February 1, 2021, Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing led a military coup that ousted civilian and democratically elected leaders led by Myanmar State Counsellor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.

Suu Kyi and other non-military officials including President Win Myint, were among the pro-democracy figures who were subsequently rounded up and detained by the junta on the morning of February 2—the same day that the parliament was supposed to open session.

Since then, Myanmar has been led by the junta, and protests against their rule have resulted in arrests and worse, deaths.

Rizal inspired

UP Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo, meanwhile, said Anwar was conferred the Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa degree for being a scholar on Philippine national hero Jose Rizal and for being an internationally acclaimed expert on economics, democracy, freedom, governance, Islam and democracy, and the need for accountability.

Anwar also quoted Rizal during his speech in relation to his call to the ASEAN.

"It bears repeating these immortal lines from Dr Rizal, who I must
reiterate, remains truly an Asian Renaissance Man, that “Justice is the
foremost virtue of the civilising races. It subdues the barbarous nations, while
injustice arouses the weakest.”"

Anwar also mentioned during his lecture that President Marcos gave him a copy of an early edition of Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere which details the Filipinos’ struggle and oppression under Spanish colonizers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Wan Azizah binti Wan Ismail, the Prime Minister’s spouse, received a Waling-Waling brass card holder – a decorative ornament that combines the beauty of the Waling-Waling with the durability and attractiveness of brass crafted by Cebuano artisans.

Prior to his election as Prime Minister, Anwar served as Deputy Prime Minister from 1993 to 1998 and Minister of Finance from 1991 to 1998. He was also a former Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Education in the 80s.

Anwar is currently in the Philippines for a 2-day official visit. 

In his meeting with Marcos on Wednesday, Anwar said they also discussed the Philippines' territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea, which Anwar said should be resolved amicably at a multilateral level.

Malaysia also has claims in the South China Sea. —with Anna Felicia Bajo/ VAL, GMA Integrated News