In a statement, the ministry said the military must uphold the rule of law and seek to solve electoral discrepancies through peaceful discussions and legal mechanisms.

“As a close neighbour and member of Asean, Malaysia continues to advocate for peace and stability, which are essential for the progress and prosperity of all in this region, including Myanmar,” the statement read.

It voiced its support for Myanmar’s democratic transition and continued discussion among the country’s leaders to avoid adverse effects to the people, especially amid the pandemic.

The ministry also advised all Malaysians in Myanmar to “remain calm, vigilant and continue to adhere to the safety advisories of the local authorities”.

It urged those seeking assistance to contact the Malaysian embassy in Yangon at +959772220230 or [email protected].

Earlier today, Myanmar’s military declared it had taken control of the country for a year under a state of emergency, and arrested de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

This comes after weeks of rising tensions between the military and the civilian government over allegations of electoral fraud last November.

Just hours after the arrests, communications networks in Myanmar were restricted, with several mobile phone networks down and web connections severely disrupted.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim also expressed alarm over the developments in Myanmar, urging all relevant parties to respect Myanmar’s constitution and the mandate of the people through the elections.

He also urged the military to go back on its actions, maintaining that its role was to defend the democratic aspirations of the people.

“Respect and protect the choice made by the people and bring the nation back from the edge. It is not too late to do the right thing for the nation and her people.

“With these latest actions by the military, the powers that be will surely pull the nation and people of Myanmar further backwards into the abyss of military dictatorship,” he said in a statement.