Speaking to FMT on the sidelines of the recent Asean foreign ministers’ retreat in Langkawi, Mohamad said Myanmar’s military government must immediately cease all forms of violence against its people.
“There is no timeline for this. The junta must cease the violence immediately,” said Mohamad, commonly referred to as Tok Mat.
The minister said that while the regional bloc may not presently be in a position to take coercive measures to put an end to the ongoing violence, it can insist that the Myanmar government allow aid to reach its long-suffering people.
“What’s the point if we keep giving aid but it never reaches those in need? We could use the ‘stick’ approach (against the junta) by withdrawing aid,” he said.
Myanmar has been engulfed in a deepening conflict since Feb 1, 2021, when a military coup ousted a democratically elected government led by the National League of Democracy party helmed by Aung San Suu Kyi.
The coup sparked mass protests which triggered a brutal crackdown, resulting in political and humanitarian turmoil.
In response, opposition forces established the National Unity Government (NUG)—a shadow administration made up of ousted lawmakers, activists and ethnic leaders —which has officially declared war on the State Administration Council (SAC), the name by which the junta is officially known.
The NUG is supported by the People’s Defense Force—a network of civilian militias and longstanding ethnic armed organisations (EAOs)—that has fought for autonomy in Myanmar’s border regions for decades.
Despite international condemnation and internal conflict, the SAC has announced plans to hold an election this year. Critics say the move is a ploy to perpetuate military rule under the facade of democracy.
Mohamad reiterated that any solution to the conflict must be pursued through Asean mechanisms without the involvement of third parties.
“Anyone who truly wants to help resolve the situation in Myanmar must do it through Asean.
“We are aware that certain parties are supplying weapons, and so on. This must stop. If more parties are involved, the situation becomes more complex.
“We want Myanmar to restore public order. Everything must be coordinated through an Asean mechanism,” he said.
Federalism à la Malaysia
Mohamad suggested that a possible solution to the crisis would be for Myanmar to adopt a federal system of government, similar to the one which has proven successful in Malaysia.
“Like Myanmar, we also have an element of ethnic diversity as well. Seventy percent of the demands from various groups are similar. They want autonomy with regional governments established while remaining part of Myanmar.
“The last thing Asean wants is a fragmented Myanmar,” he said.
Political scientist and international relations specialist Johan Saravanamuttu of Universiti Malaya agreed, saying federalism would be a good “first step” towards a long-term resolution of the Myanmar conflict.
“The SAC and the NUG are divided, but they’re united on the issue of a federal system. The federal system isn’t perfect, but it would allow more autonomy for ethnic communities,” he told FMT, pointing out that Myanmar has 135 different ethnic groups.
He added that while the Bamar group, which makes up about 68% of the population, is predominant, granting autonomy could help reduce resistance from EAOs representing groups such as the Chin, Karen, Shan and Rakhine.