In a statement today, he said he had maintained since his time as minister that Malaysia and Asean should engage Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) and National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), as well as the nation’s public stakeholders.

“The Asean chair’s meeting with the junta general is a step in the wrong direction, especially when nothing has been mentioned about engaging the NUG, NUCC and the people’s stakeholders,” he said.

NUG and NUCC form the Myanmar government-in-exile, established after the 2021 military coup.

Saifuddin said Malaysia had, from the time of the coup in Myanmar until Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s time as prime minister, been consistent in not recognising the junta, both in bilateral and multilateral relations.

“Asean did not invite the junta leader and ministers to its ministerial summits.

“Today, the junta is only in control of about 30% of the country. The junta is losing.

“We should not allow the junta to use the recent earthquake to normalise its international relations. Already, they have weaponised the assistance sent there,” he said.

On Monday, Anwar said he would urge the Myanmar junta to extend the current ceasefire, calling it crucial to allow humanitarian aid to reach victims of the recent earthquake.

“While Asean remains committed to the Five-Point Consensus as the basis for engagement with Myanmar, this meeting is being held purely on humanitarian grounds.

“The Cabinet has agreed to continue Malaysia’s assistance, including via a temporary field hospital run by the Malaysian armed forces,” he said.