PUTRAJAYA, Aug 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for stronger unity among ASEAN nations to address the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, stressing that peace in the region and compassion for those displaced must remain a shared priority.
Speaking with heartfelt concern, Anwar highlighted the immense burden carried by Bangladesh, which has opened its doors to hundreds of thousands of displaced persons. He said Malaysia stands firmly alongside Bangladesh, not only in words but in action.
“Our duty is clear — we must extend immediate humanitarian assistance to refugees and to victims of natural disasters, whether it’s an earthquake or any other calamity. At the same time, resolving the Myanmar crisis must remain at the forefront of ASEAN’s agenda,” Anwar said.
The Prime Minister also expressed deep appreciation for Bangladesh’s proactive stance in the global arena, noting its active role in international forums in New York, Qatar, and Malaysia itself.
Looking ahead, Anwar announced that Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, will be working with counterparts from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Together, they will visit Myanmar in the coming weeks with one clear mission — to pave the way for peace and end atrocities faced by ethnic minorities and the people of Myanmar.
The remarks were made during a press conference welcoming Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh, on his official three-day visit to Malaysia from August 11 to 13.
This call to action reflects not just diplomatic duty but a shared humanity — a reminder that in times of crisis, solidarity and compassion can bring nations together to create meaningful change.