By Min Khant
THE statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 23 July regarding the ASEAN Five-Point Statement also Five-Points Consensus has drawn significant public attention across major media platforms.
Far from being perceived as a routine diplomatic communication, this declaration reflects a resolute commitment to safeguarding sovereign national interests in alignment with the foreign policy objectives of the newly elected government established under Myanmar’s new political context in 2026. Ultimately, it signifies a decisive response by a sovereign state against discriminatory practices by certain member states that undermine the fundamental principles of the ASEAN Charter.
Specifically, attempts by select member states to leverage a non-binding statement rather than a true consensus to exert political pressure constitute a clear departure from the Charter’s core tenets of mutual respect, equality, and non-interference in domestic affairs.
Consequently, the position viewing the Five-Point Statement not as a binding agreement, but as a mere Chair’s statement, is firmly reiterated. While the Statement or Consensus as originally framed is not accepted, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has noted its contents as constructive input offered in the spirit of ASEAN family, to be considered strictly through the lens of domestic developments. This measured approach enjoys broad public resonance and support.
Next, all ASEAN member states must strictly adhere to the ASEAN Charter and respect established regional protocols to realize the collective vision of a resilient, unified, and capable ASEAN Community.
In accordance with ASEAN protocols, decision-making relies on the participation and consultation of every member state to reach a genuine consensus. Procedurally, a true consensus is formed only after formal drafts are circulated among member states for comprehensive input and deliberation. Regarding the 2021 Five-Point Statement, these essential procedural steps were bypassed and the document was issued as an annex to the Chairman’s Statement immediately following the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting, precluding true consensus. Myanmar’s position regarding this procedural inconsistency was officially articulated on 27 April 2021.
As a responsible member state, Myanmar remains fully committed to the ASEAN Charter, the fundamental principle of non-interference, and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, while steadfastly respecting the sovereignty of fellow nations. Reciprocally, Myanmar rejects any attempts to compromise its national sovereignty or exert external political pressure. Myanmar will not permit external entities to misrepresent facts or intervene in its domestic affairs and this is a stance that directly reflects the resolve and dignity of the sovereign nation.
Furthermore, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Parliament), comprising duly elected representatives in accordance with the constitution, has formally reflected the public will by introducing an Urgent Motion, deliberating, and adopting an important resolution regarding the ASEAN statement and Myanmar Position.
As the current government operates in strict alignment with the 2008 Constitution, it is bound to uphold and act upon the motions and resolutions adopted by the Union Parliament. This dynamic demonstrates a genuine political evolution in Myanmar, wherein the executive branch respects and adheres to the parliamentary guidance of the legislative branch in full accord with democratic norms and practices.
These parliamentary deliberations accurately reflect the prevailing political landscape and highlight crucial, logical concerns. Notably, certain parliamentary proposals have called for a complete withdrawal from ASEAN, citing disproportionate treatment, ungrounded political pressure regarding matters beyond official declarations, and a persistent failure to recognize the government’s accountable and constructive efforts.
Specifically, members of Parliament emphasized that the current administration established in accordance with the 2008 Constitution, similar to the first democratic government in 2010 (USDP) and the second democratic government in 2015 (NLD), reflects the genuine will of the voting majority. Consequently, the public calls upon ASEAN to extend equal and formal recognition to this elected government.
As the elected government is constitutionally bound to take appropriate measures in response to this Parliamentary Urgent Motion, the Minister for Foreign Affairs articulated the government’s position at the Thailand Informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Subsequently, the 23 July official press release communicated to the international community a more definitive, unambiguous stance alongside the framework for future action.
This official release demonstrates the government’s appropriate implementation of the Parliament’s Important Motion. It reflects a firm, resolute stand against unequal treatment and unilateral pressure, defending the country and its people and this is a position that enjoys broad public resonance and support.
Furthermore, in strict adherence to the foreign policy principles enshrined in the 2008 Constitution, the elected government actively enhances diplomatic engagement with neighboring and friendly nations. Myanmar maintains mutually beneficial cooperation with individual ASEAN member states on a bilateral basis. Preparing for all contingencies while striving for the best possible outcome, the government remains committed to patient, sustained diplomatic efforts to restore regular relations with ASEAN.
ASEAN is fundamentally an inter-governmental organization. Consequently, member states must engage on an equal footing based on mutual cooperation, rather than exerting coercive pressure on one another. Since its inception, ASEAN was never established as a political or legal governing body, but rather as an institution for socioeconomic cooperation. Therefore, by straying from regional socioeconomic development to apply pressure on a member state’s political and internal affairs, ASEAN risks undermining its foundational principles and core values.
In truth, Myanmar’s stance regarding the ASEAN Five-Point Statement serves to uphold and safeguard the values of the ASEAN Spirit, the ASEAN Way, and the ASEAN Charter to reinforce regional solidarity. A majority of ASEAN member states maintain an understanding and supportive view toward Myanmar’s principled position in defending the Charter. Conversely, only a select few member states have exploited the concept of “consensus” to serve self-interested motives, thereby encroaching upon the internal affairs of a sovereign nation.
As citizens of a sovereign State, there is no justification to accept external interference in domestic affairs, nor can we endorse any departure from the Charter and foundational principles of an organization to which our nation belongs. Consequently, the public strongly affirms its support for the government’s ongoing efforts and roadmap to achieve the best possible outcomes in restoring regular engagement with ASEAN.
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