{"id":3422,"date":"2025-10-23T06:48:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T06:48:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/?p=3422"},"modified":"2025-11-20T12:19:38","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T12:19:38","slug":"asean-must-stop-chanting-its-useless-mantra-five-point-consensus-and-request-for-trumps-agenda-which-aligns-with-a-ceasefire-push-upon-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/2025\/10\/23\/asean-must-stop-chanting-its-useless-mantra-five-point-consensus-and-request-for-trumps-agenda-which-aligns-with-a-ceasefire-push-upon-china\/","title":{"rendered":"ASEAN must stop chanting its useless mantra \u201cFive Point Consensus\u201d and request for Trump\u2019s agenda which aligns with a ceasefire push upon China"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>By Dr Abdul Rahman Zafrudin @ Ko Ko Gyi<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ASEAN\u2019s Myanmar peace efforts remain stalled, and only strategic leverage\u2014like tariffs and rare earths\u2014might ignite real movement, especially if Trump\u2019s agenda aligns with a ceasefire push.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The recent ASEAN summit once again echoed the hollow refrain of the <em>Five-Point Consensus<\/em>, a diplomatic chant that has become a broken record. Despite repeated declarations, the junta in Myanmar remains unmoved, and the humanitarian crisis deepens. The international community\u2014UN, US, EU\u2014has largely retreated into rhetorical support, unwilling to invest resources where profit is uncertain. As one Myanmar teaching warns, <em>\u201cIt is like trying to squeeze the cow\u2019s horns, hoping to get milk.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In physics, work is calculated as the product of force and Displacement (distance) in the direction of the force, expressed by the formula W=FXD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>W<\/strong>&nbsp;= Work done<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>F<\/strong>&nbsp;= Force applied<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>d<\/strong>&nbsp;= Displacement (the distance an object moves)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FOR ASEAN\u2019s Myanmar Peace plan \u201cW\u201d Work done is NIL as there is NO POSITIVE RESULT (i.e.DISPLACEMENT according to the sciantific Physics formula)<\/strong>. Because we cannot count the hundred of times repeats of \u201cFive Point Consensus\u201d and conferences as WORK DONE, as long as Junta refused to comply. <strong>These are just \u201cF\u201d without \u201cD\u201d displacement at all.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Calculate Force | plus | How to Calculate Distance | Physics |\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fXX1SUSbGvg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Let me explain the physicist\u2019s theory: <strong>Work (W) = Force (F) \u00d7 Displacement (D)<\/strong>. ASEAN\u2019s forceful statements and summits may seem energetic, but without displacement\u2014without actual movement from the junta\u2014there is no work done. <strong>The peace process is stalled in neutral gear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ASEAN\u2019s approach resembles a confused driver of an automatic car, fumbling for a keyhole that doesn\u2019t exist. The junta\u2019s leadership is the dashboard without ignition. <\/strong>ASEAN needs to stop searching for nonexistent mechanisms and instead <strong>apply pressure where it matters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>ASEAN should just apply on the brake pedal on CHINA and PUSH the &#8220;TRUMP&#8221; button, to ignite Myanmar CEASE FIRE and PEACE.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That pressure lies in <strong>tariffs and rare earths<\/strong>\u2014two economic levers with global resonance. Rare earths, essential for electronics and defense, are a strategic asset. Tariffs, especially those negotiated with the US, can be wielded to incentivize or penalize behavior. During the summit, ASEAN leaders agreed that tariff deals with Washington should not harm member economies\u2014but what if they could be used to <em>help<\/em> Myanmar\u2019s peace?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s where Trump\u2019s agenda could be pivotal. Known for transactional diplomacy and economic leverage, Trump might be persuaded to <strong>link trade incentives to China with Myanmar ceasefire conditions<\/strong>. <strong>If ASEAN can push the \u201cTrump button\u201d\u2014appealing to his strategic instincts and economic interests\u2014there\u2019s a chance to ignite real movement.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But fuel is needed. That fuel is <strong>coordinated economic pressure<\/strong>, not just from ASEAN but from global partners. <strong>Tariffs targeting junta-linked industries, restrictions on rare earth exports, and conditional trade benefits could form the petrol for peace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, <strong>ASEAN must stop chanting and start driving<\/strong>. The car won\u2019t start without ignition, and ignition won\u2019t happen without pressure. Tariffs and rare earths are the tools. Trump might be the spark. But ASEAN must first decide: does it want to move, or just keep pressing the accelerator in park?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This ancient teaching from the <em>M\u0101gha Deva\u2019s admonition<\/em> is a brilliant satirical reflection on misguided effort\u2014especially apt for ASEAN\u2019s repetitive but fruitless approach to Myanmar\u2019s crisis.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>\u201cMilking the Bull\u2019s Horn\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cThe man who wants milk ties a cow to a post and keeps squeezing her horn, believing milk will come from it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Commentary<\/strong>: This metaphor ridicules the absurdity of effort without understanding. ASEAN keeps \u201csqueezing\u201d the junta\u2019s hardened stance, expecting peace to flow\u2014without realizing they\u2019re pressing the wrong part of the beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u201cFire from a Firefly\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cThe man who wants fire catches a glowing firefly at night, puts it in dry straw, and blows on it\u2014hoping it will ignite.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Commentary<\/strong>: ASEAN mistakes superficial glow for real heat. The junta\u2019s occasional gestures\u2014like ceasefire talks or prisoner releases\u2014are mere flickers, not flames. Yet ASEAN keeps blowing, hoping for ignition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u201cRice from Chaff\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cThe man who wants rice keeps pounding empty husks, thinking rice will emerge.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Commentary<\/strong>: ASEAN\u2019s Five-Point Consensus is like pounding chaff. Without substance\u2014without junta compliance\u2014it\u2019s just noise and dust. No rice, no results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Teaching from M\u0101gha Deva<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>\u201cNo matter how persistent or energetic the effort, if it lacks wisdom, it yields nothing.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Commentary: ASEAN\u2019s efforts are not lacking in repetition or manpower\u2014but in insight, courage, and strategic leverage. Without wisdom, even the most vigorous diplomacy becomes vanity.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u1019\u102c\u1003\u1012\u1031\u101d \u1006\u102f\u1036\u1038\u1019\u1005\u102c\u1011\u1032\u1000 \u101c\u1030\u1037\u1017\u102c\u101c\u1010\u103d\u1031\u1016\u103c\u1005\u103a\u1014\u1031\u1010\u101a\u103a\u104b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c\u1014\u103d\u102c\u1038\u1019\u1014\u102d\u102f\u1037\u101b\u100a\u103a\u104a \u1001\u103b\u102d\u102f\u104c\u1010\u100a\u103a\u101f\u102f\u104a \u1000\u103c\u102d\u102f\u1038\u101b\u103e\u100a\u103a\u1019\u103b\u102c\u1038\u101c\u103b\u102c\u1038\u104a \u1010\u102d\u102f\u1004\u103a\u1001\u103b\u100a\u103a\u1011\u102c\u1038\u104d\u104a \u101b\u102d\u101b\u103e\u102c\u1038\u1015\u1014\u103a\u1038\u101c\u103b\u104a \u100a\u103e\u1005\u103a\u101c\u103e\u100a\u1037\u103a\u1011\u101e\u102d\u102f\u1037 &#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(\u1014\u103d\u102c\u1038\u1014\u102d\u102f\u1037\u101c\u102d\u102f\u101e\u1031\u102c\u101a\u1031\u102c\u1000\u103a\u1000\u103b\u102c\u1038\u101e\u100a\u103a \u1014\u103d\u102c\u1038\u1019\u104f\u1026\u1038\u1001\u103b\u102d\u102f\u104c \u1014\u103d\u102c\u1038\u1014\u102d\u102f\u1037\u101b\u103e\u102d\u1019\u100a\u103a\u101f\u102f\u101a\u1030\u1006\u101c\u103b\u1000\u103a \u1014\u103d\u102c\u1038\u1019\u1000\u102d\u102f\u1010\u102d\u102f\u1004\u103a\u1010\u103d\u1004\u103a \u1000\u103c\u102d\u102f\u1038\u1014\u103e\u1004\u1037\u103a\u1001\u103b\u100a\u103a\u1000\u102c \u1014\u103d\u102c\u1038\u1019\u1026\u1038\u1001\u103b\u102d\u102f\u1000\u102d\u102f \u1019\u1014\u102c\u1038\u1019\u1014\u1031\u100a\u103e\u1005\u103a\u101e\u1000\u1032\u1037\u101e\u102d\u102f\u1037)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u101b\u1031\u102c\u1004\u103a\u101d\u102b\u1011\u103d\u1014\u103a\u1038\u1019\u103c\u1030\u1038 \u1015\u102d\u102f\u1038\u1005\u102f\u1014\u103a\u1038\u1000\u103c\u1030\u1038\u1000\u102d\u102f \u1019\u1030\u1038\u1010\u1030\u1038\u1019\u1004\u103a\u1011\u1004\u103a\u104a \u1000\u101a\u103a\u1000\u1031\u102c\u1004\u103a\u1038\u1011\u1004\u103a\u104d\u104a \u1010\u1031\u102c\u1000\u103a\u101b\u103e\u1004\u103a\u1014\u102d\u102f\u1038\u1014\u102d\u102f\u1038\u104a \u1019\u103e\u102d\u102f\u1000\u103a\u1000\u1031\u102c\u1000\u103a\u101b\u102d\u102f\u1038\u1016\u103c\u1004\u1037\u103a\u104a \u1019\u103e\u102f\u1010\u103a\u1000\u103c\u102d\u102f\u1038\u101e\u1036\u1015\u104a \u101c\u1000\u103a\u1019\u1001\u103b\u101e\u102d\u102f\u1037 &#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(\u1019\u102e\u1038\u101c\u102d\u102f\u101e\u1031\u102c\u101a\u1031\u102c\u1000\u103b\u103a\u102c\u1038\u101e\u100a\u103a \u100a\u1021\u1001\u102b \u1021\u101c\u1004\u103a\u1038\u101b\u1031\u102c\u1000\u103a\u1019\u103e\u102d\u1010\u103a\u1010\u102f\u1010\u103a \u1019\u103e\u102d\u1010\u103a\u1010\u102f\u1010\u103a\u1016\u103c\u1004\u1037\u103a \u1015\u103b\u1036\u101e\u1014\u103a\u1038\u1014\u1031\u101e\u1031\u102c \u1015\u102d\u102f\u1038\u1005\u102f\u1014\u103a\u1038\u1000\u103c\u1030\u1038\u1000\u102d\u102f\u1016\u1019\u103a\u1038\u1015\u103c\u102e\u1038 \u1000\u1031\u102c\u1000\u103a\u101b\u102d\u102f\u1038\u1001\u103c\u1031\u102c\u1000\u103a\u1011\u1032\u1011\u100a\u1037\u103a\u1000\u102c \u1019\u102e\u1038\u1019\u103e\u102f\u1010\u103a\u101e\u1000\u1032\u1037\u101e\u102d\u102f\u1037)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u1017\u102c\u101c\u1021\u1005\u1005\u103a\u104a \u101e\u1030\u1019\u102d\u102f\u1000\u103a\u100a\u1005\u103a\u101c\u103b\u103e\u1004\u103a\u104a \u1006\u1014\u103a\u1016\u103c\u1005\u103a\u1005\u1031\u1000\u103c\u1031\u102c\u1004\u103a\u1038\u104a \u1016\u103d\u1032\u1000\u102d\u102f\u1011\u1031\u102c\u1004\u103a\u1038\u101e\u1031\u102c\u103a\u104a \u1015\u1014\u103a\u1038\u100a\u1031\u102c\u1004\u103a\u1038\u1000\u102c\u1019\u103b\u103e\u104a \u1006\u1014\u103a\u1019\u101b\u101e\u102d\u102f\u1037 &#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(\u1006\u1014\u103a\u101c\u102d\u102f\u101e\u1031\u102c\u101a\u1031\u102c\u1000\u103a\u103b\u102c\u1038\u101e\u100a\u103a \u1006\u1014\u103a\u101b\u1019\u100a\u103a\u1011\u1004\u103a\u1015\u103c\u102e\u1038 \u1005\u1015\u102b\u1038\u1001\u103d\u1036\u1016\u103d\u1032\u1000\u102d\u102f \u1021\u1000\u103c\u102d\u1019\u103a\u1000\u103c\u102d\u1019\u103a \u1011\u1031\u102c\u1004\u103a\u1038\u1014\u1031\u101e\u1000\u1032\u1037\u101e\u102d\u102f\u1037)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u1019\u102c\u1003\u1012\u1031\u101d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u1021\u101c\u102f\u1015\u103a\u101c\u102f\u1015\u103a\u101b\u102c\u1010\u103d\u1004\u103a \u1019\u100a\u103a\u1019\u103b\u103e\u1015\u1004\u103a \u1007\u103d\u1032 \u101c\u102f\u1036\u101c \u101d\u102d\u101b\u102d\u101a\u1000\u103c\u102e\u1038\u1019\u102c\u1038\u1015\u103c\u102e\u1038 \u1021\u1000\u103c\u102d\u1019\u103a\u1000\u103c\u102d\u1019\u103a \u1000\u103c\u102d\u102f\u1038\u1015\u1019\u103a\u1038\u1005\u1031\u1000\u102c\u1019\u1030 \u100a\u100f\u103a\u1015\u100a\u102c\u1019\u1015\u102b\u101e\u1031\u102c\u1000\u103c\u102d\u102f\u1038\u1005\u102c\u1038\u1019\u103e\u102f\u101e\u100a\u103a \u1021\u1001\u103b\u100a\u103a\u1038\u1014\u103e\u102e\u1038\u101e\u102c\u1016\u103c\u1005\u103a\u104f\u104b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>READ ALSO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irrawaddy.com\/opinion\/guest-column\/aseans-failure-on-myanmar-is-not-just-inaction-its-enabling-a-tragedy.html\">ASEAN\u2019s Failure on Myanmar Is Not Just Inaction\u2014It\u2019s Enabling a Tragedy<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Igor Blazevic\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irrawaddy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Igor-Blazevic-pf-150x150.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irrawaddy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Igor-Blazevic-pf-150x150.jpg 2x\" height=\"80\" width=\"80\">&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irrawaddy.com\/author\/igor-blazevic\">Igor Blazevic<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irrawaddy.com\/opinion\/guest-column\/aseans-failure-on-myanmar-is-not-just-inaction-its-enabling-a-tragedy.html\">October 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This week, nearly two dozen world leaders are gathering in Kuala Lumpur for the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, taking place from Oct. 26 to 28. The annual East Asia Summit and multiple high-level meetings will also be held on the sidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year\u2019s gathering carries particular weight. ASEAN will officially welcome East Timor as its 11th member\u2014a symbolic moment for a young democracy that gained independence in 2002 and is home to around 1.4 million people. Leaders from all ASEAN countries are attending, with one absence: Myanmar\u2019s junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The summit is also drawing an exceptionally wide circle of global leaders. The presidents, prime ministers and senior representatives of major powers and other key players in the broader Asian region\u2014including the US, China, India, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand\u2014will be present. In addition, leaders from Brazil, Canada and South Africa are in Kuala Lumpur, joined by the heads of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the International Labor Organization and FIFA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This gathering represents a rare moment when ASEAN stands at the center of global diplomatic attention. It could have been a moment to mobilize international political weight behind a meaningful effort to address the worsening crisis in Myanmar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, ASEAN and its current chair, Malaysia, have effectively excluded Myanmar from the conversation with world leaders, allowing this extraordinary diplomatic opportunity to slip away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A pattern of self-congratulation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The recently released&nbsp;<em>ASEAN Leaders\u2019 Review and Decision on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus<\/em>&nbsp;reveals a troubling reality. It is not a plan of action but a document of self-praise. While the war in Myanmar escalates and the crisis deepens, ASEAN is congratulating itself for \u201cimplementing\u201d a policy that, in reality, has achieved nothing over five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The junta\u2019s campaign of terror against its own population continues to intensify, while ASEAN\u2019s efforts have failed to produce even the smallest sign of de-escalation or humanitarian relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Escalating terror campaign<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The ASEAN statement expresses \u201cdeep concern\u201d over the \u201clack of substantive progress.\u201d But the situation goes far beyond a lack of progress\u2014it is deteriorating rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The military junta has escalated its use of aerial attacks on defenseless civilians, relying on weapons and drones supplied by China, Russia and Belarus. Indiscriminate bombardment, scorched-earth tactics, mass repression and systematic atrocities have become part of its daily operations. For the junta, war itself has become its current election strategy\u2014a brutal campaign aimed at regaining some of the lost territories and cities, followed by an electoral farce on limited territory in an attempt to claim legitimacy and maintain power through terror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The statement is silent on the growing interference of China and Russia in Myanmar\u2019s internal affairs and on their unscrupulous efforts to strengthen the junta\u2019s military capacity. This silence is not accidental; it reflects ASEAN\u2019s own passivity, ineffectiveness and lack of urgency. The vacuum left by ASEAN\u2019s failure has been filled by others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Scam centers: A spreading regional threat<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the previous ASEAN summit, scam centers operating inside Myanmar have expanded to an industrial scale. Initially targeting Chinese citizens, these criminal networks\u2014run by organized crime syndicates working hand in hand with pro-junta militias\u2014have now shifted their focus to other Asian countries and even the US. The junta harbors and profits from this criminal economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet despite the fact that citizens of ASEAN member states are now being targeted, the issue received no mention at all in ASEAN\u2019s statement or deliberations. This silence is another reflection of how far ASEAN has drifted from confronting the reality of the crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sham election<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The paragraphs on the junta\u2019s planned election are deliberately ambiguous. The international community has effectively delegated responsibility for responding to the Myanmar crisis to ASEAN, and many are looking to its leadership for guidance. Yet ASEAN\u2019s approach remains vague and non-committal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ASEAN \u201cunderscores\u201d the importance of free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections, and \u201cemphasizes that the cessation of violence and inclusive political dialogue must precede elections,\u201d but it fails to clearly reject the junta\u2019s electoral farce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no doubt about what these elections will be: a total fabrication. All genuine parties have been banned, silenced or imprisoned. Manipulated electronic voting will deliver a predetermined result. The outcome will not bring peace but will instead intensify repression and violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet ASEAN leaders\u2019 statement and discussions remain silent on how they intend to respond to this electoral scam. ASEAN could\u2014and should\u2014clearly reject this farce, urge all countries not to send observers, not to provide any assistance to the junta, and not to recognize any fake \u201ccivilian government\u201d that merely dresses the junta in civilian clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of sending a clear message, ASEAN has merely \u201cnoted\u201d that the junta plans to hold elections. By refusing to take a firm stance, it risks giving tacit legitimacy to this farce\u2014while leaving the door open for China, Russia, India and even some ASEAN states to support and recognize the junta\u2019s manufactured \u201ccivilian\u201d government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A historic missed opportunity<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This summit brings together some of the most powerful political figures and institutions in the world. It represents a rare diplomatic moment\u2014one with the potential to build a real international coalition to address the crisis in Myanmar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of using this platform to rally support and demonstrate leadership, ASEAN has chosen to keep Myanmar off the agenda. This decision is not neutral; it is a deliberate choice to step back at the very moment when stepping forward is most needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This only underscores that ASEAN has no real policy on the Myanmar crisis. It clings to its already failed Five-Point Consensus\u2014a policy that collapsed on the very day it was agreed, when Min Aung Hlaing returned to Naypyitaw and openly declared his disagreement with the \u201cconsensus\u201d he had just accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet ASEAN leaders\u2019 statement confirms the bloc\u2019s commitment to preserving this five-year-old, moribund approach and, even more troublingly, to removing the Myanmar issue from ASEAN\u2019s engagement with world leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This reflects a familiar pattern in ASEAN\u2019s political culture. Rather than confronting serious and deepening crises with bold decisions, the bloc delays, avoids and circles around the problem. Meetings are held, statements are issued and then more meetings follow\u2014but no decisive action is taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of post-coup Myanmar, ASEAN has essentially waited for the crisis to burn itself out, like containing a forest fire without ever trying to extinguish it. But the Myanmar crisis is not fading into the background. It is a raging fire, constantly fueled by a ruthless, uncompromising, criminal\u2014and yes, genocidal\u2014military junta. This is not a situation that will simply burn itself out. On the contrary, it threatens to consume the very fabric of Myanmar\u2019s already exhausted society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Moral and political failure<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The tragedy is not only that ASEAN is failing to act. By clinging to the illusion of a functioning policy and prioritizing its image of \u201cASEAN centrality\u201d over meaningful engagement, ASEAN has become an enabler of Myanmar\u2019s tragedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its passivity, lack of responsibility and refusal to confront uncomfortable truths are creating the conditions for Myanmar\u2019s further disintegration and potential collapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For years, the world has deferred to ASEAN to lead on this crisis. This summit was a chance to do so. Instead, ASEAN has chosen empty phrases and copy-pasted, recycled statements from previous summits on Myanmar. This passivity and failure will not be remembered as neutrality or as respect for the principle of non-interference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It will be remembered as complicity in a mass-scale crime and a tragedy that could\u2014and should\u2014have been prevented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Igor Blazevic is a senior adviser at the Prague Civil Society Centre. Between 2011 and 2016 he worked in Myanmar as the head lecturer of the Educational Initiatives Program.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Dr Abdul Rahman Zafrudin @ Ko Ko Gyi ASEAN\u2019s Myanmar peace efforts remain stalled, and only strategic leverage\u2014like tariffs and rare earths\u2014might ignite real movement, especially if Trump\u2019s agenda aligns with a ceasefire push. The recent ASEAN summit once again echoed the hollow refrain of the Five-Point Consensus, a diplomatic chant that has become [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3423,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3422","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-opinion"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3422","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3422"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3422\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3917,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3422\/revisions\/3917"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3423"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3422"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3422"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3422"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}