Negotiations, Dialogue with Myanmar Junta Do Not Signal Approval of Atrocities – Kamil Munim
SHAH ALAM: Negotiations with Myanmar’s junta leadership should not be interpreted as a sign of recognition or approval of the atrocities taking place in the country.
Political Secretary to the Finance Minister, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, said dialogue is instead part of diplomacy and serves as a means of opening channels for discussion.
He acknowledged that criticism of any engagement with Myanmar’s leadership deserves to be heard and that the atrocities committed against its people must not be whitewashed. However, he stressed the importance of being fair to the facts.
“In the context of current bilateral relations, the objective is to ensure that any repatriation of Myanmar nationals is carried out voluntarily, with dignity and in safety.
“Diplomacy is the courage to engage with those we disagree with when peace, regional security and human lives are at stake,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
He was responding to remarks by former Klang Member of Parliament Charles Santiago, who raised concerns over the risk of legitimising Myanmar’s junta following the “red-carpet” treatment accorded to its leader.
Muhammad Kamil added that Malaysia’s diplomatic history is filled with similar approaches.
Citing an example, he said that in 1955, Tunku Abdul Rahman sat down with Chin Peng during the Baling Talks.
“Did that mean Tunku recognised the armed struggle of the Malayan Communist Party? Certainly not.
“Tunku negotiated because, as a leader, he had a greater responsibility to find a way to end violence and save lives,” he explained.
He also pointed to 1974, when the communist threat remained a reality in Malaysia and anti-communist sentiment was particularly strong.
Despite this, Tun Abdul Razak made what was considered a bold decision at the time to visit Beijing and meet Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.
“This paved the way for the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Did Tun Razak become a communist simply because he shook hands with Mao?” he asked.
Sinar Harian