KUALA LUMPUR – Both Myanmar’s junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and the National Unity Government’s (NUG) Prime Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than have pledged to extend the ceasefire and safeguard humanitarian efforts, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said following his working visit to Thailand.
Anwar said the commitments were made in separate discussions with both leaders, where he had appealed for peace, reduced military presence, and full access for aid teams, Bernama reported.
“I appealed to both leaders to ensure peace, avoid new conflicts, and reduce military presence, as these are essential for the success of humanitarian efforts,” he said.
“The indication I received from both is that they are committed to extending the ceasefire. This is a precondition imposed by all parties involved in humanitarian operations,” he told reporters at the end of his two-day visit in Bangkok today.
He added that both sides had pledged to “honour their commitments,” stressing that any provocations could derail the entire humanitarian mission.
“There will be a ceasefire and no unnecessary provocations. Otherwise, the entire humanitarian exercise could fail,” he warned.
Anwar said he would brief fellow Asean leaders immediately to step up coordination and facilitate the deployment of more regional personnel for relief operations.
The pledges come amid signs of de-escalation in Myanmar. Nearly 4,900 detainees were released on Wednesday in conjunction with the country’s traditional New Year – a move Anwar described as “a very positive sign of goodwill.”
“During my discussions, I emphasised the importance of ceasing fire and enabling humanitarian efforts to cover all of Myanmar, regardless of the regions or political affiliations involved. I received assurances to this effect,” he said.
Malaysia has played a leading role in the international response following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28.
The SMART search and rescue team was deployed within 48 hours under Operation Starlight III, and a Malaysian field hospital is now operational, staffed by the Armed Forces’ medical team.
The quake has left over 3,600 people dead, more than 4,800 injured, and at least 141 still missing. An estimated nine million people, including 2.7 million children, have been severely impacted across 58 townships in East Bago, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Southern Shan, and Sagaing.
Since the initial quake, Myanmar has experienced 109 aftershocks – the strongest being a 6.4-magnitude tremor, according to the country’s Meteorological and Hydrological Department.
Anwar met Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok yesterday, with former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra also present. A virtual meeting with Mahn Win Khaing Than followed this morning, focusing on urgent humanitarian needs and regional cooperation. – April 18, 2025