KUALA LUMPUR: The Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the planned visit by its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, to Myanmar, originally scheduled for today, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.
In a statement, the ministry, widely known as Wisma Putra, said further details regarding the rescheduling of the visit would be announced in due course.
“We appreciate your understanding,” it added.
On Aug 8, it was reported that Mohamad would lead an official Asean delegation to assess the situation in Myanmar on Sept 19.
The delegation, which includes Mohamad’s counterparts from Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, was expected to evaluate the situation under the new administration following the dissolution of the junta government and the end of the state of emergency.
Mohamad had said that Myanmar had announced plans to hold a general election, and that the decision to end or not extend the state of emergency was made in accordance with its Constitution.
However, he sought clarification on whether the election would be implemented comprehensively, as 63 towns or areas remain under emergency rule imposed by Myanmar’s National Defence and Security Council (NDSC).
“The country has lifted the state of emergency, but these 63 areas remain under emergency rule. I want to gain a clearer picture to present to Asean leaders in October,” he said.
On July 31, it was reported that Myanmar’s junta had announced the formation of a new body to organise a general election by the end of this year, effectively ending the state of emergency enforced since the 2021 coup.
With the formation of the new Security and Peace Commission, also chaired by Min Aung Hlaing, the junta declared that the state of emergency had officially concluded.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
