Chairman Of The Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency Of House Of Representatives Fadli Zon: ASEAN Is Slow To Respond To The Myanmar Coup

Fadli Zon/Antara

JAKARTA - The House of Representatives's Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) strongly condemns the brutal action of the Myanmar military regime against pro-democracy demonstrators which resulted in tens of deaths, injuries, and the detention of thousands of people without legal process.

This is in response to the worrying situation in Myanmar following the political crisis caused by the military coup on February 1, 2021.

Chairman of the BKSAP DPR RI, Fadli Zon, urged the UN, ASEAN and other international communities to respond quickly to take the necessary steps. According to him, the international community, especially the United Nations and ASEAN, must be alert to ensure the safety and welfare of the Myanmar people in general as a priority.

"Likewise, the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of ethnic Rohingya people who were violently expelled by the Myanmar military", said Fadli in Jakarta, Monday, March 15.

In addition, continued Fadli, the UN and ASEAN must restore democracy and maintain regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

"I urge the Myanmar military regime to release prisoners including members of parliament, opposition, journalists, human rights and democracy activists and ensure the safety of medical workers in rescuing those affected in the campaign against the coup", said the Gerindra politician.

The former deputy chairman of the DPR considered that the international community, especially the United Nations and ASEAN, must immediately formulate a method in accordance with international law and norms. This is so that the Myanmar military and the parties to the conflict can have an equal dialogue, namely by first releasing civilian opposition figures.

"I consider ASEAN to be slow in responding to the coup. ASEAN should be more progressive and dynamic in interpreting the principle of non-interference", said Fadli.

The principle of non-interference, according to Fadli, should be placed within the framework of the obligations of ASEAN member countries to carry out the principles and shared values as a whole contained in the ASEAN Charter.

Fadli fully supports the Indonesian government as a peacemaker, problem solver, and bridge builder in solving the Myanmar crisis.

"Of course, it must be carried out prudently so as not to sacrifice the principles of good neighborhood policy while remaining committed to making democracy and human rights as one of the basic norms for the establishment of the ASEAN Security Community.

Fadli said that the BKSAP would write to the President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) to urge the organization to take concrete steps to ensure respect for the principles and objectives of the ASEAN Charter. Among other things, the enforcement of democracy, respect for human rights, good governance, rule of law, and constitutional government.

"At the global level, the Myanmar coup will be brought to the World Parliament. The BKSAP is considering proposing a draft resolution related to the coup in Myanmar as an emergency item to be submitted at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) session in April", said the SEAPAC President.