The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on May 2 saying that Myanmar strongly protests and rejects the proposals made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia urging ASEAN to establish an informal engagement with the National Unity Government (NUG).

The Ministry has observed a news article published in the Malaymail of 1 May 2022 entitled “Malaysia will propose ASEAN to establish an informal engagement with the National Unity Government (NUG),” the statement quoted the Foreign Minister as saying.

The Ministry recalls the fact that the Anti-Terrorism Central Committee of Myanmar has officially declared the unlawful associations – the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the National Unity Government (NUG), People’s Defence Force (PDF) and all their subordinates – as terrorist groups by its Notification No. 2/2021 on 8 May 2021 in accord with the Anti-Terrorism Law of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

The Ministry strongly protests and rejects the irresponsible and reckless remarks and proposals made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia. Such remarks could abet terrorism and violence in the country, hamper the Myanmar Government’s anti-terrorism efforts and infringe international agreements related to combatting terrorism. The Ministry cautions the government officials and parliamentarians of Malaysia against making contacts or communication as well as providing support and assistance to those terrorist groups and their representatives in future.