After Special Envoy Prak Sokhonn’s second visit to Myanmar, it is clear that the military junta is intent on making a mockery of ASEAN.

Despite his earnest efforts – and with five months now left on his term – Special Envoy Sokhonn was again handed empty assurances. This follows a firmly established pattern in which the junta rebuffs each ASEAN entreaty and frustrates all efforts to implement the Five-Point Consensus.

ASEAN Chair Hun Sen received this treatment when he visited Myanmar straight after assuming the role of ASEAN chair. Later he publicly called on the junta to release Sean Turnell and to drop its plans to execute political prisoners. On both occasions, his initiatives were rebuffed. And Special Envoy Sokhonn, having repeatedly requested to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, was forced to watch the junta transfer the State Counsellor to solitary confinement in prison immediately before his visit.

Each added insult diminishes ASEAN’s political capital, and with it the influence of its nations’ leaders while the generals of the Myanmar junta watch on.

“How many indignities can ASEAN leaders tolerate from an aspiring tyrant before correcting course?” asked Daw Zin Mar Aung, Myanmar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, while welcoming the Special Envoy’s continuing efforts.

“Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Abdullah has rightly called on ASEAN to move from a policy of non-interference to one of non-indifference on Myanmar. This applies equally to ASEAN’s own reputation,” Minister Aung continued.

“Unable to address an escalating threat to peace and security in its own backyard, ASEAN’s inaction must force the UN Security Council’s hand. When it comes to the military junta, ASEAN knows what it must do. It must cut the head off the snake.”

At the same time, ASEAN has a dedicated partner in the National Unity Government, the legitimate representative of the Myanmar people. The NUG remains committed to working with ASEAN Members inside Myanmar and through ASEAN forums to solve the multiple junta-induced crises wreaking havoc on the region.

“Recognising and partnering with the NUG is not only a moral imperative, but it is also a politically astute move. It is in ASEAN’s own best interests,” added the Foreign Minister. “We continue to extend our full cooperation to Special Envoy Sokhonn.”