Malaysia Urges Extension of Myanmar Ceasefire as ASEAN Maintains Ban on Coup Leaders

Malaysia has urged Myanmar to extend and expand its post-earthquake ceasefire, set to expire by the end of May, amid ongoing conflict. Speaking at an ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized the need to reduce violence and ease humanitarian suffering. ASEAN has excluded Myanmar's coup leaders from summits for failing to implement a 2021 peace plan. Despite declared truces, fighting and military airstrikes continue. Malaysia warns the conflict’s spillover affects neighboring countries. While ASEAN pushes for fair elections, opposition groups call for a boycott. Trust issues and limited political dialogue hinder peace efforts.