burmafriend

Malaysia urges aid to Myanmar to spur reforms

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia is developing into a broker in talks between Myanmar's military government and the opposition and is urging other South-east Asian nations to step up economic aid to encourage the generals to embrace democracy.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said that Malaysia would try to build on progress made during a recent visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad to end decades of isolation for Myanmar by encouraging political reform through economic development.

'We believe that Myanmar will change but this change will only be brought about through economic development,' Datuk Syed Hamid said in a recent interview.

'When people are more conscious, more aware, more affluent, then they will demand more freedom and more democracy,' he said.

Dr Mahathir made an unofficial visit to Myanmar in January and met Senior General Than Shwe, chairman of the ruling State Peace and Development Council.

The trip coincided with a United Nations mission to Myanmar, led by special envoy Razali Ismail, a Malaysian diplomat.

After his visit, Tan Sri Razali revealed that junta leaders had been holding reconciliation talks with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party won elections in 1990 but was never allowed to take power.

Dr Mahathir had developed a special relationship with members of Myanmar's ruling council by encouraging democracy without criticising the regime, said Datuk Syed Hamid.

He added: 'The Prime Minister is not seen as dictating. He consults and discusses and they feel he is discussing with them.'

Malaysia, already one of the largest investors in Myanmar, would send several more missions there this year 'to see what they need in terms of economic development', said the minister. --AP