Myanmar’s junta-controlled Union Parliament has begun debating a proposal calling for a review of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, arguing that the regional peace plan adopted in 2021 is no longer appropriate for the country’s current political situation.
The motion was introduced by Dr. Nanda Hla Myint, a representative from Kalaw Township, who argued that the Five-Point Consensus undermines Myanmar’s equal standing within ASEAN and contradicts the bloc’s long-standing principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.
During the second regular session of the third Union Parliament on July 7, lawmakers continued debating the proposal, reiterating claims that the ASEAN peace plan amounts to interference in Myanmar’s domestic affairs.
The Five-Point Consensus was adopted by ASEAN leaders at a summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 24, 2021, following Myanmar’s military coup. It calls for an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among all parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, humanitarian assistance, and visits by the envoy to meet all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar.
However, lawmakers aligned with the junta argued that the consensus was issued as a post-summit chairman’s statement rather than a formally negotiated agreement endorsed by all ASEAN member states, and therefore does not carry legally binding obligations.
They also claimed that while the framework was initially intended to help address armed conflict and political violence in Myanmar, its implementation has gone beyond mediation and evolved into interference in the country’s internal affairs.
According to the parliamentary debate, the Five-Point Consensus no longer reflects Myanmar’s current political reality. Junta-backed lawmakers argued that conditions have changed significantly since 2021 and said ASEAN should reassess its approach following the formation of a new government after elections held under the 2008 Constitution.
ASEAN, however, reiterated in a statement issued in October 2025 that it remained concerned over the lack of meaningful progress in implementing the Five-Point Consensus, the continuing armed conflict, and the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar.
The regional bloc also called for an end to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure and urged the creation of conditions conducive to humanitarian assistance and inclusive political dialogue.
Since the military seized power in 2021, ASEAN has barred Myanmar’s junta leaders from attending several high-level meetings and has continued to treat the Five-Point Consensus as the primary framework for addressing the country’s political crisis.
However, during 2026, several ASEAN member states, including Thailand, Malaysia and Laos, have resumed higher-level engagement with Myanmar’s military authorities, highlighting growing differences within the bloc over its approach to the crisis.
International observers have said Min Aung Hlaing’s recent visit to Laos could weaken the diplomatic pressure ASEAN has maintained since 2021. As some member states gradually expand engagement with the junta, the junta-controlled parliament has now formally begun pressing ASEAN to reconsider the Five-Point Consensus.
During the debate, some lawmakers argued that the consensus should be regarded as no longer applicable to Myanmar. They also proposed establishing a special parliamentary committee to engage directly with ASEAN over the next five months to seek a review of the regional framework.
The parliamentary discussions are widely seen as part of the junta’s broader diplomatic effort to persuade ASEAN and neighboring countries to recognize the political institutions established following its disputed 2025–2026 electoral process.
Critics, however, warn that abandoning or sidelining the Five-Point Consensus could further complicate efforts to promote political dialogue, reduce violence and expand humanitarian access in Myanmar. The latest parliamentary debate could therefore mark a new phase in the relationship between Myanmar and ASEAN.
