As host of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Ministerial Meeting and the Asean Regional Forum in Kuala Lumpur this week, Malaysia finds itself in the delicate role of having to balance diplomacy with principles and urgency, especially on the question of economic and political reforms in Myanmar.

Asean has reached the stage where it is not possible to defend Myanmar if it does not cooperate with us or help itself by delivering tangible progress on economic and political reforms. An Asean “hands-off” approach could potentially open the door to greater pressure and criticism of Myanmar. Individual Asean members may cooperate actively with other international players to exert more pressure on Myanmar. Myanmar has only itself to blame — its indifferent attitude to Asean has driven us to this point.

Nine years after joining Asean, Myanmar’s military is still in charge.

In the past, I have impressed upon the Myanmar leadership the importance of cooperating with Asean. I have stressed that we were their best hope before international impatience led to punitive actions. Unfortunately Myanmar appears to be deliberate in its disregard of our goodwill and concern.

Since Myanmar became a member in 1997, Asean has sought to promote democratic changes there. At the same time, we stood together with Myanmar to endure international criticism because we were assured that a “step-by-step” transition process was in place.

That assurance ceased when the Myanmar government failed to convince not only Asean, but also the international community, that their roadmap to political and economic reforms was on track.

There is genuine concern among the majority of Asean members that Myanmar is putting into question Asean’s credibility and image. Even in our interactions at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or Asia-Europe Summits, it is always tricky to search for a special formula to include Myanmar in the meeting. There is also a general feeling amongst Asean members that the maximum benefits to be gained through Asean’s cooperation with some of its dialogue partners is being held hostage by Myanmar.

Despite these problems and complications, Asean didn’t give up hope on Myanmar. Last December, the 11th Asean Summit mandated me to visit Myanmar. The visit in March did not meet my expectations or that of Asean. Asean was placed in the untenable position of facing increasing pressure and criticism, even as we tried to support an uncooperative member.

Myanmar is seen to have failed to prove to Asean or the international community that it is serious and committed to national reconciliation and democratization. While we appreciate their own internal dynamics they have to deal with, they could have easily accommodated the request from Asean by releasing political detainees, including Aung San Suu Kyi. The National League for Democracy (NLD) continues to command a substantial amount of support from the people of Myanmar, though this is denied by the military government.

It would be good for them to engage and talk with all political segments of the society. Any moves to down play the influence of the NLD or prolong the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi are all impediments and obstacles to Myanmar’s credibility in terms of its democratic reforms.

While Asean remains committed to continue its engagement with Myanmar, we are also aware of — and sensitive to — international pressure. The move to include Myanmar in the agenda of the United Nations Security Council has been publicly supported by the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC). The AIPMC’s unflagging campaign has had an impact, making it difficult for Asean governments to ignore the views of their democratically elected legislators. We cannot deny the importance and relevance of these voices in Asean’s decision-making process on Myanmar.

We realize we cannot work alone when it comes to spurring democratic reforms in Myanmar. Other Asean neighbors, such as on China and India, can play their role in persuading Myanmar towards democratic reforms. Both countries are in a good position to influence Myanmar, politically and economically.

Reforms and national reconciliation in Myanmar will benefit all of us — Asean, India and China. Achievement of reforms in Myanmar will render it a more effective economic partner that will, in turn, help fulfill the natural potential of Myanmar to be a regional asset, not a liability.

Mr. Syed Hamid is foreign minister of Malaysia.