Asean will not defend Myanmar at any international forum following the military ruler’s adamant not to restore democracy in that country, the Dewan Rakyat was told Thursday.

Foreign Ministry parliamentary secretary Ahmad Shabery Cheek said Malaysia and other Asean members had made a stand not to defend Myanmar if the country’s issue was raised at any international conference.

“Now Myanmar has to defend itself if it was bombarded at any international forum,” he said when winding up the debate on the Supplementary Supply Bill (2006) 2007 at committee stage for the Foreign Ministry.

He was replying to queries from Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) on the next course of action to be taken by Malaysia and Asean on the stubborn Myanmar military junta who had refused to cooperate with the emissaries sent by the United Nations and Asean to bring back democracy in that country.

Lim had said Malaysia must play a proactive role in pursuing regional initiatives to bring about a change in Myanmar and support efforts to bring the situation in Myanmar to the UN Security Council’s attention.

Shabery said Myanmar, after embracing Asean for nine years and widely expected to change its stand, did not show any inkling to change.

He said Malaysia would nevertheless continue to pursue efforts to convey its stand on restoring democracy in Myanmar to the military ruler though previous initiatives had been futile.