DHAKA: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has named a new special envoy for Myanmar. Othman Hashim, a former Malaysian Foreign Ministry official, will take on the role.

His mission is to advance a peace plan adopted by ASEAN for Myanmar.

The appointment was made during a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers on Langkawi Island in Malaysia. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan announced the decision on Sunday.

Malaysia is currently chairing ASEAN.

The bloc’s foreign ministers emphasized the need for peace in Myanmar. They urged the military junta to engage in dialogue and delay plans for general elections.

The junta previously promised an election but has not set a date.

Othman’s role includes promoting the Five-Point Consensus agreed upon by ASEAN in April 2021. This plan calls for an immediate end to violence in Myanmar.

The military regime has not followed the plan, and ASEAN has faced criticism for its lack of action.

Since 2021, ASEAN has appointed three other envoys for Myanmar. Only one, Cambodia’s Prak Sokhonn, has visited the country, but his efforts did not lead to significant progress.

High-ranking junta officials remain barred from ASEAN meetings. The Irrawaddy