On the fourth anniversary of the Myanmar military coup, an open letter addressed to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, ASEAN Chair for 2025, and Special Envoy Tan Sri Othman Hashim, called for decisive action to address the worsening humanitarian and political crisis in Myanmar. The letter, signed by Southeast Asian parliamentarians, civil society organisations and trade unions, including the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), emphasised the need for accountability, justice, and human rights to alleviate the suffering of millions under military rule.

The letter highlighted the devastating impact of the coup: indiscriminate airstrikes, arbitrary arrests, and mass displacement have plunged Myanmar into deep political instability and economic hardship. It also underscored the failure of previous dialogue attempts with the junta, urging ASEAN to adopt a stronger and more inclusive strategy. Key proposals include establishing a Myanmar Humanitarian Response Centre for impartial aid distribution, rejecting military-led elections, and initiating inclusive dialogues with democratic forces and ethnic minorities advocating for federalism.

Signatories, including prominent figures from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Timor-Leste, also called on ASEAN to mobilise international partnerships, such as hosting an International Conference on Myanmar. The conference would bring together various nations to coordinate measures against the junta, including arms embargoes and targeted sanctions. Furthermore, the letter stresses the importance of gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches in peace negotiations and humanitarian aid.

The open letter reflects growing frustration over ASEAN’s perceived inaction and highlights Malaysia's unique opportunity to lead under its Madani principles of trust and compassion. "The decisions made in 2025 will not only shape Myanmar’s future but also define ASEAN’s credibility as a regional body committed to justice and human rights," the signatories affirmed, rallying the region to act decisively for the people of Myanmar.