KUALA LUMPUR: It would be shameful for Asean to turn a blind eye to the worsening crisis in Myanmar, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the bloc must treat the situation as an urgent responsibility and called on member states to take a united stand in helping to resolve the conflict, which continues to destabilise the region and cause immense human suffering.

"So, we have to speak up. We have to take action. And to me, it would be shameful if Asean does not treat this matter as part of its responsibility.

"Of course, we welcome efforts from Europe, the United States, China, and others. They can come in and help. But this is Asean's responsibility.

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"It is an immediate task for neighbouring countries," he said during a question-and-answer session at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable here today.

Anwar added that the conflict in Myanmar is no longer confined within its borders, with neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Malaysia facing the spillover effects, including hosting nearly 200,000 displaced persons from Myanmar.

"It affects us too. Myanmar is our neighbour. It is part of Asean. But the problem is being passed on to other countries.

"So we cannot remain silent. We have to act," he said.

Anwar said he conveyed this message directly to both Myanmar's military-aligned leaders and the National Unity Government (NUG), which represents the democratic opposition, on behalf of Asean.

"I told them that this is a position we can all take, the ceasefire must happen now. If not, poverty, displacement and death will continue," he said.

Anwar added that Asean foreign ministries and intelligence agencies have been working together behind the scenes, but insisted that sanity must prevail in Myanmar to protect its people, especially the younger generation.

"You're not just talking about generals and systems. You're talking about the people, the future of Myanmar's youth," he said.

Meanwhile, in his keynote address, Anwar said Asean's swift response to the recent earthquake in Myanmar demonstrated the region's commitment to humanitarian principles, despite ongoing political challenges.

He said Malaysia had deployed its Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) and established a field hospital, while countries such as the Philippines also mobilised support without delay.

Anwar said while Asean members were quick to provide humanitarian assistance, this did not mean compromising on their core message which is the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, access to humanitarian aid, and inclusive dialogue.

"This was not just another humanitarian crisis; it was a moral test for all of us in the region. Our actions must go beyond the transactional, they must be transformative.

"And so, I implore our brothers and sisters in Myanmar and Asean to strengthen our collective resolve to work towards a peaceful and resilient Myanmar."

On March 30, Malaysia deployed 50 SMART personnel to Yangonto support humanitarian aid and disaster management efforts following the earthquake that struck Myanmar.