While certain quarters have welcomed the United States’ latest declaration that Myanmar’s military had committed genocide against the Rohingya, the significance of this event remains to be seen.
Questions have already been raised regarding the timing of the US government’s charge against the junta, adding that the Rohingya had been abused and tortured for years, even during civilian rule in Myanmar.
Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) chair, Charles Santiago, said what the US had declared had been happening on the ground in Myanmar for years.
“It’s been happening for a while, but in order for Washington to declare that a nation had committed genocide, several factors must be taken into account, and perhaps, this was why it took the US government some time to make their declaration,” said Santiago.
The violence in Rakhine, where most of the Rohingya minority live, peaked in 2017, which resulted in over 9,000 deaths and forced the Rohingya to flee Myanmar. This sparked a huge refugee and humanitarian crisis as hundreds of thousands entered neighbouring Bangladesh, or embarked on dangerous boat rides to enter Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, illegally.
Myanmar’s then leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, had rejected accusations of genocide. Her elected National League for Democracy government was overthrown by the military in February 2021.
Santiago painted a realistic picture regarding the US government’s stand.
“I don’t think it is going to change Asean’s position. Maybe it might push China a little bit … but I don’t think there will be any major changes (to the current situation).
“It may, however, affect policies concerning the Europeans and perhaps, the Japanese. But that’s it.”
The Malaysian lawmaker pointed out that sanctions had already been imposed on Myanmar’s individual military leaders. He added that one reason why the US declaration would do little to change the current situation was because governments no longer viewed the US like they used to.
“The US is losing out (in terms of influence). They now have a strong contender in China,” said the Klang MP.
“It’s no longer the case where when the US says ‘Jump’, everyone jumps. We have seen changes in support (for the US) since the Iraq war (which started in 2003).
“Will their declaration influence those in Southeast Asia? No.”
Santiago added that Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines, have been quite independent regarding the situation in Myanmar, while Vietnam and Cambodia seem to lean more towards the military-ruled nation.
APHR, in a statement last week, condemned Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s son, Hun Manet, for welcoming a Myanmar military delegation to Phnom Penh for the 19th Asean Military Intelligence Meet.
Hun Sen was the first head of government to visit Myanmar since the military takeover. His visit, however, was slammed by critics as it was seen as legitimising the army’s seizure of power by overthrowing a democratically elected government.
