Manila: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must demonstrate that it is "relevant" to assist in resolving the crisis in Myanmar, according to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who made the comments during a visit to the Philippines.

Anwar said ASEAN, which is in charge of coordinating diplomatic efforts to bring peace, needed to be more vocal and noted that his country was hosting 200,000 Myanmar refugees in a pre-recorded interview aired on Friday .

We cannot see this as a purely internal problem, so Anwar urged his ASEAN partners to step up their efforts. If necessary, cooperate with the armed forces of the nation as sometimes the military rulers do not understand the point of view of the general public.

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Since its military overthrew an elected government in 2021, Myanmar has been plagued by social, political and economic chaos. Myanmar's military has been accused by human rights organizations and the United Nations of committing atrocities as part of its crackdown on its opponents. The junta refers to its opponents as "terrorists" who seek to eliminate the nation.

Anwar said, we cannot forgive atrocities. "It is challenging to come to an amicable solution. We have done everything. ASEAN must demonstrate its relevance and capability to resolve some of the issues.

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Some ASEAN members have grown increasingly frustrated at the junta's disregard for a peace plan negotiated with the generals soon after the coup. ASEAN has an age-old principle of refraining from interfering in the internal affairs of its members.

Malaysia, an outspoken opponent of the junta, has called for tougher action, even as the 10-member bloc has banned Myanmar generals from attending its high-level meetings.

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Myanmar's military leaders have reacted angrily to what they see as interference by ASEAN countries.