Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07KUALALUMPUR1702
2007-12-12 08:54:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Cable title:
BURMA: MALAYSIA NOT INCLINED TO CONSIDER CHARTER
how-toVZCZCXRO9619 OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH DE RUEHKL #1702 3460854 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 120854Z DEC 07 FM AMEMBASSY KUALA LUMPUR TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0364 INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING PRIORITY 2404 RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI PRIORITY 0736 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 1054
C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 001702
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MLS/COPE, EAP/MTS AND DRL/PAZ
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/12/2017
TAGS: PREL PHUM UNSC BM MY
SUBJECT: BURMA: MALAYSIA NOT INCLINED TO CONSIDER CHARTER
AS LEVERAGE
REF: STATE 164897
Classified By: Political Section Chief Mark D. Clark for reasons 1.4 (b
and d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 001702
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MLS/COPE, EAP/MTS AND DRL/PAZ
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/12/2017
TAGS: PREL PHUM UNSC BM MY
SUBJECT: BURMA: MALAYSIA NOT INCLINED TO CONSIDER CHARTER
AS LEVERAGE
REF: STATE 164897
Classified By: Political Section Chief Mark D. Clark for reasons 1.4 (b
and d).
1. (C) Polchief delivered reftel demarche on ASEAN measures
to keep pressure on the Burmese regime to the Malaysian
Foreign Ministry's Parliamentary Secretary Shabery Cheek on
December 12. Polchief emphasized the regime's lack of
concrete steps toward a dialogue, despite the efforts of UN
Special Advisor Gambari. Polchief noted the importance we
place on ASEAN's thoughts on pressure points with Burma, and
queried Shabery Cheek over potential use of delayed
ratification of the ASEAN Charter.
2. (C) Shabery Cheek responded frankly that Malaysia was not
actively considering new steps on Burma aside from continued
endorsement of Gambari's role and mission. Malaysia was
frustrated with Burma, and saw little ASEAN leverage
available at this point. China and, secondarily, India
possessed more influence. Shabery Cheek said Malaysia would
not view a delay in its ratification of the ASEAN Charter as
offering useful leverage. Malaysia would likely ratify the
Charter quickly through a cabinet process. Shabery Cheek
argued that change would come to Burma as a consequence of
long-term engagement. When Polchief reminded him that Prime
Minister Abdullah in September had declared constructive
engagement a failure, Shabery Cheek stated that Malaysia and
ASEAN had no viable alternative.
KEITH
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MLS/COPE, EAP/MTS AND DRL/PAZ
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/12/2017
TAGS: PREL PHUM UNSC BM MY
SUBJECT: BURMA: MALAYSIA NOT INCLINED TO CONSIDER CHARTER
AS LEVERAGE
REF: STATE 164897
Classified By: Political Section Chief Mark D. Clark for reasons 1.4 (b
and d).
1. (C) Polchief delivered reftel demarche on ASEAN measures
to keep pressure on the Burmese regime to the Malaysian
Foreign Ministry's Parliamentary Secretary Shabery Cheek on
December 12. Polchief emphasized the regime's lack of
concrete steps toward a dialogue, despite the efforts of UN
Special Advisor Gambari. Polchief noted the importance we
place on ASEAN's thoughts on pressure points with Burma, and
queried Shabery Cheek over potential use of delayed
ratification of the ASEAN Charter.
2. (C) Shabery Cheek responded frankly that Malaysia was not
actively considering new steps on Burma aside from continued
endorsement of Gambari's role and mission. Malaysia was
frustrated with Burma, and saw little ASEAN leverage
available at this point. China and, secondarily, India
possessed more influence. Shabery Cheek said Malaysia would
not view a delay in its ratification of the ASEAN Charter as
offering useful leverage. Malaysia would likely ratify the
Charter quickly through a cabinet process. Shabery Cheek
argued that change would come to Burma as a consequence of
long-term engagement. When Polchief reminded him that Prime
Minister Abdullah in September had declared constructive
engagement a failure, Shabery Cheek stated that Malaysia and
ASEAN had no viable alternative.
KEITH