BURMA: MALAYSIA NOT INCLINED TO CONSIDER CHARTER

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