Phnom Penh: The Chairman of ASEAN in 2022, Prime Minister Hun Sen asked Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing to reconsider the plan to sentence the death penalty to those who oppose the State Administration Council in order to maintain stability and find a peaceful solution.

In a letter to Min Aung Hlaing on 10 June 2022, Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that the sentencing and execution of some individuals against the State Administration Council has caused great concern among ASEAN member states as well as ASEAN external partners. 

“Cambodia believes that this planned execution, if indeed carried out, will trigger very strong and widespread negative reaction from international community. This will also have a devastating effect on ASEAN and Cambodia's effort, as the Chair of ASEAN, to support Myanmar to return to normalcy and find a peaceful solution to current crisis through an inclusive process of dialogue, in line with the ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus."

Prime Minister Hun Sen added: "I have no doubt that you are very well aware that today our region is at the center of major powers' geostrategies, while the competition and rivalries among them are escalating. In light of this development, a lot of attention is now focused on developments in ASEAN and its credibility and effectiveness as a people-centered regional family. The developments in Myanmar is under the spot-light and much observed by people around the globe."

The Prime Minister also emphasized, “Therefore, with deep concern and sincere desire to help Myanmar achieve peace and national reconciliation, I would like to earnestly request you and the State Administrative Council (SAC) to reconsider the sentences and refrain from carrying out the death sentences given to those anti-SAC individuals.”

Prime Minister Hun Sen reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to assist Myanmar's return to normalcy and restore its full participation in the ASEAN Community building process.