INTERNATIONAL: Brunei’s 2nd Foreign Affairs Minister, appointed ASEAN as its special envoy to Myanmar, says he’s still negotiating with the country’s military junta on the terms of a visit. Erywan Yusof says he is also requesting access to jailed ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

ASEAN appointed Erywan last month as part of its five-point plan to restore peace and democracy in Myanmar, following February’s coup. Erywan told Reuters this weekend that, “There is an urgent need to go now to Myanmar, but I think before all that, I need to have assurances. I need to be able to have a clear picture of what I'm supposed to do, what they are going to allow me to do when I visit."

Erywan wants to visit before late October when ASEAN leaders are next due to meet on the crisis but says no date has been finalised. He has submitted a request to access Suu Kyi with the State Administrative Council, chaired by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, although meeting with Suu Kyi is not stipulated in ASEAN’s five-point consensus plan. The consensus does include an end to violence and the start of peace talks among all parties. Erywan says he is looking to establish a team of advisors to support his role as envoy. The team could include Myanmar's neighbours, India and Bangladesh.

In the meantime, ASEAN’s focus has been assisting Myanmar with tackling Covid-19 following requests for help from the country’s military leaders. Cambodia was the first ASEAN country to respond to that call, sending over $200,000 in cash, as well as tons of medical supplies to the country last month. The donation was delivered personally by Health Minister, Mam Bunheng, at the request of Prime Minister Hun Sen.