KOTA KINABALU: Economic development and trade partners of Myanmar are the key to resolving the Rohingya humanitarian crisis there, according to an international relations academician who visited the country recently.
Dr Ayesah Uy Abubakar of Universiti Malaysia Sabah noted that there was a contradiction in Myanmar; the looming of a serious humanitarian crisis yet there is no stop to the positive economic developments that the Myanmar government has set its course on.
"Therefore, it is this aspect of economy that can also be the key to Nay Pyi Taw's re-thinking, and hopefully stopping, of the violence in Rakhine.
“Perhaps then, it is the countries where these foreign direct investments are coming from that will have a better chance of persuading the government there towards a path to peace," she told New Straits Times.
A profitable economy in a state of armed conflict effectively becomes an disincentive towards taking a path to conflict resolution, she elaborated.
Dr Ayesah, known for her peacebuilding work in relation to the Bangsamoro area in the Philippines, was in Yangon last week to attend a coaching programme where she was mentored as part of the Transformative Peace Leadership Programme for peace leaders in Southeast Asia.
While noises on human rights issues and threats of further humanitarian crisis abound, it is in fact business as usual for the Myanmar economy, she observed.
"There might not be many tourists going there, even in its capital city in Yangon, but tourism is not an important source of income for the country anyway.
"Rakhine, for one, despite the violence, is an important source for oil and gas, marine and agricultural products, and other natural resources. It is even building an economic zone to further develop its trade activities through its sea route with Bangladesh.
"Many parts of the country continue to suffer in armed violence between the government and with at least 17 nonstate actors groups, but it is interesting that Myanmar continues to enjoy an influx of foreign direct investments," she explained.
Dr Ayesah said in Yangon alone, it was obvious that the country is rich despite it having only re-opened its doors to the world five years ago.
Businesses are driven by trade with China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore and India, among others.
On another note, she said Malaysia has been one of the few countries in Southeast Asia that has been constant in highlighting the Rohingya issue.
Malaysia was also able to bring up this issue with the other world leaders at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and with the United States - the latter a key player in the political developments in Myanmar.
Obviously, however, political statements even at the United Nations (UN) are falling on deaf ears among power holders in Nay Pyi Taw, she lamented.
“More compelling reasons have to be shown to Myanmar why they should heed the call of the international community and show a better response to the Rohingya crisis.
"It could be for the economy, the security and the long-term collegial respect as part of the UN body," she added.