Earlier today, images began to circulate on social media that showed ambassador Zahairi Baharim meeting with Aung Than Oo at the nation’s capital, Naypyidaw.

Criticisms came in from all quarters as it was seen as Malaysia recognising the military government, the first country in Asean to do so.

In a statement, Wisma Putra said the meeting was held to convey to the ministry a decision made by Petronas subsidiary, Petronas Carigali Myanmar Ltd (PCML) to temporarily suspend its upstream operations of the Yetagun gas project.

“Malaysia’s position on Myanmar is clear and consistent. We have persistently called for an immediate end to violence, unconditional and immediate release of political detainees, and resumption of an inclusive dialogue involving all concerned parties for a political transition and peaceful settlement of the ongoing crisis in the interest of Myanmar and her people,” the statement read.

“We will continue our constructive engagements with all concerned parties towards this end.”

In response to the meeting, parliamentarians had demanded answers from the government, saying the meeting “gives the impression that the country recognised the junta”.

Following the coup on Feb 1 that led to the imprisonment of numerous government officials, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin himself had publicly called for the release of the political prisoners and backed calls for a meeting between Southeast Asian leaders to discuss a peaceful resolution of the situation.

It was earlier reported by Offshore Magazine that PCML had decided to cease production at the well off Myanmar’s coast in the Andaman Sea, stating that production levels had fallen drastically this year due to challenges in the wells deliverability.