PETALING JAYA: A government member of Parliament has defended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim following criticism by former foreign minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah over his scheduled meeting with Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok today.

Sungai Petani MP Taufiq Johari, responding to Saifuddin's remarks that the meeting marked a "step in the wrong direction" as Malaysia had consistently maintained its stance of not recognising the junta, said Anwar had chosen the "path of engagement" to provide further humanitarian aid to Myanmar following last month's devastating earthquake, which claimed over 5,300 lives.

Taufiq, in a statement, said the meeting had the backing of Asean leaders and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the junta or the 2021 military coup which overthrew Myanmar's elected government.

"It is clear that our prime minister's rationale for reaching out is to assist the people, not to legitimise the 2021 coup."

"Anwar has said he would urge the Myanmar junta to extend the current ceasefire to ensure humanitarian aid reaches the earthquake victims.

"Let us not forget that the most pressing matter now is to help the people of Myanmar. That is why we are spearheading efforts to provide assistance, including the deployment of a temporary field hospital operated by the Malaysian Armed Forces," he said.

Taufiq reiterated that Asean remained committed to the Five-Point Consensus as the framework for engaging Myanmar, and that the meeting was being held strictly on humanitarian grounds.