Former Malaysian Envoy Praises Myanmar's Move Towards Democracy

KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) -- Former United Nations (UN) special envoy to Myanmar Razali Ismail has expressed his satisfaction over Myanmar's move towards democracy without the threat of extremism. Razali, who is also Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMMF) chairman, said he was glad that he had been given the chance to be involved in the process. Myanmar will have a bright future under the tutelage of good leaders, Razali, who was UN special envoy to Myanmar from 2000 to 2006, told Bernama here Wednesday. On Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, he said at last she was able to leave the country and "join other leaders to bring recognition to Myanmar". Suu Kyi, 67, had spent most of the last two decades under house arrest in Yangon and had made her first overseas trip recently. Myanmar has taken steps toward democratic reform after half a century of autocratic rule. -- BERNAMA