Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministers gathering in Bali had hoped to emerge with a strategy for dealing with the military-run country which has become a major embarrassment to the region.

''I could sense the frustration and disillusionment among ASEAN foreign ministers,'' Syed Hamid was quoted as telling Malaysian journalists by the official Bernama news agency.

''I think we recognised that the Myanmar issue has crept in to disunite ASEAN because there are different views held but we cannot project that to the world,'' he said as he departed Indonesia late Thursday.

Syed Hamid has repeatedly complained that ASEAN cannot defend Myanmar as a fellow member as long as it fails to provide proof that it is introducing democratic reforms to end four decades of military rule.

''We told Myanmar 'you talked about us helping you but how can we when you don't give us any ammunition','' he said.

Syed Hamid, who last month made an unsuccessful visit to Myanmar as ASEAN envoy where he was denied access to detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, suggested he was giving up on the military regime.

''ASEAN has always been the initiator of change, but we recognise the fact that we can only do so much. Maybe Myanmar will change if we leave them alone,'' he said according to the Star daily.

''If the country is not willing, then it is difficult.''

The foreign minister said Myanmar asked him whether he would like to visit again, and that he replied he would have to be allowed to see Aung San Suu Kyi and regime leader Senior General Than Shwe.

''I told Myanmar I don't mind continuing to do it but there must be something worthwhile for me to go. It's okay if on the first trip we don't achieve everything but if it is going to be worthwhile for me to go again, I must be allowed to interact with the relevant people,'' he told Bernama.