Malaysian Prime Minister to Meet Myanmar Junta Leader

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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced plans to meet with Myanmar’s junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, in Bangkok on April 17, 2025. The meeting aims to advocate for an extension of the ceasefire between Myanmar’s military government and rebel groups, facilitating humanitarian aid and earthquake relief following a devastating earthquake in Myanmar last month that killed thousands and caused significant damage.

As the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that the meeting is being held on humanitarian grounds, given the lack of formal engagement between Myanmar and the regional bloc. Myanmar has been in turmoil since early 2021, when the military’s overthrow of an elected civilian government sparked a civil war. Though ceasefires have been declared by both sides to support relief efforts, violations have been reported.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been a vocal critic of the Myanmar junta, urging ASEAN to take a firmer stance on the crisis. He has called for ASEAN to move beyond its traditional non-interference policy, stating that “non-interference is not a license for indifference.” Anwar has also suggested that ASEAN should explore new mechanisms to pressure the Myanmar regime to end atrocities against its own people.

The upcoming meeting marks a rare international appearance for Min Aung Hlaing, who has largely been isolated since the 2021 coup. Analysts suggest that the junta could exploit the humanitarian crisis to tighten control and weaken resistance forces. While regional nations like India, China, and Russia appear more willing to engage, others voice concern over legitimizing a regime embroiled in violent conflict.

Malaysia will continue its humanitarian assistance for the earthquake-hit country through a temporary field hospital run by the … . Anwar’s engagement with Min Aung Hlaing is seen as a strategic move to address the humanitarian crisis and push for a political resolution to Myanmar’s ongoing conflict.

Source: Reuters