MyanmarMyanmar Leader Visits Malaysia
Min Aung Hlaing to meet Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim amid controversy over repatriation of Myanmar nationals. The visit is part of Myanmar's efforts to seek international legitimacy after being shunned by regional nations.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Myanmar's junta chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing will arrive in Malaysia on Wednesday for talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two-day visit comes as Malaysia pushes ahead with a controversial move to repatriate thousands of Myanmar nationals.
The Malaysian government said the visit provides the prime minister with an opportunity to sustain his direct engagement with Myanmar. Key bilateral issues include the voluntary, dignified and safe repatriation of Myanmar nationals of all ethnic groups who have been in Malaysia illegally.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since Min Aung Hlaing led a military coup in 2021, triggering a nationwide civil war that has killed an estimated 100,000 people and displaced more than 3.5 million. The military engineered a widely criticised election that allowed Min Aung Hlaing to take up a civilian role.
Min Aung Hlaing has visited several ASEAN members, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, since formally becoming president in April. He has also made trips to China, India, Russia and Belarus.
In Malaysia, pressure on undocumented migrants and refugees has grown, particularly against Rohingya Muslims, many of whom fled a brutal 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Last month, Anwar said he would invite Min Aung Hlaing for an official visit if Myanmar accepted the return of thousands of Rohingya refugees.
Richard Horsey, senior Asia adviser at the International Crisis Group, said Anwar needs Naypyitaw's cooperation, and a visit is the price. He said Min Aung Hlaing will present the visit as recognition.
Malaysia has deported around 10,000 Myanmar nationals since January, according to Anwar, who said Myanmar authorities had accepted the returnees.
Key facts
- Min Aung Hlaing to visit Malaysia for talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
- Malaysia to repatriate thousands of Myanmar nationals amid controversy
- Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 military coup
- Min Aung Hlaing has visited several ASEAN members and other countries since becoming president
Three perspectives
Neutral
The visit is part of Myanmar's efforts to seek international legitimacy. The situation in Myanmar remains complex, with ongoing civil war and displacement. The repatriation of Myanmar nationals is a key issue in the talks between Min Aung Hlaing and Anwar Ibrahim.
Positive
The visit could lead to increased cooperation between Malaysia and Myanmar, particularly on the repatriation of Myanmar nationals. Anwar Ibrahim's efforts to engage with Min Aung Hlaing could help to reduce tensions in the region.
Negative
The repatriation of Myanmar nationals is controversial, with warnings from the United Nations and rights groups that returnees could face serious danger. Min Aung Hlaing's visit could be seen as a recognition of his legitimacy, which has been questioned by many countries.
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