Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing visits Malaysia amid concerns over repatriations

Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing is visiting Malaysia for the first time since the 2021 coup, engaging in talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two-day visit focuses on the voluntary, dignified, and safe repatriation of Myanmar nationals currently in Malaysia. This comes as Malaysia proceeds with a controversial plan to send back thousands of Myanmar citizens, despite concerns from the UN and rights groups about potential dangers they may face amid Myanmar's ongoing civil war. The Malaysian government views the visit as an opportunity for direct engagement on bilateral issues, including the repatriation of illegal Myanmar nationals of all ethnic groups. Min Aung Hlaing, who became president after the 2021 military coup, has previously visited several ASEAN countries and other nations.

Malaysia has repatriated Myanmar nationals shortly before a visit by Myanmar's leader to Kuala Lumpur. This action aligns with recent efforts by other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members to improve relations with Myanmar. Analysts are questioning whether this increased bilateral engagement and potential normalization between ASEAN and Myanmar could hinder efforts to resolve the country's civil war. The article suggests a trend of ASEAN countries stepping up engagement with Myanmar.