Anwar’s Myanmar Junta meeting sparks legitimacy concerns

[MALAYSIA] The meeting between Anwar and Min Aung Hlaing comes at a critical juncture for Myanmar, as resistance forces—comprising ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy fighters—have made significant territorial gains in recent months. These advances have further strained the junta’s grip on power, raising questions about the long-term viability of its rule. Analysts suggest that Anwar’s engagement could inadvertently signal regional acceptance of the junta’s faltering authority, even as Asean maintains its official stance of sidelining Myanmar’s military leadership.

Thailand, which shares a long and porous border with Myanmar, has taken a more pragmatic approach to the crisis, engaging with the junta to address cross-border issues such as refugee flows, drug trafficking, and cybercrime. Bangkok’s hosting of the meeting underscores its delicate balancing act between adhering to Asean’s consensus and managing its own national security concerns. However, critics argue that such bilateral engagements risk undermining Asean’s collective pressure on the junta to pursue a genuine peace process.

Human rights groups have condemned the planned meeting, warning that it could embolden the junta to continue its brutal crackdown on dissent. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, over 4,000 civilians have been killed since the coup, with thousands more arbitrarily detained. The United Nations has repeatedly called for accountability, but with China and Russia blocking stronger action in the Security Council, the junta has faced few consequences for its atrocities.

Malaysia, under Anwar’s leadership, has previously positioned itself as a vocal advocate for democracy in Myanmar, even calling for limited engagement with the opposition National Unity Government. This makes his decision to meet Min Aung Hlaing particularly surprising, raising concerns about a potential shift in Malaysia’s foreign policy priorities. Some observers speculate that economic interests, including Malaysia’s investments in Myanmar’s energy sector, may be influencing the move.

The outcome of the meeting could have broader implications for Asean’s unity, as member states remain divided over how to handle the Myanmar crisis. While Indonesia and Singapore have pushed for a tougher line, others like Thailand and Cambodia favor a more conciliatory approach. If Anwar’s dialogue with Min Aung Hlaing yields no tangible progress toward peace, it may further erode confidence in Asean’s ability to mediate the conflict effectively.

Myanmar has been torn apart by civil war since Min Aung Hlaing overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, plunging the country into catastrophe, killing thousands of people and displacing millions. Many people have crossed the border into Thailand seeking safety and work.

Min Aung Hlaing's fragile junta has relied on China and Russia for help, while being isolated, suffering massive battlefield casualties, and facing Western sanctions. Following four years of unmet promises to stop the war and restore elections, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has broken with its collegiate tradition and barred Myanmar's leadership from attending its meetings.