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Anwar Ibrahim Pushes for Ceasefire Extension in Talks with Myanmar Junta Leader

The Malaysian Prime Minister's meeting with Min Aung Hlaing seeks to address humanitarian needs after Myanmar's earthquake while raising concerns about ASEAN's stance on the junta.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivers his speech as he officates the ASEAN Investement Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia April 8, 2025. REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain/File Photo
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Myanmar's junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted the elected government in a coup, presides at an army parade on Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, March 27, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
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Overview

  • Anwar Ibrahim, as ASEAN chair, met Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok to advocate for extending the temporary ceasefire declared after the March 28 earthquake.
  • The talks aimed to establish humanitarian corridors for aid delivery to quake-affected areas, but opposition groups criticized the meeting as potentially legitimizing the military regime.
  • The earthquake, Myanmar's deadliest in decades, killed over 3,600 people and worsened the country's ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by civil war and displacement.
  • ASEAN's longstanding boycott of the junta, due to its failure to comply with the bloc's Five-Point Consensus, is being tested by Anwar's high-level engagement with the military leader.
  • Anwar is scheduled to meet representatives of the National Unity Government (NUG), Myanmar's opposition group, to balance the diplomatic efforts and encourage inclusive dialogue.