Anwar hails 'significant' engagement with Myanmar as South-east Asian leaders meet

Asean set to discuss ways to revive country's peace process

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KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on May 26 hailed "significant" steps to engage warring sides in Myanmar, as South-east Asian leaders met for talks to address the protracted conflict and offset global trade uncertainty from US President Donald Trump's tariff threats.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since its military overthrew the elected civilian government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, triggering pro-democracy protests that morphed into a widening rebellion and conflict that has displaced more than 3.5 million people, according to the United Nations.

Asean leaders were expected to discuss ways to jump-start Asean's faltering Myanmar peace process and build on recent efforts by Datuk Seri Anwar, the bloc's current chair, to bring rival groups to the table.

Mr Anwar in April held a closed-door meeting in Bangkok with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and virtual talks with the shadow National Unity Government, describing those talks on May 26 as "significant" but fragile.