Anwar plants first seeds

After years of diplomatic deadlock, recent moves by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have sparked cautious optimism over Myanmar.

- 

Thanks to their efforts, the world is watching Asean taking a leading role in solving one of the region’s most intractable crises.

Mr Anwar, also Asean chair, disclosed on social media his outcome of his first meeting with junta chief senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing, stating: The meeting, held in Bangkok last Thursday, was arranged by Thaksin, who is now serving as an informal adviser to the Asean chair.

Mr Anwar emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire and arranging humanitarian aid to conflict-ravaged regions across Myanmar. The Asean chair also said he had held a 40-minute virtual meeting with U Win Win Khaing Than of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG), the shadow government opposed to the junta government.

Such a meaningful engagement marks the most pro-active Asean role since the 2021 military coup plunged Myanmar into a civil war and humanitarian crisis.