Anwar’s push to return Myanmar to Asean sparks criticism over weakened leverage

AI Summary

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pledged to pursue closer cooperation and Myanmar’s reintegration into ASEAN during a high-profile welcome for Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in Putrajaya. Critics warn that the approach could weaken ASEAN’s leverage, while Malaysia says engagement does not constitute recognition of his government.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday said Malaysia would do “whatever is possible” to strengthen cooperation with Myanmar and fully reintegrate the diplomatically isolated nation into the Asean fold. The pledge came during an unusually high-profile official welcome for Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, despite Malaysia’s position that such engagement does not amount to recognition of his government. Min Aung Hlaing inspected a guard of honour in Putrajaya before holding private talks with...