Anwar: Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing to visit Malaysia ‘in next few days’

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that Myanmar's coup leader and current president, Min Aung Hlaing, will be visiting Malaysia within the next few days, according to a statement released by the Malaysian government on Tuesday. The visit is a part of a diplomatic effort to legitimize Min Aung Hlaing's regime, which took power in a military coup in 2021 and has since been engaging in a civil war in the country.

Anwar Ibrahim informed the Malaysian parliament that, during Min Aung Hlaing's visit, the foreign minister, the home minister, and himself would address issues that could lead to a resolution. The discussions are expected to center around Malaysia's plan to repatriate around 5,000 Myanmar nationals, a decision that has sparked concerns over the potential return of Rohingya refugees.

According to a press release from AFP, the first group of nearly 1,500 returnees arrived in Myanmar on Sunday, although Malaysia has not disclosed the exact number of Rohingya among them.