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

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosted a formal luncheon in appreciation of visiting Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing at the Seri Perdana Complex in Kuala Lumpur. The Myanmar leader arrived in Malaysia the previous day for a two-day official visit. Upon his arrival at 11:35am, Anwar welcomed Min Aung Hlaing at the Prime Minister's official residence.

The ceremony included a cultural welcome dance, the Tingkah Pusaka, performed by 36 dancers from the Istana Budaya, as well as a "Welcome to Malaysia" presentation by 116 students from three local schools. Notable attendees at the luncheon comprised Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Human Resource Minister R. Ramanan, and Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Johari Abdul Ghani.

They were accompanied by members of the Myanmar Cabinet and senior government officials from both nations. Prior to the luncheon, Anwar and Min Aung Hlaing engaged in a four-eye meeting and subsequent delegation talks to discuss bilateral relations and areas of mutual interest. In a joint press conference following the event, both leaders expressed the agreement between Malaysia and Myanmar to enhance bilateral ties by focusing on people-centric cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, education, agriculture and food, energy, healthcare, and capacity building.

Furthermore, Myanmar committed to accepting the voluntary, dignified, and safe repatriation of a significant number of its citizens residing illegally in Malaysia.