Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing Pivots to Diplomacy on Malaysia Visit

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing used his first official visit to Malaysia since becoming president to seek closer economic and diplomatic ties, as Kuala Lumpur signalled support for Myanmar’s eventual reintegration into ASEAN despite concerns over the country’s ongoing conflict and democratic reforms.

Min Aung Hlaing met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on Thursday after receiving an official welcome and guard of honour. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, education, agri-food, energy, healthcare and capacity building. Malaysia said bilateral economic activity had risen by more than 140 per cent year-on-year.

Anwar said Malaysia would do “whatever is possible” to enhance cooperation and ultimately help bring Myanmar back into the regional community, particularly through ASEAN. At the same time, he said Kuala Lumpur would continue to raise concerns over democratic reforms and violence in Myanmar.

The visit marked another step in Min Aung Hlaing’s efforts to rebuild regional ties after the 2021 military takeover that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and triggered a nationwide armed conflict. He has already visited Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, making Malaysia his fifth ASEAN destination since becoming president.

His reception in Malaysia drew criticism from Myanmar activists and rights groups. A few dozen people gathered inside a Kuala Lumpur building on Thursday to protest the visit, with demonstrators warning that closer engagement could help legitimise Myanmar’s military-backed government.

The visit also came days after Malaysia repatriated nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals, despite warnings from the UN refugee agency and rights groups that returnees could face persecution, violence or forced military conscription. Malaysia plans to return around 5,000 Myanmar nationals in stages, while 11,804 remain in detention facilities, according to Malaysian authorities.

Min Aung Hlaing agreed that Myanmar would accept further returns and offered to send a naval vessel to assist with the process. It remains unclear whether any Rohingya refugees were among those already repatriated.

Malaysia has stressed that its engagement with Min Aung Hlaing does not amount to formal diplomatic recognition of Myanmar’s government. The visit comes as Myanmar also seeks to improve ties with Washington. A US delegation recently held high-level talks with the military-backed government that helped secure the release of American businessman Adam Castillo, signalling a broader shift toward direct engagement.

Min Aung Hlaing left Malaysia on Thursday afternoon after concluding the two-day visit, with both governments agreeing to pursue closer bilateral cooperation.