Once shunned, Myanmar's military-backed leader set for Malaysian red carpet

Key Points:

• Myanmar's junta chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing is visiting Malaysia for talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aiming to gain international legitimacy despite widespread regional exclusion.
• Malaysia is pressing ahead with the controversial repatriation of thousands of Myanmar nationals, including Rohingya refugees, despite UN and rights groups warning of serious dangers upon their return amid ongoing civil war.
• The visit focuses on bilateral issues such as the "voluntary, dignified and safe" repatriation of undocumented Myanmar nationals, with Malaysia seeking Naypyitaw's cooperation under domestic pressure to address migrant concerns.
• Myanmar remains embroiled in a brutal civil war since the 2021 military coup, with recent deadly airstrikes in Rakhine state killing dozens, prompting condemnation from the UN and ASEAN, though regional diplomatic responses have been limited.
• While Min Aung Hlaing has been excluded from ASEAN summits, individual countries including Malaysia are cautiously re-engaging with Myanmar, raising concerns about legitimizing the military regime without meaningful peace progress.