Hun Sen’s Myanmar Visit Sparks ASEAN Debate
Malaysia’s foreign minister saidthat some Southeast Asian members are uneasy about Cambodia’s leader recently visiting Myanmar, a move that could be seen as giving the junta a free pass.
A Big Blow to International Isolation
Last week, Prime Minister Hun Sen—now the chair of ASEAN—made a surprise trip to meet Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military that seized power in Myanmar last year. It’s the first visit by a head of government to a coup‑ridden nation since 2021, and some see it as a tacit endorsement of the generals.
Malaysia’s Take on the Matter
Speaking to reporters late on Thursday, Saifuddin Abdullah said that opinions differ inside ASEAN. “There are people who think he should not have taken the visit because it’s construed as a recognition of the military,” he explained.
He added, “Malaysia thinks he has the right to visit as Cambodia’s head of government. But we also wish he’d consulted the other leaders since he’s the chair, and we’d shared what to do if he was set to go.”
Did the Visit Achieve Anything?
When asked whether the trip produced results, Saifuddin was quick to answer: “No.”
Myanmar’s Ongoing Turmoil
- Since the coup, the military has used deadly force against protests.
- Opposition forces, labelled “terrorists” by the army, fight on several fronts.
- Thousands arrested; former leader Aung San Suu Kyi faces charges ranging from incitement to COVID‑rule violations.
ASEAN’s Stance on the Junta
Late last year, ASEAN sidelined Min Aung Hlaing from a leaders’ summit because he failed to implement a five‑point peace plan aimed at ending hostilities and fostering inclusive dialogue.
Saifuddin said it remains uncertain whether Cambodia, now chair, will keep the junta excluded from ASEAN meetings until tangible progress is shown—a stance that aligns with the previous chair, Brunei, which Malaysia supported.
Looking Ahead
Overall, Prak Sokhonn, Cambodia’s foreign minister, announced that the nation would adopt “different approaches” to the Myanmar crisis. Meanwhile, state media reported that Min Aung Hlaing thanked Hun Sen for “standing with Myanmar.”
