Myanmar’s coup leader-turned-president wins back neighbours despite war

Yangon, Myanmar – When Malaysia invited Myanmar’s coup leader-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing for a visit in September, it insisted the trip did not amount to recognition. The purpose, an official said, was to address the “longstanding issue” of refugees and migrants from Myanmar in Malaysia.But when Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Kuala Lumpur last week, the former general – whose power grab in 2021 triggered a devastating civil war – received a red carpet welcome, complete with an honour guard.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4US lifts sanctions on daughter of military-linked Myanmar businessmanlist 2 of 4Why is the US sanctioning the International Criminal Court?list 3 of 4Nearly 1,500 migrants arrive in Myanmar from Malaysia despite UN warningslist 4 of 4Malaysia PM says will work on Myanmar’s ASEAN reintegrationend of listAfter an official luncheon on Thursday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Myanmar was prepared to take its nationals back at its own cost, a message with appeal in a country where anti-refugee sentiment is growing. Malaysia hosts about 193,000 Myanmar nationals, most of them from the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority.“Because the weather i...