Credit Translated from Hla Soewai‘s FB post
OLD PICTURES of ASEAN.
Malaysian Prime Minister Confirms Junta Leader Not Invited
As with every year, ASEAN summits have consistently brought embarrassment and yielded little benefit when involving Myanmar’s military junta. Supporters of the junta had hoped that, since their leader had previously received invitations from Chinese and Russian leaders, ASEAN might also extend an invitation this time. Their hopes intensified to the point where they even spread false news that he would attend.
However, when the Myanmar delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Min Aung Hlaing was notably absent. Instead, only the junta’s permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Haukham Sann, was present (as seen in the photo). International delegates and media could not help but notice the conspicuously empty seat reserved for Myanmar’s leader—a symbol of the nation’s diminished dignity due to one individual.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim clearly stated that Min Aung Hlaing had not been invited and reaffirmed that Malaysia would adhere strictly to ASEAN’s five-point consensus.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister explained that they had held broad discussions with key stakeholders in February and again in May. Although both sides declined to meet in February, direct communication resumed after the May meeting, which he described as a sign of progress.
To address the situation in Myanmar, Malaysia plans to present detailed updates to the ASEAN Troika—a coordination mechanism comprising the past, current, and incoming ASEAN chairs—established in 2023.
Malaysian MP Wong Chen recently remarked that merely shaking hands and singing ASEAN anthems at summits is no longer effective. As 2025 draws to a close, The Diplomat noted that ASEAN now has an opportunity to chart a new course.
Why is this a pivotal moment? The junta is increasingly isolated, staging sham elections, ramping up forced military conscription, and escalating violent crackdowns on civilians. These developments signal that ASEAN can no longer afford to replay the same old record.
Responsibility should not fall on ASEAN alone. Democratic nations in the Asia-Pacific and Europe must also step up. This approach affirms respect for the sovereign will of a nation’s people and underscores that there is no need to collaborate with a murderous regime.
As the major ASEAN summit approaches, criticism and condemnation are mounting. There is a growing consensus that under Min Aung Hlaing’s leadership, Myanmar cannot regain its standing. Hence, ASEAN is under pressure to ensure the junta receives no form of recognition.
