Myanmar’s junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who took power in a coup on February 1, 2021, led an army parade on Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on March 27, 2021. Malaysia is pushing for an extension and expansion of Myanmar’s ceasefire following a devastating earthquake that struck the region. The ceasefire, initially declared by the junta after the earthquake killed nearly 3,800 people and displaced tens of thousands, is set to expire at the end of May. While the ceasefire has been extended before, reports indicate that fighting and airstrikes are ongoing despite the truce.
Malaysia’s call for the ceasefire extension and expansion was made at a regional ministers’ meeting, where Mohamad Hasan emphasized the need to cease hostilities to facilitate the recovery process and alleviate the suffering of the people of Myanmar. The United Nations and conflict monitors have reported ongoing aerial attacks despite claims of a ceasefire. Anti-coup and ethnic groups have paused fighting, but clashes persist, particularly in the eastern regions where residents continue to be displaced.
Since the 2021 coup, over 6,600 people have lost their lives, and millions have been displaced, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Malaysia, as the chair of Asean this year, is hosting a summit to address the peace efforts in Myanmar, which have stalled since the military seized power and ousted Aung San Suu Kyi. The Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, has met with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok, urging respect for the ceasefire. Mohamad, who visited Naypyidaw earlier, plans to return in June to further Asean’s humanitarian efforts in the region.
Not really sure why this matters, but with the junta planning to hold an election by the end of the year, opposition groups are calling for a boycott, emphasizing the importance of full public participation. Mohamad noted that holding elections without widespread public involvement would serve no purpose. The situation in Myanmar remains complex, with deep-rooted conflicts that have spanned decades, requiring patience and careful consideration to navigate towards a lasting peace agreement.
