Malaysia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamad Hasan has made it clear at a recent ASEAN meeting that achieving peace in Myanmar is the top priority, not the planned elections set for later in 2024. The statement sheds light on the escalating civil conflict that has engulfed Myanmar since the military coup in early 2021.
Political Turmoil in Myanmar
Myanmar has seen a rapid descent into chaos following the military coup that deposed the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup set off widespread protests which have evolved into an armed rebellion.
- Military aims to holding elections in 2025.
- Critics widely label these elections as a sham.
- Current economic collapse and humanitarian crisis impacting millions.
According to Mohamad, the junta’s plan to hold country-wide polls amid ongoing hostilities raises serious concerns. “The election is not a priority. The priority now is to cease fire,