Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, says separate talks with Myanmar’s military leaders and opposition figures have shown progress and could lead to the first direct discussions between the two warring sides in the country’s long and bloody civil war.

Last month, Anwar quietly met Myanmar’s military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, in Bangkok. On the same day, he also held online talks with the opposition’s National Unity Government (NUG), which was formed by members of the elected government overthrown in the 2021 coup.

Sources familiar with the talks said both sides were aware of these separate discussions. While the junta previously called the NUG “terrorists,” it now seems willing to consider peace efforts.

Speaking in Malaysia, Anwar said, “We’ve engaged with both sides separately, but now it’s time they talk to each other. The people of Myanmar must decide their future.”

The NUG has said it’s open to talks—but only if the military agrees to key demands. These include setting up a transitional justice system and drafting a new federal constitution that keeps the military out of politics.

“If the military agrees to those terms, we’re ready to talk about ending the coup and transitioning power peacefully,” said NUG spokesman Nay Phone Latt.

However, Myanmar’s military, which has ruled the country for much of its history, is unlikely to accept those terms easily.

Anwar’s push for peace comes under his leadership of ASEAN, the Southeast Asian regional group. This marks the first time since the 2021 coup that the junta appears open to dialogue.

The civil war has left thousands dead and displaced about 3.5 million people. The country’s economy is also in crisis. Armed ethnic groups and new resistance fighters have forced the military to retreat from many areas and consolidate power in the central plains.

Sources say Malaysia has even started reaching out to some armed groups inside Myanmar, though details are scarce.

Laying the Groundwork for Peace

Anwar’s visit to Bangkok wasn’t just about extending a temporary truce after the deadly March 28 earthquake that killed over 3,800 people in central Myanmar. According to insiders, he used the opportunity to lay the groundwork for broader peace talks.

This plan is expected to be a major topic at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Anwar described his efforts as the bloc’s “first serious attempt” at meaningful engagement.

“We must move forward,” he said.

ASEAN had earlier pushed a “Five Point Consensus” to end the violence, but the plan has largely stalled. Myanmar’s generals have been banned from ASEAN summits for almost four years.

Behind the scenes, groundwork for the Bangkok meetings began even before the earthquake. But the disaster gave Anwar a chance to directly discuss humanitarian aid with Min Aung Hlaing.

“A ceasefire is essential—not just to deliver aid but also as a step toward long-term peace,” said George Yeo, Anwar’s adviser and a former foreign minister of Singapore.

Elections and Continued Violence

Initially, the NUG opposed Anwar’s meeting with the junta, warning against any unilateral talks with Min Aung Hlaing.

While the military extended the ceasefire to allow earthquake relief, it has continued deadly attacks in other parts of the country, including those hit by the quake.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said it’s unclear who broke the ceasefire but stressed the need for all sides to stick to it.

Veteran Thai diplomat Sihasak Phuangketkeow added, “If the ceasefire holds and everyone sees the importance of humanitarian aid, it could be a starting point for broader peace talks.”

Meanwhile, the junta plans to hold elections in December—a move critics say is a sham to keep military control through puppet candidates. ASEAN has urged the junta to prioritize peace over elections.

“Without dialogue, there’s no legitimacy,” Sihasak said. “And we must be realistic—an election alone won’t end the conflict.”

BOB Post