Hassan, Bernama

 

Malaysia has distanced itself from claims made by Myanmar’s military regime that it will send observers to monitor the country’s upcoming election, deepening regional unease over the junta’s efforts to legitimise its rule.

 

Last week, Myanmar’s state media reported that Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hassan had endorsed the regime’s election preparations and pledged to dispatch monitoring teams. The announcement followed Hassan’s visit to Naypyitaw, where he met coup leader Min Aung Hlaing and other senior officials.

 

But Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry swiftly contradicted the claim, clarifying that Hassan merely acknowledged receipt of an invitation and said the matter would be discussed at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur later this year. Malaysia currently chairs the regional bloc.

 

In its official statement, Malaysia reiterated that any election must be “free, fair and transparent,” with full participation from all political parties and stakeholders. Hassan also urged the regime to halt attacks on civilians and allow unrestricted humanitarian aid, echoing ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus.

 

Myanmar’s planned election, set to begin on 28 December across 102 townships, has drawn widespread condemnation. The country’s parallel National Unity Government (NUG), elected lawmakers, and ethnic revolutionary groups have denounced the poll as a sham designed to entrench military rule.

 

These groups argue the election violates ASEAN’s consensus on ending violence and fostering inclusive dialogue. They’ve called on member states to reject any outcome orchestrated by the junta, warning it would lack legitimacy under international norms.

 

Rights groups and Western democracies have echoed these concerns, with election watchdogs warning that participation would lend credibility to a process widely seen as undemocratic.

 

Malaysia’s refusal to confirm observer participation signals growing caution within ASEAN, as the bloc grapples with how to respond to Myanmar’s deepening crisis without fracturing regional unity.

 

 

-2025-10-14

It will be a stitch either way. The Tatmadaw will not give up power.

There are/were signs at the Mandalay Palace saying the Tatmadaw would crush etc etc.

Still there even when Aung San Su Kyi won the election.