Malaysia moves to reintegrate Myanmar into ASEAN, drawing criticism over leverage

Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim publicly welcomed Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and pledged to strengthen cooperation and fully reintegrate Myanmar into ASEAN, despite insisting this does not constitute recognition. The move signals a shift in ASEAN's approach from isolation to engagement, but critics argue it weakens regional leverage over the junta's crackdown. The outcome of private talks and ASEAN's collective stance remain uncertain.