Showing 1 - 10 of 43
A parallel govt emerges post-coup
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 31/03/2021
» Myanmar's elected parliamentarians are openly challenging the country's coup leaders by declaring a parallel civilian government in the next few days. The timing corresponds with the official end of the current elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. They are also planning to establish a parallel administration throughout the country, challenging the military's coercive structures. One of the key intentions is to challenge the military's legitimacy and credibility internationally and make the country ungovernable.
Free fall
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 22/03/2021
» Yangon is burning: Plumes of smoke rose into the skyline in the north of the city every day last week. Large parts of Myanmar's biggest city and main commercial centre resembled a battle zone after the military junta imposed martial law in several neighbourhoods.
China seeks to shore up its influence in Myanmar
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 09/01/2021
» China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to arrive in Myanmar on Monday on a critical two-day visit. It is intended to further strengthen Chinese influence in the country, in light of the changing international dynamics in the region, amid fears that China's sway is beginning to wane.
Post-election foreign policy rebalances westward
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 19/12/2020
» Myanmar's foreign policy is set to undergo a significant shakeup in the coming year as the government readjusts to the changing international environment in a post-election, post-Covid and post-Trump era. In the middle of these evolving dynamics, Myanmar will increasingly become a major focus of attention -- and be a dominant determinant of the balance of power within Asia.
NLD prepares for new era of changes and reform
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 21/11/2020
» Myanmar's ruling National League for Democracy's electoral victory has emboldened its leaders to press on with major changes, including at the very top of the government. There is likely to be a new president -- though Aung San Suu Kyi in her role as State Counsellor will still effectively be running the country -- and a new look cabinet. In the meantime there is also likely to be a changing of the guard in the country's all-powerful military, or Tatmadaw.
After the Covid election
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 16/11/2020
» Myanmar's "Covid election" has dominated the local psyche for more than a month now. The coronavirus crisis changed the nature of campaigning for the Nov 8 polls, severely affected the voting process and delayed the second stage of the government's pandemic recovery plans. While everyone was preoccupied with the polls, the country was virtually on hold.
Time to deliver
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 25/11/2019
» The Myanmar government knows it needs to improve the country's economic performance and extend the benefits of development more evenly across society. With elections only a year away, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) needs some big wins to prove to the country's entrepreneurs and the urban middle class that it is pro-business.
Giants vie for influence in Myanmar
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 04/11/2019
» Behind the scenes of this year's Asean and East Asian summits, currently taking place in Bangkok, the region's key nations -- China, India and Japan -- are engaged in a quiet battle for greater influence in Myanmar. While on the sidelines, the countries of Asean, especially Thailand, as the current chair of the regional organisation, are offering qualified support for its problematic ally, largely behind the scenes.
Myanmar is 'ready' for the return of Rohingya
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 24/10/2019
» Myanmar wants the Rohingya refugees to return, and preparations have been made to receive them, according to the minister in charge of the process. "We will accept them back anytime," said Dr Win Myat Aye, Myanmar's Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.
Myanmar banks feel the heat
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 23/09/2019
» The fragile state of Myanmar's banking industry remains a problem for the government as it strives to liberalise the financial sector and create a genuine market-based economy. A mini-run on local banks earlier this month underscored how shaky public confidence is.