Showing 1 - 10 of 10
Myanmar looks east again in search of legitimacy
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/04/2026
» Myanmar understands it needs to reach out to the world if it is to end its isolation and roll back the sanctions much of the West has levied against it. To this end, the men in green, now in civilian clothes, are seeking the support of traditional allies -- China and Asean, especially Thailand -- as well as Bangladesh and Pakistan, in an effort to reset foreign policy and regain international acceptance.
Myanmar maps out recovery and reform
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 23/11/2020
» The Myanmar government is putting the finishing touches on an ambitious new economic recovery and reform plan. To be announced during the current transition period following the Nov 8 elections, it will be part of the strategic plan for the next five years.
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.
Pandemic poll drives reform demands
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 04/11/2020
» Myanmar goes to the polls on Sunday in a critical election that will determine the country's future direction. At issue is the country's fragile political balance -- between the civilian government and the still very powerful military -- and more importantly, give renewed impetus to the current government's drive to reform the country and the constitution. This election gives the voters the chance to decide whether the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, led by the charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, will be given a renewed mandate to push forward on the country's tentative reform path and strengthen its democratic institutions.
Vote vs Virus
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 05/10/2020
» Myanmar's national elections are set to go ahead in just over four weeks even though the country is reeling from a second wave of Covid-19 that shows no signs of abating any time soon.
Charter challenge
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 18/02/2019
» Pro-democracy forces in Myanmar have launched a new bid to change the country’s constitution. With 18 months left before the 2020 elections, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) has initiated a process in parliament that it hopes will amend the military-drafted charter — and give the party an appealing campaign issue. It is the latest evidence that the country has been plunged into “Syndrome 2020” in the lead-up to the elections.
Harbouring ambition
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 03/12/2018
» Ports planned in Myanmar will provide the final link in a transport network connecting China with Southeast and South Asia and onward to the Middle East. The ports are to be linked by rail and road to China in the north and Thailand to the west.
Hanging by a thread
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 29/10/2018
» Myanmar's flourishing textile and garment industry could be decimated if the European Union (EU) decides to withdraw trade privileges, business leaders say.
Suu Kyi must act on UN's genocide charge
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 29/08/2018
» The UN's independent human rights investigators have issued the toughest verdict yet on the crisis in Myanmar's war-torn western region of Rakhine State. The investigators' report does not mince words and is scathing in its conclusions, and is going to have major ramifications, both within the country, and within the international community.
Myanmar launches Rakhine 'fact finding' mission
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 02/08/2018
» Myanmar has established a commission of inquiry to probe the allegations of human rights abuses in the conflict-torn Rakhine state. The announcement was made earlier this week, as it faces growing international calls for investigate accusations of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya Muslims.