# Myanmar's coup leader courts regional acceptance amid civil war

> Min Aung Hlaing receives red carpet treatment from Malaysia despite insisting the visit is not recognition of his 2021 power grab.
- Title: Myanmar's coup leader courts regional acceptance amid civil…
- Summary: Min Aung Hlaing receives red carpet treatment from Malaysia despite insisting the visit is not recognition of his 2021 power grab. Myanmar's coup leader Min…
- Keywords: min aung hlaing, myanmar, malaysia, coup, civil war, asean, refugees, news, world, politics, Myanmar's, leader
- Source: Al Jazeera — https://aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/16/as-war-rages-myanmars-coup-leader-turned-president-wins-back-neighbours?traffic_source=rss
- Author: Cape Diamond,Zaheena Rasheed
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: min aung hlaing, myanmar, malaysia, coup, civil war, asean, refugees, news, world, politics
## Malaysia invites Myanmar's coup leader
Malaysia invited Myanmar's coup leader-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing for a visit in September, saying it was to address the longstanding issue of refugees and migrants from Myanmar.
## Red carpet welcome despite denials
When Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Kuala Lumpur last week, Malaysia gave him a red carpet welcome complete with an honour guard, despite insisting the trip did not amount to recognition.
## The general who triggered civil war
Min Aung Hlaing's power grab in twenty twenty-one triggered a devastating civil war in Myanmar, yet he is now receiving diplomatic recognition from neighbouring countries.
## Key takeaway

Myanmar's coup leader Min Aung Hlaing won a red carpet welcome from Malaysia in September, signalling regional acceptance despite the civil war his 2021 takeover triggered.