Media council members and journalists have criticized military council leader Min Aung Hlaing’s confused remarks at a press conference in Belarus, where he incorrectly linked economic sanctions with computer software. During the March 7 press conference, Min Aung Hlaing made perplexing statements suggesting that when faced with sanctions, computer software would somehow gain more collective strength and increase competition, demonstrating a fundamental misunderstanding of both concepts.
U Toe Zaw Latt, Secretary of the Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM), analyzed that Min Aung Hlaing appeared to have spoken without properly understanding the meaning of sanctions and computer software, noting that these two concepts have absolutely no connection to each other. Additionally, a veteran domestic journalist pointed out that this misuse of terminology was reminiscent of former leader Thein Sein’s incorrect usage of constitutional terms, suggesting that Min Aung Hlaing similarly demonstrated a lack of understanding by conflating unrelated concepts of economic sanctions and computer software.
Min Aung Hlaing’s limited international communication abilities were further highlighted by his reliance on interpreters during meetings with Russian leader Putin and the Belarus President, as he was unable to communicate directly in English, which is crucial for international relations. His diplomatic shortcomings were further emphasized when he presented Putin with a book claiming dubious historical prophecies about a ‘rat king’ without any historical evidence or documentation on March 4. Critics note that these incidents, combined with his confused statements about sanctions and software, demonstrate his limited understanding of international affairs and diplomatic communication. The military leader’s apparent difficulty with basic international concepts and English terminology has raised questions about his capability to engage effectively in international diplomacy.
