Military council leader Min Aung Hlaing’s recent press conference in Belarus has drawn criticism from media experts and journalists for conflating unrelated concepts of economic sanctions and computer software. During the March 7 press conference, Min Aung Hlaing made puzzling remarks 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 appears to have spoken without properly understanding the meaning of sanctions and computer software. He pointed out that there is absolutely no connection between economic sanctions and computer software, suggesting that Min Aung Hlaing may have confused sanctions with some kind of computer program. Additionally, a veteran domestic journalist noted that this mirrors previous instances of military leaders misusing English terms, recalling how former leader Thein Sein had incorrectly used the term ‘National Convention’ when referring to the 2008 Constitution. The journalist observed that Min Aung Hlaing’s attempt to connect sanctions and software resulted in statements that made no logical sense.
It has been noted that Min Aung Hlaing’s inability to communicate in English has been evident during his meetings with Russian President Putin and the Belarusian President, where he relied entirely on interpreters to communicate, speaking only in Burmese. Furthermore, during his March 4 meeting with Putin, he presented a book claiming Putin was predicted in Buddhist prophecies, despite lacking any historical or documentary evidence. Analysts suggest that such misuse of English terms and the presentation of unsubstantiated claims in international relations could damage Myanmar’s image on the global stage. The incident has highlighted concerns about the military leadership’s capacity for international diplomacy and their understanding of global affairs.
