Myanmar public notices the silence surrounding former president Win Myint

Mizzima

Three weeks after former President Win Myint was released, public attention online is shifting from celebration to concern. People are asking why news about him has grown so quiet and what it may imply.

Win Myint was freed on 17 April under the Thingyan amnesty announced by Min Aung Hlaing and moved to a house rented by his family in Ottarathiri Township, Naypyidaw. Within two days, security around his residence was significantly increased.

This silence has become a topic of discussion on Facebook. One user remarked, “So far, there has been no further news about Win Myint. There must be something behind this.” Another commenter stated, “Min Aung Hlaing released the President in name only, just so he can maneuver on the international stage. He is still controlling him from behind the scenes.” Many are calling on regional organizations to intervene, with one comment urging, “ASEAN, please take action regarding President U Win Myint.”

This call was amplified on 6 May, when former ASEAN foreign ministers and ex-UN officials released a statement urging ASEAN to abandon the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar and continue recognizing U Win Myint as the State President of Myanmar.

The statement comes after Aung San Suu Kyi was moved from prison to house arrest in 30 April, further exacerbating public anxiety about the controlled silence now surrounding both leaders.