Following Malaysia’s optimism over the Myanmar military regime’s professed “cooperation” in peace talks, and its agreement to an immediate ceasefire, insiders are warning not to fall for what they call the junta’s “ceasefire charm offensive”.

According to the Myanmar Employers Organisation (MEO), the junta’s strategy to rebrand its rule involves fielding at least 30 senior military officers as election candidates and staging participation in a 27-group dialogue to create the illusion of cooperation before the December polls.