On the surface, Burmese Prime Minister General Khin Nyint appeared to have chosen an odd time to pay state visits to Malaysia and Thailand.

The premier's visit came amidst the all-important National Convention in Rangoon where more than 1,000 ethnic and opposition leaders have been meeting since May 17 to hammer out a new constitution. His absence while this is on-going seems out of place considering that Burma's political future hinges on trade-offs made during the constitutional talks.

More puzzling was Khin Nyunt's decision to land in Kuala Lumpur exactly a year and two days after the re-arrest of Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The trip could only highlight the anniversary and expose the Burmese leader to uncomfortable questions in his host countries.

By one reading, the arrangements may be confirmation of what critics of the Burmese junta have said all along. The military is so confident of its ability to ride roughshod over the wishes of negotiating groups that the attendance of its top brass is not required. The timing of the visits could be interpreted as direct defiance at the international community's calls for Suu Kyi's release.