The military junta remains defiant and today continues to quash pro-democracy demonstrations in the capital Yangon. It's military rulers appear immune to international prosecution when it comes to crimes against humanity. Despite decades of political pressure, the military junta appears firmly in control of the country.

Despite being part of ASEAN, other ASEAN nations are notoriously silent, preferring not to break a spirit of non-interference in internal affairs of another member country. In addition, countries like China and India continue to focus on economic gains through their investments, throwing a lifeline to the Burmese rulers.

Malaysia is seeing an influx of Burmese workers which on most occasions is a blessing as they are renowned for being hardworking. Nevertheless, it will no doubt worsen the refugee crisis in neighbouring countries including Malaysia. A nation of 54 million Burmese, a paucity of jobs and a hardline ruler are warnings for an impending refugee crisis.

Malaysia and similarly ASEAN nations should be more aggressive in their stance against the military junta in Myanmar. ASEAN nations should be based on democracy despite a non interfering role amongst member countries. Admitting a country like Myanmar into ASEAN is hypocritical and defies a logical political move. Arguments that ASEAN does not wish to seclude Myanmar to enable subtle political negotiations, is baseless and proven ineffective. If the military junta feels that they are immune to international opinions and rule of law, then the time for talk is over.

Delaying economic sanctions and political isolation will only fuel delusional beliefs of the military junta. Malaysia is paralysed into inaction when it's record too is hardly pristine, lest they be termed hypocrites.