Myanmar killing is likely to raise security risk

Subject

Religion and security in Myanmar.

Significance

Investigations are ongoing this month into the January 29 killing of prominent Muslim lawyer and National League for Democracy (NLD) supporter Ko Ni. He was shot at Yangon airport, having just returned from Jakarta, as was a taxi driver who pursued the killer. The killing presents challenges to the governing NLD; to Myanmar’s social and religious cohesion; and to the country’s international standing and security.

Impacts

• Myanmar’s security services may struggle to tackle a probable increase in terrorist threats.
• Outward migration of Muslims from Myanmar may cause economic development trouble and skills shortages.
• The extent of ASEAN’s influence over member states’ domestic affairs will cause frictions within the bloc.
• Indonesia and Malaysia especially will pressure Myanmar’s government to improve the Rohingya’s circumstances.