Letter: Singapore responds

Sat, 03/08/2008 12:09 AM  |  Reader's Forum

In the commentary titled "Singapore and Myanmar junta", (The Jakarta Post, March 1), Joko Susilo rehashed many false and unsubstantiated allegations which the Singapore government has already refuted.

First, Singapore's economic links with Myanmar are very limited. Our trade with Myanmar is just 0.1 percent of our total trade. Our cumulative direct investment in Myanmar is just 0.4 percent of our total direct investment abroad.

Second, it is untrue that Singapore "armed the regime". Singapore's defense sales to Myanmar have not been substantial, and were zero in recent years. We have been careful not to sell items that can be used against civilian unrest. Nor has Singapore helped Myanmar set up a "cyber-warfare" center in Yangon.

Third, there is no basis to claim that Singapore is supporting the drug trade or providing a safe haven for drug dealers. These allegations first surfaced more than a decade ago, championed by an opposition politician in Singapore.

The Singapore government then offered a full and open investigation where evidence could be produced to prove these allegations, but the offer was never taken up.

Finally, far from Singapore being an obstacle to ASEAN's efforts to improve human rights in the country, it was in fact under Singapore's chairmanship that ASEAN issued its strongest statement on Myanmar, criticizing its slow transition to democracy.

Singapore has fully supported the efforts of the United Nations and its mission to bring about national reconciliation in the country. Our actions on Myanmar have always been guided by the long-term interests of ASEAN.

LAW HENG DEAN
First Secretary
Singapore Embassy
Jakarta

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