Slow progress in resolving Myanmar’s political crisis would affect Asean’s credibility: PM Lee

SINGAPORE — The slow progress in resolving the political crisis in Myanmar would have real consequences on its people, as well as the credibility of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as a rules-based organisation, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday (Oct 26). 

Reiterating previous calls, Mr Lee urged the military authorities in Myanmar to cooperate with the Asean-appointed special envoy, Brunei's Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Erywan Yusof, who has been not able to enter the country since his appointment in August. 

Speaking at the 38th and 39th Asean summit, which takes place virtually for next three days starting from Tuesday, Mr Lee said that Asean leaders remain concerned about the situation in Myanmar. 

Myanmar has been in turmoil since early this year after the military junta staged a coup on Feb 1 and deposed elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and arrested several of her party heads.  

Contrary to its long standing practice of non-interference, Asean nations have voiced criticism against the junta’s actions. 

Last week, it was reported that four Asean nations, including Singapore, had pushed to exclude Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing from attending the summit. 

Under the chairmanship of Brunei, it was decided that a non-political representative from Myanmar would be invited instead. 

Mr Lee said that Singapore strongly supports Asean’s efforts to assist Myanmar in a positive, peaceful and constructive manner and is committed to implementing a five-point consensus, a plan Asean had put forward to the Myanmar junta in April to halt the ongoing violence, send humanitarian aid and facilitate dialogue among all parties involved. 

“However, progress has been slow,” he said. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Lee also announced that Singapore will contribute its allocation of funds from the Covid-19 Asean Response Fund to other Asean member nations to purchase vaccines. 

“Singapore stands ready to work with Asean member states to ensure the swift and equitable distribution of vaccines within the region,” he said. 

Mr Lee also said that Singapore will be donating S$7.9 million worth of medical supplies to a regional reserve.