Coordinated ASEAN Response to Escalating Situation in Myanmar

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs given the escalating violent situation in Myanmar, whether the Ministry will consider calling for a coordinated response among ASEAN countries to prevent further escalation in Myanmar.

We are gravely concerned with the violence inflicted by the military on civilians and the escalating loss of life and injuries. This remains a key priority for ASEAN. ASEAN has issued two ASEAN Chairs’ Statements on Myanmar to date, in February and March 2021 respectively. ASEAN has repeatedly urged the Myanmar military authorities to exercise the utmost restraint, protect civilian lives, to immediately release all political detainees, and to seek a peaceful solution through constructive dialogue and practical reconciliation in the interests of the people and their livelihood. That is the only way peace and stability will return to Myanmar. It is critical for Member States to uphold the purposes and principles of the ASEAN Charter.

Singapore supports the convening of a special ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, in view of the rapidly deteriorating situation in Myanmar. The Summit would allow ASEAN Leaders to convey our views and concerns directly to the leader of the Myanmar military authorities. ASEAN Leaders can also discuss the possible ways that ASEAN can support and facilitate Myanmar’s return to the path of national reconciliation through negotiations and dialogue among all key stakeholders. We also support the efforts of UN Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener, to continue constructive engagement on the Myanmar issue.

I had set out Singapore’s response to the developments in Myanmar extensively both within and outside this House. I want to reiterate our call to the Myanmar military authorities to take immediate steps to stop further bloodshed, violence and deaths. All political detainees, including President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should be released immediately. We are dismayed that the death toll and number of injuries in Myanmar has continued to climb as a result of clashes between security forces and civilian protestors. Some reports put the death toll since 1 February in excess of 500. The Myanmar military authorities must exercise utmost restraint and desist from the use of lethal force against unarmed civilians.

We will continue to do what we can to support ASEAN’s efforts in facilitating a return to normalcy, peace and stability in Myanmar. As I had previously told Members, the solution lies within Myanmar. We must be realistic about the limits of external pressure. Ultimately, it is the key stakeholders who must commit to negotiate and find a solution to the political and humanitarian problems in Myanmar. We hope wisdom and good sense will prevail.