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Media
Release: George Yeo said absolutely nothing in Parliament
23
Oct 07
The Government's responses over its dealings with
the Burmese military regime are evasive, patronizing, and utterly
devoid of substance.
Answers like "our defence sales
have not been substantial", "we will behave in a
responsible manner", and "'arms sales have been
carefully limited to items that are not suitable for countering
civilian unrest" are like cotton-candy: sweet, puffy and
full of air.
No verifiable facts were produced. What does
Minister George Yeo mean by "substantial", what is the
Government's definition of "responsible", and pray tell
what on earth is "carefully limited"?
If this
passes off as "debate" in Parliament, then we are in
deeper trouble than we think.
Why should we believe these
bald assertions that the Government makes? Why does the
Government not open the books of GLCs for scrutiny?
The
authorities have been less than honest with the Singaporean
people in this matter. For example, when allegations first
surfaced that our funds, through the GIC which Mr Lee Kuan Yew
runs, were linked to Burmese druglords through an investment fund
called the Myanmar Fund, the PAP Government prevaricated in
answering questions as to its involvement. (see
http://www.singapore-window.org/11242nat.htm)
This is why general statements asseverating goodness in
its dealings with the Burmese junta will not do. Singaporeans
have the right to ask and are entitled to know details of what
our involvement in Burma.
The more the Government avoids
giving hard facts and figures, the more suspicions it raises and
the more Singaporeans must press it for answers.
When our
funds are used by a murderous regime that targets innocent
civilians and peaceful protesters, a dollar is one too many.
Mr
George Yeo needs to stop deluding himself and deceiving the
people that the Government's involvement in Burma is for "moral
influence". Considering that we hang small-time drug
peddlers but deal with big-time Burmese druglords, Mr Yeo's claim
is a bit rich.
The SDP reiterates its stand: Singapore
must stop selling arms of whatever nature to the regime in Burma,
pull out our investments there and freeze the assets of the
corrupt generals and druglords.
Chee Soon
Juan
Secretary-General
Singapore Democratic Party
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