Mizzima

NGO Justice for Myanmar (JFM) has urged the Singapore Government to implement punitive measures against companies and Singaporean business partners associated with the Myanmar junta. These entities are involved in exporting weapons, military equipment, civilian goods, and technology, whether directly or indirectly.

Yadanar Maung, the spokesperson for JFM, raised concerns to Mizzima about the continued support of registered companies in aiding the Military Council in perpetrating further acts of violence. Additionally, the junta has been utilizing Singapore banks to unlawfully transfer funds that rightfully belong to the people of Myanmar. Despite these troubling issues, there seems to be insufficient investigation by the Singaporean authorities into the conduct of these companies, hindering positive changes from taking place.

"Singapore clearly needs to do far more to block the junta’s access to funds, arms, equipment and technology. Many companies remain registered in Singapore that are serving the junta and profiting from its campaign of terror. The junta has also used Singapore banks to illegally receive and move funds that belong to the people of Myanmar. While Singapore has taken some positive steps, like investigating companies linked to arms sales, it is not enough. By imposing sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine, Singapore has shown that it can take action in response to serious violations of international law and human rights when it wants to,” she told Mizzima

“Now we are saying it needs to do the same in response to the crisis in Myanmar. It is also urgent that the UN acts. The UN Security Council should refer the junta to the International Criminal Court and impose a global arms embargo on the junta and targeted sanctions on its business interests," Yadanar Maung noted.

In addition, JFM stated that the junta related rich cronies such as the chairman of Htoo Group Company Tay Za, the chairman of Myanmar Chemical & Machinery (MCM) Aung Hlaing Oo, and the chairman of International Gateways Naing Htut Aung, are using the Singapore’s business network to deliver military equipment and related ordnance to the Myanmar military.

Thus, the Singapore government is asked to sanction them and it has been revealed that these cronies are living in luxury condominiums in Singapore. Moreover, 138 companies are also said to be providing weapons to the military regime.

JFM claims that the Singapore government has an ethical responsibility to help in dismantling the brutal war crimes syndicate. JFM further affirms to continue pressuring the Singapore government to help in the campaign against the Myanmar junta.