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Singapore
to Burma, pot to kettle
Singapore
Democrats
11
Feb 08
The Government has
welcomed the announcement by the military regime in Burma to hold
a constitutional referendum in May this year and elections in
2010 (see report below).
Doesn't the plan of
holding a referendum sound a little disingenuous considering the
fact that the Burmese generals continue to hold in prison
hundreds, if not thousands, of pro-democracy activists, including
Ms Aung San Suu Kyi?
And
general elections in 2010? Why only in 2010 and not this year? On
the off chance, could the dictators be trying to buy time to
deflect attention and pressure from the international community?
In fact, why not just hand back the power to those who were duly
elected in 1990?
But of course the wayang, so ably
performed by our foreign minister Mr George Yeo, needs to be kept
up (see here
also).
The Singapore government, having shown utter contempt for our own
Constitution, has absolutely no moral standing to comment on
other governments vis-a-vis constitutional matters.
And
referendums? Think merger with Malaysia when Barisan Sosialis
leaders were imprisoned and ballots giving voters no choice. As
for elections, heaven help the Burmese if they are conducted like
those here.
The PAP Government welcoming the Burmese
junta's actions for democracy? More like a case of the proverbial
pot endorsing the kettle.
Singapore
buys into Burma "election"
DPA
11 Feb
08
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=125841
Singapore
said Sunday Burma's plan to hold a constitutional referendum in
May and general election in 2010 was a positive development.
The city-state, which holds the chairmanship of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations, expressed the hope that
the political process results in "peaceful national
reconciliation," the Foreign Ministry said.
The
Burmese military junta, target of international criticism for its
failure to turn over power to a democratically elected government
in 1990, said Saturday the referendum would be held to approve a
new constitution in May and democratic elections would be held in
2010.
The National League for Democracy party of Aung San
Suu Kyi won the 1990 election, but the Nobel peace laureate was
subsequently detained and placed under house arrest.
Last
year the international community increased pressure on the junta
to accelerate its plans for a return to democracy after
authorities brutally suppressed non-violent pro-democracy
protesters in September. At least 30 people were killed.
Singapore sharply criticised the regime. Asean, however,
came under widespread criticism for not taking any action against
Burma.
Asean includes Burma, Singapore, Malaysia,
Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos and
Cambodia.
Burma has not had a constitution since the last
one was scrapped in 1988 after the army crushed a democratic
uprising by killing thousands of protesters.
.
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