New Delhi (Mizzima) – The Burmese military junta is likely to respond positively to suggestions by Singapore’s former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong over Aung San Suu Kyi’s trial, Burmese analysts in exile said.
Goh Chok Tong, according to reports, told Senior General Than Shwe, during his meeting in Naypyitaw, that the trial of Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s is a domestic issue but has an international dimension.
Besides, Goh Chok Tong, during the meeting, also warned Than Shwe that the regime’s ensuing election in 2010 could be disrupted if Aung San Suu Kyi continues to be detained.
Nyo Ohn Myint, in-charge of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National League for Democracy – Liberated Area (NLD-LA) in exile on Thursday said the remarks made by Goh Chok Tong to Than Shwe on Aung San Suu Kyi’s case is yet another significant development.
“Actually, economic issues were the priority of his [Goh] visit but it is significant that he frankly spoke about Aung San Suu Kyi with Than Shwe,” Nyo Ohn Myint told Mizzima.
Nyo Ohn Myint also expected that the Burmese regime will listen and respond positively to the suggestion of the former Singaporean Prime Minister, as Singapore has significant influence on the Burmese regime mainly on economic, education, technology and health sectors, especially as Burma is currently facing sanctions from the United States and European Union countries.
“It would be very difficult for Senior General Than Shwe to reject his [Goh] suggestion,” said Nyo Ohn Myint. “They [the junta] might not respond immediately but when even their close friend does not agree with what they do, I think they will consider it,” he added.
Win Min, a Burmese analyst based in Thailand also appreciated Goh’s open diplomatic talk with the Burmese military supremo while the regime continues to turn a deaf ear to the international outcry over the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi.
“Goh is also representing the ASEAN. I think Than Shwe will consider his suggestion,” said Win Min, referring to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) of which Burma and Singapore are members.
“It is good to see that Goh openly talked with the Generals [the junta] about the matter relating to Aung San Suu Kyi’s trial where the regime is not paying heed to the pressure from the international community,” he added.
Last month, ASEAN expressed its concern over the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi for allegedly giving shelter to an American man John William Yettaw who swam to her lake-side home and stayed there for two nights in early May.
Singapore is the third largest investor in Burma after China and Thailand. Its investments are mainly in the areas of infrastructure such as construction of hotels, shipping and services.
Goh, on third day of his visit to Burma, also travelled to Taunggyi, capital of Shan state in eastern Burma to promote tourism.
“I don’t think, the junta will bluntly reject Goh’s suggestion as it is dependent on Singapore for economic reasons,” Win Min said.
Nyo Ohn Myint also said that China, Singapore and ASEAN are the lifeline of the Burmese regime and are important for Burma as well.
During his four-day visit to Burma, Goh also noted that the Burmese regime’s forthcoming election should be inclusive and Aung San Suu Kyi led NLD party should be allowed to participate in the national reconciliation process.
Nyo Ohn Myint also said that Goh apparently cautioned Than Shwe and told him that the regime would face unnecessary challenge from the international community by refusing to respond to the calls to release Aung San Suu Kyi.
“He [Goh] is fully aware of the political imbroglio in Burma. It seems he indirectly told Than Shwe that in order to initiate a political process, the election is necessary. However, without the opposition NLD, particularly Aung San Suu Kyi participating, it will be difficult to recognize the election result,” Nyo Ohn Myint said.
