4-7-2023 (SINGAPORE) Singapore Entities Investigated for Supplying Myanmar’s Military (Singapore) – In a recent development, an additional 91 Singapore-based entities have been identified as being involved in the supply chain to Myanmar’s military. This adds to the initial list of 47 entities named by the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Myanmar. Members of Parliament (MPs) Vikram Nair and Dennis Tan raised questions regarding this matter to Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
Minister Balakrishnan clarified that the Singapore government has not imposed a general trade embargo on Myanmar. However, they are seeking more details, such as export transaction documents, to understand the connections between these transactions and the manufacture of weapons in Myanmar. The aim is to conduct thorough investigations based on objective evidence.
Dr. Balakrishnan emphasized that it is not the Singapore government’s intention to block legitimate trade with Myanmar. He highlighted that the bilateral trade between the two countries in 2022 amounted to S$5.8 billion (US$4.2 billion) and that impeding trade would hinder Myanmar’s development and increase the suffering of its civilian population.
The allegations made in a report by UN expert Tom Andrews indicate that goods worth approximately US$254 million were shipped from Singapore-based entities to Myanmar over a two-year period. The report also mentioned the extensive use of Singapore banks by arms dealers.
In May, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) responded to these allegations by stating that Singapore has actively worked to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar. The ministry emphasized their principled position against the military’s use of lethal force on unarmed civilians. They also made it clear that Singapore does not authorize the transfer of dual-use items with potential military applications to Myanmar, where there is a risk they may be used to inflict violence.
MP Vikram Nair inquired about the government’s investigation into these allegations and requested an update on the actions being taken. MP Dennis Tan asked for information on the number of Singapore-based companies involved in the sale of materials for military-related uses in Myanmar, actions taken against these companies, the involvement of Singapore-based banks in financing transactions, and actions taken or planned against these banks.
Dr. Balakrishnan provided a written response stating that the investigations are ongoing, and the update he provided was interim in nature. He mentioned that the government is examining specific details related to the alleged shipment of “arms and related goods” through Singapore-based entities to the Myanmar military. However, the UN report did not specify the exact armaments being transferred; instead, it mentioned spare parts, equipment, dual-use supplies, manufacturing equipment, and raw materials. Dr. Balakrishnan highlighted the challenge of isolating suspicious transactions within such broad categories.
The government takes the UN report seriously and has requested specific and verifiable evidence from Mr. Andrews to aid in their efforts. Dr. Balakrishnan noted that nine of the identified entities are no longer registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, meaning they can no longer operate legally in Singapore. These entities were allegedly involved in the transfer of components, spare parts, and equipment for fighter aircraft, the Myanmar Navy, radios, and electronic warfare research and equipment.
Additionally, most of the initially identified 47 entities no longer have business facilities with Singapore banks. The remaining accounts will undergo enhanced scrutiny, curbing their ability to engage in undesirable business activities. Financial institutions in Singapore have also implemented enhanced due diligence for customers and transactions related to Myanmar, given the country’s inclusion on the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force.
Dr. Balakrishnan emphasized that the Singapore government has not conducted any military sales to the Myanmar military in recent years, including the period mentioned in Mr. Andrews’ report. He reiterated the commitment to prevent the transfer of arms and dual-use items with potential military applications to Myanmar and affirmed the government’s readiness to take action against any individual or entity violating this policy.
The government will continue to collaborate with Mr. Andrews to obtain specific, verifiable, and court-admissible information to advance their investigations. Dr. Balakrishnan emphasized their dedication to preventing violence against unarmed civilians in Myanmar and reiterated their stance against the misuse of trade for military purposes.
