Assessment of Developments in Myanmar
Ministry of Foreign AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong’s inquiry regarding Singapore’s assessment of developments in Myanmar and the announced elections scheduled for late-2025 or early-2026. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan described the situation as dire and fragmented, characterized by widespread conflict, mass displacements, and a deteriorating humanitarian landscape exacerbated by a recent earthquake. He emphasized that national reconciliation requires constructive dialogue among all stakeholders, with immediate priorities being the de-escalation of violence and facilitating humanitarian access. The Minister stated that upcoming elections must be inclusive, credible, and reflect the will of the Myanmar people through established peace and security. Singapore continues to support the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and maintains that any lasting solution must be Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led.
Transcript
71 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs what is Singapore's assessment of the developments in Myanmar, in particular the announced plans for elections in late-2025 or early-2026.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Myanmar's situation continues to be dire almost five years since the coup. The country is effectively fragmented as it continues to face widespread conflict and instability. There have been heavy casualties, including civilians, and mass displacements as fighting continues unabated between the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military), the Ethnic Armed Organisations and the People's Defence Forces. Control over many areas remains contested with no side able to secure complete victory. The economic and humanitarian situation is deteriorating. The conflict has hindered recovery and humanitarian efforts following the devastating earthquake on 28 March 2025.
Myanmar's challenges are historical and deep-rooted. As the Minister for Foreign Affairs has previously stated in this House, a durable and genuine national reconciliation can only be achieved through constructive dialogue involving all of Myanmar's key stakeholders. The immediate priority would be the de-escalation of violence, facilitating humanitarian access and creating conditions conducive for dialogue. Peace, security and inclusive participation must be the basis of the upcoming elections so that the outcome is credible and reflects the will of the Myanmar people.
Ultimately, the solution must be Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led. Myanmar remains a member of ASEAN. Singapore will continue to support the efforts of ASEAN and the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, including implementing the Five-Point Consensus.