Dr. Mahathir Shin to Myanmar’s “Indefensible” Claims
During a speech in Singapore on Tuesday (Nov 13), Singapore’s Prime Minister Dr. Tun Mahathir Mohamad didn’t hold back his criticism of Myanmar’s de‑facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi over alleged atrocities against the Rohingya Muslims.
“Defending the Indefensible”
When asked on the sidelines, Dr. Mahathir bluntly said:
“It would seem that Aung San Suu Kyi is trying to defend what is indefensible.”
He added that the military’s actions amounted to mass killings and oppression of the minority group.
The Backdrop: UN Report & Myanmar’s Denials
- A United Nations report released in August highlighted a genocidal crackdown that began in 2017, forcing hundreds of thousands of Rohingya into Bangladesh.
- Myanmar has largely denied most allegations laid out in the report.
- Suu Kyi has previously argued that the civilian government should not shoulder all responsibility, citing the military’s powerful role entrenched in the Constitution.
ASEAN’s Stance
In a pre‑summit statement, Southeast Asian members pledged to hold those responsible for the Rakhine state atrocities “fully accountable.” This marks a firmer tone within the regional group.
— Aung San Suu Kyi & Dr. Mahathir Mohamad — ASEAN summit notes
