Aung San Suu Kyi Faces a Diplomacy Drought in Singapore
It’s been a rough week for the former Burmese icon. After a banquet of accolades that once dazzled the world, she now finds herself grilled on the back‑stage of an ASEAN summit.
The Rohingya Stumble
For years, Suu Kyi was lauded for her peaceful resistance, a living testament to the power of a quiet voice. But the silence on the Rohingya crisis—a stateless Muslim group chased into Bangladesh—has turned that quiet into a silence no one wants to hear.
- Authoritative UN reports label last year’s slaughter by the Myanmar army “genocide.”
- Her reticence has forced donors and activists to roll up their sleeves and ditch the red carpet.
- Amnesty International has revoked its top award, citing her “indifference” to the atrocities.
“Let Her Sit Back and Let the Army Take the Stage”
When Malaysia’s former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, took the microphone at the ASEAN meeting, he didn’t hold back. “Someone who has been detained before should know the suffering and shouldn’t inflict it on the hapless,” he shouted.:
Mahathir’s words cut sharper than a razor‑thin lemon slice.
While touring stopping‑points—group photos, dinner tables, and tiny huddles—he chose to flaunt his criticism by staying practically right next to Suu Kyi. The sheer awkwardness was a masterclass in diplomatic drama.
‘Suu Kyi’s Reputation Is in a Bad Trim’
A Southeast Asian diplomat told AFP, “Everyone was expecting more from her.” The sentiment echoed across the region: the star that once shone brightly has been eclipsed by her perceived indifference.
Vice President Pence’s “Violence Is Without Excuse” Glaad
On Tuesday, US vice‑president Mike Pence added fuel to the fire. “Violence and persecution of the Rohingya is without excuse.” In response, Suu Kyi delivered her classic defense: it’s an internal Myanmar negotiation. She suggested, “we understand our country better than any other country does.”
She kept her hands clean by insisting that a domestic, impartial investigation would cordon off any evidence of army atrocities. But the Rohingya refugees don’t see the same hope.
Rohingya Reality Check
The Myanmar army has been pushing the community out in waves, denying them citizenship and brushing them off as “Bengalis” instead of “Rohingyas.” Last year’s crackdown left over 720,000 people fleeing to Bangladesh—Asia’s poorest gem.
Efforts to repatriate the first 2,000 refugees stalled, with fears they’ll face persecution on return. No one returned that Thursday, citing intimidation, lack of citizenship, and security guarantees.
The Power‑Sharing Squeeze
Her defenders claim that the military still wields all security power, even though the National League for Democracy holds civilian elections. Hence, Suu Kyi’s hands are effectively tied.
Her party’s spokesman, Myo Nyunt, assured the public that the NLD had agreed to accept all individuals who have lived in Myanmar. “We can’t negotiate with a group that hates us,” he says.
International Fallout
Once allies ranged from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to Bill Richardson. But now, you’ll find that these folks are staring at the privacy of a “private mess.” The diplomatic “no‑interference” rule means her celebrity status has dimmed. One ASEAN diplomat said, “Her star has undoubtedly dimmed. Her reception isn’t as warm as when she had that aura.”
Bottom Line
One can’t help but feel that while the world slowly pedals through unforgiving water, something about Aung’s “silent protest” might be falling flat. Right now, all the international heavyweights clink their glasses to one act—speaking up, not just for the “biggest weight” in the room, but for those who can’t speak themselves.
