A coup by Myanmar's military against Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically elected government and reports on the detention of Myanmar leaders and officials, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi are trending on social media since last night.
In response to several media reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Singapore expressed grave concern about the latest situation in Myanmar. “We are monitoring the situation closely and hope all parties involved will exercise restraint, maintain dialogue, and work towards a positive and peaceful outcome”, MFA’s spokesman said in a press release.
“Myanmar is a close friend of Singapore and a key member of ASEAN. We hope that the situation will return to normal as soon as possible”, it added.
The army in Myanmar handed power to military chief General Min Aung Hlaing and imposed a state of emergency for a year in the country, saying it had responded to what it called election fraud.
Consolidating the coup 24 ministers were removed and 11 replacements were named to oversee ministries including finance, defence, foreign affairs and interior.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party had won a landslide 83 percent in a November 2020 election.
Many in Myanmar voiced their anger on social media.
According to social media reports streets in the capital were quiet overnight while troops and riot police took up positions.
Phone and internet connections were disrupted and banks suspended service temporarily. Supporters of the military celebrated the coup, parading through Yangon in pickup trucks and waving national flags as per Twitter and Facebook shares.
In view of the fluid situation, Singaporeans in Myanmar are advised to remain vigilant, monitor local news closely, and follow the advice of local authorities, MFA said.
Singaporeans in Myanmar are also strongly encouraged to e-register with MFA here, so that they are contactable should the need arise.
MFA asked those who are in need of consular assistance while in Myanmar to contact the Singapore Embassy in Yangon.
- Tel: +95-1-9-559-001
- Emergency Tel (after hours): +95-9-250-863-840
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours)
- Tel: +65-6379 8800/8855
Or the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at: Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Yangon, 238 Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, Republic of the Union of Myanmar.