GEORGE TOWN – A Myanmar-based NGO has slammed Malaysia’s richest man Tan Sri Robert Kuok, whose net worth is US$12.5 billion (RM51.5 billion), for the alleged continued business ties between Kuok’s Shangri-La Asia Limited and Myanmar’s junta.
Justice for Myanmar wants action taken against the magnate’s hospitality concern, which, through the Sule Square development, trade with the Myanmar military is alleged to have been conducted.
In a scathing media release via email, the movement’s activist Yadanar Maung said that this section of the military is responsible for the purchase of arms.
She alleged that Shangri-La Asia has failed to respond to recommendations from the United Nations (UN) Fact Finding Mission to sever ties with the military.
Since the February 1 coup that saw the reinstatement of the junta, Yadanar said that the military has been conducting deliberate violent attacks on people across the country.
“Under these circumstances, we call for immediate international action against Shangri-La Asia.
“We are appalled at Shangri-La Asia’s continued business with the junta.
“The military has deliberately killed more than 700 people, and arrested and tortured more than 3,000 people since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
“They are conducting air strikes in ethnic areas, maiming and killing civilians, including children.
“The military’s crimes are made possible by their business interests and Shangri-La has continued its relationship with the same body that purchases weapons used to murder our people.
“We call for decisive action against Shangri-La until it ends its business with the Myanmar military,” said Yadanar.
Shangri-La Asia is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Malaysian regional activist Debbie Stothard, who is the coordinator/founder of Altsean-Burma (Alternative Asean Network on Burma), said that it is time Malaysian business interests got exposed for their roles in such businesses.
She alleged the Kuok group was dealing with the junta even before the coup took place, solidifying Justice for Myanmar’s condemnation of Shangri-La Asia.
The Bangkok-based activist said that if there is no help forthcoming, the country may descend into civil war as the junta escalates its mission on those protesting their forcible entry into the Rangoon government.
“This is the harsh reality in Myanmar. It is about to get worse unless the junta allows the return of a democratically elected government,” said Stothard.
An email has been sent to Shangri-La Group for its response to these claims. – The Vibes, April 21, 2021
