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drug links in singapore



National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
815 Fifteenth St NW, Suite 910, Washington, DC20005
T:202-3937342 F:202-3937343 Email:ncgub@xxxxxxxxxxx

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PRESS RELEASE    PRESS RELEASE   PRESS RELEASE    PRESS RELEASE
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SINGAPORE SLING
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November 7, 1996

The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), an Australian 
television station, aired a program called 'Singapore Sling' on 
October 12, 1996.  The program linked well-known Burmese drug 
lord Lo Hsing Han and his son Steven Law to several legitimate 
Singapore-based businesses.

The SBS program also showed that the Government of Singapore 
Investment Corporation (GIC) is a core shareholding in the 
Myanmar Fund.  The Fund was set up in 1994 by the Robert Kuok 
Group of Singapore and Malaysia (Shangri-La Hotels), and the Ho 
family of Thailand.   The Fund is registered in Jersey and 
listed on the Irish Stock Exchange in Dublin.

The Myanmar Fund has a 5.5% share in both the Traders Hotel and 
the Shangri-La Hotel in Burma, as well as a 25% option in Asia 
World Industries Company.  The parent Asia World Company was 
"instrumental in the structuring of the Kuok Group's Traders 
Yangon and Shangri-La projects," and holds a 10% option in 
both.  The Chairman of Asia World Company is Burmese drug lord 
Lo Hsing Han.

In a November 2, 1996 statement, the Government of Singapore 
confirmed its investment of US$10 million (21.5%) in the 
Myanmar Fund.  It listed other shareholders as Air Liquide 
International of France, Coutte & Co of Britain and the Swiss 
Bank Corporation.  Singapore claims to be a passive investor 
and defended the Fund's decision to invest in the Burmese 
companies identified in the SBS program as ''straightforward 
investments in bone fide commercial projects."  Instead, it 
tool to task Dr Chee Soon Juan, leader of the opposition 
Singapore Democratic Party and SBS for attacking the Singapore 
Government.

The NCGUB regrets that the Government of Singapore took such 
offense at the SBS report and Dr Chee Soon Juan's involvement.  
The NCGUB also regret that the Government of Singapore 
considers having well-known drug traffickers as investment 
partners in Burma as a "straightforward" business decision.

Lo Hsing Han's involvement as a major player in the Burmese 
drug trade is well-known.  The fact that his son, Steven Law, 
was recently denied a visa to the United States because of 
suspected drug links, should cause the Government of Singapore 
to reconsider whether it is proper to have the Lo/Laws as 
investment partners.

Singapore is a respected member of the international community.  
It has much to offer and can play a major role in the region.   
The NCGUB, therefore, calls on the Government of Singapore to 
uphold its good name and launch a Commission of Inquiry, not 
only on the GIC and the Myanmar Fund, but also on the overall 
links between Burmese drug lords and legitimate Singapore 
businesses.  Singapore's leadership in this area will be 
greatly appreciated by the people of Burma.

                          oo00oo