新加坡

A CROWD of Myanmar nationals waited for hours in the searing heat outside Changi Airport yesterday afternoon, all to catch a glimpse of their country's charismatic opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.存倉Many were carrying signs and wearing T-shirts bearing the Nobel Peace laureate's photograph. Ms Suu Kyi touched down in Singapore shortly after 1pm to begin her five-day visit here.This is her first visit to Singapore and the reception so far is an indication of the level of interest in the Myanmar democracy icon.Later in the afternoon, Ms Suu Kyi, who heads the committee on rule of law, peace and tranquillity of Myanmar's Lower House of Parliament, called on Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Grace Fu.A Foreign Ministry statement said Ms Fu reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the two sides, and conveyed Singapore's continued commitment to support Myanmar's economic and social development.Ms Suu Kyi spoke about her work as an MP and the challenges faced by the Myanmar people in this critical period of transition.She was also briefed by the Economic Development Board on its role in creating a conducive business environment to attract foreign investments.Ms Fu wrote on Facebook that the two had a good discussion and Ms Suu Kyi "spoke with conviction about her hopes for the country and the people".Myanmar's development was also on the agenda earlier this week when迷你倉Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was interviewed by regional journalists at the Istana.To a question on how Myanmar can solve its economic and corruption problems, Mr Lee said that the country would need to take things one step at a time."You have to build up your capabilities, educate your people. Build up your civil service, build up your administration to be able to implement the laws and the policies which will enable the country to grow. It is not something you can do overnight. But I believe it is something which your leaders are very focused on and want to happen," he said.He added, however, that he did not want to try to tell Myanmar what to do: "I think one of the problems which Myanmar has had is that many outsiders tell you what to do without knowing what is happening inside the country, without really understanding the complexities of the country. And I do not think I should add to your problems by doing that."He said that Singapore is interested in investing in Myanmar although where those investments go would depend on where Myanmar develops its economy and what sort of investments it will be encouraging.Asked about what would happen if Ms Suu Kyi became the leader of Myanmar, PM Lee said Singapore would work with whichever is the legitimate government of a country. He added that, if elected, she would be a "capable leader of her country".jeremyau@sph.com.sg自存倉