Quotes from Charles Santiago, chair of APHR and a Malaysian MP on Myanmar

QUOTES: From Charles Santiago, chair of APHR and a Malaysian MP regarding overnight developments in Myanmar, of the military arresting senior figures from the ruling National League for Democracy, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

"The developments in Myanmar are shocking and a slap in the face to every Myanmar citizen who went out to vote in November's elections. The military must immediately and unconditionally release any of those arrested as part of the early morning round-up, send their tanks back to the barracks, and restore communication services."

"The people of Myanmar had their say in November's vote, and overwhelmingly sent the message that they reject army rule. The military must respect the will of the people and allow parliament to proceed."

“Such blatant show of force against democratically elected leaders, cannot go without a strong response from the region’s leaders. ASEAN must immediately use all its diplomatic power to de-escalate the situation and allow democracy to prevail."