SINGAPORE, Sept 15: The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund on Thursday criticised the Singapore government for denying entry to civil society representative to the country to attend the annual meetings of the bank and the fund.

They reiterated their resolve to engage with all partners of development in a country to achieve the goals of sustainable development.

They expressed these views in a meeting with representatives of civil society groups at the Suntec City Centre.

The President of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz, expressed dissatisfaction with the Singapore government and termed denial of visa to accredited candidates a breach of trust.

“I am not satisfied with the explanation put forward by the Singapore government. There is no excuse for such a stance and it is a breach of trust on the basis of which the bank and the fund decided to hold this meeting here.”

The IMF managing director, Rodrigo de Rato, termed Singapore’s attitude towards barred activists self-destructive. He said a consultative inclusive process is necessary to chart out more responsive policies.

Both Mr Wolfwitz and Mr Rato did not agree with a suggestion from a representative of civil society to postpone or call off the meeting.