‘Move Towards Freeing Prisoners’
2011-09-06
In her latest weekly conversation with listeners, Aung San Suu Ky fields questions on her meetings with Burmese President Thein Sein.
Q: Throughout my life, you have been the person I have respected, revered, valued, and admired the most. As a woman, you have become someone whom the world has come to recognize as a smart and clever person, with a huge capacity for resilience. According to the latest news, I feel that you will soon be able to play a prominent role in giving advice in Burmese affairs. When do you hope to implement that role? Also, have you been able to access international news from television, the Internet, and the newspapers? How long have you had those privileges? Finally, we look forward to the time when you will be Burma’s leader. We would therefore urge you to look after your health and continued resilience, and to be especially vigilant against any attempt to assassinate you. We cannot lose you like we lost our beloved Gen. Aung San, whom we lost unexpectedly. [Note: Gen. Aung San, Aung San Suu Kyi’s father, led Burma to independence from Britain.]
A: May I start by thanking you for your kindness and good wishes. At this time, our National League for Democracy (NLD), in accordance with its policy position, will continue to cooperate as much as we can with President U Thein Sein in his efforts to work in the interests of the country. This cooperation will be directed toward the happiness and the physical and mental health of the people. In this delicate and difficult situation, we rely a lot on people like you who have supported us with a warm heart and clear vision. Please do not worry about me. I would just like to ask you to continue supporting us so that we can achieve success in our efforts in the interest of the country. With regard to access to world news, although I do not have a satellite dish at home, I do have access to radio and Internet news. I have been able to get on the Internet since the early part of this year.
Q: We have heard and seen news every day about your discussions with President U Thein Sein. I believe that you must have discussed the release of political prisoners during these talks. To what extent were you able to discuss the release of political prisoners, and to what extent can we hope for their release? My name is Myo Myint. I served in the engineering corps of the Burmese military and left after being wounded on the front line. Later, I was imprisoned for over 15 years because of my efforts in working for peace and democracy. I think you may remember me.
A: I do remember you very well. I have also heard your interviews with various media organizations. With regard to the meeting and discussions with President U Thein Sein, apart from the official statement issued by the NLD, there is nothing more that I can say at this time. I believe that cooperation toward the eventual flourishing of a democratic system in Burma will also move toward the release of the political prisoners.
Q: I am very happy to hear that Burmese people living abroad can now return to Burma. I think that you must have discussed this with President U Thein Sein. What are the conditions that will allow us to return to Burma? Also, do you feel that President U Thein Sein treated you with sincerity and openness during your meeting? Did the president’s family and other top leaders treat you properly?
A: The National League for Democracy has already released a statement with regard to the meeting with President U Thein Sein. I have also said that I am satisfied and pleased with the meeting. During my meeting with President U Thein Sein, and during the discussions held at the workshop with some of the cabinet members, the talks were open and friendly. With regard to the details about Burmese nationals returning to Burma, I think that you will have to ask about this at the respective embassies.
Q: What are the prospects for the future after your meeting with President U Thein Sein? Are the ethnic nationalities going to be left behind? We have seen President U Thein Sein saying that he does not know if the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) is repressing the Kachin people, or if refugees are fleeing in the Kachin state because of the KIO. Do you yourself believe that this is the case? Will you be mediating between the KIO and the military government?
A: Whatever else is done in the interest of the country, the ethnic nationalities cannot be left behind. National reconciliation has been our goal for the last 20 years, and there is no reason to change this now. We said in our press statement with Minister U Aung Kyi that we would avoid clashing views, overcome differences in opinions, and cooperate with one another. At this time, when we are all trying as much as we can to build understanding, we must avoid disagreeable issues and must nurture reciprocal respect and forgiveness for one another. We have been striving for years to achieve success, and this is not as easy as one might think. But if we really try hard, success can be achieved. As for myself, I will always speak and act with the goal of smoothing things out with the ethnic nationalities.
Q: I have not been able to visit my brother-in-law, the comedian Ko Zargana, who is in Myitkyina prison. It has been 15 months since I last visited him, on May 17, 2010. His family has asked me to visit him in prison as it is too far for them to go themselves. They have asked me to look after his health and living conditions. I am registered as a family member, so I don’t know why I have not been given permission to see him. I have twice submitted letters to the authorities concerned, asking for permission, and they have not replied in any way. What should I do now?
A: I have heard from radio broadcasts that you have not been given permission to visit him in prison. I feel sorry about that. Since this matter concerns the rules and regulations of prisons, it would be best to consult with legal experts. Please contact the NLD legal assistance group if you like. They will willingly help you.
Q: I believe that a person who has developed a sense of fear, no matter when he acquired that fear, is a matter of concern, as this could have an adverse effect on the future of his country. In Burma for example, crying children are told that the devil will eat them if they don’t stop crying. The children may stop crying, but on the other hand this is instilling a sense of fear in them. In the schools also, teachers instill fear in the children with threats of caning. And in some homes, fathers act like dictators. I believe that these situations are related in some way to the rule of military dictators in our country. How can people be free from this sense of fear?
A: Children will be free from this sense of fear that they developed while growing up only if the causes can be removed. The people must make changes, after due consideration, as to how students are treated and nurtured and developed in the schools. This effort must be carried out by responsible people in the fields of education and social affairs. Only then will those persons who have been brought up with this sense of fear be able to overcome it. I myself was very frightened of ghosts when I was young. But when I analyzed on my own what I was frightened of and why I was frightened, I was able to eliminate my fear. In the end, it is only you who can eliminate your fear.
Program broadcast on Aug. 26.
‘Positive Beginning’
2011-09-01
In her latest weekly conversation with listeners, Aung San Suu Kyi offers hope for a resolution to Burma’s prolonged ethnic conflict.
Q: What response have you had with regard to your mediation efforts for the cessation of the fighting in ethnic areas? Also, I understand that you have had two meetings with Minister U Aung Kyi since the government of President U Thein Sein came into power. I would like to know whether changes resulting in the betterment and development of the people will come about from those meetings.
A: Many people have given genuine support to my call for peace. It is not surprising that we are not seeing results immediately, but if everyone works as best as they can, peace will eventually come about. As I stated in the press release regarding my meeting with Minister U Aung Kyi, I see that there could be potential for cooperation that will benefit the people. Although this is just a beginning, I must say that it is a positive beginning.
Q: Can you tell me if you are satisfied with your first political trip to the Pegu Division since your release from house arrest? Can you share some of the experiences you had during that political tour? I am asking this because I am from a family that had to flee from one of the villages that were completely destroyed by the military government in the Kyaukkyi Township in the Pegu Division.
A: I am satisfied with my tour of the Pegu Division. It gives me great pleasure to be in touch with those people and to be able to connect with them. Everyone concerned was happy because of the cooperation given by the authorities as well. I had sent some people to investigate the situation in the Kyaukkyi area, as I had recently received a letter regarding Kyaukkyi. But since we received only general statements, we did not know how to help the people. We will arrange to send another investigative team based on the letter that you have sent to us now.
Q: I once heard in one of your messages that the activities of democracy activists living abroad must be a source of energy for people inside the country, and that they must also complement the activities of democracy activists inside the country. Please tell us how we, the democracy activists living abroad, can continue to help Burma’s democracy movement. You have also said that if we exchange views that are different and find agreeable solutions, we will one day be able to meet again in Burma and work together for our mother country. What will it take for those inside the country and those who are abroad to work together with increased momentum and a constant awareness of our country’s needs?
A: It is really very important for the democratic forces both abroad and in the country to work together with an understanding of each other. It is important for them to put aside their own beliefs and what they themselves want to do, and to work on practical things that will benefit the country. They must all analyze the true situation regarding what is happening inside the country and coordinate with each other to properly decide how best to support the movement. The most important thing is to think and make decisions in a pure and cool manner.
Q: How will your meetings and cooperation with the new government benefit the party? And how likely is it that cooperation will help democracy in Burma?
A: We issued a statement after my meeting with U Aung Kyi, and I think that statement should now have been posted on the Internet. On August 15, the executive committee of the National League for Democracy issued a statement supporting the meetings and the statement that was issued afterward.
Q: For the past 14 years, I have been working to provide information about Burma to the people of Japan on issues such as human rights, democracy development, and economic aid. At present, there is a likelihood that the Japanese government will increase its economic aid to Burma. In doing this, the Japanese government will decide, on an individual basis, on projects that will directly reach the Burmese people and provide them with their basic needs. Could you give us some examples of projects that would directly benefit the Burmese people?
A: The most important thing about any kind of aid given is that there should be accountability and transparency, and that all projects involved should be subject to independent monitoring to make sure that the necessary ethical and technical standards are met. I don’t know what kind of aid the Japanese government is contemplating or how they will ensure that whatever is given goes directly to the people. This kind of information should be made public to satisfy both the Japanese taxpayer and the Burmese people.
Q: You are constantly in communication with the United Nations and with foreign governments. You also have to deal with political groups inside the country. Therefore, I wonder whether it would be a good idea for you to appoint and have at your side experts both from abroad and from within the country—apart from members of the NLD—to advise you. I have heard that even the American president Obama has about 34 advisors to help him. Also, it would be really good to have a post box outside your house where people can deposit letters advising you and giving their opinions on political, economic, and social affairs. That way, you will be able to hear the voices of the people. Only a small minority of the people can use RFA or VOA to voice their opinions.
A: Although I have not officially appointed any advisers, I have a lot of them. And I try my very best to focus on what may be the best advice I get from the large amount of advice I receive and to try to implement it. Although I do not have a post box outside my home, letters of advice can be sent to the National League for Democracy headquarters office during office hours.
Program broadcast on Aug. 19, 2011.
‘Treat Each Other With Respect’
2011-08-22
In her latest weekly conversation with listeners, Aung San Suu Kyi says mutual respect among Burmese ethnic groups is key to national unity.
Q: Our [ethnic] Chin people have always been discriminated against, bullied, and detained in Burma. For example, at our schools in Htilin, what one sees most of the time is that young Chin national children are discriminated against and treated as less than equal among the students. The same treatment is given to Chin national teachers as well. I feel that this kind of situation is a threat to our national unity. We would like to know your thoughts on this situation.
A: I am very saddened to hear that our Chin people have been treated in a discriminatory manner. I myself have warm feelings for the Chin people. I have made political campaign trips to the seven divisions and all of the states in our country, and when I visited the Chin State, I was warmly welcomed with love by the Chin people. I still remember how the Chin people raised their young children on their shoulders so that they could see me, saying, “This is the daughter of our General Aung San.” I also recall how the Chin people generously presented me with small keepsakes despite having to struggle so tirelessly in their daily lives.
The Chin people are not only very loving, but are also very clever. Please do not be discouraged. Respond to those people who do not treat you as brothers by resolving to show them the value of your abilities, and face the challenges of your lives with a genuine Union spirit. I would also like to give this message to my listeners who are ethnic Burmese nationals: If we all want to live in a peaceful and tranquil Union with a sense of security, it is essential to treat each other with respect. I would like to ask everyone to love our ethnic nationality brothers with a genuine Union spirit, and to treat them as equals.
Q: I have been living in the state of Arizona in the United States for five years now. I would like to return to Burma sometime in the future and work for the development of the country. I have not taken U.S. citizenship and have remained a Burmese citizen. I would like to give you credit for not taking up the citizenship of whatever country in which you have lived, and for having taken the leading role in Burmese politics without giving up your Burmese citizenship. Between those Burmese people who have become the citizens of foreign countries, and those who have remained citizens of Burma while living abroad, who do you think will be more relevant in the future of Burmese politics in the long run?
A: I have never considered giving up my Burmese citizenship, because I am proud to be a citizen of the independent Burma that was achieved through the struggle of our independence leaders, including my father. That is my own personal belief. I do not see any fault in those Burmese people who have taken up foreign citizenship for various reasons of their own. I think that they should be loyal and grateful to the country that has given them citizenship. At the same time, just as they should be loyal and thankful to their adopted country, it would also be good not to forget to love the country of their birth. One can show that love without being involved in the politics of the country of one’s birth.
Q: Do you have any intention, and have you thought of any plan, to honor or provide assistance to those who have worked for Burma’s democracy and human rights over successive generations—including the “Four 8s” era—and who have lost their lives, been injured, or been unjustly arrested or detained or otherwise affected?
A: It has now been 16 years that the NLD has been providing assistance through the humanitarian assistance group to political prisoners and their families—and not just to NLD members, but to those who were involved in [the events of] 1988. Also included are those who have been sent to prison for their beliefs. With regard to providing assistance to people who have been affected because of those who lost their lives, I have to openly admit that we cannot provide assistance to them, because we cannot financially afford it. As for giving medals of honor, we should eventually be able to do that. But since there have been so many who have lost their lives, I do not think this can be achieved without difficulty. Interested people like you, who live abroad, can also help with this effort.
Q: In March of 1988, Institute of Technology student Ko Phone Maw was killed when security forces shot him. There were demonstrations by the students as well. Did you think, at that time, that a people’s uprising like the “Four 8s” would take place? Why did this uprising not produce the changes that should have occurred?
A: I was able to see that the problem that existed between the authorities and the students in 1988 was not going to be resolved easily. But I did not expect that an uprising on the scale of the “Four 8s” was going to happen. Although this uprising did not quickly establish a democratic system, I do not see it as a failure. Instead, I see it as the beginning of the long road to a democratic revolution. Let us assess why this has taken so long only after we achieve success.
Q: What were the reasons for the “Four 8s” uprising, which occurred when we were young? Is there any likelihood that a similar uprising will take place under your leadership?
A: The 1988 uprising did not occur because of a particular day’s event. It was an uprising that developed slowly over a long time because of the accumulated dissatisfaction of the people. There are people who believe that history repeats itself. But from another point of view, it is very rare that events occur just as they did in the past. If the dissatisfaction of the people begins to build again for a long period of time, the consequences will manifest in one way or another.
Q: Since you first became involved in politics, you have always taken a nonviolent approach. But we have not seen you prescribe a specific nonviolent approach in which all of the people can participate. Can you give us some direction as to how the population of the entire country can get involved in a nonviolent manner for our human rights at the appropriate time? Also, the NLD is now taking a leading role in the politics of Burma. Could you clearly explain the road map, or the political direction, that the NLD will take from now on?
A: Nonviolent political activities are the activities that we are involved in on a normal daily basis. Anyone who wishes to participate in these activities is most welcome to do so. For example, one can put one’s signature on the democratic network’s campaign demanding the release of all political prisoners, or can help with the free school that has been set up on a humanitarian basis. I myself don’t really like the term “political road map,” as I see it as the footprint of a dictatorship. I would like you to study the activities of the National League for Democracy and, if you agree with them, feel free to support those activities in your own way by trying to gather similar support among the people in your own environment.
Program broadcast on Aug. 12, 2011.
Laws ‘Not Strictly Enforced’
2011-08-11
In her latest weekly conversation with listeners, Aung San Suu Kyi lashes out at lax land laws.
Q: I think that the Burmese people are very weak in matters of economic knowledge and entrepreneurship when compared with people from our neighboring countries. For example, in [the Burmese city] Mandalay, the local Burmese people are selling land, houses, and buildings to Chinese people, thinking they will get better prices from the Chinese. In this way, Mandalay has become a Chinese city in which the Burmese people cannot even get close to the land they have sold. How can we improve the economic education of our people?A: Apart from the question of our people not being wise in business, this situation has come about because the laws and regulations restricting the purchase by foreigners of immoveable properties—such as land and houses—are not being properly and strictly enforced.
Q: Wouldn’t it be appropriate for the NLD [National League for Democracy] to squeeze in some discussions on topics related to science and technology when it conducts its political seminars? This is because during the Nargis and Giri cyclones, the government turned a blind eye to those catastrophes. Also, because it is difficult to get help from one country to another, advance preparations may be needed for such emergencies.
A: Since the NLD is focusing on issues relating to environmental preservation, it is my aim to arrange educational programs on this topic. Issues related to science and technology will be included in those discussions. Topics related to changes in the weather will also be included.
Q: I have heard that your trip to Pagan went very well without any problems. After that, I also heard that on Martyrs’ Day, when you went together with the people to pay your respects at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum, there was no interference by the authorities. I understand that in both cases this was because of successful coordination between you and the authorities. Are there any methods we can use to coordinate with the authorities in the future?
A: Coordination can be achieved only if both sides have the will to do so. Based on that willingness, attitudes that are not yet in sync will have to be coordinated. There is no one method to achieve this. It depends on the matter that is being coordinated.
Q: From among all the countries in the world, which country’s foreign policy do you like best? Also, many countries take their own interests into consideration in their relations with other countries. To what extent is that kind of thinking correct and appropriate?
A: You must already know that I like and prefer democratic systems. Each country is different from the others in democratic systems, so it is difficult to say that one country is better than another. For a country to be called democratic, essential characteristics must exist, such as the rule of law, respect for human rights, and a government that is elected through the wishes of the people. Specific kinds of infrastructure usually emerge depending on the time and place involved. Countries that think only of their own interests will not have any friendly countries to help them when they are in need. That is why it will be beneficial in the long term for a country to consider not only its own interests, but the interests of others and of the whole world.
Q: What kinds of actions are required for peace to be established in Burma?
A: If the people work together for peace in any way they can, there will be beneficial outcomes. As for myself, I plan to write open letters calling for peace among the organizations that are now in conflict. If everyone makes as much effort as they can as individuals, no matter how small that effort may be, this will give a huge boost to achieving peace.
Q: It has now been over a month that the Kachin people have been in danger because of the fighting [with Burma’s army]. We have heard that the government has met with the Kachin elders two or three times now. Coincidentally, we have heard that you have met with them as well. Were those meetings due only to pressure from the international community, or were they truly guided by positive intentions? We have also heard reports from inside the country that the government of U Thein Sein has blocked UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] plans to provide help in the Kachin State along the Burma/China border. Is there anything that we can do, and can you help us in this matter?
A: Everyone who has a strong sense of national union, including myself, is very sad that the people are suffering because of the fighting in the Kachin State. That is why I have sent open letters to the people and organizations concerned urging them to resolve their problems in a peaceful manner. I have also requested help from donor countries so that the UNHCR can try as much as possible to help the people who are suffering, including the refugees.
Program broadcast on August 5.
‘We’ll Monitor the Situation Closely’
2011-08-04
In her latest weekly conversation with listeners, Aung San Suu Kyi comments on military abuses in villages and on how to engage in politics.
Q: After the Depayin incident in 2003, the military government took you away to an unknown place and detained you there. We heard that they physically harmed you at that time. We do not know whether this is true or not.
A: During the Depayin incident, apart from being hit by glass splinters when my car windows were smashed, I was not injured in any other manner. After our car was detained at Ye-U, we were driven the next morning to the Insein prison, which took about 24 hours. After being kept in Insein for three weeks, I was kept at the Ye-Mon military camp for over three months. After I was discharged from the hospital, I was returned to my home and was kept there under house arrest until November last year.
Q: I am a young man who has been continuously involved in the movement for democracy, human rights, and peace. In our Kyauk Kyi Township, the military has banned the movement of medicines and batteries, forbidden us to spend the night in the paddy fields when working in the fields, and refused permission for villagers to return to their villages after they have been displaced by the army. More than a few people have been killed for not obeying their orders. In addition, whenever the army visits the township, they have to be entertained with food and drink. If it is found that we have been in contact with the Karen National Union, or have provided them with food when they come to our township, some of the village elders have been killed. Can you help us with regard to these actions taken against the people of the township?
A: Based on what you have said, we will endeavor to make the situation better not only for the people in Kyauk Kyi Township, but also in other areas where the people are suffering, by writing to the authorities concerned. We will monitor the situation closely. While trying as much as I can to ensure that the lives of all the people in the country are calm and peaceful, I also pray that the aspirations of the people are achieved as soon as possible.
Q: I am a farmer from the Bo Galay Township. When you made your trip to Pagan, we hoped that you would visit us in the Irrawaddy Division where we had suffered from Cyclone Nargis, so that farmers in the area could tell you in detail about our problems. We would like to know how you can help us, as we do not have anyone to help resolve the problems that we are facing.
A: The National League for Democracy is helping as much as it can, as it becomes aware of the problems the farmers are facing. Training courses have been organized, and we have begun building a farmers’ network. We will work to build a similar network in the Bo Galay Township as soon as possible. I hope that I will be able to discuss things fully with the farmers of Bo Galay Township when I visit that area.
Q: The actions and spirit of politicians should be pure and honest, since the people really love those who are politically inclined. Some politicians lie, though. Could you describe what kind of attitudes politicians should have?
A: Politicians are ordinary human beings, so we cannot expect them to be absolutely pure and free from faults. But they must have a genuinely pure and honest attitude toward the country, and they must be honest in their relations with the people. Otherwise, they will not be able to work effectively in the interests of the country, and they will lose the trust of the people. At a time when they have to work within a restricted environment, they must have a sense of camaraderie among themselves. Since they are ordinary people, they are bound to have likes and dislikes, but they must avoid inciting friction among themselves or getting colleagues into trouble. People like you who appreciate politicians should also advise them. I think that this would be more effective than any advice I could give.
Q: My father once told me that one cannot be rough in politics, and that politics must be smooth and gentle. He said that you must be able to bring people from their side to your own side. He also said that campaigning and canvassing is important, and that politics can never be successful without these things. What are your thoughts on these matters?
A: Politics is concerned with the people at large, so it cannot be carried out according to any particular formula. A few months before my father [Gen. Aung San] died, he told a group of AFPFL [Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League] youth, “You must turn enemies into friends, and friends into people on your side.” That is politics aimed at national unity. I think one can say that campaigning and canvassing helps people accept your own political aims and beliefs. As for success in politics, this will depend on differences in place and time, but in essence one must rely on the four principles of success [taught in Buddhism], which are will power, effort, mental attitude, and knowledge.
Q: Children of refugees from the border area and those displaced inside the country face the problem of not getting an education. Because of this, they lack any opportunity for future success. What kind of encouragement can you give these children?
A: Among those people who have had to leave their homes and villages due to circumstances beyond their control, I understand that it is the children who have suffered the most. This is why, just as we are helping as much as we can with the education of those children, we are also trying to change the situation that has created these kinds of refugees. What I would like to say to the children of refugees is that everyone can make what they want of their lives through their own abilities. There are many people who have been brought up in wealthy circles, and yet have not been able to make themselves wealthy. But you can nurture the attitude to struggle, relying on your own abilities, to escape the ocean of suffering and poverty.
Q: I especially like the speeches that your father, Gen. Aung San, gave to the people when he was alive. Have you kept all the speeches that your father gave? And if you have kept them, could they be broadcast in a series by RFA?
A: It is difficult to say whether anyone has all of my father’s speeches. As much as I can, I have collected those speeches that have been published. Although the book called General Aun San’s Speeches, published by the National Literary Library of Burma, is the most well-known, I do not think that it is complete. In addition to the book called Rare Speeches of General Aung San, there are also speeches that were published in the newspapers of that era. I think that a news organization like RFA would have such books and old newspapers. If you want to hear a program on General Aung San’s speeches, you would have to ask RFA. As for me, I do not have any speeches that have not been published.
Broadcast on July 29, 2011.
Democracy and Political Asylum
2011-07-29
In her latest weekly conversation with listeners, Aung San Suu Kyi is asked about a bid for U.S. political asylum by two Burmese diplomats.
Q: Recently, two diplomats in the Burmese embassy in Washington—Minister Counselor U Kyaw Win and First Secretary U Soe Aung—applied for political asylum in the United States. U Kyaw Win said that although elections have now been held in Burma, the government of President U Thein Sein has shown no sign of wanting to bring about democracy in the country, and that he has therefore lost all trust in the government. What do you think of the fact that Burmese diplomats are seeking political asylum in other countries?
A: I do not have any comment on what U Kyaw Win has done in accordance with his own belief. But I have not heard of diplomats from democratic countries applying for political asylum in other countries. If Burma becomes a genuinely democratic country, I don’t think that our diplomats will apply for political asylum elsewhere.
Q: Your recent trip to Pagan/Nyaung U was the first trip you have taken in about seven or eight years, including the time you were under house arrest. What are your feelings with regard to that trip? Is there anything you would like to tell us about it?
A: The main thing I saw during my trip to Pagan/Nyaung U is that the people living in the dry zone of the country have to work tirelessly to struggle for their existence. I also learned how necessary it is to make that area green and fertile. Since I have already given a press conference with regard to the religious purpose of my trip to Pagan/Nyaung U, I think that you have already heard about that. Later, I intend to write an article about the visit.
Q: I am involved in looking after Kachin refugees on the China border. Due to the fighting that has been going on along the border since June 9, many refugees have fled and have not been able to return to their homes and villages. Many Kachins who now live abroad are helping as much as they can to support those refugees, and have even made appeals to the United Nations for help, but if this situation continues much longer, there will be little more that we can do.
A: It is heartbreaking to hear about the problems of the refugees who have had to flee from the Kachin State. Based on what you have told me, I will tell the appropriate organizations and people as soon as possible to make the situation better for the refugees. I am very pleased and happy to hear that the Kachins who are now living abroad have not forgotten their compatriots who are left behind, and that they are helping those who are facing difficulties.
Q: I am a Shan woman now living in Thailand. When President U Thein Sein came to power in Burma, he said that he would establish a democratic government and bring about reconciliation in the country. But in practice, this is not happening. At present, fighting is continuously going on in the Shan and Kachin States and other ethnic nationality areas. The people are facing a huge problem in those areas, and many refugees are now hiding in the forests. Are U Thein Sein or the people behind him responsible for this situation?
A: Since I do not know the internal matters of the present government, I cannot say how decisions are made or by whom. What I can say is that whoever makes those decisions, those decisions must not have an adverse effect on the people. From the time that we gained our independence, the flames of war in our country have never been fully extinguished. And without peace, a country can never really achieve progress and development. This is why the National League for Democracy has called for Burma’s internal conflicts to be resolved through political means.
Q: Now that U Thein Sein has completed 100 days in power, there have been quite a few criticisms of his government. Do you think it would be more appropriate to give his government more time, and to wait before further criticisms are made? Also, following your release, we have seen that the organizational strength of the NLD and its status in the eyes of the international community have greatly improved. If you embark on a tour of the country, could this create a clash with the government and jeopardize the gains that have been made?
A: Governments must be prepared at all times to accept criticism. It is a principle of democracy that a government be able to face criticism from abroad or from within the country, whether it is during the first 100 days, 10 days, or 1000 days. And the government, too, has the right to defend itself, doesn’t it? I think that I have the right to travel as part of my duty as a politician. It is not because I want to clash with anybody. That is why I have asked to meet and coordinate with the Minister for Home Affairs, General Ko Ko.
Q: You are a leader who represents all of the people of Burma. But I think that our people need someone like you who can succeed you in that role—someone who can lead with compassion and who is attuned not only to important political issues but also to our relations with the world, and who can provide leadership in matters relating to national reconciliation. Do you and the NLD have plans to introduce to our people the new leaders you expect to emerge in the future?
A: Leaders who are accepted by the people cannot be appointed through a system of succession by any organization. We aim to bring out not just one leader but many leaders from among the young and middle-aged generations by developing their abilities and supporting them. And they themselves should become educated and knowledgeable and develop a sense of responsibility and perseverance. Society can only assist them in their efforts to become leaders.
Program broadcast in Burmese on July 22, 2011.
‘Reforms Needed Soon’
2011-07-21
In her latest weekly conversation with listeners, Aung San Suu Kyi assesses the first 100 days of the new government.
Q: How do you assess the work of U Thein Sein’s government during its first 100 days in office in Burma? Do you see that it is moving toward change in the country?
A: I have not been able to gauge yet whether the government of U Thein Sein has had any intention of moving toward change, based on their first 100 days in office. A hundred days is not a very long period, but if they really want change there are things that can be done to show that they want change. I think that it would be in the best interest of the country if they do the things that need to be done as soon as possible. I would like to urge them to do those things accordingly.
Q: The deputy foreign minister of Japan visited Burma recently and met with the government of U Thein Sein, as well as with yourself. What are your thoughts with regard to the attitude of Japan toward Burma? What do you think the role of Japan should be in the struggle for democracy in Burma?
A: Since Japan’s position in Asia as well as in the world is important, many assume that Japan will have a sense of responsibility when forming its political policies. The National League for Democracy believes that with regard to Burma, Japan should—with a sense of responsibility and a long-term view—support the emergence of a political system that will benefit the people of Burma. When we met with the group from the Japanese foreign ministry, we conducted our discussions based on that belief.
Q: Some groups in France who are working for Burma’s democracy, as well as others who are interested in Burma, have been asking about the NLD’s May 20 statement regarding tourism in Burma. Does that statement rescind the NLD’s previous boycott on tourism? Or does it allow tourism with certain restrictions? And if so, what would these restrictions be? Also, many travel agencies operating abroad are now doing business directly with companies in Burma that are connected to the generals. What effect will this NLD statement have on the sanctions imposed by the U.S. and Europe on the generals and the companies connected with them?
A: The answers to all your questions are included in the NLD report on tourism. The website where you can obtain the report is www.nldburma.org.
Q: How can the monks living in Burma help to support your travels around the country to make speeches and gather support from the people? I would also like to know what you expect and wish for from the people during your travels.
A: We believe that getting in touch with the people is an important part of the National League for Democracy’s political activities. That is why we plan to travel around the country and get in touch with the masses. In our meetings with the people during the last 20 years or so, I have never encountered any riots or disturbances. The only groups that have disturbed the peace and stability of the country are those groups that have systematically planned to disrupt our tours by harshly attacking us in an uncivilized manner. That is why we would like to respectfully submit to the venerable monks that they teach and guide the people so that they may enthusiastically support our efforts.
Q: Some time ago, at a seminar held in Naypyidaw, the economist Professor U Myint submitted a paper on poverty eradication. Could you explain to us your thoughts on that paper?
A: Just as the Internet carries comments on and analyses of Dr. U Myint’s paper, it also carries Dr. U Myint’s responses. There are usually different views on papers dealing with academic thoughts and ideas. Dr. U Myint’s paper is 20 pages long, so it would take a long time for different views concerning it to be discussed. If I were to explain my own view in a simple manner, I would say that we have to examine to what extent such theories can actually be put into practice. It will not be enough to write just one paper to cover all the problems in our country and analyze them, let alone propose the necessary changes. That is why I think there have to be more wide-ranging discussions.
Q: The government of U Thein Sein is soliciting advice from experts for the benefit of the rural population. My opinion is that if advice is taken from real farmers who are actually doing the farmwork, then the farmers will truly benefit. What do you think of my idea?
A: Not long ago, an education program for farmers was held at the headquarters of the National League for Democracy. At that three-day training course, the experts who conducted the course gained a lot of knowledge from the farmers who attended. That is why I can say that what you have said is true, based on our experience.
Program broadcast in Burmese on July 15, 2011.
‘Direct Engagement’
2011-07-11
In her latest weekly conversation with listeners, Aung San Suu Kyi discusses her out-of-Rangoon trips and infighting within her NLD.
Q: Why are you now making trips to travel around the country? The Burmese people and foreigners, too, are concerned that another event like the Depayin incident may happen to you.
A: The National League for Democracy believes in conducting politics by engaging directly with the people of the country. I am a member of a political party, and when one is involved in politics one must be in touch with the people. That is why I cannot only sit and work in Rangoon. I must also look into and study the activities of our members where appropriate. Those are the reasons I have planned to make these trips. There is no reason for events like the Depayin incident to happen in countries where the rule of law prevails. As I have mentioned many times before, it is the duty and responsibility of the government of our country to protect the security of its citizens. I will not be doing things without caution and in a haphazard manner. This is why I would like to say that you should not be too concerned.
Q: I am from the Shan States. Fierce battles are now being fought between the Kachin army and the Burmese army in the northern Shan States. Many local ethnic nationalities have fled to the Chinese border because of the fighting, and we think that the fighting is going to extend over a long period of time. Could you implement a peace plan between the Kachin and the Burmese troops? Also, do you have any plans to visit the armed ethnic nationalities areas?
A: The National League for Democracy (NLD) has recently issued a statement with regard to the fighting that is occurring in the country. We have categorically stated that the problem must be resolved politically rather than with arms. As for me, at this moment, I do not have any plans to visit the areas of the armed ethnic nationalities.
Q: I don’t know if you will remember me, but I was an NLD member from 1993-99 in the Bahan Township. Can you do anything to quickly quench the fires of fighting that have started to burn within the country? I believe that there are at least 500 NLD members now in the United States, but there are a lot of problems among our party members. Could you give a talk and advise our NLD members to be more united?
A: With regard to peace within the country, it is necessary for everyone within the country to work together with a sense of responsibility. The NLD has already issued a statement urging that the problems must be resolved politically in a peaceful manner. Just as the people inside Burma must work together for internal peace, the NLD members who are abroad must also strive to work on their own to strengthen unity among themselves. If they themselves have no desire for unity, it would be useless for me to give a talk to them about unity. You must keep in mind that if there is no unity, our desired goal will be farther away, and our country will get deeper into trouble.
Q: I am from the Thailand branch of the Kachin Women’s Union. The Burmese military is at this moment staging military offensives in the Kachin State. In the midst of the fighting between the KIA and the Burmese army, many women have been raped, and other human rights violations have been committed against them. We would like to ask your help, and that of the NLD, to alleviate the suffering that is being faced by our women. What should we do to help in the formation of a United Nations inquiry commission to deal with these human rights violations?
A: It is really a matter of great concern for our country that fighting has started again in the Kachin State. That is why the NLD and I would like to urge as much as possible that all the ethnic nationalities be united among themselves so that problems may be resolved in a peaceful manner. As for the formation of an inquiry commission, this is a decision that must be made by the international community and the Secretary General of the United Nations. They must be urged to do this.
Q: I am a student attending distance education classes at the Dagon College. When we began these courses, we had to submit assignments before sitting for the examinations. And in writing these, we would just copy the assignments that had been done before by others. During the examinations themselves, we would just write what the teacher had taught us in a short 10-day course just before the exam. We would use this system every year, and eventually we would pass our distance education course. How does this compare with the distance education systems of other countries? What standards do they use?
A: The ways that distance education colleges operate in different countries are not exactly the same. But teaching methods where individuals are not encouraged to think for themselves, as in Burma, do not exist in progressive and developed countries. Instead, these countries emphasize education systems that develop the ability of students to think on their own and to acquire knowledge that conforms to the modern age. These systems prescribe very organized curricula and teaching methods.
Q: I am from Win Khin Nye village in the Pegu Chaung Phyar village tract in the Pegu Township. The irrigation system for the farmland in our area was not built properly, so although the water runs well during the hot season, it overflows and floods the farmland in the monsoon. At this time, not only are thousands of the paddy fields flooded, but our village is almost completely destroyed. The villagers now have to live near the highway. We submitted this problem to the township authorities, but nothing has been done to resolve it, and up until now they have not responded to us. Can you help us?
A: We have given instructions to our organization’s members from the Pegu Division to make detailed enquiries regarding what is happening in the area around Win Khin Nye village. We will investigate and let you know how to resolve the problem as soon as possible.
Program broadcast in Burmese on July 1, 2011.
‘Economic Mismanagement’
2011-07-07
In her latest weekly conversation with listeners, Aung San Suu Kyi discusses economic mismanagement in Burma and the voiding of the NLD’s party registration.
Q: Why is it against the law to possess foreign currency in Burma? When we get hold of foreign currencies like American dollars, we have to change them into Burmese currency at the money-exchange brokers, where we are exploited. They change the currency into any amount they want, so we lose a lot. What rights do citizens in foreign countries have with regard to the possession of foreign currency?
A: The rules and regulations pertaining to possession of foreign currencies are different from one country to another. In countries where free market economies operate, hard currencies can be freely exchanged.
Q: I am a housewife. Whenever I go shopping, the scarcity of coins for change is a big problem. Shopkeepers often give you goods as change, so you end up getting things that you do not want or need. I would like to know why this government does not issue more coins.
A: One can say that coins have not been issued because of the high price of metals. In actual fact, it is also partly because of mismanagement in economic planning.
Q: Now, in Burma-China relations, the Chinese ignore the desires and views of the Burmese people and only look out for their own interests. How do you see this issue? And what type of relationship would you like to build with China?
A: It would be very difficult for foreign countries to take unfair advantage of our country if there were a government that protects the interests of our people in a strong and steadfast manner. Our National League for Democracy would like to build a relationship with China in accordance with the two principles of good neighborliness and taking responsibility for the interests of the people.
Q: Whenever the foreign-based leaders of our revolutionary democracy forces come to Korea, we arrange for them to meet with officials from the Korean Foreign Ministry. [The questioner is a member of the NLD Liberated Area organization.] But in May 2011, when persons responsible for foreign affairs from the Thai/Burma border-based democracy forces arrived in South Korea, the foreign ministry declined to meet with them. The reason for this seemed to be that there has now been a change from a military government to a civilian government. What do you think about this matter?
A: Although the South Korean foreign office has declined for now, I would like you to try again in the future. We from our side will also try our best so that relations between foreign governments and our democracy forces will become good and friendly. I would also like to remind you that it is important for the democracy forces to develop warm and friendly relations not only with the South Korean government, but also with the South Korean people.
Q: What type of relationship do you think there should be between Burma and the United States?
A: It would be best if we have relations that are appropriate, fair, and friendly not only with the United States but with any country. To have this happen, both sides must make an effort to do so willingly.
Q: I am the campaign manager from Burma Democratic Concern (BDC). President U Thein Sein’s advisor Dr. Nay Zin Latt has said, “We will meet and discuss and cooperate with anybody who has good intentions for the country. And this should come about in time.” What do you think they mean when they say “anybody who has good intentions for the country”? Also, why is it not known when such discussions can take place?
A: Discussions can be held at a moment’s notice if there is real willingness to do so. Whether or not one has good intentions for the country cannot be decided by one side only. I think that this can be surmised by whether or not one really wants a solution, and by whether or not one is just taking a long time to [agree to talks].
Q: The present government says that the NLD is illegal. Recognizing and respecting the wishes of the people in accordance with the results of the 1990 elections, you have stood by the NLD. What kind of political relations will the NLD have with the people from the so-called “new government”?
A: Relationships are matters that concern both parties. We respect and emphasize the rule of law, so we have pointed out from a legal perspective that voiding the registration of the NLD is illegal. We will now submit this matter to the United Nations Human Rights Council as well. Not only our relations with the present government, but also the status of the NLD as a political party, will be based on the support of the people.
Program broadcast in Burmese on June 24, 2011
‘Resolve Problems Politically’
2011-06-28
In a program broadcast on June 17, Aung San Suu Kyi warns against commercial activities for political parties in Burma, and advises the government to negotiate with the country’s ethnic nationalities.
Q: I have heard that you will be embarking on a trip all over the country. I would like to know to which ethnic areas you will be visiting.
A: Plans for my travel have not been finalized as yet. I will reveal my plans for everybody to see once they have been finalized. I would like to visit all of the places as much as possible. I am hoping that I will be able to do that. Since I have not been to the Tenasserim area for over 20 years, I would like to give priority to visit that area.
Q: If a democratic government comes to power, like the National League for Democracy (NLD), what will be done so that Burma’s farmers will have enough to live on?
A: Since the establishment of the National League for Democracy, policies were set as to what should be done for the development in the agriculture sector. In brief, it means that those matters that will benefit the lives of the farmers and the agricultural sector will be discussed between the farmers themselves and experts and carried out accordingly.
Q: John McCain remarked, when he was visiting Burma, that our country could be faced with a revolution like the ones in the Arab world. So how do you view and assess McCain’s words? Also please could you answer how you see the prospect of a revolution or a peoples’ uprising happening in Burma as they have happened in the Arab world?
A: John McCain was just saying what could happen in a country depending on the situation there. Whether one wants things to happen or not to happen, in some cases, when things do happen, I think that one must make an effort to get the best result out of what has happened. I don’t think you can say for sure that the type of movements that are occurring in the Arab world will not happen in Burma. I think that the answer will depend on the actions of the country’s government and the desires of the people.
Q: In Burma now, some of the ethnic nationality parties are establishing commercial companies and generating income. I would therefore like to know your opinion with regard to the way these political parties are working together with the government, politically as well as commercially, under this present government.
A: If the NLD party, as a political party, conducts commercial activities, I have pointed out that there could be unwarranted consequences. With politics on the one hand and commercialism on the other hand, both could become very complicated leading to failure in both.
Q: In present Burma, the development projects of successive military governments have always violated the rights of our native ethnic nationalities. At present, the government has forcibly demanded that over 8,000 people, who are mainly Kayan nationals, to relocate by October because of the upper Paunglaung dam project. I would like to know whether you can give advice so that our Kayan people can avert the problem that they are facing now.
A: With regard to the dam projects, we will make enquiries and will stand on the side of the people as much as possible. If the projects do not represent the majority of the people, we will point that out. The local villagers who have suffered should all get together and report the situation to the authorities concerned. You should also report this to human rights organizations. We ourselves will also inform them. If this kind of project does negatively affect the ordinary people they should at least be given appropriate compensation.
Q: Is it possible to achieve internal peace without political discussions with the ethnic nationalities? Currently the government forces are staging offensive campaigns in the Karen, Shan and Kachin States. War refugees are fleeing to neighboring countries by the thousands. What would you say with regard to that kind of a situation?
A: We believe that the country will have peace and tranquility only if political problems are resolved in a political manner. The instability that is occurring in the ethnic nationality areas is really undesirable for our country. I think that a political system that will negotiate and fulfill the aspirations of the ethnic nationalities is needed in the country.
Signature Campaign To Free Prisoners
2011-06-17
In a program broadcast on June 10, Aung San Suu Kyi urges the Burmese people to join a signature campaign calling for the release of political prisoners, and says she has no immediate plans to travel abroad.
Q: While you were under house arrest, the NLD spokesperson U Nyan Win would often tell foreign media that you had passed on a certain message or given your opinion on some matter. Were those quotes things that you had actually said, or did some of them represent U Nyan Win’s own thoughts?
A: A spokesperson must know his duty and responsibility and be accurate in what he says. U Nyan Win, in addition to being a reliable spokesperson for the National League for Democracy, is also a legal expert. He understands that it is not proper to quote something that has not actually been said. He has never quoted something that was not said by me, because he is a respected gentleman who values his integrity. He has always repeated only what I told him to say.
Q: I have learned that you recently met and held discussions with the U.N. Secretary General’s advisor Mr. Nambiar and with U.S. [Deputy] Assistant Secretary of State Joseph Yun. Could you tell us openly, what matters of importance to Burma’s politics did you discuss with these men?
A: We have already issued a general press release with regard to the discussions on Burma held with Mr. Nambiar and Mr. Yun. It is not our practice to talk about the details of these kind of discussions. Each side has to respect confidentiality. Only then can we talk to each other in trust and confidence.
Q: At the 2011 Gwangju Human Rights Award ceremony, you gave a video message which was heard with deep feeling by the international community. And at this gathering, people made a commitment and pledge to work together to eliminate the dire human rights situation in Burma. We know that you are busy at the moment, but do you have plans to personally attend this kind of international gathering in the future?
A: At this time, I am not thinking about traveling abroad. But as much as possible, I will continue to send video messages like the one that I sent to the Gwangju ceremony to other international gatherings that are held with regard to human rights, civil society, and democracy.
Q: In the past, [former military dictator] General Ne Win changed his name to U Ne Win and governed our country, destroying it. As a result, there was a huge uprising by the people. Now, on the instructions of [junta leader] General Than Shwe, General Thein Sein has changed his name to U Thein Sein and formed a government. What do you think of this government?
A: Taking into consideration what has happened in the past, we are studying the present changes carefully to find out to what extent these changes are real and to what extent they will benefit the country. This is not looking at it from a negative point of view, but I don’t think that caution can ever be too excessive.
Q: In an interview on May 17, the leader of the Democratic Myanmar Party, U Thu Wai, said that it was the NLD’s “confrontational approach” that led to the negative result for political prisoners in the general amnesty. He seems to have been referring to the signature campaign demanding the release of political prisoners. I absolutely cannot accept his accusation. What do you think of his comments?
A: I personally have not heard what U Thu Wai said, so let me answer on principle with regard to this matter. As far as I know, democracy parties as well as other parties have demanded the release of political prisoners, so it is an unjust accusation to say that the political prisoners were not released because [a signature campaign was organized to call for their release]. When something that should be done is not done, one can discover where the fault lies by considering whether it is the fault of the person who has asked for the act to be carried out, or the fault of the person who fails to carry it out.
I would like to ask you and your colleagues to participate and add your signatures to our campaign calling for the release of political prisoners. The more the people of Burma participate in this, the better it will be.
Q: I am a housewife and have to spend at least 5,000-7,000 kyat (U.S. $6.5-$9) a day to look after five persons in our family. One bag of rice costs 35,000 kyat and peanut oil costs 4,400 kyat per 3.6 pounds. I dare not use palm oil, which is cheaper, because it is not good for our health. It is very difficult to make ends meet with such high costs of living. I understand that the NLD is not the party in power, but I think they may be able to give some advice to the new government of U Thein Sein. I would like to ask you to help.
A: I think that the present government that has come to power will, to a certain extent, try to do what the people want by dealing with the issue of rising prices. It wants to prove to the Burmese people, as well as to the world, that they are different from the previous government and that they are not a military government. As for the NLD, where politics and economics are concerned, we will say whatever needs to be said on the appropriate occasions.
Q: I welcome the fact that consecutive U.N. special envoys have tried to help on the Burma issue. But whenever the Burma problem is presented to the U.N. Security Council, nothing comes of it, as this has always been opposed by the veto power of China and Russia. Therefore, I would like to know whether there are other ways to resolve the problems in our country.
A: We have always been urging the U.N. to do whatever it can so that Burma can achieve democracy. But we are not relying only on the United Nations. That is why, at the same time that we are trying to get the Security Council to pass the appropriate resolutions, the people of Burma must use different methods to work toward establishing our country in accordance with the type of system we want.
Doing What’s ‘Appropriate’
2011-06-15
In a program broadcast on June 3, Aung San Suu Kyi highlights the need for a probe into the 2003 Depayin massacre and urges participation in a signature campaign demanding the release of political prisoners.
Q: The present Burmese government has declared that it is a new democratic government. But why is this new government slow in exposing the truth about the Depayin massacre, which occurred during the time of the previous government? I have heard that leaders of other countries all over the world have been arrested and that action has been taken against them after massacres were exposed. But our present government has done nothing with regard to such cases.A: We have asked the authorities to start an investigation with regard to the Depayin incident. Punitive action and revenge are not the main issues in our request, though. We want to highlight the fact that it is not permissible—in a country where integrity, honor, responsibility, and the rule of law are prevalent—to ignore unlawful acts against the people. I think that with regard to the honor and integrity of the country, you would have to ask those people who are responsible why they have not done the appropriate thing in this matter.
Q: Why do people who do not do anything for the country themselves only like to blame and criticize people who make personal sacrifices and work in the interests of the country? What would you say to those people?
A: Generally, we can look in two ways at the reasons why people who will not do anything themselves blame and criticize others. Some have a guilty conscience for not doing anything themselves, and therefore act in a reckless manner or as if they are mad. Then there are those who want a lot of things to happen—but who, not understanding their own responsibility, blame others for not being effective in their work and become angry and dissatisfied. In short, I would just say that these people are irresponsible and ignorant of their own responsibilities.
Q: In 1989, you pledged that NLD members would participate in the Martyrs’ Day march to the Martyrs’ Mausoleum and that they would pay their respects at the mausoleum. Many NLD members attended this march because of your pledge. Just as Martyrs’ Day drew near, though, many NLD members got into trouble. Some fled the country, some were arrested, and some were imprisoned. What is your answer with regard to the accusation that many NLD followers got into trouble because you, as a leader, retracted your pledge at that time?
A: It was I who was responsible for canceling the plan to march to the Martyrs’ Mausoleum. It was necessary to change the plan, and I take responsibility for the consequences. I have not heard that any of the lives of the people who went to the march were wrecked—whether they went to the march because they did not know that the plan had been canceled, or because they did not accept that the plan had been canceled. As far as I am aware, not one person who went to the march was given a long prison sentence. Three women who distributed notices canceling the march were sent to jail for three years. In fact, quite a lot of people who did not attend the march were also sent to jail. That was by arrangement of the SLORC. It had nothing to do with our Martyrs’ Mausoleum plan.
Q: In my circle of people, whenever I ask them about human rights or democracy, most answer that they are not interested in politics. They say that politics is none of their business. And recently, a learned economist said in an interview with a media organization that politics is none of his business, and that he is concerned only with the study of economics. When I heard this, I felt that I could not leave it at that and thought that I should ask you about this. What I would like to know is, what is the meaning of politics? And is it appropriate for every citizen to participate and work in politics?
A: Just as I have answered this type of question many times, I think I will have to repeatedly keep saying what politics is and who should be concerned with it, so that this will be embedded in the hearts and minds of the people. Politics is a matter that concerns all citizens, whether they want to be concerned with it or not. To put it simply: Isn’t it true that the government of a country is closely connected to politics? Whether one likes it or not, a government’s actions have an effect on the lives of every citizen. If a person is an economist, there is no reason for him not to know anything about politics. Perhaps he has a cold.
Q: Foreigners who have an interest in Burma are asking me whether it would be a good idea to stage demonstrations by all of the Burmese people both inside Burma and abroad at the same time on the same day to demand the immediate release of all political prisoners. Isn’t this the time when the United Nations and the international community are closely monitoring the new Burmese government, and also when efforts are being made for the U.N. Security Council to decide on a resolution regarding the establishment of an Inquiry Commission on Burma?
A: It is a good idea to plan demonstrations all over the world demanding the release of political prisoners. But for the moment, I would like you all to enthusiastically participate and help in the signature campaign that has been organized by the Democracy Network. This campaign demands the release of political prisoners, a ceasefire in the country, and the right of Burmese people who have left Burma to be able to return peacefully. I would like you to urge other Burmese around you, and also those foreigners who are interested in Burma, to participate and add their signatures to this campaign.
Q: On the last New Year’s Day, at the ceremony paying respects to the elderly held at the NLD headquarters, I saw you presenting the Unknown/Unsung Heroes Award to three political prisoners. I also saw you, yourself, signing and supporting the signature campaign demanding that the country’s president release all political prisoners that is being organized by the youth inside the country. What is your view and thinking with regard to the political prisoners and the unknown/unsung heroes?
A: There would be a lot to say if I were to talk about the political prisoners and the unknown/unsung heroes. The most important point is that political prisoners are courageous people who dare to risk prison just to stand up for their political beliefs. Unknown/unsung heroes are those people who have struggled inspired by that kind of courage, and who people are unaware of, and yet continue with their life’s struggle while holding on to their beliefs.
Q: I once read in a book that in any country, people get the government they deserve. Is this Burma’s situation at this moment?
A: What I know of this quote is that this was said by a Frenchman, de Maistre, who desired a government completely controlled by kings and popes and who opposed science and liberal policies. That kind of analysis with unbending views is narrow-minded. As for me, I believe that we must struggle inspired by the belief that every citizen has the ability to create his or her own country’s destiny.
‘Yes to Burma, No to Myanmar’
2011-06-01
In a program broadcast on May 27, Aung San Suu Kyi explains why her country should still be called Burma, discusses ASEAN’s policy toward Burma, and points to “extensive” problems with the country’s education system.
Q: From the time that Burma gained independence [from Britain, in 1948], the country’s legal name in the English language has been the Union of Burma. But now, the military government has changed the country’s name to Myanmar. What is more appropriate to use as the legal name, Burma or Myanmar?
A: On principle, the NLD [National League for Democracy] and I myself use the name Burma in the English language. I say “on principle” because changing the name of a country is something that should not be done against the wishes of the people of that country. We have not accepted the name Myanmar because the change to that name was made only at the wish of SLORC [the State Law and Order Restoration Council, an earlier designation for the military junta].
Q: How do you see the present position taken by ASEAN with regard to the Burmese government?
A: I do not clearly know what the present opinion of ASEAN is with regard to the Burmese government. Traditionally, ASEAN maintains a policy of “constructive engagement.” But lately, some ASEAN countries are pointing out human-rights obligations toward Burma. I think one can say that this is an improvement.
Q: I once saw a photograph of a dinner meeting and discussion held by three prominent members of the NLD—Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Aung Shwe, and U Lwin—and three prominent members of the SPDC [the State Peace and Development Council, a later designation for the military junta], Senior General Than Shwe, Deputy Senior General Maung Aye, and General Khin Nyunt. When I saw that photograph, I felt that discussions had begun in the interests of our country and our people. But now, nothing seems to have come of that. At that time, when the NLD was taking the line that it would forget past disagreements and begin talks, what kind of reaction was there from the other side? Were there any discussions about what the other side was willing to give?
A: I think that the photograph you are referring to was published in the newspapers after the Depayin affair, during the time that I was arrested. Just as we did not release any news, as nothing significant came out of the dinner, the SPDC also did not release any news, because there was an agreement that no releases would be made without the agreement of both sides. It is my opinion that meaningful discussions are those that are aimed at national reconciliation and that are held in the interests of the country.
Q: I would like to know what you are doing to bring about democratic elections in Burma. Burma’s democracy is not just a problem for the Burmese people—it also for the people of the whole world to work together for Burma’s democracy and human rights. Could you give a message to the Korean people who support Burma’s democracy and the NLD?
A: My opinion is that the key people who can bring about democracy in our country are the Burmese people themselves. But I like and support what you have said about this being an issue that concerns the whole world. I wonder how happy a place the world would be if the world’s people would not think of people from outside their respective territories as strangers, but as fellow human beings, and would nurture a spirit of unity among humanity.
The people of South Korea can support our democratic movement in many ways. They can get in touch with us and help us in ways such as becoming involved in our democracy movement network, urging the Korean government to support our movement and increasing the number of Koreans who have an interest in Burma. We are endeavoring more and more to strengthen civil society organizations in order to bolster the empowerment of the people in Burma, and to thereby enhance the potential to hold genuine democratic elections in our country.
Q: I would like to know how you will celebrate your 66th birthday, which falls on June 19. In the past, while you were in detention, we who are living abroad—together with our families and local people—would hold prayer ceremonies on your birthday, calling for your quick release. Since you are now free, how would you like Burmese families living abroad to commemorate your 66th birthday?
A: This year’s birthday will be celebrated with a bazaar and a music festival at the NLD. As for you, dear child, depending on the situation in the country in which you live, I would like you to make use of my birthday to embark upon an effective movement to push for implementation of the latest resolution passed by the United Nations Human Rights Commission.
Q: I am attending a university in Thailand. In our own country, one cannot get a job even after receiving a university degree, so people like me have to go abroad and study again. What do you think of Burma’s education system, and what do you think would be a good educational system for our country?
A: Just by looking at the small amount of the country’s total expenditure, we can see that education is not given as much priority as is needed. The whole system needs to be changed. Some of the basic needs are fully qualified teachers who can skillfully use modern and effective teaching methods and who genuinely want to teach with kindness, and the providing of teachers with appropriate wages and an environment that is conducive to teaching.
Another important support for students to gain knowledge would be the creation of curricula that are in line with the requirements of the country in this day and age. There are many other extensive educational problems that will have to be faced and resolved. One cannot address Burma’s educational problems on a question-and-answer basis. The problem is so huge that one would never end answering all of them.
‘Does The Government Want Democracy?’
2011-05-31
In a program broadcast on May 20, Aung San Suu Kyi criticizes the Burmese government’s recent “amnesty” of prisoners, discusses a breakaway opposition party’s use of NLD symbols, and says that addressing Burma’s problems with corruption will be a “difficult undertaking.”
Q: In Burma, everybody would like to see the release of all political prisoners as a sign of substantive national reconciliation. Our Burma Democratic Concern, with your guidance, is also working on the signature campaign demanding the release of all political prisoners. But we understand that the government of [newly elected president] U Thein Sein, instead of releasing the political prisoners, has only reduced their sentences by one year. We would like to know your opinion with regard to this matter.
A: I have heard that there are not even 40 political prisoners included among the 10,000 prisoners that are to be released. It has also been reported that out of the 2,096 prisoners definitely released from Insein prison, only nine were political prisoners. This is not the type of amnesty that I had wanted. This is why one wonders whether the new government really wants democracy. I would therefore like to ask you to accelerate your efforts in the movement for the signature campaign demanding the release of all political prisoners.
Q: I understand that the government side reneged on their agreement to give compensation for those who lost their lives at Depayin [in a 2003 attack on political supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi]. I would like to know whether the NLD [National League for Democracy] has any plans to help, in one way or another, those who suffered at Depayin.
A: With regard to those who lost their lives and those who suffered, I understand that members of the NLD helped one another as much as they could. Before the government reneged on the things we had agreed to in our discussions, the authorities fulfilled some of their promises. As I was out of touch with the NLD during the last six years [during her period of house arrest], I have not been personally involved in such matters. I am thankful that you have reminded us of the things that still need to be done. I will make the necessary enquiries about this matter.
Q: What is your view with regard to the persons and the group that formed a separate opposition party after the NLD’s decision not to participate in the recent elections? Also, how do you view their use of the “khamauk” [farmer’s hat], the symbol that the NLD used to win the 1990 elections?
A: The position officially taken and declared by the NLD with regard to the 2010 elections is also my position. In accordance with democratic principles, just as everybody accepts the fact that each person has his own aspirations, I believe that in accordance with democratic practice, the minority must respect and accept the decisions of the majority. I believe that because the people already identify the khamauk symbol with the NLD, it is inappropriate for others to use that symbol and then take a line that is opposed to the path that the NLD has taken. This will confuse the people.
Q: Migrant workers from our country are now in Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries. Since our country’s production resources are now going abroad, in the future—say in 10 or 20 years’ time—our country’s manpower will become depleted. And just as there will be a problem with scarcity of workers, there won’t be anybody to serve in the military, and therefore children will be rounded up and recruited into the army. I am worried that the people should be advised on what to do if this situation comes about.
A: The human resources of our country are being depleted not just because Burmese workers are going abroad, but because investment in public sectors like health and education—sectors that can enhance the productive ability of the country’s workers—is very low. The people should be aware how large these problems will become if we do not deal with these matters in time. Efforts must therefore be made to make the necessary changes.
But it is not just enough for democracy groups like ours to make that effort. The people must understand that they should also participate in these efforts. Just as the NLD is endeavoring to help people to understand these things, we would like people like you—who have social and political perspectives—to work together with us.
Q: There is corruption everywhere in Burma. Everywhere. Nothing can be done without bribery, and one cannot even visit a high official’s house without bringing a box of cash. Everything must be greased with money; otherwise, nothing happens. What do you think should be done to gradually eliminate such corruption?
A: Corruption becomes widespread in a country when high-ranking officials, including government ministers, are not free from corruption themselves. So for corruption to cease, high-ranking officials must first of all be free from corruption. As a second step, all government officials should be given salaries in accordance with their responsibilities and in an amount that will appropriately cover their cost of living. To achieve this, a country must have financial resources.
Corruption cannot be eliminated with just those two steps, though. Additional steps must be taken, including taking necessary actions to uphold appropriate rules, regulations, and laws and to raise the level of the ethical conduct of the people. I can imagine even now that this is going to be a really very difficult undertaking.
Should Burma Chair ASEAN?
2011-05-18
In a program aired on May 13, Aung San Suu Kyi says it is premature for Burma to chair the regional grouping ASEAN, discusses party discipline in building democracy, and urges Burma’s government to curb inflation.
Q: I have been a member of the NLD since it was first established. I also firmly support the future activities of the NLD. I believe that it is too early for the new Burmese government to ask to chair ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] in 2014 because it has yet to show anything with regard to the national political reconciliation that the people have been asking for.
A: From what I have heard, although some ASEAN countries on principle accept Burma’s request to chair ASEAN in 2014, they are of the opinion that they should wait and see what will happen. I hope that they are waiting to see how much progress there will be in our country. I have heard that Singapore believes that Burma should chair ASEAN when it is its turn in 2016. I think that instead of Burma chairing ASEAN two years ahead of its turn to do so, it is more important that Burma release all political prisoners, which has been long overdue, and to implement a political process in which all of the people can participate.
Q: I am responsible for the affairs in Thailand of the International Buddhist Monks League. While you were in detention, some members of the NLD [National League for Democracy] were expelled from the party. The elders of the party expelled those members because they had violated party regulations. In actual fact, those people strongly desire democracy and have actively worked for such goals. And though they have been expelled, I see that they are still resolutely working for democracy. I believe that by reconsidering their cases and accepting them back into the party, the party will be strengthened and more work will be done.
A: I myself have been expelled from the party. But I have been loyal to the party, and when I was released from house arrest in 1995 I resumed my duties at the NLD. That is why it would not be a burden for us to cooperate with those who value democratic norms and practices and who work accordingly.
Q: One of the principles of democracy is that the minority accept the majority’s opinion. I also understand from what you have said that the majority must also respect the minority. But there are those who say that in a democratic organization, they will only work if that work is in line with their own thinking. How should the people view that kind of attitude?
A: As you say, the minority must accept the majority view, and the majority must respect the minority. That is the belief of people who respect democracy. Not doing what one does not like in an organization is a form of egotism. For example, things like ignoring and voiding the results of the 1990 elections because they did not like those results can be seen as an insult to democracy. I think that people will understand that discarding the essence of democracy is not an act that genuine democratic people will do.
Q: What are your future plans, especially regarding activities related to young people’s and women’s affairs?
A: Apart from the programs already being implemented for young people and women, I have been thinking a lot about other programs. If I may sum this all up: on the one hand, there are programs to increase knowledge and abilities, and on the other hand, there are programs that effectively serve the interests of the people. By combining these two, we aim to develop many young people and women who will dare, and know how, to decide the fate of the country on their own.
Q: I have heard that in the past, when you were released from detention, you would travel to the districts and meet with the people. But lately, since you were last released from house arrest, I have not heard of you traveling to the districts. Is this because you are concerned that something like the Depayin incident might occur again?
A: Since being released from house arrest, I have been burdened with a lot of work and responsibilities. I am occupied full-time with matters relating to my office, my home, and my work. I hope that I can start to work on touring the country in a few months’ time.
Q: The Asian Development Bank is saying that Burma’s inflation is expected to be at its worst by 2012. What should be done to alleviate this problem, which has continuously affected Burma?
A: If I may quote the view of economists with regard to inflation, inflation is caused by the uncontrolled printing of money to cover the country’s expenditures, the scarcity of food, and increases in general commodity prices due to fuel price increases and mismanagement. To effectively deal with such a lot of issues, we need government and domestic economic and financial institutions that will implement the appropriate and correct advice given by economists. And if we need the assistance of international financial and monetary organizations, we must have a government that can acquire such help.
Looking Back at Depayin Incident
2011-05-05
In a program broadcast on April 29, Aung San Suu Kyi discusses the 2003 Depayin incident, says that union-building and the establishment of democracy can be accomplished together, and reveals her personal wishes for the rest of her “life’s journey.”
Q: During the Depayin incident in 2003, when a group of people attacked your entourage, you were able to escape. Could you tell us how you managed to do this?
A: We would need a separate program to give a detailed account of the Depayin affair. But if I may put it briefly, we were able to escape the efforts of an unidentified group of people trying to block our route only because of the excellent skills of the young person driving our car.
Q: We heard that after the Depayin incident, the National League for Democracy (NLD) negotiated with the government and planned to attend the [government-sponsored] Nyaung Hnapin Conference. Is that true and, if so, why were the plans to attend the conference aborted?
A: The agreements made with the authorities after the Depayin incident were as follows: First, that the Depayin incident would be investigated. Second, that appropriate compensation would be paid to those people who suffered during the incident. Third, that both sides would cooperate so that incidents like this would not happen again the future. Fourth, that all persons who were arrested in connection with the Depayin incident would be released. On the part of the NLD, we said that representatives chosen by us would attend the National Convention. But just a few days before the start of the Convention, all those agreements and discussions were voided when they said they would not release me.
Q: I was arrested and sent to jail for one year in Malaysia after I staged a demonstration for your release. You only get sent to jail for one year when you stage a demonstration abroad. But can you tell me why the monks and my brothers and sisters in Burma are sent to prison for many years for demonstrating for democracy in our mother country? This is a matter that will not end with wishes and prayers. Can you tell us what we should do for their release? It would be good if you could give a talk for about half an hour every two weeks on RFA on developing a sense of patriotism and responsibility among the young, as well as the older, people in our country.
A: I am happy to hear that you have now been released. I also thank you for your sympathy and consideration for your colleagues who are now serving long sentences in prison in Burma. It is true that the political prisoners will not be free just by wishes and prayers. I believe that I myself gained freedom because of the courage and risks that people like you have taken and because you have worked as hard as you have. I would like you to continue with your efforts, using different methods to help and support the political prisoners as much as you can.
I do not know much about the conditions of the prisons in Malaysia, but in Burma the prison food provided can in no way maintain the health of those in prisons. It is a big burden for the families of prisoners just to send food into the prisons. I want you to understand that I am unable, at the moment, to plan to give talks on the radio, as I have to be working full time.
Q: What are some of your real aspirations, from the depth of your heart, with regard to your life’s journey from this moment on and into the future?
A: First of all, I would like to see the emergence in Burma of a political and administrative system that will serve the interests of the people and the country, and for which I and all of the people are yearning. Second, I would like to be assured that this system will be permanent and stable. Third, I would like to be involved as much as possible in work that will help not only the people of Burma but also people from all over the world who are suffering from poverty and other problems in life.
Lastly, from a personal point of view, I would like to be able to have time to give for my sons and my friends, to read books of personal interest and not just the ones related to my work, and to practice meditation in depth. These wishes are nothing exceptional—I would just like to live peacefully like any other human being.
Q: I am a member of the Burmese Workers’ Union in Japan. There are two different schools of thought in our union with regard to Burma. The first, which reflects my belief as well, is that achieving democracy in Burma should be our first and foremost goal. Then, the workers’ union can be established, and the rights of workers can be sought. The other school of thought holds that the workers’ union should be established first, and that democracy should be sought afterward. What are your thoughts with regard to this issue?
A: I think that the striving for democracy and the right to form unions—which in itself is a democratic right—must both be sought, as much as possible, at the same time. Whether it is a students’ union or a workers’ union or a farmers’ union—unions will be able to operate fully only within a democratic system of administration. But striving to establish unions is the same as striving for democracy. That is why I would want you to work as much as you can both to establish democracy and to establish unions at the same time.
Q: The emotions of many of the Burmese people are just like flames in a haystack—they rise and fall very quickly. Therefore, I would like to know how we can nurture a foundation for the spirit of the people so that they will work resolutely for their beliefs.
A: I think that the causes of a lack of resilience and determination can be illustrated by the upbringing of a child. It will not be easy for a child to have resilience and determination if he or she is brought up in a careless manner, instead of the parents having had the patience and having put in the hard work to teach and guide him or her. It is difficult to shape the character of a person once he or she is older, so one must really have the will to change. Before one can work resolutely for one’s beliefs, it is necessary that those beliefs be strong and firm. To have such beliefs, one must consider and decide how one will live a worthwhile life, while taking into account one’s life experiences.
Q: I have worked in the social welfare sector in Burma as well as in southern Thailand. At the moment, I am working in the educational development of women in Burma and in the primary school level in various schools inside Burma. At the same time, I am working toward a doctoral degree in educational research in the United States. As a person who strongly believes in you and supports you, I would like to know how and in what capacity I can be of help to you.
A: People like you who are studying specifically in the field of education, and those who have studied in this field, can benefit our country a lot. I hope that you will not only be able to give advice on the quickest ways to raise the educational level of our country—which at present is at a very low level—but that you will one day be able to personally get involved in this effort. For the present, it will be very useful if you could advise us on ways in which people can work together and help with the small school projects that have been developed by our democracy network.
Seeking Change With ‘Strong’ Spirit
2011-04-28
In a program broadcast on April 22, Aung San Suu Kyi calls for talks between Burma’s government and the democratic opposition, discusses the importance of preserving the languages and literature of Burma’s ethnic groups, and expresses concern for Burmese refugees living in camps.
Q: I am a student at the University of Maryland in the United States. What do you think will happen in this world in the coming new year? What will happen in Burma? What will you and the NLD [National League for Democracy] do in the new year? I would also like to listen to your new year’s message for the people of Burma.
A: I can really only answer your questions regarding what the NLD will be doing and what I would like for the people of Burma. I do not have the ability to know what will happen in the world. The NLD will continue to work in activities that will benefit our political future, such as work for democracy and human rights, and also in social activities that will benefit the people of Burma.
With regard to what I would like for our people: I would like them to take steps in the new year to work toward building the type of country they would like to have, with a full sense of self-confidence based on a spirit that is strong and resolute. I would like to wish all of the people of Burma to be full of spirit and be healthy.
Q: You were detained under house arrest for many years. While you were in detention, and despite the heavy security that was placed around your house, a foreigner was able to get into your house. Consequently, you had to face several court cases. What do you think of this incident? I would also like to know the present condition of your health, since your health is very important if you intend to continue working for democracy in Burma.
A: I would have to say that I was quite surprised that a person could get through the heavy security that was placed around my house. I think that it is better not to look at the bad side of things in this matter, as I do not wish anyone to be blamed for this. My health is good, and I thank you for your concern.
Q: Now that a new government has come into power in Burma, could you tell us what kinds of efforts are being made to meet and have discussions with the government of President U Thein Sein?
A: We will let the people know as soon as possible by releasing news if and when we start to talk about and work toward such discussions. But please understand that at this moment we have not begun anything with regard to this matter.
Q: I arrived in India during the [2007] Saffron Revolution. The NLD rejected the 2008 Constitution and objected to [proposed] elections. Additionally, they rejected the 2010 elections. Because of this, we thought that you and the NLD would object to the new government that won because of “absentee votes” and was formed by that constitution. But we heard on the question-and-answer program of an RFA broadcast that you have accepted the new government as a “fact of reality.” Could you explain what you mean by this?
A: Our NLD has for over twenty years resolutely called for discussions with the SLORC [State Law and Order Restoration Council] and its successor the SPDC [State Peace and Development Council] in the interests of the country. Similarly, and aiming at national reconciliation, we will strive to work toward holding discussions with this present government, without ignoring its existence. Just as the NLD objected to the actions of the SLORC and the SPDC in the past, we will continue to appropriately object to the actions of the new government as well.
Q: Recently, United Nations forces were sent to the Ivory Coast to remove a former president who had lost elections but would not transfer power to the new president. In our country, back in the 1990 elections, you and your NLD party won those elections, and even though the military government did not transfer power to the NLD, we did not see the United Nations being sent to our country to remove the military government from power. Was this because our opposition groups were ineffective in calling for U.N. help, or because of biases in the U.N.?
A: When the NLD won the elections, I was under house arrest. As far as I know, the NLD made an effort to resolve the issue and waited to have discussions between the two sides. Now in the Ivory Coast, the former president who lost the election was removed with the help of French troops only after nearly causing a civil war and great suffering for the country and people. [In Burma], we would have had to consider whether we would want to bring about a change in government in ways that could lead to bloodshed and scars of enmity among our people. To achieve the kind of change the majority of our people want, I think we would have to opt for methods that would have the least [negative] impact on the people.
Q: I was formerly in charge of foreign affairs in the [ethnic] New Mon State Party. If ethnic literature is lost, the ethnic nationalities themselves will also fade away—just as the Pyu, Kanyan, and Thet peoples disappeared once their literature was lost. This is why I believe that ethnic literature and languages should be permitted to be taught together with the Burmese language at government schools in the ethnic states. The present military government absolutely does not have that kind of an educational policy.
A: Our NLD is of the view that we must encourage the preservation and development of ethnic languages and literature, both in terms of ethnic nationalities policy and educational policy. We also believe that it would be appropriate to teach ethnic languages in the ethnic areas as much as possible. I am neither really happy nor satisfied that I myself do not speak any ethnic language apart from Burmese. Wouldn’t it be really nice if I were to speak the Mon language now and wish you a very Happy New Year?
Q: Many Burmese refugees have been living in camps for over 20 years now, though some have been relocated to third countries by the U.N., and there is now a new generation of Burmese children who have been born in the camps. The refugees are not given permission to find work outside the camps, assistance from the U.N. is inadequate, the chances of resettlement are uncertain, and there is little hope of returning to Burma because the political situation there is unstable. On behalf of all the refugees, I would like to ask you to help in any way you can.
A: Just like you, I am also very worried and concerned for the suffering that Burmese refugees face in the refugee camps. Democracy activists have recently written an appeal to [Burma’s] President U Thein Sein, asking him to create conditions in the country that will allow Burmese people abroad—especially the refugees—to return to their homeland with a sense of peace and security. The NLD is actively involved in collecting signatures for this appeal, and I myself have signed it.
But that is for the future. For the present, we have established a democracy network where the Burmese people abroad are getting together to help the refugees as much as they can. We have also asked donor countries to provide more assistance to the refugees, and we will continue to do this. I will also get in touch with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and will discuss these matters with them, including the points you have alluded to.
‘Much to be Done’
2011-04-21
In a program aired on April 15, Aung San Suu Kyi discusses the appointment by the United States of a Special Envoy for Burma, explains why she will not leave Burma to travel abroad, and shares her views of Burma’s newly elected government.
Q: As a leader of the people in Burma, how do you view the appointment of a Special Envoy for Burma by the United States? How much will this appointment help our Burmese democracy movement?
A: We are pleased with the appointment of the special envoy by the American government. We understand that the person who has been selected for the position, Mr. Derek Mitchell, studied Burmese affairs for many years and that he is an expert in Asian affairs as well. That is why we believe that he will carry out his duties in a very responsible manner. If he assesses the situation in Burma accurately, and gives sound advice in formulating American government policy, I think that his appointment will be helpful to the Burmese democracy movement.
Q: I once went to Germany to give a talk at a seminar. At that seminar, when I asked the German students who they knew of better—Daw Aung San Suu Kyi or the Venerable Dalai Lama—many students replied that they had heard more about the Dalai Lama. They said that the Dalai Lama has visited many foreign countries, including Germany, many times and that he has given talks and has met with human rights groups, and has also written many books. Do you have plans yourself to travel abroad to meet with foreign governments and human rights groups and talk about Burmese affairs?
A: At the moment, I do not have any plans to travel abroad. It is because there is much to be done inside Burma. Since it is more important for the world to know about the struggle for democracy in Burma than to know about me, I would like Burmese people like you, who are abroad, to help in this effort.
Q: Many of the Burmese people who fled our country due to government repression and abject poverty now live as refugees in Malaysia. Some of us have been recognized as refugees by the UNHCR and have received assistance, while others have not been recognized and have not received any assistance. All of us are definitely in need of personal security and the support of the international community. Can you give us any advice with regard to our predicament?
A: I will ask the UNHCR [U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees] about these matters. Additionally, we are in the process of setting up a network so that the Burmese people who are abroad may help each other. What people like you can do immediately is help the refugees to be united, to care for each other and understand each other. If that can be done, you will be able to think of ways to resolve some of those problems.
Q: I am a member of the [ethnic] Kachin social development organization. At the moment, we are seeing that the Myitsone Dam, which is to be built in the Kachin State, will have a lot of adverse effects on the people living in the area. The dam will also adversely affect the lives of the people living along the Irrawaddy River right down to the delta area. The Kachin people reject this dam and are protesting in any way they can. Do you also have plans to protest against this dam?
A: Researchers in the NLD [National League for Democracy] are preparing a paper not only on the adverse effects of building the Myitsone Dam, but also on how deforestation will adversely affect the plains along the Irrawaddy River. They will be studying the effects on areas ranging from the source of the Irrawaddy River way up in the north to the delta in the south. The NLD plans to organize a movement to conserve the environment around the Irrawaddy River. A lot of the information provided by NLD members and friends from the Kachin State is being used as the basis for that plan.
Q: The military government has changed its form and has established a new Burmese government. Do you accept this new government? Do you recognize its legal status? What do you think of it?
A: I recognize the new government as a fact of reality. But I will have to wait awhile to see if it is a government that will truly respect the wishes and aspirations of the people, and to see if it is a government that will serve the interests of the country and the people.
The ‘Value of the Struggle’
2011-04-08
In a program aired on April 1, Aung San Suu Kyi says Burma’s military should recreate itself as an army that serves the people, calls on Burma’s government to spend more on education, and asks Burmese living abroad not to be ‘aloof’ from their country’s struggle.
Q: I am a former political prisoner, and am now a retired principal of the Prospect Burma School in New Delhi. We formed the Panglong Preservation Coalition Network on Feb. 12, 2011 on the anniversary of Union Day and have begun activities both inside the country and abroad. Because we consider the [Burmese] people to be the guardians of our country, our objective is to make the Burmese Tatmadaw [military] a Tatmadaw that the people can love. We want to help bring about—and preserve as much as we can—a unity among all of the armed groups of our country and re-establish the Union Tatmadaw. We would like your advice as to whether or not to form this group, and whether this kind of endeavor is appropriate.
A: It is good that work is being done to bring about amicable relations between the people and the Tatmadaw. But the important thing is not to forget that that the people and the members of the Tatmadaw are the same. When we work to achieve human rights and to enjoy the benefits of a democratic system, it is because we would like all of the people—including the Tatmadaw—to enjoy those benefits and rights. If only the Tatmadaw could understand that, there would be no reason for differences to exist between them and the people. But I would like to caution you to be careful and sincere in what you are doing, so that it is not misunderstood or misinterpreted by others.
Q: Recently in the Arab countries such as Yemen and Libya, government and military leaders have allied themselves with people who have been calling for democracy in those countries. I would like to know if there are leaders like this in the Tatmadaw who would ally themselves with the people.
A: I would actually like the situation in Burma to be better than it has been in Yemen and in Libya. I would like the Tatmadaw leaders to consider and respect the aspirations of the people and to bring about national reconciliation. I also want changes to occur so that they benefit all the people, including the Tatmadaw, without causing any bloodshed. I have never lost any faith in, or loving-kindness for, the Tatmadaw. And I would like the Tatmadaw to become a military that is loved and depended upon by the people, and that is professional in carrying out its duties in accordance with the principles that were established when it was first formed.
Q: I am a Burmese national now living in Japan. The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution to take action, including military action, against the present Libyan government for cruelly attacking and killings its citizens. What should we do to get to the stage where the Security Council will take similar action against the SPDC military junta in Burma?
A: I think that the resolution passed by the Security Council is appropriate. It could not avoid passing such a resolution while the situation in Libya was leading to civil war, with the Libyan government attacking its own citizens as if they were enemies. With regard to Burma, I would want the Security Council to pass a resolution that would lead to national reconciliation in our country. Since national reconciliation is the only way we will be able to establish genuine peace in the country, it would be good if we can make the members of the Security Council understand that, in the long run, it would be appropriate to encourage such an effort. But this will not be easy. We would have to use various methods to persuade them.
Q: I would like to ask you how you feel with regard to what is happening in Japan. We, the Burmese people living in Japan, have been thinking of helping in any way that we can.
A: I think that the resilience, ability, and courage of the Japanese people are greater than the horrifying catastrophe that has happened to them. I feel honored that the Burmese people in Japan are helping out. Although the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Burma is not able to help in material ways, we are going to send poems about the tsunami to express our sympathy and compassion for the plight of the Japanese people. I also know that the NLD in areas abroad has arranged to establish a fund and send it to Japan.
Q: With regard to Burma’s education system, there are no opportunities for children to attend school for free in Burma. In other countries, there are a lot of such opportunities. Is there anything you can do to help so that our schools can provide tuition-free schools from the primary level up to middle school, or at least up the fourth standard [grade]?
A: A country has to have a sufficient amount of funds to be able to establish a tuition-free primary school system. In actual fact, the government of our country has a lot of opportunities to build up a strong treasury—for example, a lot of income has been acquired through the sale of natural gas. I don’t think it would be difficult to set up a tuition-free primary school system if those funds were used in the education system. At the moment, our NLD is doing as much as our funds permit to help needy children and the children of political prisoners.
Q: I am an assistant editor of Junior magazine, which is published by the Burmese Women’s Union. I heard the speech you gave on International Women’s Day at the women’s seminar which was held at the border. Over two hundred women refugees from along the border attended, and listened to your speech. Afterward, they were so elated that some of them cried and others said how much more hopeful they have become. [Many] have become more politically active. But in the Burmese democracy movement, opportunities for women’s leadership are rare. Can you provide us with ways that women can be given opportunities for leadership roles?
A: For women to get involved in leadership roles in politics, they must have both strong conviction and an education. If they do not have conviction, they cannot even begin to get involved in politics. And to have conviction, they must understand that politics is linked to their own lives as well as to the lives of their children and families. For them to realize their convictions, it is important for them to have an education. They must also learn from their own experiences and lessons in life.
Q: I was expelled from Singapore because I was actively involved in Burmese politics. Now I am living in Sydney, Australia. The Burmese people who have left Burma, for whatever reason, and who have now settled abroad seem to be far removed not only from Burmese politics but also from Burmese culture. Some have even completely forgotten the Burmese language. What should they do about this?
A: One should think about whether there is something missing in one’s life if one cannot take pride in one’s own mother country—in one’s own roots. Some see Burma as a poor country, out of date or behind the times, and are embarrassed to call Burma their country. They do not seem to understand the satisfaction and value of the struggle to free Burma from the repression that is such a problem in the country. I think that if we can make them appreciate those values, this will change the minds of the people who are keeping themselves aloof from Burma.
Overcoming Fear
2011-04-03
In a March 25 broadcast, Aung San Suu Kyi promotes the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, questions the proceedings of Burma’s new parliament, and discusses Burma’s trade and treaty commitments.
Q: I do not agree with what some people say-that the minds of the Burmese people are enveloped in fear. Are the people really afraid? Or is it that we, the opposition, have been weak in helping the people to have more confidence in themselves?A: It cannot be doubted that a sense of fear has spread among the Burmese people. Could one say that this is because fear has been systematically instilled in the minds of the people for so many years? I think that everyone who values innate human dignity should work toward erasing those fears. The U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights says that everyone should be free from fear for their security in their daily lives. That is why our National League for Democracy (NLD) has been working to help people overcome their fear. It would be very good if everyone worked together in this.
Q: I have been unable to answer articulately a question that my friends and close associates ask me when we discuss democracy and human rights. Their question is this: What would they gain, and what kind of changes and progress would there be, even if democracy and human rights are achieved in Burma?
A: I will answer this question in two parts. First, please read the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights to find out what benefits will be gained when human rights are achieved. This document lists the 30 rights that human beings must have in order to live in accordance with the innate human dignity that they possess. With regard to the benefits of achieving democracy, I will say that this will give one the right to work for the progress and development of one’s environment and country under a system that recognizes the value of every individual.
Second, I think that it will be difficult for one to understand the meaning of democracy and human rights if one thinks only about what one can get, and does not think at all about what one can do for others.
Q: I am a Palaung ethnic national who lives in Japan. I have heard that some of the MPs attending the parliamentary proceedings in Naypyidaw are saying that discussions in the parliament are being carried out in a democratic manner. Do you think that this parliament will be able to bring about a democratic system for the people? Some parliamentarians
also think that the next elections at the end of this term will establish a democracy. Will the aspirations of the people be realized after the next five years?
A: We cannot say whether the parliamentary proceedings are being conducted in a democratic manner, because the press is not allowed to report on the meetings. I understand that bills that are proposed have been passed without dissent. The NLD did not participate in the elections because we did not believe that 2008 Constitution or the 2010 concerning the registration of political parties would result in a parliament that would establish democracy. I think that whether or not
democratic elections will emerge in the next five years will depend only on the efforts of those people who truly want democracy.
Q: I am from the Karen State. I recently went to the Rangoon General Hospital for a woman’s problem and found that women patients face a lot of trouble there. The doctors and nurses do not treat us well. They do not even speak to us properly. When we are treated this way, we would like to go somewhere else for treatment, but we cannot afford it. Do you have any plans to provide knowledge and education for women?
A: The NLD began a program in 1998 to provide vitamins and nutritional supplements to children. At the same time, we began occasionally to provide maternity education to mothers. Then, starting in 2008, we have been sending NLD youth-both men and women-to attend HIV education programs organized by the United Nations so that these young people can pass on this information to the general public. The NLD has also organized health education seminars. We will continue to do this in the future, as well.
As for the whole country, with less than one percent of the total government expenditure allotted for health costs, the country will not have the ability, not only to spread health education and improve the quality of health workers, but to train them to provide more care and be considerate to their patients.
Q: I live in Florida in the United States. From 1988 until 2010, Burma had no parliament, so the [military-led] SLORC (State Law and Order Restoration Council) and SPDC (State Peace and Development Council) borrowed money from the international community. They also signed trading contracts with economic enterprises both inside Burma and abroad. I believe that when a democratic government comes into power someday in Burma, the people of the country should not be responsible to pay those debts. I would like to know your opinion on this matter.
A: With regard to treaties and agreements that have been made with other countries, these must be dealt with by taking into consideration our friendly relations with those countries and the normal practice of the international community. If the matter involves something that will have a major adverse impact on our country, friendly countries will understand this and try to resolve the issue amicably. But we will also need to show from our side that we can be good friends with them.
ၾကာသပေတး, 08 စက္တင္ဘာ 2011
ဗီြအိုေအ ေသာတရွင္မ်ားနဲ႔ ေဒၚေအာင္ဆန္းစုၾကည္
ဒီတပတ္မွာေတာ့ တိုင္းရင္းသားလက္နက္ကိုင္ေတြနဲ႔ ၿငိမ္းခ်မ္းေရးေဆြးေႏြးပဲြေတြ ျဖစ္ဖို႕အတြက္ ေဒၚေအာင္ဆန္းစုၾကည္က ၾကား၀င္ေဆာင္ရြက္လိုတဲ့အေပၚမွာ တိုင္းရင္းသားလက္နက္ကိုင္ေတြအေပၚ ေဒၚေအာင္ဆန္းစုၾကည္ရဲ႕ အျမင္သေဘာထားနဲ႔ ျပည္ပေရာက္ျမန္မာေတြ ျပန္လာဖို႕အတြက္ သမတဦးသိန္းစိန္ရဲ႕ ကမ္းလွမ္းခ်က္အေပၚ သေဘာထားအျမင္ေတြ ဗီြအိုေအ ေသာတရွင္ေတြက ေဒၚေအာင္ဆန္းစုၾကည္ကို ေဆြးေႏြးေမးျမန္းထားပါတယ္။
ထိုင္းႏိုင္ငံ မဲေဆာက္ၿမိဳ႕က ကရင္လူငယ္တဦးျဖစ္တဲ့ ေစာေနဒါေ၀က တိုင္းရင္းသားလက္နက္ကိုင္ေတြနဲ႔ ၿငိမ္းခ်မ္းေရးေဆြးေႏြးပဲြေတြျဖစ္လာေရး ေဒၚေအာင္ဆန္းစုၾကည္ရဲ႕အျမင္ ေမးျမန္းထားပါတယ္။
ေမး။ အန္တီ ေဒၚေအာင္ဆန္းစုၾကည္ က်ေနာ့္အေနနဲ႕ အန္တီစုရဲ႕ တိုင္းျပည္ၿငိမ္းခ်မ္းေရးနဲ႔ ဒီမိုကေရစီျဖစ္ေပၚလာေအာင္ ႀကိဳးစားလုပ္ေဆာင္ေနမႈအေပၚမွာ ၀မ္းသာအားရျဖစ္မိပါတယ္။ ဒါေပမယ့္လည္း က်ေနာ့္စိတ္ထဲမွာ စိုးရိမ္မႈနဲ႔အတူ မသိတာေလးေတြရိွလို႕ အန္တီစုကို အနည္းငယ္ေမးခြန္း ေမးခြင့္ျပဳပါ။
(၁) အန္တီစုရဲ႕ အိတ္ဖြင့္ေပးစာနဲ႕ပတ္သက္ၿပီး သမတဦးသိန္းစိန္နဲ႕ တိုင္းရင္းသားေတြၾကား ျဖစ္ပြားေနတဲ့ ျပႆနာေတြကို ေျပလည္သြားေအာင္ အန္တီစုက ၾကားေန၀င္ေရာက္ ကူညီေဆာင္ရြက္ေပးမယ္လို႕ ၾကားသိရပါတယ္။ အဲဒါေၾကာင့္ အန္တီစုအေနနဲ႕ တိုင္းရင္းသားလက္နက္ကိုင္ေတြကို ျမင္တဲ့ အျမင္သေဘာထားနဲ႔ အုပ္ခ်ဳပ္သူအစိုးရကို ျမင္တဲ့အျမင္သေဘာထား တူညီေနပါသလားလို႔ ေမးခ်င္တာပါ။
(၂) အန္တီစုနဲ႕ ၀န္ႀကီးဦးေအာင္ၾကည္တို႕ ေတြ႕ဆံုေဆြးေႏြးမႈ တိုးတက္လာတယ္လို႔ ေရဒီယိုကဆင့္ ၾကားရပါတယ္။ အဓိက တိုင္းျပည္ဖံြၿဖိဳးတိုးတက္မႈကို ဦးစားေပးၿပီး၊ ပူးေပါင္းေဆာင္ရြက္မယ္လို႕ပဲ ၾကားသိရပါတယ္။ က်ေနာ္တို႕ႏိုင္ငံရဲ႕ အဓိက ျပႆနာက စီးပြားေရးခြ်တ္ၿခံဳက်ေနမႈ ျပႆနာလား၊ ဒါမွမဟုတ္ ႏိုင္ငံေရးျပႆနာလားဆိုတာ ေျဖေပးေစခ်င္ပါတယ္။ ဘယ္တခုကို ဦးစားေပးလုပ္ေဆာင္ရမွာပါလဲ။
(၃) ျပန္ၾကားေရး၀န္ႀကီး ဦးေက်ာ္ဆန္း သတင္းစာရွင္းလင္းပဲြမွာ အန္တီစု ဦးေဆာင္တဲ့ အန္အယ္ဒီပါတီဟာ ႏိုင္ငံေရးလုပ္ခ်င္ရင္ တရား၀င္ မွတ္ပံုတင္ၿပီးမွ လုပ္ရမယ္လို႕ ေျပာေနပါတယ္။ အန္တီစုအေနနဲ႕ ျပန္ၾကားေရး၀န္ႀကီး ဦးေက်ာ္ဆန္းရဲ႕ ေျပာဆိုခ်က္ကို ဘယ္လို ေျဖဆိုခ်င္ပါသလဲဆိုတာ သိခ်င္ပါတယ္။
ေျဖ။ အန္တီတို႕ ခဏခဏ ေျပာခဲ့တဲ့အတိုင္းပဲ ေတြ႕ဆံုေဆြးေႏြးအေျဖရွာတဲ့အခါမွာ ႏွစ္ဦးႏွစ္ဖက္စလံုးက ႏိုင္ငံအက်ိဳးကို ေမွ်ာ္ကိုးၿပီး၊ အေလွ်ာ့အတင္းလုပ္ရမွာျဖစ္ပါတယ္။ ဟိုလို ဒီလိုျဖစ္မွ ဆိုၿပီးေတာ့ လံုး၀ အေပးအယူမလုပ္ဘူးဆိုရင္ တကယ့္ေဆြးေႏြးပဲြမမည္ပါဘူး၊ ရန္ျဖစ္ပဲြ ျဖစ္သြားမွာေပါ့။ ဒါေၾကာင့္ ၿငိမ္းခ်မ္းေရးကမ္းလွမ္းခ်က္နဲ႕ ပတ္သက္လို႕ သက္ဆိုင္သူအားလံုးက ေလးေလးနက္နက္စဥ္းစားၿပီးေတာ့ ဘယ္ဟာေတြက အဆင္ေျပႏိုင္တယ္၊ ဘယ္ဟာေတြကိုေတာ့ ထပ္မံ ေဆြးေႏြးၿပီး အေျဖရွာသင့္တယ္ဆိုတာ တာ၀န္သိသိနဲ႔ ဆံုးျဖတ္ရမွာပါ။ အေျဖ ခ်က္ျခင္းမထြက္ရင္လည္း ထပ္မံ ႀကိဳးစားၾကတာေပါ့။
ႏိုင္ငံေရးအက်ဥ္းသားေတြ လြတ္ေျမာက္ေရးကို အန္တီတို႕လည္း အမ်ားႀကီး အေလးထားပါတယ္။ အျခားကိစၥေတြကို ေျပလည္ေအာင္ ပူးေပါင္းေဆာင္ရြက္ျခင္းနဲ႔ အဲဒီဖက္မွာလည္း ေျပလည္မႈေတြ ရႏိုင္မယ္လို႕ ထင္ပါတယ္။ အခုဆိုရင္ သားတို႕လည္း ၾကားၿပီးျဖစ္မွာပါ။ ေနျပည္ေတာ္ကို သမတႀကီး ဦးသိန္းစိန္နဲ႔ ေတြ႕ဆံုဖို႔ သြားခဲ့ပါတယ္။ ေနာက္တေန႕မွာေတာ့ အလုပ္ရံုေဆြးေႏြးပဲြကို တနာရီေလာက္ သြားၿပီး နားေထာင္ခဲ့ပါတယ္။ ၾကားလိုက္ရတဲ့ စာတမ္း ႏွစ္ခုကေတာ့ စိတ္၀င္စားစရာေကာင္းၿပီး၊ စဥ္းစားစရာေတြလည္း အမ်ားႀကီးပါပဲ။ ရန္ကုန္ကို ျပန္စရာရိွတာေၾကာင့္ ဆက္ၿပီးေတာ့ မတတ္ခဲ့တာျဖစ္ပါတယ္။
တဖက္နဲ႔ တဖက္ ေျပလည္ခ်င္တယ္ဆိုရင္ ခ်ိန္ခြင္လွ်ာညီမွ်တဲ့ ခ်ည္းကပ္မႈမ်ိဳးျဖစ္ဖို႕လိုပါတယ္။ ဒီလိုေျပာတာဟာ ႏွစ္ဖက္စလံုးကို တမ်ိဳးတည္းျမင္တယ္ဆိုတဲ့ အဓိပၸါယ္မေရာက္ပါဘူး။ တတ္ႏိုင္သေလာက္ ဓမၼဒိဌာန္က်က် ျမင္ဖို႕ ႀကိဳးစားတာ သာ ျဖစ္ပါတယ္။ ဒါမွလည္း အေထာက္အကူျပဳႏိုင္မွာေလ။ ၀န္ႀကီးဦးေအာင္ၾကည္နဲ႔ အေမတို႔ရဲ႕ ပူးတဲြထုတ္ျပန္ခ်က္ထဲမွာ တိုင္းျပည္တည္ၿငိမ္ေအးခ်မ္းေရး ဒီမိုကေရစီစနစ္ ဆက္လက္ထြန္းကားေရး စီးပြားေရး လူမႈေရးလုပ္ငန္းေတြအတြက္ ပူးတဲြ ေဆာင္ရြက္သြားမယ္ဆိုတာ ပါပါတယ္။ ၿပီးေတာ့ ႏိုင္ငံေရးနဲ႔ စီးပြားေရးကို အေလးထားတယ္ဆိုတာကို သိျမင္ႏိုင္ပါတယ္။ ျပန္ၾကားေရး၀န္ႀကီး ဦးေက်ာ္ဆန္းက သတင္းစာရွင္းလင္းပဲြကို တတ္ေရာက္လာတဲ့ သတင္းေထာက္ေတြကို ေျပာတဲ့ကိစၥကို အေမ့အေနနဲ႔ တုန္႕ျပန္ဖို႕ မသင့္ေတာ္ဘူးလို႕ ထင္ပါတယ္။ အေမ ကေတာ့ အဆင္ေျပေအာင္ ႀကိဳးစားလုပ္မယ္လို႔ ဆံုးျဖတ္ၿပီးမွ မေျပလည္မယ့္စကားေတြကို မလိုအပ္ပဲ မေျပာခ်င္ပါဘူး။
မေလးရွားႏိုင္ငံက ခ်င္းအမ်ိဳးသားဆလိုင္းခ်ိဳမနားကေတာ့ ျမန္မာႏိုင္ငံက ဒီမိုကေရစီလႈပ္ရွားမႈ ေအာင္ျမင္မႈမရေသးပဲ ဘာေၾကာင့္ ၾကာေနရသလဲဆိုၿပီးေတာ့ ေဒၚေအာင္ဆန္းစုၾကည္ကို ေမးခြန္းထုတ္ပါတယ္။
ေမး။ က်ေနာ္တို႔ရဲ႕ ဒီမိုကေရစီတိုက္ပြဲ ဘာလို႔ က်႐ံႈးခဲ့ရတာလဲ၊ တနည္းအားျဖင့္ ဘာလို႔ မေအာင္ျမင္ေသးတာလဲ၊ ဘယ္သူ႔မွာ တာ၀န္ ရွိတာလဲ။ ဒီေနရာမွာ က်ေနာ့္ရဲ႕ ထင္ျမင္ယူဆခ်က္ကို ထည့္ေျပာပါရေစ။ က်ေနာ္တို႔တိုက္ပြဲ က်႐ံႈးခဲ့တာဟာ တဘက္က စစ္အာဏာရွင္ေတြရဲ႕ အုပ္ခ်ဳပ္ေရးကၽြမ္းက်င္ လြန္းလို႔၊ စည္းလံုးညီညြတ္ႏုိင္ၾကလြန္းလို႔ သူတို႔ႏုိင္ေနတာမဟုတ္ဘဲ က်ေနာ္တို႔ ဒီမိုကေရစီ ေတာ္လွန္ေရးသမားေတြ၊ စည္းလံုးညီညြတ္မႈမရွိလို႔ က်ေနာ္တို႔ က်႐ံႈးရတယ္လို႔ ထင္ပါတယ္။ တနည္းအားျဖင့္ သူတို႔ေတာ္ေနလို႔ သူတို႔ႏုိင္ေနတာမဟုတ္ဘဲ က်ေနာ္တို႔ ညံ့ေနလို႔ သူတို႔ႏုိင္ေန တာလို႔ ယူဆပါတယ္။ ဒီမေလးရွားမွာလည္း ဒီမိုကေရစီရရွိေရး လုပ္ေနပါတယ္ဆိုတဲ့ လူေတြရဲ႕ လုပ္ရပ္ေတြဟာ ေတာ္ေတာ္ စိတ္ပ်က္ဖို႔ေကာင္းပါတယ္။ အဲဒီလိုပဲ ျပည္ပအသီးသီးကုိေရာက္ရွိေနၾကတဲ့ ဒီမုိကေရစီေရးအတြက္ လႈပ္ရွားေနတယ္ဆုိတဲ့ သူေတြရဲ႕ လုပ္ရပ္ေတြကိုလည္း စိတ္ပ်က္စရာ ၾကားေနရပါတယ္။ ဒါ ဘယ္လိုျဖစ္ေနၾကတာလဲ၊ ဘယ္လိုစုစည္းမႈ ရယူႏုိင္ၾကမလဲ၊ က်ေနာ့္ရဲ႕ ထင္ျမင္ယူဆခ်က္ဟာ တကယ့္အမွန္တရားနဲ႔ ဘယ္ေလာက္နီးစပ္မႈ၊ မွန္ကန္မႈရွိပါသလဲဆိုတာကို ေက်းဇူးျပဳၿပီး ေျဖၾကားေပးပါခင္ဗ်ား။
ေျဖ။ က်မတို႔ ဒီမိုကေရစီရရိွေရးအတြက္ ဒီလို အခ်ိန္အၾကာႀကီး လုပ္ေဆာင္ရခဲ့တာကို အေပါင္းလကၡဏာဖက္ကလည္း ၾကည့္လို႕ရပါတယ္။ အေတြ႕အႀကံဳေတြ မ်ားလာတာနဲ႕အမွ် ဘယ္လို ျပဳျပင္သင့္တယ္၊ ဘာေတြ ေရွာင္သင့္တယ္ဆိုတာကို သိလာရပါတယ္။ က်မကေတာ့ ဦးဆလိုင္း ခ်ိဳမနားရဲ႕ ရပ္တည္ခ်က္ကို သေဘာက်ပါတယ္။ ကိုယ့္ဖက္က ဘာေတြ အားနည္းေနသလဲ၊ ဘယ္လို ပိုၿပီးေတာ့ ေကာင္းေအာင္လုပ္ႏိုင္မလဲဆိုတာက တဖက္ကိုခ်ည္း အဆိုးျမင္တာထက္ ပိုၿပီးေတာ့ တန္ဖိုးရိွပါတယ္။ တခုေတာ့ သတိေပးခ်င္တာက ဒီလို လႈပ္ရွားမႈႀကီးေတြမွာဆိုရင္ အခက္အခဲေတြ ေတြ႕ႀကံဳရလို႔ အခ်ိန္ေတြ ၾကာလာလို႔ တဦးနဲ႔တဦး လက္ညိႈးထိုးၾကတာ တဦးကို တဦး အျပစ္ပံုၾကတာ မညီမညြတ္ျဖစ္ၾကတာေတြဟာ မထူးဆန္းပါဘူး။ က်မတို႕ ျမန္မာႏိုင္ငံသားေတြထဲမွာတင္ မဟုတ္ပါဘူး၊ ဒါေၾကာင့္ စိတ္မပ်က္ပါနဲ႔ ကိုယ့္အသိုင္းအ၀ိုင္းကေန စၿပီးေတာ့ တတ္ႏုိင္သေလာက္ ျပဳျပင္ဖို႔လိုတာေတြကို ျပဳျပင္ဖို႕ ႀကိဳးစားၾကည့္ၾကပါ။
ထိုင္းႏိုင္ငံ မဲေဆာက္ၿမိဳ႕က ေစာဂ်ိဳနသန္ဆိုတဲ့ ကရင္လူငယ္တဦးကေတာ့ တိုင္းရင္းသားလက္နက္ကိုင္ေတြဟာ မိမိတို႕ရဲ႕ အသက္အိုးအိမ္စည္းစိမ္နဲ႔ ကိုယ္ပိုင္ျပဌာန္းခြင့္ေတြအတြက္ ခုခံ တိုက္ခိုက္ေနရတာပါဆိုၿပီး သူ႕အျမင္ကို ေျပာသလို ေဒၚေအာင္ဆန္းစုၾကည္ရဲ႕အျမင္ကိုလည္း တုန္႕ျပန္ေမးထားပါတယ္။
ေမး။ ကၽြန္ေတာ္တို႔ ျမန္မာႏုိင္ငံသည္ လြတ္လပ္ေရးရၿပီးေနာက္ ၿငိမ္းျခမ္းခ်င္းမရွိေသးဘဲ အုပ္ခ်ဳပ္သူ အစိုးရႏွင့္ တိုင္းရင္းသား လက္နက္ကိုင္အဖြဲ႕အစည္းမ်ားၾကား တိုက္ပြဲမ်ား ဆက္လက္ျဖစ္ပြား ေနသည့္အေပၚႏွင့္ အုပ္ခ်ဳပ္သူအစိုးရဘက္မွ တိုင္းရင္းသားေဒသမ်ားကို ပိုင္ဆိုင္ခ်င္၍ မတရား ဖိႏွိပ္ အုပ္ခ်ဳပ္ခ်င္၍ ထိုးစစ္ဆင္ တိုက္ခိုက္ေနသည့္အေပၚ တိုင္းရင္းသား လက္နက္ကိုင္ အဖြဲ႕ အစည္းမ်ားမွ သူတို႕ႏွင့္ သူတုိ႔အမ်ိဳးသားတို႔၏ အသက္အိုးအိမ္စည္းစိမ္ႏွင့္ နယ္ေျမေဒသမ်ား ကို ကာကြယ္ႏုိင္ရန္၊ တန္းတူအခြင့္အေရးတုိ႔ ရရွိရန္၊ ကိုယ္ပိုင္ျပဌာန္းခြင့္မ်ား ျပဌာန္းႏုိင္ရန္ႏွင့္ အခြင့္အေရးခ်ိဳးေဖာက္မႈမ်ား ခ်ဳပ္ျငိမ္းေစရန္၊ စစ္မွန္ေသာ တရားမွ်တမႈရွိေသာ အုပ္ခ်ဳပ္ေရး ေပၚေပါက္လာေစရန္အတြက္ မတတ္(သာ)သျဖင့္ ျပန္လည္၍ ခုခံတိုက္ခိုက္ေနရေသာ တိုင္းရင္းသားလက္နက္ကိုင္အဖြဲဲ႕အစည္းမ်ား၏ လုပ္ေဆာင္မႈမ်ားအေပၚ အန္တီစု ဘယ္လို ျမင္ပါသလဲခင္ဗ်ား။ အန္တီစုရဲ႕အျမင္ကို သိခ်င္ပါသျဖင့္ ေက်းဇူးျပဳ၍ ေျဖၾကားေပးပါဦး ခင္ဗ်ား။
ေျဖ။ အန္တီတို႕ႏိုင္ငံမွာ ၿငိမ္းခ်မ္းေရးမရခဲ့တဲ့အေၾကာင္းရပ္က သမိုင္းနဲ႕ခ်ီၿပီးေတာ့ ဆယ္စုႏွစ္နဲ႕မက ရာစုႏွစ္မ်ားအထိ တိုင္းရင္းသားေတြအခ်င္းခ်င္းအၾကား နားလည္မႈ ယံုၾကည္မႈ မတည္ေဆာက္ႏိုင္တာေၾကာင့္ျဖစ္ပါတယ္။ ဒီမွာ ဘယ္သူက အျပစ္ပိုတယ္လို႕ မစဥ္းစားပဲ ဘယ္သူကပိုၿပီး သေဘာထားႀကီးႀကီးနဲ႔ အနာဂတ္အတြက္ လုပ္ႏိုင္မလဲဆိုတာက အဓိက ျဖစ္ပါတယ္။ အန္တီကေတာ့ ကိုယ္တိုင္ လူမ်ားစုျဖစ္ေနတဲ့ ျမန္မာတေယာက္ျဖစ္ေနေတာ့ ျမန္မာေတြကို ပိုၿပီး သေဘာထားႀကီးေစခ်င္တယ္။ တိုင္းရင္းသားေတြရဲ႕ ေမွ်ာ္မွန္းခ်က္ကို အေလးထားၿပီးေတာ့ ျဖည့္ဆည္းေပးေစခ်င္ပါတယ္။ အခ်င္းခ်င္းၾကား နားလည္ၿပီး နာက်ည္းခ်က္ေတြ ေပ်ာက္ဖို႕ဆိုတာ လူႀကီးေတြထက္ လူငယ္ေတြက ပိုၿပီးစြမ္းေဆာင္ႏိုင္မယ္လို႕ ထင္ပါတယ္။ ဒါေၾကာင့္ သားတို႕လို မ်ိဳးဆက္သစ္ေတြက ေရွးကမ်ိဳးဆက္ေတြ မစြမ္းေဆာင္ႏိုင္ခဲ့တဲ့ စစ္မွန္တဲ့ျပည္ေထာင္စုစိတ္ဓါတ္ ခိုင္ၿမဲေရး ျဖစ္ေပၚလာေအာင္ လုပ္ေပးၾကပါလို႔ ေမတၱာရပ္ခံခ်င္ပါတယ္။ လူႀကီးေတြက လူႀကီးေတြ တတ္ႏိုင္သေလာက္ လူငယ္ေတြက လူငယ္ေတြ တတ္ႏုိင္သေလာက္ လက္တဲြေဆာင္ရြက္သြားမယ္ဆိုရင္ မုခ် ေအာင္ျမင္မွာပါ။
ေနာက္ေမးခြန္းေတြကေတာ့ ျပည္ပေရာက္ ျမန္မာေတြ ျပန္လာဖို႕အတြက္ သမတဦးသိန္းစိန္ရဲ႕ ကမ္းလွမ္းခ်က္အေပၚမွာ ေဆြးေႏြးေမးျမန္းၾကတာေတြျဖစ္ပါတယ္။ ၈၈ အေရးအခင္းျဖစ္ၿပီးကတည္းက ျပည္ပမွာ အလုပ္လုပ္ကိုင္ေနရတဲ့ ကို၀င္းရိွန္က သမတဦးသိန္းစိန္ကမ္းလွမ္းခ်က္ဟာ ၀မ္းသာရမလား ၀မ္းနည္းရမလား ေမးလိုက္ခ်င္ပါတယ္တဲ့။
ေမး။ က်ေနာ္က ၈၈ မွာ အထက္တန္းေက်ာင္းသားပါ။ ၈၈ အေရးအခင္းၿပီးေတာ့ အိမ္ကလူႀကီး ေတြက အဖမ္းခံရမွာစိုးလို႔ သေဘၤာလိုက္ခုိင္းေတာ့ သေဘၤာေပၚေရာက္၊ မေပ်ာ္ေတာ့ ေရာက္တဲ့ ေနရာမွာ ခုန္ဆင္း၊ အခုေတာ့ ဥေရာပႏုိင္ငံတခုမွာ ေပ်ာ္တယ္ မေပ်ာ္တယ္ မစဥ္းစားဘဲ ေနေန တာပါပဲ။ အိမ္ျပန္ခ်င္တယ္ ဆိုတဲ့သီခ်င္းကို အျမဲတမ္းညည္းရင္း ျပန္ရမယ့္ေန႔ကို ေစာင့္ေန တာ ႏွစ္ေတြလည္း မနည္းေတာ့ပါဘူး။ သမၼတႀကီးက ျပန္လာၾကပါဆိုေတာ့ ၀မ္းနည္းရမလား ၀မ္းသာရမလား ဦးသိန္းစိန္လို႔ပဲ ေမးလိုက္ခ်င္ပါေတာ့တယ္။ အန္တီခင္ဗ်ား သမၼတႀကီးရဲ႕ အဲဒီကမ္းလွမ္းခ်က္အေပၚ အန္တီ့သေဘာထားကို သိပါရေစ။
ရန္ကုန္ သကၤန္းကြ်န္းက ကိုေသာင္းထိုက္ကလည္း ျပည္ပေရာက္ျမန္မာေတြ ျပန္လာဖို႕ကမ္းလွမ္းခ်က္အေပၚ ေမးခြန္းထုတ္ထားပါတယ္။
ေမး။ ႏုိင္ငံေတာ္သမၼတႀကီးက ၿငိမ္းခ်မ္းေရးအတြက္ ကမ္းလွမ္းခ်က္ကို က်ေနာ္တို႔ ဘယ္လိုနားလည္ ရမယ္ဆိုတာ ေျပာျပေပးပါခင္ဗ်ာ။ ဒါ့အျပင္ ျပည္ပေရာက္ေနသူေတြ ျပန္လာဖို႔ ကမ္းလွမ္းခ်က္ ကိုလည္း က်ေနာ္ေတာ့ နားမလည္ႏုိင္ေလာက္ေအာင္ပါပဲ။ တကယ္ဆို ျပည္တြင္းထဲက အက်ဥ္းေထာင္အသီးသီးမွာ အက်ဥ္းခ်ထားသူေတြကို အရင္ဆံုး လႊတ္ေပးသင့္တယ္ မဟုတ္ ဘူးလားခင္ဗ်ာ။ ေနျပည္ေတာ္မွာက်င္းပမယ့္ ေဆြးေႏြးပြဲကို အန္တီ သြားတက္မွာလားခင္ဗ်ာ။ က်ေနာ့္စာ ဖတ္တဲ့အခ်ိန္က်ရင္ေတာ့ အန္တီ တက္တယ္ မတက္ဘူးဆိုတာ သိၿပီးရေလာက္ၿပီ ထင္ပါ တယ္။ တကယ္လို႔ တက္ခဲ့တယ္ဆိုရင္လည္း အဲဒီေဆြးေႏြးပြဲအေၾကာင္း အန္တီ ျပန္ေျပာျပေပး ပါဦးေနာ္။ မတက္ခဲ့ဘူးဆိုရင္လည္း ဘာ့ေၾကာင့္ မတက္ဖို႔ ဆံုးျဖတ္ခဲ့တယ္ဆိုတာေလး က်ေနာ္ တို႔သိရေအာင္ ေျပာျပေပးပါခင္ဗ်ာ။
ေျဖ။ သမတႀကီးက ႏိုင္ငံျခားေရာက္ ျမန္မာႏိုင္ငံသူ ႏိုင္ငံသားေတြကို ျပန္လာေစခ်င္တာဟာ ႏိုင္ငံရဲ႕အနာဂတ္ လုပ္ေဆာင္ခ်က္ေတြမွာ တတ္ႏိုင္သမွ် အားလံုးပါ၀င္ေစခ်င္တဲ့သေဘာလို႔ ထင္ပါတယ္။ ျပန္လာႏိုင္တဲ့အေျခအေနရိွမရိွကို သားတို႕လို ႏိုင္ငံျခားေရာက္ေနသူေတြက သိခ်င္တာကလည္း သဘာ၀က်ပါတယ္။ ဒီအခ်ိန္မွာ တတ္ႏိုင္သေလာက္ ဓမၼဓိဌာန္က်တဲ့အျမင္ကိုထားၿပီး အေျခအေနကို သံုးသပ္ပါ။ ဒီေန႕ မနက္ျဖန္ ခ်က္ျခင္းအေျဖေပးရမယ့္ ကိစၥမ်ိဳးမွ မဟုတ္တာ။ သားတို႕လို အိမ္ျပန္ခ်င္သူအားလံုး အျမန္ဆံုး လံုလံုၿခံဳၿခံဳနဲ႔ ျပန္လာဖို႔ ျဖစ္ပါေစလို႔ ဆုေတာင္းသလို၊ ျဖစ္ႏုိင္ေအာင္လည္း အန္တီတို႕ဖက္က တတ္ႏိုင္သေလာက္ ႀကိဳးစားပါ့မယ္။
အခုနားဆင္ခဲ့ၾကရတာကေတာ့ ဗီြအိုေအေသာတရွင္ေတြရဲ႕ မွတ္ခ်က္၊ အၾကံေပးခ်က္နဲ႔ ေမးခြန္းေတြအေပၚ ျမန္မာ့ဒီမိုကေရစီေခါင္းေဆာင္ ေဒၚေအာင္ဆန္းစုၾကည္ရဲ႕ သေဘာထားအျမင္နဲ႔ အေျဖေတြ ျဖစ္ပါတယ္။
ျမန္မာ့ဒီမုိကေရစီေခါင္းေဆာင္ ေဒၚေအာင္ဆန္းစုၾကည္နဲ႔ ဗီြအိုေအေသာတရွင္ေတြရဲ႕ အေမးအေျဖ အစီအစဥ္ ကို သီတင္းပတ္စဥ္ ဗုဒၶဟူးေန႔ မနက္ဘက္ တုိက္႐ိုက္ေလလိႈင္း အစီအစဥ္နဲ႔အတူ ထုတ္လႊင့္ေပးေနၿပီး စေန ညဘက္ အစီအစဥ္မွာ ျပန္လည္နားဆင္ႏိုင္ပါတယ္။
