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He and his loyalists should have their actions follow their words – they should put an end to their evil thoughts, purify their minds, and pursue the good of the Burmese people. Otherwise, it would be a great sin for them to repeat the Lord Buddha’s teachings without taking the right action – immediately release Daw Suu and the remaining political prisoners, and having a meaningful political dialogue o­n democratization and national reconciliation.

 

Moe Zaw Aung

Democratic Party for a New Society
Maryland, USA [Top]

 

 

The Cost of Outshining the Master

 

October 28, 2004—Gen Khin Nyunt envisioned himself more pragmatic than the paramount leader Sr-Gen Than Shwe and other tough men. Khin Nyunt claimed he steered the country into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; that he succeeded in brokering ceasefires with 17 of Burma’s armed ethnic insurgent groups and endorsed a “road map” to democracy. He seemed to be smart in such a move, building his own popularity and glory as a moderate o­nly by comparison to the rest in the regime.

 

It is in fact not wise to outpace others, especially the tough master Than Shwe, who is still enjoying his supreme power surrounded with a pack of loyalists. The cold-blooded and spiteful master has not appeared to renounce his lavish life. Khin Nyunt foolishly got the wrong idea about claiming himself the best of all. Probably, Khin Nyunt did not study history of those unfortunate individuals who outplayed their masters, and eventually got into trouble.

 

Khin Nyunt assumed he was smarter and more capable than the rest. He underestimated his superiors and tried to manipulate their interests. He apparently believed that his ideas and works were more creative and successful than those of his masters. Since he had more space and opportunities to move, he had vaunted his brilliant talents and went too far to become the center of attention at all times. He seemed to ignore the others, and did not realize his master was no longer pleased with his popularity.