Independence Hero Aung San: His Integrity is Sorely Needed
(Page 3 of 3)
E-MAIL
PRINT
Aung San may have been eccentric but he wouldn’t have led the country to destruction, says Taya.
“I never saw him becoming arrogant because of any powerful positions he gained. He remained very much the same,” Taya wrote.
Today, though, Aung San’s name has been all but erased from Burmese life. He is barely mentioned in the state-run media or in textbooks. Burma’s rulers no longer say they are following Aung San’s path, and the once so elaborate Martyrs Day celebrations have been drastically curtailed.
Writings on Aung San are carefully scrutinized by the censorship board. Surviving comrades of Aung San as well as writers complain they can no longer publish anything about the independence hero.
The current military leaders’ desire to keep Aung San at a distance is, of course, politically understandable. The names alone of Aung San and his daughter Suu Kyi sit uncomfortably with the current leaders. They regard her as their chief enemy.
Aung San wanted the Tatmadaw to stay out of politics, but unfortunately the military has ruled the country for the past 42 years.
Since Aung San is no longer a role model for Burmese leaders they sought new ones in a hurried search through Burmese history. They found them in such warrior heroes as King Bayinnaung, Anawrahta and Kyansittha.
The accounts of the nation-building efforts and other achievements of these warlords are fairy tales dyed with myth. Nevertheless, they are a source of comfort and admiration for the generals.
Aung San’s story, on the other hand, is genuine and candid—and it’s that contrast that the generals find degrading. Aung San’s honesty and straightforwardness are sorely absent among the current leaders.
« previous 1 | 2 | 3 |
COMMENTS (0)