Interview

Who Will Represent Shan State if not Us?

By THE IRRAWADDY Wednesday, July 28, 2010

COMMENTS (4)

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Sai Aik Pao. (Photo: Myanmar Times)

Burma's Union Election Commission (EC) approved the registration of the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) on May 26. Since then the SNDP has planned to contest the coming election in several states and divisions, campaigning with a policy calling for freedom from oppression and equality of basic social rights.

Irrawaddy reporter Ko Htwe interviewed the SNDP Chairman, Sai Aik Pao, about his party's activities and political objectives and the reason to contest the election.

Born in Nam Kham in northern Shan State, Sai Aik Pao was the General Secretary of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) led by Hkun Htun Oo, who is currently in Putao prison in Kachin State serving a 93-year prison term. He resigned from the SNLD about ten years ago.

Question: As a Shan party, in which areas will the SNDP mainly contest the election?

Answer: Our main focus is Shan State, but we will contest the election in Kachin State, Kayah State and Mandalay Division too.

Q: You mean you will campaign throughout Shan State?

A: We will contest seats in 40 townships in Shan State and we will also contest seats in three townships in Kayah State where many Shan people reside. We will also run in at least six townships in Kachin State. Party's signboards are already in place and we have already formed township-level executive committees.

Q: What kind of preparations are you making for the election?

A: We are doing campaign activities.

Q: Have you encountered any obstacles to campaigning?

A: We haven't faced any difficulties so far. Police from special branch's information unit have been following us but haven't given us any trouble. They've even helped us when we needed it.

Q: What is the situation like in the area you are campaigning? Are you able to do what you want and get things done?

A: Yes, things are okay. We can do as much work as the Wa parties can.

Q: Which party will be your main opponent?

A: Well … our main opponents will be the powerful political parties.

Q: You mean parties like the Union Solidarity and Development Party [a proxy party of the ruling government]?

A: Yes, they are the strongest and have solid financial backing.

Q: What is your main reason for taking part in the election?

A: Some parts of the 2008 constitution are unique. The 1974 Constitution used only a unicameral system but the current one allows a bicameral legislature with the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) and Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House). This similar to the American federal system. The United States is made up of 50 States and each state can send two representatives to the Senate no matter how small or big the State is. We will also have a similar system in which each State and Division can have equal representation in the Upper House, which offers 12 seats to each State and Division regardless of size. So it is a fair system, which is one of the reasons we are going to contest this election.

Another thing the 2008 Constitution gives us are the Region and State Parliaments that are made up of two representatives from each township. We will also have a Prime Minister and other ministers governing each State. We see the 2008 Constitution as a chance, as a big opportunity for our ethnic nationalities.

The 2008 Constitution is quite similar to the 1947 constitution that Gen. Aung San [the independence leader assassinated in 1947] and other leaders created. It distinguishes between the mandate of the central government and that of the States.

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COMMENTS (4)

Zaw Min Wrote:

29/07/2010

Instead of sweet and hard talking politicians and activists who are likely to get us all killed or exiled, I'd rather have this DUPED party leader who is more likely to lead us out of poverty, lack of human rights and absence of rule of law.
We need to walk the walk rather than talk the talk. There isn't much of a walker left inside our country but a lot of talkers who are safely outside the country. I hope our people know the difference.

George Than Setkyar Heine Wrote:

29/07/2010

This guy's got it all DUPED to say the least.
If he thinks he can do anything 'substantial' about his Shan State not to mention Burma as well he needs to check his head first.
Of course he hasn't read Than Shwe's constitution yet I say.
He is day dreaming and running in a maze chasing a wild goose only I should say.
U Khun Htun Oo is serving 93 years for trying his bit to make his Shan States a better place to live.
Expecting the Shan leader's freedom under an amnesty in the post election era shows he is as NAIVE as a donkey he used to ride in the hills.
Than Shwe will declare anything other than a general amnesty as it would be akin to sounding his own DEATH KNELL and he knows that better than this Shan guy.
The monk murderer might as well give up his ill-gotten wealth, wife and his life as well rather than declare amnesty to all - people in exile - least of all U Khun Htun Oo, if this guy has any brains to know why.
Than Shwe's no idiot nor donkey for that matter lest he forgets.

Zam Mang Wrote:

29/07/2010

I wish all ethnic minorities can form a party like The Union Party, and become so strong to beat the USDP, it will be so nice. I am so glad that this Shan party is doing wonderfully so far these days.

Robin Khap Wrote:

28/07/2010

Very proud of this Shan leader. If we just talk negative about the 2008 constitution and 2010 election plan we can never move forward, let's talk in Parliaments, for political prisoners please wait until a new Government to grant amnesty, after that I hope you can do well in the next elections (after 2010)