Since the 2008 Constitution is perfectly designed [in favor of the military rulers], things will only get worse after the elections. One comparison I can make is this: here in Britain I got the chance to follow a Conservative MP on the campaign trail during the last election. He went from door to door and spoke with people. Often, people openly asked him why they should should vote for him. In our country, we do not have the right to express our views in such an open manner. A Burmese person would be thrown in jail for many years if they dared question why they should vote for the government. This is the main difference, I would say. In our country, there is no freedom of [political] activity. All the election rules and other hurdles keep all the political parties in such a limbo that we simply have no hope of anything coming from this election.
Q: Why are you so passionately interested in what happens in Burma?
A: The main reason is my father who has been in jail since I was very young. My father used to ask me what I would do when I grow up. The answer which he jokingly taught me was that I would become involved in the democratic struggle and politics. But I never imagined that I would be involved in those things to such a degree that I am at present. In this country [Britain], I am touched to hear such things as the 'rights of youth.' My younger sister in Burma would not know what that was. I am in England, my father is in Taunggyi in Shan State. We have been separated. The daughter of Ko Jimmy and Nilar Thein [fellow political prisoners] is still only three years old. When she speaks she is praying to be reunited with her parents. That is how I felt 18 years ago. These things are pushing me to do something. I don't wish to see the same situation facing young children.
Q: What is the latest you have heard about your father's condition?
A: My father is in great need of medical care. Most critically, he has a heart condition and is suffering from a coronary disease. He desperately needs to see a heart specialist. I don't know much about this disease, but I have been told that anything could go wrong at any moment. This is my constant fear. Until now, my father has not had a chance to meet with a heart specialist.
Q: We recently heard about a young woman of your age being jailed as a political prisoner in Burma. His father, Dr. Ne Win, is also in prison. Do you feel your situations are similar?
A: I wish to say that our lives are worlds apart. The reason I can do all these things in Britain is because I have the freedom to do so. No harm will come to me. But when people in Burma stand up for their rights, they risk jail and worse. Their courage is totally incomparable to mine. But what I see is that everyone has a role to play in the democratic struggle. Before us, people like Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Tin fulfilled the responsibilities of their generation. The time has now come for our generation to do its duty.
Q: I heard that you are going bungee jumping. When is that and why are you doing it?
A: I am going to do it next Saturday, Oct 16, near the O2 Arena where many concerts and celebrations are held. I have been on a rollercoaster, but I have never tried bungee jumping. However, after seeing people doing it on videos, I decided to jump in order to bring attention to the political prisoners along Burma's borders. They face so much hardship and have so little money. That's why I will do this bungee jump—to raise funds for Burma Campaign (UK).
E-MAIL
PRINT
COMMENTS (15)
