Interview

“If We Want Change, We Have to Make It Happen”

By THE IRRAWADDY Saturday, November 20, 2010

COMMENTS (21)

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Burma's pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi spoke to Irrawaddy editor Aung Zaw soon after her release from house arrest on Nov. 13. In this exclusive interview, she discussed her position on the military regime, her future political activities and her views on the political situation in Burma after the Nov. 7 election. She also emphasized the need for her supporters to continue working towards the goal of achieving democracy, and urged young Burmese in particular to remain actively engaged in politics.

Aung San Suu Kyi, centers, appears at the gate of her Rangoon home on Nov. 13 to speak to her supporters soon after her release from more than seven years of house arrest. (Photo: The Irrawaddy)

Question: You are now free after seven years of house arrest. Over the past few days, you've had a chance to speak to the people and see the outside world. What do you think has changed?

Answer: The first thing I noticed was that there were many more young people in the crowd that welcomed me. Many of them were using cell phones. They were taking photographs with their phones, which I had never experienced before. There was no such thing ten years ago, but it has become quite widespread these days. I think there are more communication lines than before. It is important.

I don't see much significant change in the city. Perhaps that's because I haven't been to many parts of the city, since I am not the kind of person who is always on the street. There is not much difference.

Q: Are the Burmese people poorer now than before?

A: They looked poor, but those who came to greet me and give their support were very happy and smiling. I am very thankful to them. I could really feel their warmth.

Q: Some say your release is just a matter of transferring you from a smaller prison to a bigger one. Do you feel that way?

A: I don't see it that way. I always consider myself free because my mind is free. With my own ideology and beliefs, I am walking on the path that I have chosen. I have never felt that I wasn't free. Even when I was officially released, I felt the same—I didn't feel that I was not free before. Of course, I now have much more work to do. I have been able to see and feel the changes in person. In fact, my inner mind remains the same.

Q: Many people say your release one week after the election was just an attempt by the military regime to divert people's attention from the polls. What do you think about that?

A: I can't say exactly. It's possible. Since the election is over now, people don't need to focus on it anymore. That's why they are paying more attention to me. [Laughs]

Q: Soon after your release, you said you wanted to meet with the leaders of the military regime to help bring about national reconciliation in the country. However, the junta leaders don't seem to want to talk to you. Since you first entered Burmese politics in 1988, the regime has repeatedly stated that it has never wanted your presence. It has been 22 years now. Why do you think they still don't want to speak with you, even though you have offered dialogue with them on numerous occasions.

A: I think we have a different understanding of the main purpose of dialogue and its real meaning and essence. In my opinion, dialogue is not a debate to make one side lose and the other win. One side says what it wants, and so does the other. If there are disagreements, a negotiation should be carried out. Dialogue must be a win-win situation for both parties. I have said this to them before, but they don't seem to understand it. I am not sure if they don't understand it or if they don't believe it. Perhaps its because in the military, there is no such thing as a negotiated settlement.

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COMMENTS (21)

Myanmar Patriots Wrote:

27/11/2010

Thiha Kyaw Wrote:
"Alert! the so called "Myanmar Patriots" is the one who is receiving enough support by the current brutal regime for disgracing any democratic movements."

What a compliment! We are receiving enough support by the current brutal regime? Is that a joke? Is your level of intellect so low as not to understand what we are saying?

Yes, we call a spade a spade. We talk straight. We point out danger areas for our beloved people, including you.

Current brutal regime? Do you like what Fargaung Shumaung did to our beloved people? And kept the Royal Prince out of Burma.

You must be young, relatively. So we forgive you. But for the sake of our people do study seriously the colonial history.

PB Publico Wrote:

24/11/2010

Let us extinguish the burning fire of anger and hatred in us.

It is time we should have a peaceful, prosperous and happy beginning. It is time we got our young people working overseas back home, and help assist build a proper economy at home. It is time we are an honourable and respectable nation among the world community. The famed author Fielding Hall in the early 20th century had said we Burmese were the only truly happy people in the whole world. Now in the early 21st century, we must not prove him wrong. About time we all woke up and worked for a common cause, that of peace and freedom, freedom from poverty, freedom from fear and freedom from wars.

If we want change, we make it change, as Daw Suu has said.

Those, who do not want change, must now wake up and also work for change. We all must work together for the good of all.

(Apology: This comment has to be read 3 parts in 1, having gone over 200 words)

PB Publico Wrote:

24/11/2010

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is not a bodhisatta. But she bravely strives for the well-being of the Burmese people, her kith and kin. She has suffered enough. The people, the old and the young, the poor farmers and the hill tribes, have suffered enough. The soldiers have also suffered enough in the jungles and at their impoverished bases. More than enough fire has been burning in the bowels of the generals, taking suffering of the most severe kind.

I remember. We, Myanmars are easy to quarrel, at times quarreling alone, at other times in between two, and not to say the least when we are more than two together. But that is something we must not take to our hearts. We can fist-fight and put arms round each other’s shoulders after the fight, not resorting to clubs, machetes or guns. We have quarreled long enough. Let us call it quits. Let us shake hands and come together to eat, play and talk, the way all honourable men and kindly women do. Let us breed a genuine good will (metta) for all.

PB Publico Wrote:

24/11/2010

“If you want change, make it happen”, Daw Suu has said, after she came out of her last house arrest.

For all intents and purposes, she has not changed a tiny bit as far as the original idea of the freedom-and-democracy movement in Burma is concerned. But she has appreciably changed in the directions of mellow carriage in speech, maturity of vision and practical approach in facing the issues and the adversary. Her tenacity and courage remains intact after all those uncalled-for and unlawful punishments she has suffered at Depayin and thereafter. That is the father’s daughter.

Those of us who have loved, trusted and accepted her as our leader, not just as an icon, must come together united, and continue to walk towards, and work for, the goal we have set, by way of giving, sharing and earnestly cooperating with each other, embracing a genuine goodwill for all, and lastly but not in the least, setting aside all our petty differences.

Thiha Kyaw Wrote:

23/11/2010

Alert! the so called "Myanmar Patriots" is the one who is receiving enough support by the current brutal regime for disgracing any democratic movements.

I could say it because the way he always responds to any comment are one sided, unnecessarily aggressive, and always mean to hurt others instead of finding acceptable and logical solution.

Therefore, I humbly request all readers beware who is misleading Burma and giving life to the brutal system .

Let's work together and find solution as U Hlawin has said. That is the system which we civilized people are looking for. I am very that we are not very far away to reach there. Victory with DASSK and democratic forces!

Until then! Thiha

Oo Maung gyi Wrote:

22/11/2010

At this moment there must be a strategy to make persuasion for more participants from various works of life to take part in this movement under the leadership of ASSK.

If people need to change there is no other alternative then to take part side by side with ASSK. No doubt there will be obstruction from power mongering peoples just the same as during the time of General Aung San's struggle for Burmese independance, when Galon U Saw assassinated the whole Aung San's cabinet members. I don't think Than Shwe and associates will dare to do that this time in Burma now.

Let us wait and see that what Than Shwe is going to do. The time is on the public's side now since he made a fake election at the same time he does not trust his group 100 percent so he made
himself commamder in chief of all armed forces so as to enablehim to make coup d'etat any time he feels his control is slipping. Not much time is left, so after a new government takes charge, every thing will clear.

Ursus Wrote:

22/11/2010

Once again the weak link in this discussion is myanmar patriot. England should repatriate this coward to where he belongs as soon as possible. He is a disgrace to the country which he even defames.
How long does it take until he finds out that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is the real leader of Burma and fights for peace and prosperity while the Junta thugs are responsible for human rights abuses and genocide against ethnic groups, and only enrich themselves?

With his limited mental capacity it is of course possible that he forgot that the Junta thugs even abandoned the People in the South during Nargis devastation.

U HLAWIN Wrote:

22/11/2010

No one can march democracy alone. Daw Suu is right when she said plainly to the crowd that she can’t or she wouldn’t bring democracy all by herself.

Democracy is a political form of government in which the governing power is derived from the people, either by direct referendum (direct democracy) or by means of elected representatives of the people (representative democracy).

Those fools are nagging and wacking “she can’t do anything”. They are quite right in this regard. We the people must follow her lead effectively, consistently, bravely. Collective movement counts when it comes to bringing down the brutal military dictatorship. This is not the time to blame each other but to sharp our brains to focus on the dynamic shift of the junta leading a whole new ball game.

Learning from the past to go forward is very different form going back to the past just tp have fun with the “blame-game”.

Moe Aung Wrote:

22/11/2010

Myanmar Patriots

In your book millions of Burmese must be really stupid thinking this woman is our leader and hope for a free Burma.

You stay where you are and don't stop taking your pills.

Mya Kyar Phyu Wrote:

22/11/2010

@Myanmar Patriots said,'Who is seeking pretext to step up interference and eventual control of Burma?'

I think you get your answer in your question.Yes,like you said, our very much resourceful country is very much attracted to energy-hungry countries around the world and which country is the most popular one lately? Yes,I think so too. See we are all not that blind, Mister. It's your turn now to 'link the words'.

Correction: Our country is not 'Poor Burma'. It is a very rich country.G et used to the fact.

I strongly agree with you on DASSK (not the stupid part: she is not stupid but just full of loving-kindness). She should stay away from the public for so many reasons for now and to be safe.

Know the reason why? There are so many 'dark and twisted' people around her. They are far worse than 'the Blinds'. At least, the blinds mean no harm to her.They are just very desperate for the survival, for the future of their country they have built together in hundreds of years.

Salai Lairam Wrote:

22/11/2010

History has clearly shown who cares about Burma and who doesn't care. Ignorance is always a bliss. As long as we blindly believe the monster is a savior and the local sage is stupid, we are all doomed to perish. The thing that changes the country's civilization is just the philosophy of those who live in that country. Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

George Than Setkyar Heine Wrote:

22/11/2010

“If We Want Change, We Have to Make It Happen”.
This is nothing but the truth I say!

Than Shwe has stolen the elections in broad daylight as evidenced today. Let's see what the global community has to say in this matter.

At this juncture only the Buddha's way applies, which is to rely on oneself. Hence, the people of Burma should start shaping their own destiny.

However, it is important to stay alive in order to live to fight another day, I say.

[Editor. This post has been heavily edited because of inappropriate use of upper case (capital letters). Please follow the correct usage of upper case, ie at the beginning of sentences, names and for acronyms.]

BWANYUNT Wrote:

22/11/2010

DASSK should consider all the people who supoort her or oppose her. If she goes against anyone's will, it will be her downfall. She must be able to justify the situation correctly. The best is that she should be independent and distinguished herself from one side, especially western policy/ media & shadow (including The Irrawaddy, which, sorry to say, is sometimes biased) side in order to gain trust from both sides. Otherwise, it's a tough job for her to mediate among major stake holders. This should be her role. She should not fight for any one of party or organization.

timothy Wrote:

22/11/2010

The lady, we dearly call Aunty or the dearer version in our heart, Ahme Suu, has spoken out now. If you really want change, do not wait for it. You, we all have to strive for the change. If we strive enough, we will be rewarded with liberty. Yes, Ahme Suu is simply our mum. She is not a god. Do not ask her what she can do for us? Simply ask what we can do for our beloved country.

Erik Wrote:

22/11/2010

Aung San Suu Kyi is a reasonable and a nice person. But is that enough to get something done in politics? I don't hear a plan, other than that she wants to talk to the leadership. Well, if the generals aren't forced they won't do that. And how is ASSK going to force them?

It's the same old fruitless routine again.

Oo Maung gyi Wrote:

21/11/2010

This is pre-test showing Aung San Suu Kyi that she should careful for her safety.The junta is very tricky. They have killed their own people, like Lt.General Tin Oo and a group on a helicopter. That incident was engineered by the army. " Zaatuthar Sar dei " means they eat their own flesh. You can not trust them.

These peoples are uncivilised, they don't care about peoples's lives so long as they can hold power, so they will kill more and more. We have to find the method to find among good soldiers among them to support Aung San Suu Kyi, the same as happened in Indonesia during the time of Suharto, when some good soldiers came out and sided with civilians.

Since the election itself is lacked legitimacy, we have to wait till a new government formation, afterward within the frame of new government control, the demorartic movement can start within the law.

Now Burma does not have law, still military junta exist, that is why martial law exists. Than Shwe can do as he likes. He never respect laws.

Mya Kyar Phyu Wrote:

21/11/2010

Leave all the sunny-sides-up alone,Depayin Attempt is still a haunt.With the world records of Indira Gandhi and Benazir Bhutto,rich and power-thirsty people around us won't hesitate to eliminate her if she is no interest to their profit or if she becomes a threat to their state of power.

USDP or USDA or whatever...,they are all backed by economically 2nd largest country, China.Surely,they don't want anything like 'peaceful rising' happening in their neighbor-in the-pocket (the Gold Pit).

In other words,I really wish people stop using her as a human shield against all the hardship they are facing from the ever-unfair world.she is not a GOD.This would make her more vulnerable to the threats we are all worried about.

It's simple as that.If you want to support her,be there for her.BE UNITED.

Mya Kyar Phyu Wrote:

21/11/2010

Leave all the sunny-sides-up alone,Depayin Attempt is still a haunt.With the world records of Indira Gandhi and Benazir Bhutto,rich and power-thirsty people around us won't hesitate to eliminate her if she is no interest to their profit or if she becomes a threat to their state of power.I,as an individual,believe in her loving kindness to conquer all the plots and dirty minds around her yet I wish her advisers would keep her safe out of the harms ways.

USDP or USDA or whatever...,they are all backed by the most-powerful-country-than-ever China.Surely,they don't want anything like 'peaceful rising' happening their neighbor in their pocket.

In other words,I really wish people using her as a human shield against all the hardship they are facing from Junta and the ever-unfair ( so-called international communities) world.This would make her more vulnerable to the threats we are all worried about.Leave the woman alone!

Myanmar Patriots Wrote:

21/11/2010

It is utterly despicable of anyone to cause violence in a Buddhist temple.
Which alien power has been holding SPDC responsible for security of the woman?Come on Myanmar patriots,try to understand that foreign money is very powerful in poor Burma. Who is seeking pretext to step up interference and eventual control of Burma?

"Security has long been a major concern for Suu Kyi and her supporters,especially since May 2003, when junta-backed thugs from the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) ambushed her and her entourage while traveling near Depayin, Sagaing Division. Suu Kyi narrowly escaped the attack, but about 100 of her supporters were reportedly killed."WHY SHOULD USDP,having won the election,want to do such obvious harm to the woman.Stop linking up blindly.Dark horses are everywhere.
The stupid woman must stay at home and contemplate on how to go forward snesibly instead of look for sensation if she really cares about Burma.
What a tragedy our people are so blind

Tide Wrote:

21/11/2010

Yes - that's right.

Suu Kyi is the only human being. Don't worry about the rest!

malihkrang Wrote:

21/11/2010

By seeing this headline, I can say this is the plot and the counter attack of Burmese regime to prevent further mass meeting in Mandalay. Burmese regime is a terrorist. The Burmese generals are the main policy makers planing to disintegrate Union of Burma.