'The Media Must Point Out Injustices'

By THE IRRAWADDY Tuesday, July 19, 2011

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Senior authorities said they believe criticism is very useful and beneficial in state building. They are the leaders of the country, so I believe they are gentlemen who will keep their word. However, since we have to work collectively and there are other people in different levels who cannot change their attitude right away, we also have to be patient with side-effects during this transitional period.

Q: What do you think about the SSC's demand for 2 billions kyat ($2.5 million) in compensation?

A: It reminded me of Khaing Shon Leah Ye, a 15-year old girl who died while receiving treatment at the SSC a year ago. The clinic gave her family 100 million kyat ($127,000) in compensation. There is nothing more valuable than a human's life. A life is a life, whether it is a poor person or a prime minister who dies. People responsible for the clinic decided to pay 100 millions kyat for a life that was lost because of their mistakes. They are now demanding 2 billions kyat for their dignity, which they felt was affected by an article. I will find out whether they really have that honor and whether it is really worth that much.

Q: Under the current judiciary system in Burma, do you hope that you will receive a fair and rightful decision, without any corrupt procedure or partiality?

A: Laws in every country are promulgated in order to protect citizens regardless of their backgrounds. I believe laws in Burma are enacted impartially. These lifeless laws exist with fairness and justice everywhere, but there may be fair or corrupt judges who have authority to apply them. I still can't have no idea what kind of judges will take care of my lawsuit. In any case, I believe truth will prevail.

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COMMENTS (7)

deiwar Wrote:

31/07/2011

Dear Ma Hay Mar,
Bravo! We are with you! There has long been a dire need for people like you who are brave enough to reveal injustices and face the consequences. You are eloquent, methodical and professional. As you said the truth will prevail as times have changed a bit though a lot is left to desire! Cheers!

Tom Tun Wrote:

22/07/2011

There are 3 subjects to discuss in 1 article, (1)Judicial system (2)Health Care system (3)Journalism and freedom of speech.
(1) For Judicial system of Burma, I cannot agree with defendant point. She said that country is changing to Democracy, so justice system is changing too. Justice system never shall change if the country hold true justice system. Justice and political system is 2 different subjects.
(2) Health care system of Burma ranked somewhere 190 by world health organization. There is no system in place for mistakes done by Burma Health care professionals.
(3)In journalism, Journalist have to deliver the message without influence of his or her own personal political, economical believes. News is not opinion and readers should not read opinion as news either. If journalist got sue by delivering news, he or she should be drop from charges. Opinion is different.

George Than Setkyar Heine Wrote:

22/07/2011

Her father is an ex-general and a powerful one and her husband an ex-colonel as well.
She has TWO BIG GUNS on both sides of her hip (in the family) lest you forget.

And she is SMART as well to talk GOOD about the law, which she knows is as STRETCHABLE as a RUBBER BAND as well.

DON'T WORRY FOLKS!

Things will RUN THEIR COURSE and ALL WILL BE WELL at the end of the day trust me.

However, I would WORRY a LOT in case she is NOT THE DAUGHTER of a General and her husband a Colonel for that matter.

This happened in Burma where NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW except...as you know!

Mualcin Wrote:

21/07/2011

My little boy was prescribed by a young doctor who did not specialize in TB treatment. My little boy took that very strong medicine for months even though he did not contracted TB. My boy was very sharp and so smart but after taking that medicine, he becomes a lot slower than before. It happened in 1995-96. If the public were protected by the government, that doctor would get sued by my family. Medical malpractice is a huge problem in Burma.

Zaw Min Wrote:

20/07/2011

Her father was definitely them if we talk in terms of us against them as he was a former SPDC general. But what she did was commendable and I just hope it is not a ploy played out together between a former and present generals to promote the present government. So better be mindful of this.
However, if it is not a ploy, those in power should take note too that you are not immune from those who come into power after you. Because evil system brings up more evil that will consume themselves as well as the past evils. Look at how Ne Win ends.

nawtali Wrote:

20/07/2011

This woman is BRAVE!And what an Eloquent, intelligent speaker. Will be keeping my fingers crossed for u! :)

Myanmar Patriots Wrote:

20/07/2011

"A: Currently, our country is in transition to democracy and all of us want to see it to become a better place. I think now is the time, while changing the system, that both the authorities and citizens have to work for their country in a collective manner. While doing so, media must point out unfairness and injustice, and criticize them. It has to reveal them for public awareness and make the authorities know what is happening. This is the duty of the media.

When I published the article about the SSC, I didn't have any desire to hurt the clinic. I just put the feelings of the affected family on my journal page and pointed out weaknesses in the clinic's services, that's all. There has been some sort of openness and improvement in the media. On the other hand, we need stamina to accept open and independent criticism. I think we still forget about that." HEAR HEAR. we totally agree.