Interview

INTERVIEW

Someone Must Always Be in Control

By THE IRRAWADDY Tuesday, October 11, 2011

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It is possible that real change will come and eventually, democracy in Burma.

Q: Recent decisions by the Burmese government clearly suggest that it has made a break with the past military rule. But why haven't we seen much of an improvement in its handling of ethnic minorities, with continued armed clashes in northeastern Burma with these groups? Would it be proper for the West to proactively respond to Naypyidaw's initiatives until this issue is properly resolved? What is your reaction to ongoing human rights violations in ethnic regions as well as the calls for a Commission of Inquiry?

A: The fact that there has not been much improvement shows that the problems are deep-seated and will require much more effort and time than people expect. Trust and confidence have to be built up to overcome the decades of ill treatment and suffering. The government will need to show its good faith by acknowledging that its soldiers do act with impunity when dealing with the ethnic nationalities. Releasing ethnic leaders from prison so that they can help in the healing process will also go a long way in resolving the problems. Naypyidaw can do a lot and it will be much more effective if they do it on their own like U Thein Sein did with the Myitsone Dam, than to have the West or other foreign governments getting involved. But the international community can help by encouraging both sides to negotiate and providing technical assistance and support in the whole de-militarization process. The Commission of Inquiry is a non-starter and at this point, I think we should concentrate on practical steps, not on theoretical possibilities.

Q: If Burma is opened up one day, what role would you and your organization like to play in the country?

A: The Euro-Burma Office is engaged in building the capacity of the younger generation and civil society organizations in Burma. We have also been engaged in building understanding between various ethnic groups and encouraging people to work together to resolve problems through dialogue and negotiations instead of the force of arms. In general, we have also been able to bridge the gap between the people of Burma and the international community. If Burma opened up, we could do our job more effectively.

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COMMENTS (14)

Myanmar Patriots Wrote:

18/10/2011

To Eastern European Observer,

Burmese people do not understand why the problems of Burma had persisted; rooted in colonial PAST. Unwise of you to meddle in Burma without knowing that Burma started as a kingdom 3000 years ago by a prince of the Buddha line at a place called Tagaung; 'oh-so-liberal' Bamars keep denigrating their own history sucking up to coloniser'S VERSION. Burmese kings never persecuted so-called ethnic minorities, e.g, Kachins Duwas were part of the monarchical system responsible for local administration under the monarch. Likewise there were Shan nobles with hereditary titles. They should be appointed to the Royal Myanmar Council, counterpart of the Privy Council of UK. Understand? Not a stupid idea. That is the way to unity, peace and equality. Fragmenting Burma is sheer treason.

Eastern European Observer Wrote:

14/10/2011

I wish that the ethnic Burmese people would regain their freedom, yet I doubt it will happen any time soon. Rebels controlling uninhabitable terrain is a noble cause, yet it doesn't help the villages, the infrastructure, the economy. Similar ethnic rebel groups have existed in Poland, Croatia, Belarus, the Baltic countries, Yugoslavia, Hungary and many others.

Poland was the only example that managed to defeat the Russians in 1921, only to get under the communist rule in 1945 again. Ethnic Burmese groups should either cooperate or try to obtain freedom through diplomacy. Defeating a regime that is the second producer of heroin in the world is impossible, especially when the international community doesn't care about Burma.

Min Nway Wrote:

14/10/2011

A Dictator is A dictator. A new Dictator was chosen by an old Dictator not by people.
Thein Sein changed his cloth but not his attitude. He showed his attitude yesterday.
We should not expect too much from him.

He will give order to kill if people demonstrate for Democracy just like in Syria.

I am so upset that now our hope of getting true Democracy is gradually fading.

I am so sad for those who lost their lives for Democracy in Burma and those who were still in jails.

Shwe Aung Wrote:

13/10/2011

Why European countries need EU? They want to confront USA and others' economic and military powers if needed. Asian countries are divided so that all Asian countries need helps from either EU or USA or alike.
Asian Union should be established so that Asian countries will not be controlled by US$, euro, or military might.

Myanmar Patriots Wrote:

13/10/2011

Reforms will succeed! With our full support.

Dabetswe Wrote:

13/10/2011

Philip G Collier Wrote:

"I find Mr. Yawnghwe's statements that "President U Thein Sein’s methods are quite acceptable" and that "someone must always be in control" contrary to the ideals of "government of the people, by the people, and for the people."."

--I think each country will eventually come to her own way of democracy. I've lived in Singapore, a democratic country, and you can't say it's "democratic" by standards of USA. Yet, the system there works (and doesn't work, but then there are some things that don't work for the people in USA either) for their people.

I'm hoping that Burma, my motherland, will find a way to have her own version of democracy that works for the people and rulers. As long as it allows for the health and wealth of the country and all her people, it doesn't matter how the government looks like.

Moe Aung Wrote:

13/10/2011

Not sure if any one recognizes "a weak party, a weak president, a weak vice-president, a weak Parliament and a weak Tatmadaw...Thein Sein could not let this situation persist."

The unmistakable weakness in all this is the deceit and coercion forming the foundation of the whole edifice, made to last as far as they are concerned. And outwardly Thein Sein may seem to write his own script but does he not report to his boss Than Shwe?

Harn Yawnghwe's ruling class upbringing may put a greater emphasis on control at the expense of democratic freedoms which his own people are fighting for. We are quite aware of course that ideological differences do not matter half as much as jockeying for position among the generals. Is the reform minded president for real?

Ko Chin Taung Wrote:

13/10/2011

What do we mean by the concept of strong government? Military might? Economic power? or strong System that guarantee freedom and security for it's individual citizens. I don't neither believe in the concept a strong government for a handful of people at the expense of the common people nor the concept that ensure the well being of the majority without defending the rights of minorities and individuals.

Anarchy is another matter and can't mix up with strong government concept. For example, the recent riot in UK doesn't imply a weak government. Federal democratic system is a strong system when individuals and ethnic groups are given freedom and equal rights in building the nation.

Soe Thane Wrote:

13/10/2011

Bob wrote:

It is all very sad. A beautiful country with amazing potential being held down by gangs of criminal bullies.

Which country did you mean? Thailand? Cambodia? Or the US? Oligarchy, corruption, political prisoners, etc are not unique to Burma. How many political prisoners are in Guantanamo? Far more than there are in Burma.

Not to say things in Burma shouldn't change. But lots of do-gooders should also start by trying to do some good in their own back yard.

KML Wrote:

12/10/2011

We can see tangible changes under President U Thein Sein’s rule. If we take it with optimistic view, we need to give some time. We don’t want this initiative shattered like the visionary reform carried out by Crown Prince Kanaung in mid-19th Century. There is long list of priority for the President to fix in a short time frame to match people’s expectations.

While President U Then Sein and people like U Aung Kyi coming with olive branch, other ministers need to be polite too. Answers of Immigration Minister on Rohingya and Irrigation Minister on land confiscation in Minbya, Myebon & Kyaunk Phyu needed to be satisfactory to the electorate. Rude diplomat Ye Myint Aung should also be removed from UN frontline representing Burma.

Anyway listening to people of Burma is right move (like Myitsone dam) and release of 6000 + prisoners are undeniably positive steps. Hope Mr U Kyaw Min, MP (NDPHR, Buthidaung) will also be released.

http://www.humanrights.asia/news/urgent-appeals/AHRC-UAC-017-2009

Philip G Collier Wrote:

12/10/2011

I find Mr. Yawnghwe's statements that "President U Thein Sein’s methods are quite acceptable" and that "someone must always be in control" contrary to the ideals of "government of the people, by the people, and for the people." A government that does not respect it's citizens' will has no legitimacy.

The people of Burma / Myanmar should long ago have been governing themselves in a representative, participatory system.

Mualcin Wrote:

12/10/2011

It is so sad that there is corruption even among the people who cry loud enough for democracy. Is corruption the Burmese way of life? We need to stop this horrible habit.

tocharian Wrote:

12/10/2011

Forget about "personal power and glory". Stop fighting each other about money and control. Get rid of Chinese-style corruption (bribery) and coercion (bullying).

If this goes on Burma will lose its sovereignty as an independent nation and become the next Chinese colony, like Tibet or Sinkiang, overrun by Chinese immigrants.

I was born in Burma the year before Burma gained its independence from the British. I prefer to die before Burma becomes a Chinese colony!

Bob Wrote:

12/10/2011

It is all very sad. A beautiful country with amazing potential being held down by gangs of criminal bullies.