Burma

NEWS ANALYSIS

Burmese Pleased with President's Speech, but Doubts Linger

By KYAW ZWA MOE Friday, March 2, 2012

Burmese President Thein Sein waves to members of Parliament after delivering a speech on March 1, 2012. (Photo: Reuters / Soe Zeya Tun)

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There has been speculation that the president and Shwe Mann, a fellow ex-general in the former junta, have disagreed on several issues.

In any case, another headline in today's New Light of Myanmar—“Government not divided into hard-liners and soft-liners”—isn't likely to put the issue to rest anytime some.

At the end of the speech, Thein Sein asked the people to “guide and steer our government.” And he promised, “I would like to reaffirm our commitment to serving the interests of our people and country with all-out effort, even by sacrificing our lives.”

An Irrawaddy reporter based in Burma who spoke to several residents in Naypyidaw about the president's speech found that most were impressed. However, one resident said: “Words are not enough. He has to show us he can really work for the people as he said.”

“The speech was filled with the fragrance of democracy,” said Maung Wuntha. “I just hope that that fragrance will soon bring about the real essence of democracy.”

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COMMENTS (13)

Myanmar Patriots Wrote:

11/03/2012

Ohn Wrote:"How many years in the jail or jungle is required to be "Burmese"? All the loud mouths and publishers and commentators my be ethnically Burmese, but their view is their view.COMMENT: TRUE.These Bamars are feeling so holier-than-thou in wanting to disintegrate Burma. They are 'nyunkont'. y simply do not understand the timebomb Panglong foisted on Burma by evil Attlee.

No one ask the 70% Burmese populace what they want or what they think.COMMENT:BECASUE majority want unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A million years in jail does not make anyone a true representative of the majority.COMMENT:SPOT ON!

stan Wrote:

05/03/2012

People do not care what you say..People only care what you do...
By the way, Shwe Mann is so dumb cos' he proposed to increase the salary. In the past they increased for many times but it didn't resolve any issue. So he is doing the same thing over and over again.

A.M.O Wrote:

05/03/2012

well! Boy !

There are two issues, namely:
1. Better use sugar coated words to buy the time to please the public (NB: Fearful of 'Arab Spring' coming over to them)

2. Even if they got the real hearts to reform,they don't know how to change their mindsets

So, they will end up going back to the square one (ie.50+ years of military rule)

Min Naing Wrote:

04/03/2012

Somebody has composed the speech with nice words. It could also be interpreted as campaigning for April by-election. Many Burmese has softened their stands on the government/USDP which is exactly what the government is looking for. Words without actions are nothing more than a coordinated political ploy.

lai Wrote:

03/03/2012

Laptop! hhh...like children. Anyway, Good...but they are trying to take Chinland (Chin State) called Muitawng (Head of Snake) as Sagaing Division for there are lots of mineral resources and Southern Chin State called Paletwah Town as Rakhaine State as well. Too pain...bad and cruelty government. Chin people has nothing only that Muitawng...

Ehipassika Wrote:

03/03/2012

Mr. President, please keep your promises and go ahead ending the democracy goal for the sake of people's better lives without irreversibility!

Myanmar Patriots Wrote:

03/03/2012

We are very pleased. Our patron His majesty HM King Shwebomin II must be very pleased too. Mentoring does work.
Back in 1995, at a Burmese gathering in west London,Ealing town Hall, His Majesty affirmed to His Excellency the then Burmese ambassador that HM would keep his promise to unite Burma.
HM has worked most intelligently and tirelessly, whilst providing financial support to Burmese refugees and YMCA in Yangon, to bring about the changes.

Three cheers to His Majesty Shwebomin II.
Patron of
UNITED MYANMAR PATROTIC FRONT.

NB: No need to doubt sincerity of Myanmar government at all. All directives from HM are dutifully carried out by 'Wungyis', meaning minister. The word Wungyi in Burmese means bearer of the burden of the King. OK?
Now start learnign true Burmese history and origin of the Burmese language.

Ohn Wrote:

03/03/2012

How many years in the jail or jungle is required to be "Burmese"? All the loud mouths and publishers and commentators my be ethnically Burmese, but their view is their view.

No one ask the 70% Burmese populace what they want or what they think. A million years in jail does not make anyone a true representative of the majority.

Is it really true that what the exalted internet-ed, iPAD-ed ex-jail people know somehow exactly what the people in Malon/ Ye Oo are thinking now?

Reginald (Reggie) Vardon Wrote:

03/03/2012

Dear U Kyaw Zwa Moe,
In your true belief, is President Thein Sein in control of the Tatmadaw or is the Tatmadaw in control of President Thein Sein???
We in the US would like to know.
Thank you,
Reggie.

Patriot Wrote:

03/03/2012

True, the speech was well given. However, it has to be followed with right actions. After an impressive speech, the Govt has to deliver actions and results as promised in the speech. Public trust is to be obtained from actions that go in accordance with the words spoken.

It is believed that all Myanmar leaders today (TS, TSM, MAH and ASSK)have reached certain maturity to jointly orchestrate and bring the country out from the shambles - lifting all its people - including ethnic minorities - out from harm's way.

Naing Sann Yin Wrote:

03/03/2012

For decades, Myanmar people were oppressed and deprived of love and attention by their own rulers. In fact, all Myanmar citizens are in hunger for love and attention by the ruling body. When one party shows love and affection, the same karmic affect will be reciprocated. TRUE BUDDHISTS know too well that NEGLIGENCE is the main ingredient leading towards further DELUSION and DARKNESS. It is high time for Myanmar leaders to lighten up (enlighten) the country and all its people.

Mg Min Nway Wrote:

03/03/2012

Yes--Words are not enough.
The recent small issue like 3000 Kyats SM cards will test his ability.
Moreover,he should step up to intenational
level by denouncing SYRIA ,RUSSIA and CHINA
for crimes against humanity.
Burma had no say in international affairs since
1962 under Ne Win eventhough Burma decleared NON ALLIANCE policy.
This action will improve his standard and power.

Kyaw Kayw Wrote:

03/03/2012

The time has come to look forward and develop our Mother Land After over 40 years of Military rule lets move on