Monday, April 21, 2014

Democratic Voice of Burma

Democratic Voice of Burma

U Win Tin (1929- 2014), Burma’s moral compass

Posted: 21 Apr 2014 05:04 AM PDT

U Win Tin, a founding member of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and a prominent journalist whose political activities and writings served as a thorn in the military's side for decades, died on Monday morning in Rangoon of kidney failure. He was 85 years old.

He holds the dubious distinction of being Burma's longest-serving political prisoner; condemned by the military to Rangoon's Insein Prison in 1989, he was confined for 19 years by a government afraid of his intellect and willingness to sacrifice for what he felt was right.

"U Win Tin was a journalist and also a politician; a very righteous and honest man who really loved his country," Thiha Saw, a veteran journalist and the deputy chairman of the Myanmar Journalists' Association, told DVB.  "I am sad for this great loss. He was an invaluable and irreplaceable loss for the National League for Democracy."

As a young man, Win Tin served as the editor-in-chief of Kyemon (The Mirror), Burma's most popular newspaper. In 1969, he became editor-in-chief of the Hanthawaddy Daily in Mandalay, under a cloud of diminishing press freedoms imposed by Ne Win's military government. His unwillingness to compromise his editorial independence, and his proclivity to run stories critical of the regime, prompted the government to shut the paper down in 1978.

Related Stories

In 1988, he took on a leading role in Burma's pro-democracy uprising, and became a prominent member of the NLD's central committee alongside Aung San Suu Kyi. In June of the following year, he led a campaign against a government decree clamping down on illicit dissident publications, invoking the NLD's motto that citizens should "defy as of duty every order and authority not agreed to by the majority".

He was arrested the following month and detained for the better part of two decades in extremely poor conditions, which took a serious toll on his physical health. During his imprisonment, he developing diabetes and suffered multiple heart attacks, was denied reading materials and kept in solitary confinement for long stretches in an attempt to break his defiant spirit.

The blue shirts he wore every day following his release – copies of the one that was on his back the day he left prison – symbolised the incomplete nature of Burma's reforms, and served as a constant reminder that his jailers had not been held to account for their crimes.

His resolve to secure the release of all remaining political prisoners and redouble his political efforts were only magnified by his experiences behind bars. "I made a decision to keep wearing my prison shirt because my friends were still in prison, and I feel that the Burmese people, as a whole, are still in prison," he told DVB in an interview last year.

Despite the physical toll prison had taken on him, his proclivity for defying injustice was immediately apparent upon his release. "They asked me to surrender my shirt, and I refused. They then asked me for compensation, to pay for the shirt – two thousand kyats. I refused," he said. "And then they said they would pay the 2,000 kyats and give it to me, but the only thing is I would have to endorse and agree [that they gave it to me]. I refused.

"They came to my house, with officials, the police, and so on, and asked me [to pay] again. I said, 'No, if you want to send me to jail, send me to jail, I don't care. I will die in prison'."

In recent times, he was increasingly critical of the conciliatory tone struck by Aung San Suu Kyi towards the military. Despite his criticisms, he characterised her "the leader and soul of Burma’s democracy" in an interview with Agence France-Presse last year, and his loyalty was unwavering to the end.

"I made a decision to keep wearing my prison shirt because my friends were still in prison, and I feel that the Burmese people, as a whole, are still in prison."

"We knew that Aung San Suu Kyi was very tolerant … towards the army, because she said the organisation was set up by her father, and we have to forgive and, as much as possible, cooperate with the military," he said. "Since the very beginning, I didn't agree. The military has committed so many crimes, so much oppression."

Before the 2010 elections, the NLD became deeply divided on the question of partaking in the formal political process. "We were colleagues once; we walked together in the political struggle," Khin Maung Swe, who founded the National Democratic Force and parted ways with the NLD to contest the 2010 elections, told DVB.

"Despite the differences in our ideologies and opinions, I am very saddened by the news about U Win Tin's death," he said. "I would like to express condolences from me and also the National Democratic Force. I believe he will always be remembered in the history of Burma as a remarkable and strong figure who took a firm stance and walked on for what he believed was righteous."

Although he did not live to see his dream of a truly democratic and free Burma realised, Win Tin's unwavering commitment to his ideals and his bravery in the face of overwhelming odds will not be soon forgotten.

Meikhtila IDPs face water shortages, sanitation issues

Posted: 21 Apr 2014 03:48 AM PDT

Some 900 Muslims from Meikhtila in central Burma who lost their homes in communal violence just over a year ago are now facing water shortages and sanitation-related diseases at the shelter where they reside.

The 900, all Muslims from the town's Chanaye Tharyar quarter, have been sheltering in a cramped 150ft x 500ft (1.72 acre) compound belonging to the local Water Resource Office since their homes were razed by angry Buddhist mobs last March.

Aung Htay, a coordinator of the Water Resource Office displacement camp – one of five shelters housing some 8,000 riot victims, both Muslim and Buddhist – said the 900 inhabitants have been affected by water shortages since a decision was made to cut water supplies to the camp from 1,600 gallons per month to 1,200.

He said many were also suffering from an outbreak of diarrhoea.

Related Stories

"The camp was previously supplied 1,600 gallons of water per month from Meikhtila Lake, but the ration was recently cut to 1,200 gallons," said Aung Htay. "This is nowhere near enough for almost 1,000 people – 900 refugees plus the 95 policemen who are stationed there."

The Water Resource officer said his department was receiving heated complaints from the refugees. "They don't have enough water to cook and bathe," he said. "The toilets have been overflowing and a foul smell lingers in the camp."

He said seven people have been hospitalised recently for diarrhoea and dehydration.

Meanwhile, an administrator from Meikhtila's local council said the ongoing construction of more than 300 new houses and apartments to accommodate the refugees was unlikely to be completed ahead of the coming rainy season.

Some 10,000 Meikhtila townsfolk were left homeless and more than 40 killed in the riots last year.

The naked truth of Myanmar, a portrait of U Win Tin

Posted: 21 Apr 2014 01:57 AM PDT

A word from the filmmaker

The film is an initiative of DVB’s deputy executive director Khin Maung Win and myself. We came to the conclusion that, although U Win Tin gave thousands of interviews, his complete life-story was never filmed. It took me more than a year to get funding, but in December 2013 I could travel to Rangoon to make the film.

After a long talk, I convinced Win Tin to co-operate with the film project. My argument was: you’re writing your memoires, and I’ll make the documentary that should accompany your autobiography. After this meeting my cameraman and I could come to his small house whenever we wanted. We filmed him sleeping, eating, his weekly massage, and during his talks with friends, colleagues and foreign guests.

All the time he was remarkably strong of mind. During the ten hours of interviews, both in English and in Burmese, he was sometimes frustrated because he couldn’t remember some specific dates straight away but I was impressed by his superb memory and by the fact that he remembered so many details.

As a filmmaker, you also want to catch some emotion of your main character. Win Tin, however, avoided getting emotional during the interview. Still, on two occasions I could feel he was moved: when he spoke about the death of Aung San Suu Kyi’s father, Aung San; and when he told me he could not forgive the man who put him in jail for such a long time. I think it was the injustice of these events that made him angry.

For me, the film tells a story of a strong and independent mind – a man who dared to say "no", when all others said "yes". A man who liked to be alone sometimes, but also appreciated the company of the many friends he made during his life. From time to time, he was a little bit obstinate and rebellious, but it’s this kind of person that makes it all more interesting, I think.

When I showed the film to Win Tin in the hospital in March, he said, “A bit short, but adequate and sometimes beautiful” – a big compliment from a distinguished colleague.

I will miss my uncle from Burma, because I would have liked to show him that many journalists and filmmakers will continue to work for better journalism in his country. He would have liked that.

–Kay Mastenbroek

 

 

Related Stories

Burma’s emerging rich

Posted: 21 Apr 2014 01:38 AM PDT

As Burma's economy steadily grows, a higher percentage of Rangoon's population are finding themselves with more cash to spend.

Imported products from Thailand and Hong Kong can be seen on display in downtown shopping malls – something that would have been impossible two years ago as foreign goods were banned under the military junta.

Big international brands are now moving in to take advantage of the world's last frontier markets: soft-drink giant Coca-Cola opened a factory in Burma in June 2013; VISA and MasterCard now operate inside the country; and Japanese companies Mitsubishi Corp and Sumitomo are expanding their presence in Rangoon.

Foreign investors are pouring money into local industries and infrastructure projects.

Twenty-two-year-old Lae Lin Tun Aye works in a medical lab and said things for her are improving.

"Our company is recruiting more staff and expanding into more markets. Our wages are higher than in the past. Older people tell me that my wage is good," she said.

Zin Zaw Htet Tun opened a language school in Rangoon to cash in on people wanting to learn English, Chinese and other foreign languages. He said the city is changing dramatically.

"We can see new supermarkets and new cars, and also new bridges and new houses for the people in Yangon [Rangoon]. Many companies are investing in our country. So for the people, they have many good opportunities for their life. In the area of fashion and technology we can see many changes. We used to use dial-up phones and old cell phones, but now we can use modern cell phones with the latest technology," he said.

Related Stories

While a growing number of people like Zin Zaw Htet Tun are experiencing higher incomes and improvements to their lives, there are still many who are yet to benefit.

Ten percent of Burma's labour force work abroad, and the passport office in Rangoon is always full of people waiting to process documents so that they can get jobs outside the country.

Khin Sitt Pyu has been working in Dubai for three years and earns US$900 a month, which she sends back to her family in Rangoon.

"The basic salary overseas is ten times higher than here. This made me want to work abroad. At first my relatives didn't allow me to go because I'm a woman. But my parents and my siblings agreed and supported my decision. Now I have a regular income and everything is fine with me," she said.

Burma's economy grew by 7.5 percent in the 2013 fiscal year, according to the Asian Development Bank. An increase in investment, improved business confidence, commodity exports, and a rise in tourism contributed to this growth.

Economic advisor to the government, Maung Aung, believes Burma's economy will continue to grow over the coming years.

"Now our economy does not only depend on Asian markets, but also European markets. We expect to enter the US market soon. So now we are trading globally. We have lots of opportunity to grow in our economy," he said.

 

 

 

Summer beach boosts local businesses

Posted: 20 Apr 2014 08:15 PM PDT

Along the banks of the Irrawaddy in the delta region lies a mile-long stretch of sand. During the summer months the water levels sink, revealing the sandy banks below.

This stretch, called Yankinthar Beach, attracts thousands of visitors from the Irrawaddy region and is a hit with locals wanting to escape the stifling Rangoon summer heat.

In the past Yankinthar village used to lie on the river's banks and residents would farm the surrounding land and fish to make a living. Due to water erosion the village had to be demolished and the beach was given to the former residents as compensation.

Now, hundreds of tarpaulin huts and colourful umbrellas are packed onto the beach. Children play on rubber rings in the water, people drink beer in the shade and families eat picnics on plastic chairs.

The farmers from the old village run the many shops and restaurants, earning more money catering to summer visitors than they did farming.

"We earn a lot when the beach is here. And we sell more during the Thyingyan water festival. We get around 10,000 kyats (US$10) a day," said food seller Mya Mya.

Over the past two months 30,000 visitors have come to the beach. Khin Win Yi sells dried fish and said everyone is enjoying a steady income now.

"When the beach is here it is good for poor people to sell things. Before was very difficult," she said.

Fish stall owner Ko Pi Si said each year the beach gets busier.

Related Stories

"We can sell 20-30 viss (33- 49 kg) at the weekend. There are about seven thousand people here a day. There are more people here this year than last," he said.

The beach is about 1 ½ hours from Rangoon and families are choosing this beach over other popular beaches near by.

"I am happy that the beach is close to us. We don’t go to Chaung Thar beach now. This is close and convenient. We are planning to come again next month," a visitor from Rangoon said.

The government set up a tender system for people who want to run shops and bungalows. The money earned from this season will be used to rebuild the local City Hall and whatever is left over goes towards the annual Thingyan water festival.

"Last year, tens of thousands of people visited during the water festival. We hope the same number of people to come this year," said Aye Swe, senior custodian of Yankinthar Beach.

However, soon the rainy season will begin and the beach will once again be submerged in the Irrawaddy. The restaurant owners and shop sellers, who rely on the summer income, will have go back to work in the paddy fields and fish for their living, until the river levels drop again.

NLD veteran Win Tin has died, aged 85

Posted: 20 Apr 2014 07:51 PM PDT

U Win Tin, the veteran NLD leader, former journalist and ex-political prisoner, died of renal failure on Monday morning at a Rangoon hospital, aged 85.

On Friday, his physician Dr Myint Thein confirmed that Win Tin had suffered from kidney failure and was fighting to survive. "Medication has not worked. Our only option is an operation to cleanse his kidneys," he told DVB, adding that, despite the high risk, Win Tin wanted to proceed with the operation.

Born in Pegu Division on 21 March 1929, Win Tin rose to become a noted journalist. In 1988 he was a co-founder, alongside Aung San Suu Kyi, of the opposition National League for Democracy. He was jailed by the ruling military junta in 1989, and spent a total of 19 years in prison during which time his health deteriorated due to mistreatment and torture. He was finally released in 2008, and continued to be an inspirational opposition leader until his final days.

Related Stories
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)