The Irrawaddy Magazine |
- Anti-Smuggling Teams Abolished: Commerce Ministry
- Who’s Who in Burma: 2015
- Kyaukphyu SEZ Tender Awarded to CITIC-led Consortium
- Burmese Cartoons Celebrate Centenary in Rangoon
- Clashes Continue Between Arakan Army and Govt Troops in Kyauktaw Township
- Burma’s Muslims Pin Hopes on NLD Government, Says Campaigner
- Hope Renewed as a New Year Dawns in Burma
| Anti-Smuggling Teams Abolished: Commerce Ministry Posted: 31 Dec 2015 03:17 AM PST  Asia World port terminal in Rangoon, December 8, 2015. (Photo: Soe Zeya Tun / Reuters) RANGOON — The government's mobile task force teams, which aimed to clamp down on the country's thriving illegal border trade, have been abolished, the Ministry of Commerce announced on Wednesday. "All teams will stop, starting from today," Than Win, the director of the Ministry of Commerce, told The Irrawaddy on Thursday. The directive was signed by Commerce Minister Win Myint on Dec. 30. Since late 2012, the cross-departmental teams, including representatives of the commerce ministry, customs and police, have worked to intercept illegal overland trade, primarily in Shan State's Muse on the border with China and in Myawaddy, Karen State, on the Thai-Burma border. Over the past three years, the roving mobile teams have seized more than 50 billion kyats (US$38.2 million) worth of smuggled goods in border areas, according to the commerce ministry. As well as operating in major towns along the country's shared borders with China and Thailand, the teams also monitored major seaports and airports. Commerce Minister Win Myint told a meeting of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) in September that officials had stopped the unlawful export of jade, timber, unlicensed automobiles, livestock and electronic goods. The anti-smuggling teams had been subjected to attacks and ambushes by smuggling gangs seeking retribution for confiscated goods, according to Commerce Ministry director-general Nyunt Aung. Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce will hold a press conference in Naypyidaw in early January to elaborate on Wednesday's decision. The post Anti-Smuggling Teams Abolished: Commerce Ministry appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Posted: 31 Dec 2015 03:00 AM PST  National League for Democracy supporters during a rally before Nov 8 general election (Photo: The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — It was an eventful year for Burma, capped by a historic general election that saw the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) romp to a decisive victory that surpassed even their staunchest supporters' expectations. In an election year, high-profile leaders such as Thein Sein, Aung San Suu Kyi and Min Aung Hlaing were naturally a near-constant presence in the news, along with Tin Aye, head of the commission that oversaw Burma's Nov. 8 poll. But other, lesser known groups and individuals also took their turn in the spotlight this year, including the youth who volunteered during the country's devastating floods and student activists who bravely led a protest march for education reform that was violently suppressed by the authorities. Here, The Irrawaddy outlines some of the country's most renowned, respected or notorious figures and groups, from politics, the military, business and other sectors, who were prominent voices in 2015. The People of Burma In 2015, Burma was again ranked the most charitable country in the world, according to an annual index published by London-based Charitable Aid Foundation. But this renowned generosity did not extend to the military-backed ruling party when Burmese across the country headed to the polls on Nov. 8 for the country's general election. Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won almost 80 percent of the vote and the right to select the country's next president. It was a vote of defiance from millions of Burmese who demonstrated that their desire for change has been burning ever since the previous regime ignored the results of the 1990 poll which the NLD also won. It was not simply the people's blind faith in Suu Kyi that compelled them to vote for the NLD, but also their bitter experience under decades of repressive military dictatorship. The NLD was resoundingly chosen as the party best placed to take the country forward. The people's thirst for change was so strong that, so far, even the military has pledged to ensure a peaceful political transition to a new government. The election result also prompted The Economist to award Burma its "country of the year" honor. "The country's transition to something resembling democracy has come faster than anyone dared expect," the magazine said. The people's courage and determination is largely to thank for that.
 Aung San Suu Kyi, chairwoman of the National League for Democracy (NLD)(Photo: The Irrawaddy) Aung San Suu Kyi, chairwoman of the National League for Democracy (NLD) If the most significant event in 2015 was the November general election, it would be hard to look passed Aung San Suu Kyi as Burma's most influential and inspiring figure this year. Her party won a landslide victory on Nov. 8, although the NLD chairwoman is herself barred from assuming the presidency under a constitutional clause written expressly with her in mind. Despite this, Suu Kyi has repeatedly stated she would be "above the president." Following the election, she held separate meetings with President Thein Sein and Burma Army Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, who promised to facilitate a smooth transition. Suu Kyi also met with former dictator Snr-Gen Than Shwe, who referred to her as the country's "future leader," according to the ex-junta head's grandson, Nay Shwe Thway Aung.
 President Thein Sein (Photo: President Office) President Thein Sein Soon after the election in November, when the realization dawned that the ruling party had suffered a humiliating defeat, Thein Sein said the government would allow a new administration to continue the reform process, adding, "don't worry about the transition." His words went some way to soothing many concerned Burmese haunted by the memory of the 1990 election, when the then ruling junta refused to recognize the result in favor of the NLD. Thus far, the president has given no sign of breaking his promise. If the transition runs smoothly, Thein Sein will be remembered as the first military-backed Burmese head of state to hand over power to a democratically elected government.
 Myanmar’s army chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing addresses reporters during a news conference at the Defence Ministry in Naypyitaw September 21, 2015. (Photo : REUTERS) Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Burma's Armed Forces Under the 2008 constitution, the military chief has powers rivaling the president. Before the election, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing urged service personnel to vote for a party that would protect race and religion. When the result was tallied, the army chief met with Suu Kyi and pledged cooperation. A statement read: "Both sides agreed to follow the people's wish to collaborate for the country's stability, rule of law, national unity and development during the meeting." The commander-in-chief turns 60 in 2016, the official retirement age for civil servants.
 Former junta leader Snr-Gen Than Shwe. (Photo: Reuters) Ex-Dictator Than Shwe Despite ostensibly stepping away from the political scene in 2011, many still speculate that the former dictator Than Shwe continues to wield influence. His meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi on Dec. 4 suggested the ex-junta leader still wields some political power. The NLD said the meeting could help ensure a smooth political transition in a country only just emerging from decades of repressive military rule. Observers suggest many in the military are still loyal to their former commander-in-chief. If so, the 82-year-old will likely remain an influential figure despite his withdrawal from public life. After his meeting with the NLD chairwoman, many wonder whether he may hold the key to enabling her to officially assume the country's top post.
 Shwe Mann, Union Parliament Speaker ( Photo :The Irrawaddy ) Shwe Mann, Union Parliament Speaker Shwe Mann, the speaker of Burma's Union Parliament, was dramatically removed from his post as chair of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in a midnight purge on Aug. 12. He has close ties with Aung San Suu Kyi and, despite being a former general, lost popularity in military circles after he expressed support for constitutional reform as Union Parliament Speaker. Shwe Mann unsuccessfully ran for a Lower House seat in his native Pyu in the November poll. He swiftly accepted defeat and was the first senior member of the USDP to welcome the NLD's victory, meeting Suu Kyi soon thereafter. He was said to be a key facilitator of the meeting between former Snr-Gen Than Shwe and Suu Kyi in early December. The parliamentary speaker has not publically discussed his future plans, but there are suggestions he could be involved in some capacity with the incoming NLD-led government.
 Nai Hong Sar, head of the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT).( Photo: The Irrawaddy ) Ethnic Leaders It was billed as a historic agreement that would kick-start a sustainable peace in Burma for the first time since independence. However, only eight non-state armed groups signed the so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) in mid-October, with several major ethnic armed groups withholding their support. Alongside other prominent ethnic leaders, Nai Hong Sar, vice chairman of the New Mon State Party, a non-signatory group, has consistently called for the nationwide pact to be open to all armed groups. The ethnic Mon leader is a vocal proponent of autonomy and genuine federalism for all ethnic nationalities. Nai Hong Sar is also vice-chair of the ethnic alliance, the United Nationalities Federal Council. "He was the main leader who spoke for us," said Tar Bong Kyaw of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, an armed group that Naypyidaw refused to include in the ceasefire pact. Zipporah Sein is another strong-willed ethnic leader who held her stand against the premature signing of the ceasefire pact despite pressure from the Karen National Union, of which she is vice-chair, whose leadership backed the deal. Prior to the signing, she wrote to key government negotiator Aung Min declining an invitation to attend the ceremony in Naypyidaw while fighting continued in Kachin and Shan states. "The NCA will not be nationwide," she wrote. Many ethnic Karen support Zipporah Sein for her willingness to stand against the KNU's leadership and stay true to her beliefs. She is also respected as one of the few prominent female voices in a peace process dominated by men.
 Tin Aye, chairman of the Union Election Commission (Photo: The Irrawaddy) Tin Aye, chairman of the Union Election Commission Few trusted Burma's Union Election Commission (UEC) Chairman Tin Aye when the former lieutenant general and ex-lawmaker with the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) first took up the role in 2011. He has talked openly about his strong ties to the military and the party he served, fueling further doubt over his capacity to facilitate a free and fair vote in November. Tin Aye and the commission copped their fair share of criticism—particularly over voter list errors and the process for advance voting. However, following a peaceful poll that was widely regarded as the most credible vote since 1990, the chairman placated many of his critics.
 U Nayaka ( Photo The Irrawaddy ) U Nayaka Sayadaw U Nayaka, a leading Buddhist monk in Mandalay, founded the Phaung Daw Oo Monastic education school and developed a teaching method different from the typical rote learning education style encountered throughout much of the country. His monastic school was first opened in 1993 as a primary school for disadvantaged children. Ten years later, with renewed emphasis on critical and child centered learning methods, the school expanded to high school level and around 8,000 students were enrolled. Although the school is under the control of Buddhist monks, there are no restrictions on enrolment based on race or religion. Sayadaw U Nayaka's vision is to provide opportunities for a high quality education to students from all walks of life, as well as promoting interfaith relations. "My school aims to give free and better education for every child of different race and religions. It's not for religious study. If [the students] want to study religion, they can study after school," the abbot said. For his work developing and promoting a student-centered teaching method radically different to that usually encountered in the country's moribund public education system, Sayadaw U Nayaka has been shortlisted for the prestigious Global Teacher Prize.
 Phyo Phyo Aung ( Photo :The Irrawaddy ) Student Activists Student activists hit the headlines earlier this year during nationwide protests against a controversial National Education Law passed in September 2014. Their peaceful protest culminated in a standoff in Pegu Division's Letpadan in March which ended after a brutal police crackdown, leaving several students and their supporters injured and dozens detained. At least 50 students are still in prison, some with serious health concerns, as a drawn out court process continues. Among those under detention include student leaders such as Citizen of Burma 2015 award winner Phyo Phyo Aung, Honey Oo, Nanda Sitt Aung and Kyaw Ko Ko. Three fellow activists Min Thwae Thit, Mar Naw and Kyaw Swar Lin, also in police custody, have been hospitalized for injuries sustained during the violent police crackdown.
 Aung Ko Win of KBZ ( Photo :The Irrawaddy ) Cronies in Changing Times Long notorious for their links to the former regime and their involvement in plundering the country's natural resources, many of Burma's well-known cronies have tried to improve their respective public standings by engaging in "philanthropic works" through various charitable endeavors. Aung Ko Win, the chairman of Kanbawza (KBZ) Group, has often been in the headlines this year for his conglomerate's donations, including to those affected by floods that inundated much of the country in July and August. KBZ also provided free flights home for hundreds of trafficked Burmese fisherman who had spent years working in slave-like conditions in Indonesian waters. The group was also active in providing financial and technical assistance toward providing clean water supply systems to towns across southern Shan State. Since the shocking disaster of Cyclone Nargis in 2008, the group has spent more than US$98 million on charity work. Zaw Zaw, the chairman of the Max Myanmar Group, has not hidden his support for Aung San Suu Kyi and may be positioning himself to capitalize on new political realities that will take shape in Burma next year. Aside from his varied business interests in banking, construction, hotels and more, Zaw Zaw is also chair of the Myanmar Football Federation. It was this latter association that was most highlighted mid-year, as football fever in Burma was running high, with the country's stellar performance during the Southeast Asia Games capped with a finals appearance, where they ultimately succumbed to Thailand. US blacklisted tycoon Tay Za, chairman of Htoo Group of Companies, is also cultivating ties with the NLD, with his Asia Green Development Bank set to fund training for newly elected NLD lawmakers. Suu Kyi has in the past rejected criticism of such funding offered by businesspersons accused of having close ties with the former regime. "Instead of spending their money on things that have no purpose, they have supported things that they should support," she told reporters in 2013. Some observers have suggested that, beyond politically motivated donations, such well-endowed conglomerates should pour more much-needed funds into charity projects.
 Kyaw Thu, Founder of Free Funeral Service Society — Rangoon ( Photo :The Irrawaddy ) Kyaw Thu, Founder of Free Funeral Service Society — Rangoon Burmese actor Kyaw Thu and his wife Shwe Zee Kwet co-founded the Rangoon-based civil society organization Free Funeral Service Society in 2001. The organization provides free funeral services for all those in need, regardless of race, religion or any affiliation. Through his organization, Kyaw Thu has also lent support to relief efforts in Burma, including after this year's nationwide floods. The FFSS founder's acting career was stunted by the previous military junta following the 2007 Saffron Revolution. He has served as the president of the organization since 2008. Through his works and his well-earned reputation, the group is seen by many as one of the country's most reliable and hardworking charities.
 Rangoon-based Youth Volunteers' Network (Photo: The Irrawaddy) Rangoon-based Youth Volunteers' Network The youth network was initiated in November 2011 after floods in the central Burma town of Pakkoku and has since continued its activities helping people in need around the country, with a membership now numbering in the thousands. Contributions are based on public donations and many local celebrities have joined the group's charity events. After flooding hit 12 states and divisions in Burma from July, leaving over 100 people dead and over 1 million affected, the network's contribution to relief efforts was vital. They were also among the first group that arrived at the Mawchi mine in Karenni State's Hpasaung Township after a landslide in October this year to assist with rescue efforts.
 Artists perform at a rally organized in support of the National League for Democracy in Rangoon before Nov 8 general election. (Photo: The Irrawaddy) The Artists That Helped Turn Burma Red The role of various prominent Burmese artists and performers in the NLD's election campaign cannot be underestimated. While over 90 political parties registered for the Nov. 8 poll, the NLD and the Union Solidarity and Development Party were the only real competitors at the national level. While artists were seen at the rallies of both parties, those that graced NLD stages appeared of their own volition, while many ostensibly backing the ruling party were reportedly paid for their support. Among the latter group was "Zune Thinzar," a social media celebrity known for her racy photo shoots. At NLD rallies, one song in particular was sung over and over again. Titled "May May Naing Mha Phyit Mhar Bar," which translates as "Our Mother has to win," in reference to Suu Kyi, the piece was written by local singer Saung Oo Hlaing for the NLD. It proved to be a hit among red-clad supporters of the opposition party. Along with many well-known local performers, Pan Ye Lan (Flower's Road), a musical volunteer group known for busking in order to collect donations for the needy, threw themselves into the NLD's campaign, traveling to remote areas of the country to drum up support.
 Lawyers stage a demonstration in downtown Rangoon to protest the sale of colonial courthouse buildings to hotel consortiums in 2012. (Photo: The Irrawaddy) Burma's Lawyers As the ranks of Burma's political prisoners increased in 2015, brave local lawyers were as crucial as ever in a country with a notoriously defective judicial system. Well-known lawyer Robert Sann Aung, a nominee for the Martin Ennals Jury Award in 2015, kept up his tireless work defending activists, journalists and ordinary citizens who provoked the authorities' ire. He took on the case of freelance journalist Par Gyi, who was killed in military custody, and also defended Chaw Sandi Tun who was imprisoned for a Facebook post deemed insulting to the military. The Myanmar Lawyers' Network (MLN) has also been active, including in assisting students detained since March for involvement in a peaceful protest against the National Education Law, heritage protection and other politically motivated cases.
 Hla Myat Tun, LGBT activist(Photo: The Irrawaddy) Hla Myat Tun, LGBT activist Hla Myat Tun was one of several LGBT activists in 2015 that openly challenged prejudices and discriminatory practices in Burma, demanding equality and acceptance of LGBT persons across Burmese society. He leads an LGBT rights organization, Colors Rainbow, that co-organized Burma's inaugural LGBT film festival "& Proud," that aimed to create more space for the LGBT community and constructive conversations and engagement among the broader public. The activist has been working together with the country's Education Ministry to put gender identity and LGBT issues in high school curriculums. He is regarded as among the most prominent advocates on the issue, alongside Aung Myo Min. He spoke at the UN in Geneva in October on related issues ahead of Burma's Universal Periodic Review.
 Nationalist Buddhist monk U Wirathu is greeted with respect at a monks’ conference in Rangoon in June 2013. (Photo: The Irrawaddy).
Burma's most outspoken monk is notorious for being labeled the "The Face of Buddhist Terror" by Time magazine in 2013. Ask him of his most prominent accomplishment this year and he would likely reference the set of four so-called "Protection of Race and Religion Laws," the last of which was passed by Parliament in August. Rights groups have criticized the laws as discriminatory against women and religious minorities. His name has become virtually synonymous with home-grown anti-Muslim nationalist group Ma Ba Tha, of which he is a leading member. So relentless is his Buddhist nationalist rhetoric that earlier this year, the 47-year-old monk infamously referred to UN Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee as a "bitch" and a "whore" after she criticized the race and religion laws. Though his remarks were widely condemned internationally, no such censure came from Burma's government. Thus far, the race and religion laws have had a perhaps unforeseen outcome, with the Monogamy Law being invoked in several cases by women against their unfaithful Buddhist husbands. The post Who's Who in Burma: 2015 appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Kyaukphyu SEZ Tender Awarded to CITIC-led Consortium Posted: 31 Dec 2015 01:43 AM PST  Preliminary development at the Kyaukphyu special economic zone in 2014. (Photo: Ko Soe / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — After a long-running tender process beset by delays, on Wednesday a government committee finally announced the successful bidders for development of the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Burma's Arakan State. The project's bid evaluation committee announced that two tenders, one for development of the deep-sea port and the other for development of the industrial zone, were each awarded to a consortium led by CITIC, a Chinese state-owned conglomerate. According to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar, a tender for development of a "high-class housing project" was rejected as bids did not meet the project's requirements. A total of 10 bidders were considered for the three tenders, the evaluation committee said. Burma's president Thein Sein met a delegation led by CITIC chairman Chang Zheng Min on Dec. 24 in Naypyidaw, just days after he called for the results of the Kyaukphyu tender to be promptly announced "so that the next government can continue to implement the project." Lawmakers approved initial development of the Kyaukphyu SEZ on Tuesday, with over 400 MPs voting in favor of the 4,289-acre project, the first phase of which the government hopes to begin next year. China's official Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday that the CITIC-led consortium included five Chinese and one Thai company, Charoen Pokphand Group. Alongside CITIC are Chinese firms: China Harbor Engineering Company, China Merchants Holdings (International), TEDA Investment Holding and Yunnan Construction Engineering Group, according to Xinhua. The project's bid evaluation committee said it would present contractual details to the government's central body overseeing special economic zones, as established under the 2014 Special Economic Zone Law, for approval. Since the motion to approve the Kyaukphyu project was tabled in Parliament, local civil society groups in Arakan State have urged lawmakers to delay the project—citing its potential negative environmental and social impacts—until a new government led by the National League for Democracy (NLD) takes office next year. More than 100 non-profit organizations have called for talks on the project with representatives of the new government. The post Kyaukphyu SEZ Tender Awarded to CITIC-led Consortium appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Burmese Cartoons Celebrate Centenary in Rangoon Posted: 31 Dec 2015 01:13 AM PST  A two-day event to mark 100 years of Burmese cartoons opened at the Myanmar Convention Centre in Rangoon on Wednesday. (Photo: Thaw Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — An event to mark 100 years of Burmese cartoons kicked off in Rangoon on Wednesday, with a free exhibition at the Myanmar Convention Centre featuring cartoon books, souvenir stalls and demonstrations by prominent local practitioners of the art form. Chairman of the organizing committee for the two-day event, cartoonist Maung Maung Aung, said the occasion was a rare moment that put local cartoons in the spotlight. "Cartoons will survive as long as there are people in this world, because cartoons reflect people's desires and needs," Maung Maung Aung told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday. Despite his optimistic outlook, he acknowledged that cartoon books were at risk of being sidelined in an increasingly digitized culture. The centenary is marked this year as, in 1915, Shwe Ta Lay (U Bagalay) first published a cartoon for the Rangoon College magazine. "We hope this event will gather Burmese cartoonists together and create conversations about founding an Association of Burmese Cartoonists," Maung Maung Aung said. Cartoonist Poe Zar, the creator of the famous fictional twin sisters Lay Mon and Htwe Mon, said youth today have so many interests that reading cartoons is often not high on the agenda. "Cartoonists also need to know what kind of medium they should select to attract young readers. For example, online could be a very good medium," he said. "But the nature of cartoonists is they prefer sketching on paper rather than drawing for the digitalized medium." Young illustrator Edo Vader told The Irrawaddy that the event was an ideal opportunity for the country's cartoonists to discuss how to take the medium forward. "The event can raise public interest in these kinds of cartoons which need to be restored, as this is also part of literature," he said. The post Burmese Cartoons Celebrate Centenary in Rangoon appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Clashes Continue Between Arakan Army and Govt Troops in Kyauktaw Township Posted: 30 Dec 2015 11:48 PM PST  The Arakan Army's 5th anniversary celebrations in Laiza, Kachin State, April 2014. (Photo: Moe Myint / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — The Arakan Army said it has clashed with government troops on more than 20 occasions since fighting broke out in Arakan State's Kyauktaw Township on Sunday. At least one civilian was reportedly injured during ongoing fighting, according to a local relief group. The Arakan Army (AA)'s Col Nyo Twan Awng said clashes had continued over four consecutive days near the Ram Chaung tributary in Kyauktaw Township, with several AA soldiers killed or wounded. "Government soldiers are patrolling in the AA's operating area and that's why skirmishes broke out," Nyo Twan Awng said. "We need to ask the government why they are using excessive military force to fight us." The AA colonel claimed at least 20 Burma Army troops had been killed, an assertion that could not be immediately verified by The Irrawaddy. Hla Thein, head of public relations for the Arakan State government, was contacted for comment but declined to be drawn on military matters. The armed group also claimed government troops used mortars during attacks which first broke out near the Sittwe-Rangoon highway in Kyauktaw Township, northern Arakan State, on Sunday. Tun Khin, a community leader in Kyauktaw Township, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that villagers in some conflict-affected areas of the township had fled their homes to escape fighting. Maung Win of a Kyauktaw-based relief organization said a local of Thapyuchaung village, Maung Than Sein, sustained a bullet wound and was now being treated at Sittwe Hospital. Several local reporters have claimed that the victim was acting as a porter for the Burma Army at the time he was shot. Burma Army troops clashed several times with Arakan Army forces in a number of areas in the western state beginning in late March. The Arakan Army is also based in Laiza, Kachin State, where the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is headquartered, and has been active in conflict areas where the KIA, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) have clashed with government troops. The government declined to allow the TNLA, AA and MNDAA to sign the so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement concluded in mid-October, while the KIA, alongside several other major ethnic armed groups, withheld its signature. The post Clashes Continue Between Arakan Army and Govt Troops in Kyauktaw Township appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Burma’s Muslims Pin Hopes on NLD Government, Says Campaigner Posted: 30 Dec 2015 05:14 PM PST  Yan Naing, a lawyer and candidate for the United National Congress in the 2015 election. (Photo: Htet Khaung Lin / Myanmar Now) RANGOON — Former political prisoner Yan Naing is a politician and activist from the Irrawaddy Delta. A member of Burma's Muslim minority, he was a second generation supporter of the National League for Democracy. As a campaign manager for an NLD candidate in the 2012 elections, he faced some resistance from inside the party. He left the NLD before the 2015 elections, in which the party failed to field a single Muslim candidate amid rising anti-Muslim and nationalistic rhetoric in Burma. Yan Naing, a lawyer by profession, joined the United National Congress (UNC), a historically Muslim party, and ran in Thingangyun constituency for a Lower House seat. Like all his fellow UNC candidates, as well as many other non-NLD candidates, he lost. He spoke again to Myanmar Now about his thoughts on the future of Muslims in Burma as the new NLD government prepares to take office. Are you concerned that there will be less discussion on the rights of Muslims in parliament since no Muslim candidate was elected in the Nov. 8 elections? When it comes to discussing the issues concerning Muslims, perhaps the NLD will take up that responsibility. But they would only be able to say what they've heard, as they wouldn’t be able to feel exactly like a Muslim would. What is the view of Muslims on the political parties that did not field Muslim candidates? A lot of Muslims feel very sad about this, especially that the NLD didn't field a single Muslim candidate. But most of the Muslims voted for the NLD anyway in order to get democracy. They still have a lot of confidence in the NLD. Communal and religious conflicts have broken out in recent years in Myanmar. Some in authority seem to favor nationalistic groups. Do you think the next government will challenge this? It is good to protect your own religion. But I think it is not appropriate to misunderstand, attack and discriminate against other religions, especially Islam. Some accused the NLD of favoring Muslims and called them all sorts of names. I think the NLD needs to work hard to negotiate with these people. The new government needs to build up mutual trust among the people in different faiths. There may be some people within the party who have a misunderstanding of Muslims. What do you think? It depends on Aung San Suu Kyi. She needs to manage this. Our Muslim groups and parties also need to hold discussions with the NLD. In terms of my personal experience, there were people who objected to my appointment as the campaign manager of NLD in Myaungmya Township during the 2012 by-election. It was a shock—the people who protested included those who were close to me. It seems like they didn't want Muslims taking up important roles in the NLD. Which kind of laws do Muslims think they will need to ensure citizen rights in the new government? It is important to align Burma's citizenship law to meet international norms. The government needs to reform procedures of the immigration department which mention ethnicity and religion to ensure citizen rights for all nationalities. My family is of Indian descent and the third generation here. My grandmother was a Burmese citizen. Some say the colonial era law discriminated against Burmese nationals and favored Muslims, but it is unfair to exact revenge on us now. Today's Muslims in Burma are (often) descendants of Muslim men and Myanmar women. I think we need to make the new government understand this. During the post-election period, some nationalistic groups used anti-Muslim rhetoric and claimed the Islamic flag was the flag of ISIS. Do you think this could lead to conflict? Every Muslim home has the words of the prayer to Allah in Arabic. These words are misused by ISIS. Just because you have these holy words doesn't make you ISIS. Our Muslim community has the responsibility to explain this. Islamic leaders in Burma have issued statements declaring that ISIS is misusing Islam. We don't believe in ISIS or al Qaeda and we will not be influenced by them. But I am worried that these accusations of all Muslims being linked to ISIS would push them towards that. Burma's Muslims may be oppressed but we have no interest in rebelling against our country. The Prophet Mohammad taught us that loving one's birthplace is half of the faith to Islam. Do you think statements and interfaith conferences are enough to resolve misunderstandings? What more can be done? Those who misunderstand Islam usually do not attend these interfaith conferences so the impact is still limited. I think if we can really explain clearly what Islam is and isn’t, the misunderstanding would be reduced. What is your view on recent attempts by Myanmar authorities to send Kaman Muslims to refugee camps in Ramree of Arakan State? It is a violation of human rights and citizenship rights. They are Burmese citizens, and they have rights to visit any part of the country. I moved to Rangoon from Myaungmya more than a year and a half ago. But immigration officials have not allowed us to have our family registration in Rangoon. This is a human rights violation. What reform plans should be made in immigration sector? They need a lot of changes. The motto of "Your race will not disappear by the earth swallowing you, but by another (race) swallowing you" seems to target Muslims. This motto is quite extreme and aggressive. Due to unfair and corrupt immigration officers, those who cannot speak the Burmese language have national identity cards, but those who can speak it and have been living for many years in Burma are still holding foreigner registration cards. This needs to be resolved. This interview first appeared at Myanmar Now. The post Burma's Muslims Pin Hopes on NLD Government, Says Campaigner appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Hope Renewed as a New Year Dawns in Burma Posted: 30 Dec 2015 05:06 PM PST  National League for Democracy (NLD) supporters celebrating the NLD's win as the votes were counted after the poll on November 8. (Photo: J Paing / The Irrawaddy) Another year draws to a close, but it was far from 'just another year' in Burma. In November, people from all walks of life across the country headed to their local polling stations to cast votes in Burma's general election. The National League for Democracy (NLD) was the beneficiary of an overwhelming mandate for change. To the surprise of many seasoned Burma watchers, the poll was widely regarded as credible and, importantly, violence-free. The extent of the NLD's victory, which saw them claim majorities in both legislatures, was also unexpected but welcomed by many who have long fought for the democracy cause. After the political vanquishing of the military-backed ruling party, the president and army chief vowed to facilitate a peaceful transition during separate meetings with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. With the drawn-out political handover still in motion, many observers will be keenly watching the process, with the memory of past, unmet pledges still fresh in the collective memory. After decades of military rule, whether the country's slow transition toward democracy will continue, only time will tell. Burmese politics is seldom without intrigue and the Nov. 8 vote was followed by an unexpected meeting between Suu Kyi and former dictator Snr-Gen Than Shwe. That confab in Naypyidaw kicked off speculation that the former junta leader would support Suu Kyi as the country's "future leader" despite a clause in the military-drafted Constitution that effectively bars her from the role. The word around Naypyidaw is that the 70-year-old NLD chairwoman is not out of the running to formally assume the country's top post. Just how this would occur is, again, an open question. Backed by a stunning democratic mandate, Suu Kyi is the rightful leader of the country and has repeatedly said that, regardless of her official position in government, she would act as leader. Internationally, there is renewed interest in Burma, not to mention renewed optimism, as reflected in The Economist's designation of Burma as its "country of the year." The NLD-led government will no doubt have much goodwill behind it, but it will have to hit the ground running. A raft of issues awaits, including the peace process, the ailing crony and military-dominated economy, health and education reform. While the election result ensured the year ended on a bright note, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Fierce fighting flared in the Kokang Special Region in February; deadly floods inundated swathes of the country mid-year; the ranks of Burma's political prisoners grew and religious nationalism simmered on, fueled by the outspoken Buddhist nationalist group Ma Ba Tha. Trusting their hopes and rising above the politics of fear, Burmese people overwhelmingly voted for change. In an ideal scenario for many, Suu Kyi would be able to assume the presidency in 2016. Regardless, the military will remain the country's preeminent institution, with a quarter of seats in Parliament and control of the home, border and defense portfolios. Despite this, there are signs the military may be preparing for its own transition, with some leaders potentially viewing the army as needing to adapt to new realities. The majority of Burmese have modest expectations for the year ahead, but broadly desire a better standard of living and more opportunities to secure a brighter future. Already, there are more smiles on the streets. As the current government's term slowly winds down, many will bring in the New Year cautiously optimistic as to what lies ahead. After so many years of dictatorship and repression, hope is on the rise. On that note, we wish our readers a healthy and happy 2016 and thank you for your loyal support. Stay tuned! The post Hope Renewed as a New Year Dawns in Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
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