Thursday, January 4, 2018

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

A nation cursed by the legacy of colonialism

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 12:48 AM PST

In November 1885 Burma's last monarch, King Thibaw, and his queen were transported by a British flotilla from Mandalay into exile in India, where the King spent the rest of his lives. Burma soon became a colony of the British.

Thibaw was no doubt a feeble and despotic king, and was often described as such in the British press. But the new foreign rulers were not welcomed with open arms; instead they faced uprisings and deep resentment. Seeing the empty Lion Throne in the palace deeply insulted the Burmese people.

Colonialism began with the looting of the grand Golden Palace in Mandalay, the extrajudicial killings of rebels and "dacoits", chaos, confusion and a breakdown in law and order. Not to mention the story of the British officers and soldiers who carried away the royal treasures as chronicled in "The King in Exile" by Sudha Shah. The country later witnessed Britain's systematic exploitation of its resources including teak, oil and agricultural products, as the colonial economy linked Myanmar to global markets.

Back in Mandalay, the rebellion did not begin with an upheaval, but developed into a sustained armed resistance, one the British combated with a brutal military strategy throughout the colony for many years. Rebel leaders were captured and beheaded or hanged after sham trials. Villagers suspected of harboring sympathizers were burned and their inhabitants forcibly relocated.

After losing its king, the country was subsequently annexed to India, causing deep insult to the people.

Colonialism left the nation divided and destroyed. Deploying their notorious divide-and-rule strategy, the British created a frontier area and divided it among ethnic minorities and majority Burmans. This was the beginning of the ethnic-based nationalism that lingers to this day as a legacy of British rule. Still, people and authorities often discussed migration to the Northern Arakan border area under British rule, as colonial authorities applied the divide-and-rule policy to govern the local Arakanese and the migrant Muslim population from the Chittagong Hills. We have recently seen renewed violence in this area.

Unsurprisingly, it was under British rule that Burma first witnessed major riots and massacres of the Indian migrant population brought in by the foreign rulers. Under British occupation, Indians were brought in to serve in the administration and in the army. As a result, the country witnessed a series of anti-Indian riots beginning in 1930. Moreover, to keep the majority Burmans, who were perceived as rebellious and disloyal, at bay, local ethnic groups were invited to serve in the colonial army and administration.

Then came the independence struggle of the 1930s, led by local politicians and student activists and ultimately culminating in Burma's hard-won independence; but not before the Japanese occupation of the country and subsequent battles between two foreign powers, the Allied forces and the Japanese, further devastated the country. This was a war between two colonizers, not between Burmans and ethnic groups.

Aung San, the father of current State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, negotiated with the British to reclaim independence. In July 1947, months before national independence was finally restored, Aung San and his cabinet members were gunned down by political rivals backed by British officers. U Saw, a former prime minister, was hanged along with his accomplices.

Even today the degree of British involvement in the conspiracy and the identity of those behind the assassination of Aung San is a topic of debate among Myanmar citizens and intellectuals, and has been the topic of numerous books, essays and research papers.

On Jan. 4, 1948, at 4:20 am – thought to be an astrologically auspicious hour – Myanmar became an independent nation. But how auspicious was it? The new country was plunged into civil war and violence. Myanmar citizens have celebrated Independence Day annually for seven decades but the degree to which the country enjoys genuine independence is still in question and the subject of heated debate among the nation's people and ethnic groups.

For 70 years the country has seen civil war, foreign aggression in the North in the 1950s, and then the dictatorship led by Ne Win, who seized power in 1962 and ruled until 1988. The country was in self-imposed isolation for decades. The socialist regime was ended by a nationwide uprising in 1988 but only after a bloody crackdown, which saw a new regime come to power and rule the country for decades. However, one can point to democratic periods when people felt free and saw the beginnings of prosperity in some parts of Myanmar in the 1950s under the leadership of Prime Minister U Nu. Sadly, this did not last long.

It is important to reflect on the legacy of the colonial period and understand how this disaster brought the country into chaos and increased division. Its legacy of ongoing strife, instability and ethnic and racial division means that the country needs strong, ruled-based leadership – but not a return to military rule – to keep the country together and moving forward. Who doesn't want peace, stability and prosperity for Myanmar? What, then, is the real, nagging core issue that keeps the country in a failed state?

The debate over whether Myanmar is really free and independent is a healthy one, and we would do well to reflect on the colonial legacy and learn from the past and from our history.

The post A nation cursed by the legacy of colonialism appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Thoughts on Seven Decades of Independence

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 07:38 PM PST

Nai Hong Sar

Chairman of the United Nationalities Federal Council 

"[Gen. Aung San] persuaded the ethnicities to fight together to free ourselves from the yoke of the British and the Japanese, with a promise that there would be equal rights like brothers after the country regained independence. But it did not happen.

In fact, Gen. Aung San was quite broad-minded. He made a lot of promises to the ethnicities and intended to build a true [federal state] with equality. But the leaders who came to power after his death did not act righteously, and civil war continues today. None of the citizens have enjoyed true independence or the benefits of independence, which is disheartening. Because of the incorrect attitude of those leaders, our country is in poverty and still embroiled in civil war. And a lot of people are facing difficulties. Only a handful of those in power enjoy independence. It is a situation I must criticize. The independence we got is freedom from foreign control. But as the ruling elite exercised dictatorship and racial chauvinism, the ethnicities have lost their rights and the people are also denied their fundamental rights.

What we should expect is a 21st century Panglong Union Peace Conference held with the intention of national reconciliation and to bring an end to the civil war. All the concerned armed groups should participate in it so that the conference will be meaningful and the other side will have no doubts.

Again, it is important that every leader attending the conference strives with the right attitude for a democracy that is suitable for our country, and ethnic equality and a federal union with self-determination. Unless and until this is achieved, independence will remain a sham."

U Thant Myint-U

Historian

"British colonialism was a disaster for Myanmar. It's important to remember that colonial rule not only destroyed local forms of government, but also violently overturned social economic and moral structures that had developed over centuries, especially in the Irrawaddy Valley. Colonialism introduced a far more extractive state, focused almost entirely on maximising the export of primary commodities to global markets. The modern state in Myanmar was born as a colonial occupation, with an imported bureaucracy, backed by military power. Of course Myanmar in the 1930s was far more developed than Myanmar in the 1880s. But a Myanmar that had stayed independent, like Siam or Japan, may have been richer still. Colonialism gave birth to ethnic-based nationalism and new racial attitudes connected to mammoth and unregulated Indian immigration. And in the end, colonialism did not even protect the country. When the Japanese invaded in 1941, British rule collapsed like a house of cards. Burma was destroyed twice over as part of someone else's war. And when Burma finally became independent in 1948, the country was in ruins, politically as well as economically. The stage was set for 70 years of internal armed conflict, dictatorship, and self-imposed isolation.  This 70th anniversary is a good time to reflect on the colonial legacies and mindsets that are still everywhere in Myanmar and begin to move skilfully in a genuinely post-colonial direction."

U Mya Aye

Leading member of the Federal Democratic Force and former student leader

"It has been 70 years since Myanmar gained independence. We have seen no development though; all we have seen is problems, fighting and arguments between different sides, and civil war. So, on the 70th anniversary of Independence Day, we must focus on the peace process. There will be different perspectives on it. But I think it is important to create a harmonious society and establish a federal Union as part of the peace process. I would like to urge all groups to join hands to make this happen.

I was born around 30 years after independence. But I have not yet enjoyed the true freedom, dignity and pride of a citizen of an independent country in the international community. So, this is the time for people in their 30s and 40s to try with all their might and love for the country in anticipation of genuine freedom. This is the time for them to work hard by avoiding waste, speaking out, and improving themselves as necessary, as well as encouraging others to improve."

Dr. Cynthia Maung

Founder of the Mae Tao Clinic

"Independence was collectively achieved by Myanmar's various ethnic groups for the causes of equality and democracy. Ethnic equality is directly related to peace. At the same time, equality is the essence of independence in rebuilding the state. As the country has been under military control for many years, those rights have never been asserted. It is important to make all understand this point in ensuring a switch from military control to civil administration and ethnic equality and fundamental human rights under this government. It is also important to take a cue from Asian countries, especially neighboring countries, in implementing reforms. Federal democracy can't be built by a single party or organization, but calls for a collaborative effort by all. I hope that the entire nation will join hands to build a peaceful and secure environment."

U Nyan Win

Member of the National League for Democracy's Central Executive Committee

"It has been 70 years now. Previous leaders tried to stop the civil clashes that were born with independence. Our ambition is to ensure peace of mind and liberty for all people. Frankly speaking, we do not yet enjoy full freedom, though there has been some progress. People do not yet enjoy full independence. And much remains to be done for this to happen. We will try to achieve internal peace as soon as possible. But I don't want to make a wild guess about when we will get it. It is the responsibility of all to try."

Col. Naw Bu

Information officer of the Kachin Independence Army

"As a Myanmar citizen, I would say that Independence Day is about all national people claiming independence from the British. But once independence was regained, we ethnicities were discriminated against, not by Bamars but by military dictators. Therefore, not only the ethnicities but also the Bamar people have become a 'being ruled' class today.  So, Independence Day has become a meaningless day to us.

Everyone needs to know that civil war has been going on since Independence Day through today. We people want independence and peace. But so far, our country has little reason to be hopeful.

And we have not yet enjoyed the fruits of peace. If independence is really for the people and country, we welcome it. But otherwise, it is meaningless to us. The military and the government should govern the country and the people with a pure heart and broad-mindedness. There is no freedom in the country because the government and Tatmadaw have weak points."

Daw Thet Thet Khaing

Member of Parliament

"I feel gratitude toward the martyrs as well as the honored and unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives and blood in the independence struggle as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of independence this year. At the same time, I feel that there is a lot of work to be done because Myanmar has not yet become a developed and prosperous country in these 70 years, despite its natural resources and human resources.

So it is crucial that we find solutions. There is a need to put the right people in the right places and seek continuous improvement in socioeconomic development, which is important for building the country. I urge everyone to do their fair share and participate in national development.

As Sitagu Sayadaw said, there are four components to building a successful society: the government, the people, the Tatmadaw [Myanmar's military] and the Sangha [clergy]. These four groups must join hands. By Sangha, I mean not only Buddhist monks, but all concerned religious organizations. I hope they will work in unity to build a successful society."

The post Thoughts on Seven Decades of Independence appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

70 Years On, the Struggle for Independence Goes On

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 05:34 PM PST

"Let us rejoice at the independence which has come to us today, the result of sacrifices undergone by us and those who preceded us in the years that have passed."

Those are the words of Burma's first president, Sao Shwe Thaike, in his independence message on Jan. 4, 1948.

So began the story I wrote for the 60th anniversary of Myanmar's independence in 2008. It went on…

What has the 60th anniversary of Burma's independence brought in 2008? Did it bring freedom, prosperity and happiness? 

Sadly, little of the above can be found in the country today [2008]. Instead, we find more oppression, poverty and misery.  

On Independence Day, the then prime minister, U Nu said, "There is no room for disunity or discord — racial, communal, political or personal — and I now call upon all citizens of the Burma Union to unite and to labor without regard to self and in the interest of the country to which we all belong."  

In contrast, a few months after Burma gained independence from nearly 100 years of British rule, civil war broke out between the government and communist and ethnic rebel groups. Since then, civil war has continued in the country.

About 10 years after independence, a bloody coup occurred that, in effect, cut off any real chance for freedom and prosperity. From then on, the military has had a firm grip on the reins of power.

In the past 60 years, Burma had opportunities to create a democracy with a good economy but failed. Instead, our country has devoted its energy to infighting and disagreement based on differing political ideologies.  

We have to speak honestly. Burma today has few things we can be proud of. Politics is a disgrace. Economics is a tragedy. Society itself is exhausted. Seemingly, everyone in the world knows something about Burma, but it's mostly negative.

My story for the 60the anniversary of Independence Day went on from there. A decade has since passed. Today is the 70th anniversary of Independence Day. And the questions for this year are: What is different from 2008? And what does independence mean for Myanmar today?

The main difference is that Myanmar has an elected government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, a former prisoner of the military regime. That means the military no longer has absolute power.

But some of the main challenges the country was facing 10 years ago remain challenges today: The civil war that started with independence has not ceased; The undemocratic Constitution drafted by the military regime will have its 10th anniversary this year; Thanks to the privileges that Constitution reserves for the military, the generals remain powerful political players by holding on to key government ministries, 25 percent of the seats in both the national and regional parliaments; The economy is still not good; Outdated and oppressive laws enacted by colonial Britain in the early 20th century are still being used to negative effect; And countless more problems knotted with the bad legacies of colonialism.

Moreover, the country has faced more and greater challenges. Take a look at every corner of Myanmar and you will see them. Some are the same old challenges, only now at alarming levels; the Rakhine conflict as an example, with hundreds of thousands of Muslim Rohingya refugees. Since the 1980s, when the military of the then socialist regime waged war with ethnic armed groups based along Myanmar's frontiers with Thailand and China, hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes for refugee camps in border areas.

All of those challenges have come from the pre- and post-independence eras. Myanmar society is chronically ill. The nationwide uprising of 1988 intended to fix them with people power, but it was crushed by the military regime.

That is why Daw Aung San Suu Kyi called the '88 pro-democracy uprising Myanmar's "second struggle for independence."

The current struggle is much more delicate than the independence struggle under the leadership of Aung San, the father of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been dealing with the ruling generals for decades and is dealing with them still to achieve a democracy that can guarantee unity, equality and prosperity — goals her own father was aiming for prior to independence.

The people of Myanmar still long for these ideals and believe that if Aung San had survived the country would have evolved along that path. However, since the 32-year-old Aung San was killed in 1947, Myanmar has been headless. The country has suffered from a crisis of leadership.

The people of Myanmar still remember him as a selfless leader with integrity, whose shrewd dealings with both the British and the Japanese in the mid-20th century helped Myanmar break free from imperialism and achieve independence.

Now, seventy years later, his daughter is the de facto leader as state counselor, winning a mandate from a majority of voters in the 2015 general election. Certainly her goal is to achieve her father's aspirations for the country – democracy, unity, equality and prosperity.

But the challenges she has been facing are different from her father's. When Aung San led the independence struggle, his enemy was clear – imperialism. For Aung San Suu Kyi, the enemy is widespread and sometimes unclear – generally speaking, anyone who is against democracy and its principles.

While her father was the independence leader, she is seen as the democracy leader. Like her father, she has gained a mandate to lead the country to a genuine democracy. In her own words, she — with a majority of the people — is waging the second struggle of independence.

That struggle, to achieve the goals aimed for when Myanmar gained its independence 70 years ago, goes on.

The post 70 Years On, the Struggle for Independence Goes On appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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