01.10.2006
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Happy Birthday to NLD
_ by Sai Merng Mai
On the 18th anniversary of the founding of the NLD, it is perhaps worthwhile to look at what the future holds for the NLD and some thoughts to consider. It would be wonderful if the SPDC evaporated into thin air and left those elected to parliament to convene a government for Burma. Sadly, this is not likely, pending celestial intervention. Instead we have the prospect of heightened UN pressure for a speedy change to civilian government. Given the SPDC’s hatred of the NLD, they will probably use every opportunity of outlawing or denigrating the NLD (no change from their present policy). But will they permit the NLD to run in the elections that they want so desperately to control and force their candidates into puppet government – a puppet of the SPDC or its successor of Tatmadaw toadies bowing loyalty to Than Shwe? Whatever the future holds, the NLD needs to be mindful of the possible future scenarios. I would like to add my suggestions for their future: _
1. Stick to their guns. The NLD have a policy of not kowtowing to the SPDC over the National Convention, or acting merely as a mouthpiece for SPDC government propaganda. Too many ceasefire and other political groups who have submitted to the terms of the NC have found that they are obliged, under threat of expulsion and other forms of persecution, to voice the SPDC policy - witness the recent announcements from DKBA and SSAN regarding the UNSC decision of mid September.
2. Power to the youth. The young people of Burma will be the ones who will have to re-build Burma after years of mismanagement and pernicious, corrupt, bullying control by the Tatmadaw. This will take able and competent people who care for their people. The NLD is a political party elected to government 16 years ago, but unable to take power. They must ensure that the ageing population of members of parliament are replaced by the younger generation. Planning for ‘succession’ of party officials and leadership is always important – though not something the party would have thought important in 1988.
3. Tri-partite dialogue. The NLD needs to continue/enhance/develop/establish an understanding with the various ethnic groups in Burma’s complex political landscape. Many ethnic groups associate central control government with U Nu, Ne Win and the SPDC. If the NLD don’t seek to properly understand and work with the ethnic groups, then Burma will not move forward, as the NLD will become associated with just another Burman-dominated government. Only a federal structure, with self-determination, autonomy or something similar will create an atmosphere of trust and peace.
4. World Wide Web. As we expect the NLD to be a major player in the civilian government of Burma, they will need to understand and evolve strong international ties, and work to operate at an international level. This may be their goal now, but is frustrated by the suppression of the SPDC – control of telephones, control of internet, and control of press, radio and TV. Any attempt at talking with overseas organisations leads to allegations of being stooges of a foreign government, in league with terrorists, etc. Until the international community can pressure the junta to stop being such a control freak, the NLD may find building an international presence very difficult.
I wish the NLD all the best for a rosier future than the first 18 years – hopefully, they will be planning their next election victory in the next 18 months time.
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