BURMA DIGEST

BURMA DIGEST

15.10.2006

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Speaking with Bo Bo Kyaw Nyein

_ Interview organized by Tayza Thuria

In addition to being a son of a very political family, (U) Bo Bo Kyaw Nyein is widely respected among Burmese pro-democracy activists as a talented political writer, political analyst and an activist. His father U Kyaw Nyein was a leading figure in pre and post Independence era in Burma. His sister Daw Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein is also a well-known leader inside Burma, leading a group which opposes military rule and calls for democracy and human-rights in Burma.

BURMA DIGEST: When did you first become interested in politics?

Bo Kyaw Nyein: I was born into a political family so politics is in my blood. Right after my graduation, U Thant body was flown back for burial and as a young man with political awareness; I was thrown into the students-led crisis. I was sentenced to 7 years along with my brother and other top leaders and spent nearly 5 years in infamous Insein jail.

BD: How do you think about Burma’s case put on UN Security Council’s formal agenda?

BBKN: Any avenue that put pressure on a SPDC is good for Opposition. But we must be clear that this avenue may not bring "End Solution" for the country immediately. Along with this avenue we must also form a political infrastructure that can call out the mass if necessary. UN is like executive approach where professionals from credible organizations like NCUB can take a lead. Mass approach is what the 88 New Generation leaders are staging inside Burma after the arrest of Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and all. Leaders like Moe Thee Zun, who had started and led the 88 National Uprising, should take a significant role. If we all can play our roles well with understanding and with equilibrium, victory is definitely achievable. It has to be a two-pronged strategy.

BD: How do you see concerning SPDC military regime’s Convention?

BBKN: We all must be able to face reality. Country cannot afford us to be dreamers. At this political juncture, SPDC clearly thinks they have an upper hand. They certainly feel they do not need to make any compromise with NLD. It is also true that NLD leadership cannot build a political infrastructure without Daw Suu. But Daw Suu is not only for NLD; she belongs to the people, the Nation and all of us. So NLD, students, independents, others, and we all must come together to build this infrastructure and fight together for our country. Daw Suu is sacrificing her life and freedom. We all should show our respect with our own sacrifices for our country. SPDC will do what they feel they will have to do. We must do what we need to do.

BD: How do you think we should respond to SPDC’s National Convention?

BBKN: SPDC is marching with its own tune. They will finish NC and finalize the Constitution and will elect the military people dominated government like in 1974. They need to wipe out the legitimacy NLD received from 1990 election. That is their job. Our job is to come together and oppose. 2007 will test the 'will' of the opposition and the PEOPLE. This may be the final showdown. Do or die.

BD: How do you NLD’s role?

BBKN: In my view, this is a critical time. It is the duty of every Burmese citizen to fight for our country. NLD have their role. 88 Students Generation have their own role. Independents and people have their own role. We cannot wait any longer. We all must do our own lifting and write our own collective history.

BD: We read a lot of your political analysis articles. What kind of politician do you think we need nowadays?

BBKN: Everyone is a politician. I am contributing what I can. I can say this: If we can raise political awareness, capacity and insight, and if we can look beyond our shadow, we will know that strength comes only from mass and mass will force the change. My hope is we can see the larger CAUSE and we will see beyond personal infighting and work for UNITY & FORCE.

BD: Some of our new generation youths have no political inspiration. What will you say to them?

BBKN: I am ashamed and embarrassed that older generations have not given the younger generations good legacy, and they naturally became disillusioned, bitter, frustrated and indifferent. Many of my generation are actually practicing Ma-Sa-La attitude and culture by waging personal wars and fighting for personal gains, instead of training and grooming the younger generations. No one want to vacate their positions and make way for younger generations. One of the reasons I write is to reach and to encourage critical thinking to the younger people. I don't feel the younger generation has been properly treated and given a proper place. I want to say loudly to the younger generations that Burma belongs to all and you all have a duty and a place to fight for the future of our country. Boyoke Aung San and my father generation were only in their 20s when they transformed themselves from Students leaders to National leaders. I would like to see more active, capable young leaders in the fight for freedom of Burma.

BD: Thanks for kindly answering our questions.

BBKN: It is my pleasure. Thanks for the questions.

Comments:

Dr Zafar Shah said _

Bravo, Dr Tayza and Bo Bo Kyaw Nyein for a wonderfully brilliant interview.

Your Comments here_