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Burma Digest Current Issues

A Minister of People’s Parallel Government

(Interview with a Minister of National Coalition Government)

 (interview carried out by Dr. Tayza) 

Dr. Tint Swe is an elected Member of Parliament (NLD) from Pale (2) constituency. He is currently Prime Minister's Office minister of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) and also a Central Committee member of the NLD/LA. He is residing in New Delhi since 21-12-1990. 

Burma Digest: Can you please tell us about your political life in brief?

Dr. Tint Swe: I was a customary student and standard government employee before 1988. A single endeavor I may have to say is my involvement during anti-Chinese riot when I was at Institute of Medicine, Mandalay. With my friends from IMM and MASU, I was detained briefly at "Nan-dwin" jail of the then Norwest command. Then I could extend only my medical service to demonstrators at Pale during 1988 events as I was still in service. I voluntarily quit the government job to join NLD in 1989-90. In the election, I won Pale constituency (2) seat. After Gandhi Hall conference, I was among the Hluttaw Representatives who explored the possible alternatives to fulfill the mandate freshly given by the voters. That included secret meetings among Parliamentarians, with monks and with students. U Win Ko (Ye-U) and I were designated from Sagaing division. The parallel above-ground effort at NLD headquarters was creation of a committee to be able to convene the Parliament. U Tin Tun Aung (Yinmabin) and I were selected from Monywa district to that NLD conference. It is noteworthy that the idea of CRPP was conceived from that. But I did not show up at NLD head office and busy with undercover meetings. Dr. Zaw Myint Maung (Amarapura) for Mandalay division and I for Sagaing division were assigned to stay behind when our colleagues were to flee to form the provisional government. Unpredictably many of us were arrested and fortunately I escaped. For which the then MI agents told my family that my escape was like a movie drama. After two weeks of hiding, U Than Sein (Pale-1), others and I decided to flee to India for two reasons: (1) it was close to our constituencies and (2) we wanted an alternative to Manerplaw. Since before Christmas of 1990, we are taking refugee in India. I became a part of the NCGUB and NLD/LA since then.

Burma Digest: Please describe how you campaigned in 1990 for the election victory.

Dr. Tint Swe: My fellow candidate U Than Sein and I campaigned together. We visited each and every village in Pale Township. I also paid campaign visits to Yinmabin, Salingyi, Budalin, Monywa, Myaing, Yezagyo, Pakokku and Gangaw. Most of the rural voters were enthusiastic. Occasionally we had to face bitter opposition where BSPP had strong base. NLD was prevented to use loudspeaker while at nighttime BSPP could play cassette on loudspeaker, which made groundless accusations against me. Financially the campaign was totally self-supported.

Burma Digest: How you felt when you learnt that you've won in your constituency?

Dr. Tint Swe: Honestly my colleagues and I were thrilled. But we knew the mission was not over. We delayed our victory celebration and held not in Pale but in Gangaw area, Kyaw village, which is called Yaw area. I was sure the people were not euphoric.

Burma Digest: When it first became clear in your mind that military regime would not handover power?

Dr. Tint Swe: It was when 1/90 was announced by SLORC a day before the Gandhi Hall conference. Crackdown en masse on NLD duly elected MPs proved correct.

Burma Digest: How do you feel about the regime's persistent refusal to recognize NLD's election victory?

Dr. Tint Swe: Feeling of insecurity and incorrect assessment of the situation was deciding factor for top generals of that time not to honor the election results. I see it is utterly unfortunate. We were unable to console or ensure them, as they did not invite for far-reaching dialogue. When NLD made conciliatory offer, their greed has been too much. By that time the senior general will prefer to 100% rather than 25% of power. The question is, "Is he alone?" But their propaganda tool is not as good as that of Milosevic. We may not need NATO to drop booms.

Burma Digest: Do you think that 1990 election results are still valid?

Dr. Tint Swe: Yes, undeniably. Before there is a new election, which is also approved by NLD and the people, the 1990 results are valid. Not only the results but also the mandate is legitimate. Only when the people expressed that they no longer want democracy and multi-party, the election results of multi-party democracy general election should be nullified.

Burma Digest: SPDC is saying that NLD is no longer relevant, how will you reply?

Dr. Tint Swe: I completely disagree with this unqualified claim. NLD is of the people but not of SPDC. So SPDC doesn't have any justification to give such a ruling. I challenge SPDC to debate or to vote and let the people to decide.  As Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is indispensable, NLD is pertinent to solve all outstanding issues: To unify the country needs NLD. To transform to be admired the army needs NLD. For dignified exit from complex politics, generals need NLD.

Burma Digest: How do you see the current situations in Burma?

Dr. Tint Swe: It has been 17 years nearer to democracy. Current situation is helpful neither for the people nor for the SPDC. Military supremacy doctrine will not prevail. It is up to incumbent senior general Than Shwe who has to decide how he would die in honor or else. His choices are either to go for national reconciliation while he is alive or to select a trusted successor. But the latecomers have to think at least twice. The people seem helpless. But they are not powerless. It is a matter of time when they will exercise that undeniable power. NLD is doing the right things. The most recent announcements are bitter pills for the commanders of post-Than Shwe era to swallow. If the patient doesn't want to take medicine orally, an injection is required. I think outside resources are not fittingly distributed. The secondary issues overwhelm the strategic ones. If this trend is reversed, we are close to accomplishing.

Burma Digest: How do you think we should do to force or pressure SPDC to start serious negotiations with democratic forces?

Dr. Tint Swe: Many-sided approach is correct. Inside-outside should harmonize. Inside forces should come together with NLD. The outside attempts should focus on UN. The establishment of military power must be tackled. SPDC can procure military hardware but has been difficult in recruitment scheme. Can we create an alternative for that? Burmese media should provide lesser time slot for those who advocate for collaboration with the regime and for so-called neutral intellects. The pillars of support form the regime have to be dismantled. Erroneous policies are suicidal factor for SPDC. Resources should be more for direct political rather than day-two objectives. At the end of the day, we will be able to bring them to the table.

Burma Digest: Do you think United Nations will be able to successfully help bring about democratic reforms in Burma?

Dr. Tint Swe: Partly correct. But we should not rely purely on UN. Let the people know the constraints of UN. But it is still the best means. We must utilize UN mechanism to the maximum. 

(interview carried out by Dr. Tayza)

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