04.02.2007
Will Than Shwe follow U Tin Moe?
_ By Sakkyar Hein
Our beloved U Tin Moe has passed away while in the thick of the battle against military rule in Burma.
U Tin Moe's literary prowess is well known among our brethren taking up the fight against militarism in Burma and hence, I have no need to elaborate on this matter here.
I have some very pleasant memories and privileged opportunity of meeting him first time in Bangkok while working at the New Era Journal way back in 2001. Saya Gyi and his daughter were guests in our premises that time. And I had some memorable and pleasant talks with him, covering his days as an academic and a politician. He has given me some memorable insights into many of his past experiences and works in respect to our country's cause.
Then again, I caught up with him while he was holing up at an apartment near Prime Minister U Sein Win's flat in Rockville, Maryland, USA, shared by Moe Thee Zon and his friend around 2003/4. I had the opportunity of talking with him many times there. Since then we haven't met and then I read the news that he has passed away.
I was much shattered and shuddered over the bad and sad news!
This is my second 'shock' that shook me.
The first was when U Tin Maung Win (publisher of Khit Pyaing, New Era Journal) died in December 1999 in Bangkok, Thailand.
As soon as the news hit me, I shouted out loud, "WHO DONE HIM IN?", as he was as strong and healthy as Hercules when he left me for the last time, a couple or so hours ago, to move house at the present site of New Era Journal. We were ordered by the Thai authorities to vacate our premises after the premises were raided by the Thai police on November 18, 1999. Ten of us - including me - were taken to the police station. U Tin Maung Win took up the matter and we were freed in the evening.
We vacated the premises on December 1, 1999, early morning and U TIn Maung Win passed away around 2 PM on that fateful day. Thus, Burma lost a brave and true son, who has dedicated his heart and life in Burma's freedom and democracy.
Lately, we have lost Saya Gyi U Tin Moe, also, a brave and honest son of our country, while still struggling for his country's freedom and democracy.
Let's take off our hats and bow to him, not only now, but until to our dying day!
Two of our most courageous and dedicated fighters for freedom and democracy have fallen now.
On the other hand Sn. Gen. Than Shwe is stricken with a terminal disease today, and soon will leave his beloved Kyaing Kyaing in the hands of "King of the Human Beings", actor Lu Min, which we have been hoping all these days!
However, Than Shwe hasn't got his long over-due 'date' with Death yet.
I wonder what happens to Kyaing Kyaing and his daughters when Than Shwe leaves for his place in hell.
Now Saya Gyi U Tin Moe has gone. And we have only his fond memories to cherish and behold at the moment.
But we should uphold his ideals and objectives to the last days of our lives on this earth, just to honour and remember him!
Lastly, allow me to say,
''FAREWELL SAYA GYI''
May you have a place beside the King of Spirits (Tha-Gyar-Min) in your next life, if not beside our Lord Buddha in Heaven, as we all prayed and wished.
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