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Diary of My Travels in Myanmar & Re
- Subject: Diary of My Travels in Myanmar & Re
- From: win9@xxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 09 Oct 1998 21:33:00
Diary of My Travels In Myanmar ( English Translation )
Win Naing,
Ph.D
September
21,1998
I, Win Naing completed all procedures for relinquishing the refugee
status granted to me by the Government of Japan at the beginning of the
Month of August, 1998. Soon after having had my Myanmar passport
restored to me I returned to my mother land on 19 August for a brief
sojourn. On 20 September I departed Myanmar for Japan. While in
Myanmar, (from 20 August to 19 September) I was given the opportunity to
travel to all parts of my country and met my countrymen from all strata
and was able to speak freely with them with absolutely no let or
hindrance. So I would like to recount to you objectively without
prejudice or bias, the actual conditions that now prevail in the
country. I believe that this diary of events during my journeys to
various parts of Myanmar will be of great help to those within and
without the country who are interested in Myanmar's affairs.
(A) The Myanmar Government's political outlook stance, and principal
endeavors
(1) The Myanmar Government in reviewing and assessing Myanmar's affairs
consistently takes into consideration the state of world affairs and
indubitably makes a comparative study. (For example- the political power
struggle between the nations of the western bloc and the Republic of
China. The desire of Asian nations to escape from western hegemony)
(2) If only the National League for Democracy (NLD) should relax it's
present rigid stand and be more flexible, the present Myanmar Government
is fully ready and willing to work together with the NLD for the good of
the country. But Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's extreme predisposition to depend
on the western bloc and her unwarranted appeal to the west for
unnecessary support is totally unacceptable to the Government. The
Government's position is that the Myanmar people themselves should solve
their internal problems with mutual understanding, confidence and
respect for one another. This is the basic position of the Myanmar
Government.
(3) I was very much moved when I learned that the leaders of Myanmar
had resolved **to unhesitatingly sacrifice their lives for the welfare
and progress of the country and the people ... to prevent the
disintegration of the Union ... and to give their full protection.** I
have come away fully convinced that they will not be swerved from this
resolve. I have learned that among the top-ranking leaders of the
Myanmar Government, the Secretary 1, Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt has
the greatest approval and support of the people. " He is someone who
works from dawn's early light till late into the night. Not only does he
himself work thus, all his staff are also made to work in like manner
..." is an excerpt I read about Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt in a
Japanese magazine. This statement, I found to be an accurate and true
description during my stay in Myanmar.
(4) I also came to know personally that the Myanmar Government values
highly, the peace accord achieved with the 17armed national groups. (I
had the chance to meet and speak with the leaders of these armed
national groups. I was told by these leaders that their people in the
respective regions seemed to appreciate and value the peace that now
prevails much more than they themselves did. That was why, they told me
with great emphasis and sincerity, that any thought of destroying the
peace achieved had not occurred to them no matter who tried to tempt and
lure them.)
(5) I have also seen that the present Government, have without any kind
of assistance from other countries, carried out drug control measures
with only its own resources up to last year.
(B) The Economic situation in Myanmar.
(1) Up to last year ( i.e. the 1996-97 Financial Year) I learnt that
Myanmar's economy had improved year by year and that each year it had
exceeded the targeted GDP growth of 5%. But due to the Asian currency
crisis and the ensuing currency devaluation, foreign investments in
Myanmar fell 53%. However, the currency devaluation has had very little
repercussions on the domestic economy in comparison to other Asian
countries.
(2) The volume of border trade with Thailand and China respectively
has, year by year, become stronger and more established. So even if the
western nations should decide to impose a hundred per cent economic
sanctions, it is my opinion that as long as there is a flourishing
border trade, these economic sanctions would not be effective.
(3) In the agriculture sector, especially where rice production is
concerned, the
Government is making every endeavour to grow two to three crops a
year. From my
own personal observation I can say with assurance that the rumour
which says that
there is only 3 month's reserve of rice / paddy supplies for local
consumption is
unfounded.
(4) I also learnt that the Myanmar Government has laid down long-term
projects to increase domestic production of goods and also reduce state
expenditure by 40% in efforts to overcome the economic crisis that Asia
is now facing.
(C) The Current Infrastructure Situation in Myanmar.
(1) The Government is giving priority to improving and expanding road
communications. In comparison to the previous 5 years, the mileage of
roads for motor traffic has increased enormously. However, the material
condition of the roads are not yet up to the standards of the roads in
the prefectures of Japan. The highways on the other hand are good enough
for vehicles to drive at a speed of 70 kilometers an hour.
(2) Water for irrigation is distributed to farmers almost free of
change. With regard to daily drinking water country wide, supply cannot
as yet meet demand.
(3) Electrical power supply at present is inadequate and has to be
rationed and distributed in turn to the various wards in the townships.
It is said that the power shortage situation became worse within this
year.
(D) Freedom of the Media.
(1) The Myanmar language newspapers, the Myanma Alin, the Kyemon and
the English language New Light of Myanmar are the three daily newspapers
which are under the control of the Government. But there are
representative foreign news agencies and a Foreign Correspondents' Club
whose members enjoy nearly as much freedom as those in Japan in their
journalistic pursuits. Myanmar political new transmitted daily to
international circles and via the internet are mostly undertaken by
these foreign correspondents (Kyodo, AFP, Reuters, AP etc:) who are free
to write their own news articles.
(E) The Desires of Ordinary Myanmar Citizens and Their General
Outlook.
(1) Who so ever should govern the country they will recognize as the
Government (in power) ..... is a view subscribed to by most Myanmar
citizens especially in the rural areas.
(2) What the Myanmar people desire most is to live their daily lives
and earn their livelihood in peace more so than to talk about human
rights, democracy. What the ordinary citizen desires most is to prevent
another outbreak of political violence and unrest in the country
(especially anarchic conditions as in 1988)
(3) " Compared to former times the country has made vast strides in
development." is the generally accepted view of most citizens.
(4) All Myanmar citizens share a common desire for a reduction in the
cost of living and an adequate supply electrical power. (Democracy and
human rights are not what they desire).
(5) Myanmar parents are all very anxious about their children's'
education. They yearn for the reopening of the institutes of learning
and the students themselves wish fervently to continue their studies in
peace ..as I learnt during my stay in Myanmar.
(The Myanmar Government with a view towards the possible reopening of
schools conducted final examinations in August. I also learned that
arrangements are underway to facilitate the opening of the various
colleges and institutes. But there is one obstacle preventing the
reopening of higher education institutes. This, I found out was due to
the activities of the opposition groups within the country who are just
waiting for the schools to reopen so that they can exploit and use the
students in their subversive activities against the Government.)
(F) The People's View Regarding the NLD.
(1) The people still have personal affection and regard for Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi as General Aung San's daughter. But respect and confidence
in her as a politician and for the NLD as a political party are not as
high as it was formerly (as for example in 1990).
(2) During my sojourn in Myanmar I learnt that many Myanmar people were
of the view that if only the NLD (and particularly Daw Aung San Suu Kyi)
would pursue a more moderate and flexible policy, peace and prosperity
could be achieved in the future.
(G) Conclusion
I, Win Naing, returned temporarily to Myanmar with a firm resolve to
contribute in any way I can towards the endeavors of the Myanmar
Government to bring about change and development for the future welfare
of the country. Furthermore I was also prompted by my considered view
that the NLD should pursue a more flexible and less rigid course in its
relations with the Government. My colleagues of the past are now
criticizing my acts as being traitorous and have also dubbed me a
traitor. It does not matter. Even before my return to Myanmar I
genuinely believed that my chosen course of action was right. When I
arrived back in Myanmar, I became more convinced that my action was
right.
It is only natural for different people to have different points of
view. But just because personal views and policies differ one should not
regard each other as enemies. There need not necessarily be enmity and
confrontation. My belief that problems and differences can be resolved
if discussions and talks be held on the basis of mutual respect and
confidence, has been further strengthened after my return to Myanmar.
To all those in and outside of Japan who are interested in Myanmar
affairs, all I wish to say now is " Go to Myanmar at least once to see
for your selves." Only then will they under stand better how to resolve
Myanmar's issues and get a clearer understanding of what the Myanmar
people really want.
End.
********************************************************
Declaration (A Personal Viewpoint) ( English Translation )
Dated 17 August,
1998
1. The United Nations Charter in its definition on refugees status in
effect, that should a citizen of a nation be liable to arrest or any
form of oppression by his or her government for professing opposing
religious, racial or political convictions, then, it is the bounden duty
of all member nations
that have ratified the Charter, to give refugee to any person so
persecuted. On the cognizance of this pledge, I, (Win Naing) was granted
refugee status, serial number 198, by the government of Japan on 11
March, 1992. This was indeed the very first time that Japan had granted
refugee status to an ordinary Myanmar citizen, such as I, along with his
family. But I would like to publicly announce at this point in time,
that I have completed all official procedures to legally relinquish my
status as a political refugee. This is also the first time in the
history of Japan for a person already granted refugee status to
voluntarily surrender it.
2. If two opposing sides continue to confront each other over
" which is white and which is black or which is right and which is
wrong" then it would be the people who would really suffer. To bring
about changes and establish a certain level of democracy and democratic
conditions, rapprochement and dialogue are of the utmost necessity. I
took the opportunity of submitting a motion for rapprochement to both
local and overseas opposition activists at Manerpalaw. I proposed that
if the present Government would guarantee liberty for Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi and democratization, then similar assurance would be given for the
allotment of a certain number of seats in parliament for the military.
I also stated that the present economic policies of the Government
should be maintained and continued. My statements were reported in the
Japanese Asahi Evening newspaper , issued on 17 November 1994. My sole
purpose in making these assertions was for the sake of " the material
and spiritual happiness and well being of each and every citizen and for
the future development and progress of Myanmar."
3. It is my considered view that the present Myanmar government having
made a thorough study and appraisal of the diverse circumstances, has
been assiduously making every effort for the future progress of Myanmar
despite the fact that it has been beset with many difficulties. " The
fact that it made
all endeavours to gain entry to the ASEAN, which is an international
organization, is in my opinion, proof that there has been a change
within the Government, and that it now has the will to change * * ." I
also understand and accept the fact that though the Government has been
directing its efforts
towards change, much more needs to be done, and still further
improvements to be made for our Motherland, Myanmar.
4. With regard to the Myanmar Government which has begun to initiate
change * * * , in fact , the Myanmar Government that is making great
efforts to change, there are two options open.
1) To deplore and criticize it for failing to make adequate
changes.
2) To take a constructive stand and render assistance as far
as possible to do what still needs to be done to bring
about further changes.
So far as I am concerned, in accordance with the position I have adopted
as stated in paragraph 2 of this Declaration, * * I have chosen the
second option to take a constructive stand and give every possible
assistance.
5. There is a saying that the other person is simply a mirror image of
one*s own self, in much the same way that your reflection in the mirror
will smile back only if you smile at it. So also, if the opposition
factions, in the interest of the future welfare of Myanmar, should
pursue a more flexible
approach (instead of persisting in confrontation with the Government), I
sincerely believe that the Myanmar Government in turn will extend a warm
welcome. On the basis of this conviction, I, (Win Naing), in the
post-1996 period, requested the opposition groups to act in a more
pliable manner. I,
(Win Naing), who was once a leader of the opposition, have, on my part,
"taken action to suit my words" and have given concrete proof of my
faith in, and adherence to a flexible policy by relinquishing the
political refugee status I had gained from the Japanese government. I
have also resolved to continue to
abide by the dictum that " the other person is one*s own mirror image"
and persevere in my appeal to opposition groups to pursue a more
moderate line of action in the future interest of the country and of the
people. I shall continue to urge them to give up their uncompromising
position, which calls for the government to accede to all their demands.
6. Some of my old comrades in the Government opposition movement have
often asked me the question - " We believe that the results of the 1990
general elections should be adhered to and implemented, * * * What Win
Naing is your stand on this matter? My view is that, * * * if
unyielding attempts to enforce the results of the elections should lead
to adverse effects on the future of the country and the people in the
long term, then we should cease such action. I believe that top
priority should be given to doing everything possible to fulfill
conditions, necessary for the material and spiritual well being of the
individual citizen and for the progress and advancement of the Myanmar
nation.
7. The respective Myanmar and Japanese proverbs, " A person can be
moral only on a full stomach " and " No matter how large an army if food
supplies are cut off and the troops are hungry, then it can win no
battles. " give lessons on human weakness in practical everyday life.
I, Win Naing, who is merely an
ordinary man, have a deep respect for " human rights " and acknowledge
their importance. But viewed either from the perspective of one man or
from the collective perspective of the country*s more than 45 million
people, to live and to exist, " human rights " is not necessarily the
sole important factor.
To fulfill the food, clothing and shelter needs for each human being, *
* * for each citizen, " the economy ", I believe, is also a matter of
great importance. On the basis of this belief, I have resolved to do my
level best to help in any way I can to increase " sound and honest
economic investments " for the " future prosperity and progress of
Myanmar and its people."
8. The responsibility for the future progress and well being of a
country lies not in the hands of the Government alone. It is my firm
conviction that each citizen also has a share of responsibility. So my
fervent wish at present, is to share in this responsibility in the
spirit of at least " carrying a single brick or even a single grain of
sand " in building up my Motherland, Myanmar, into a prosperous and
developed nation. I would further like to declare and reaffirm to all
here and now, that I shall, to the best of my ability, resolutely do my
duty for the future welfare of my country.
********************************************************
<< RELATED NEWS >>
(No.1) ... < Informal translation >
< The Tokyo Newspaper, August 18, 1998 >
MYANMAR IN JAPAN RETURN POLITICAL REFUGEE STATUS
On 17th, Mr. Win Naing (39), an investment consultant who received
political status first time as Myanmar citizen in Japan and 2 others
announced that they return the refugee status and temporally go back to
home country. Because, for democratization of their mother country, they
think that not only confrontation against the military government but
also having dialogues is important. While criticism against oppression
on human rights of the military government is rising, this incident may
create a stir.
In 1988, when he was studying at Department of Information Science of
the Chiba University, he organized "The Burmese Association in Japan" to
support democratization movements in Myanmar and stood against the
military government. So he could not go back to Myanmar. Then, in '92,
he received the refugee status together with his aunt Mya Mya Win (53)
who is managing an lnn at Ito city, Shizuoka prefecture and her eldest
son Moe Min Oo (22).
However, since around '94, he thought that in order to demand some
renovation to the military government, they should have more softness or
flexibility and begun to stay out from Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi and her
group which stand face to face with the military government.
In this day, Mr. Win Naing had a press interview at Myanmar Embassy in
Tokyo and said "If the democratization group request direct dialogue,
the government must be accepted it. As a political refugee, I have been
living in Japan safely, but I venture to return the status so that I can
send my message to them."
Recently, the Myanmar military government is getting severe
international criticism, because they restricted Mrs. Suu Kyi from going
out or deport foreigners who delivered democratization supporting
leaflets. But Mr. Win Naing explained that he decided to return the
refugee status by his own will, and there are no deal behind the screen
with the government and said "If it is good for my mother country, I do
not care even I was used as a material of propaganda of the government."
(No.2) ... < Informal translation >
< The Nihon Keizai Newspaper, August 18, 1998 >
MYANMAR EX-ACTIVISTS RETURN JAPANESE REFUGEE STATUS.
GO BACK HOME FOR DIALOGUE.
Three ex-activists of Myanmar in Japan who had been doing
democratization movements returned their refugee status which they got
from Japanese government, and will return to Myanmar temporarily in the
end of August. The Myanmars who returned the refugee status are Ms. Mya
Mya Win (53), the present Chairman Of the Burmese Association in Japan,
Mr. Win Naing (39) and one another. In March '92, while they were
staying here as anti government activists, Japanese government gave them
refugee status. It was the first case to Myanmar civilians in Japan. An
official of the Ministry of Justice said that they never
heard the case of returning refugee status before. On 17th, Mr. Win
Naing had a press interview at the Myanmar Embassy
in Tokyo and emphasized "We were neither threatened nor given any
benefits by the government.", and explained "For our people, the
forward-looking dialogue is necessary than confrontation against the
military government.
To appeal dialogue to the democratization groups, we took most
impacted means as one of the people of Myanmar." And, indirectly he
criticized the democratization measures of Aung San Suu Kyi, the
Secretary General of NLD who is continuing the sitting-in a car. In
September '88, Ms. Mya Mya Win and Mr. Win Naing established the Burmese
Association in Japan because "For the development of our mother country,
overthrowing of the military government is essential". In December of
the same year, the Myanmar government canceled of these two and Mr. Moe
Min Oo (22), then ll years old, the son of Ms. Mya Mya Win.
They already recovered their passports and will temporary return to
Myanmar for about 3 weeks from the end of August. They do not decide
where they set their head office yet, but it will be either in Japan or
Myanmar. Ms. Mya Mya Win make the "Volunteer operations for welfare and
education" as main subject of her future operations, and Mr. Win Naing
will work for "Attract of investment from the overseas."
(No.3)
Myanmar exiles call for opposition flexibility
03:24 a.m. Aug 20, 1998 Eastern
By Aung Hla Tun
YANGON, Aug 20 (Reuters) - A group of returning Myanmar exiles called on
the opposition led by Aung San Suu Kyi to show flexibility on Thursday
as the military government faced condemnation from human rights groups.
At a Yangon news conference sponsored by the government, former
political exile Win Naing said more than 45 million Myanmar people were
longing for peace.
``The opposition factions, in the interests of the future welfare of
Myanmar, should pursue a more flexible approach instead of persisting in
confrontation with the government.
``I sincerely believe that the government will in turn extend a warm
welcome,'' he said.
Win Naing is one of three dissidents who left Myanmar in 1988 after a
pro-democracy uprising that led to a bloody crackdown by the military
government.
They have been living in Japan for the last 10 years and became
leaders of the Burmese Association in Japan (BAIJ). But on Monday they
announced they would return home because of ``a positive and
constructive change in the government's position.''
Their return has been attacked by other exiles as a stunt to deflect
attention from what they say are widespread human rights abuses and
growing political tension in the country.
(No.4)
Vast majority of public in Myanmar wish to avert unrest and disturbances
like those in 1988
YANGON, 21 Sept ...Chairperson Dr Daw Mya Mya Win and member Dr Win
Naing of the Burmese Association in Japan (BAIJ), which opposed the
Myanmar in the past, met the Press in the Passenger Lounge of the Yangon
International Airport at 6:00 pm yesterday prior to their departure for
Japan. They arrived back here on 19 August 1998.
It was attended by Chief Editor of Myanmar News Agency (Internal) U Zaw
Min Thein and Patron U Sein Win, President U Sao Kai Hpa, Secretary U
Nyunt Tin and members of the Foreign Correspondents Club.
Dr Daw Mya Mya Win told the mediamen that she had stayed in Myanmar for
one month and one day freely after her return from Japan. She said
during her stay she traveled to different parts of the country including
far-flung border areas. She witnessed true and objective economic,
social and political situations there, she said. Dr Daw Mya Mya Win and
Dr Win Naing answered the-questions of the mediamen.
Concerning prevailing economic, social and political situation and their
attitude towards the NLD's formation of the Representative Committee,
they said they learned the public are more desirous of living peacefully
and earning their livelihood in peace of mind than the terms human
rights and democracy. They said it is the wish of the vast majority of
ordinary public in Myanmar to avert unrest and disturbances like those
in 1988. NLD, they said, maintains tense relations and that tension will
be harmful to the public. They said that peace now prevails in Myanmar
and they do not wish such peace should be undermined after securing it
with great efforts. They went on to say that it would not be acceptable
for them if peace is undermined by acts of NLD. They said they had
opportunities to freely travel to different parts of Myanmar and meet
people. They learned that public would like to live in peace and earn
their living in peace of mind. The majority of them desire
stabilization of commodity prices and their children's peaceful pursuit
of education, they said.
In reply to questions on whether they had been permitted to meet Daw Suu
Kyi, whether they had met her and why they had not met her, Dr Daw Mya
Mya Win and Dr Win Naing replied that they are not interested in party
politics and they cannot do politics. They did not meet Daw Suu Kyi
because they would have
to discuss politics in which they are not experienced. They are more
interested in engaging in social and business fields to serve national
interests rather than meeting Daw Suu Kyi. They said they had given up
their refugee status in Japan, a rare opportunity for them, to show
their desire for peace. A study of the declarations issued by NLD shows
that NLD has not
realized their desire for peace. They said they see tension and
confrontation instead of peace. So, they said, it is not the right time
to see her. Moreover, they said, if they went there to meet Daw Suu Kyi
or NLD, they would be able to explain their attitudes to only three or
four Central Committee members. They said they also felt that it would
be better for them to let all NLD members, those interested in Myanmar
affairs and those inside and outside the country know their desire for
peace through the mass media instead of meeting them. That was why they
did not meet them, they said.
Replying questions on their programme when they arrived back in Japan
and the persons they were going to meet, they said they are interested
in humanitarian affairs, they have won membership of Myanmar Maternal
and Child Welfare Association, they would hid talks with the Japanese
Government and non-governmental organizations to carry out humanitarian
activities and try to make the Japanese Government and public there
know the real attitude of Myanmar public they had learned.
End.
*********************************************************
Dr. Win Naing, Ph.D
P.O Box 2029, Kita-shinjuku P.O, Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo,169-8691, JAPAN
171-23, Akazawa, Ito-shi, Shizuoka-ken, 413-0233, JAPAN
Tel. (+81)-40-850-2738, Fax. (+81)-557-53-3754, E-mail:
win9@xxxxxxxxx