Today The Myanmar Times has published a bumper edition. It showcases an interview with former Prime Minister and Military Intelligence supremo, Khin Nyunt. If you read right to the end you’ll find he even starts to riff on the theme of “a sufficient life”. It’s a good read.
Today’s paper also includes two interesting articles on conflict and politics in the country. One is about a nascent peace movement which brings together Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim leaders. All are working towards a peaceful and non-violent future.
The other describes efforts to build new dialogue between the government of President Thein Sein and the Kachin Independence Organisation, the political wing of the main Kachin ethno-nationalist movement. The Kachin Independence Army has been fighting the Burmese government since its 17-year ceasefire collapsed on 9 June 2011.
These two articles are notable for a few reasons (and not just because I am quoted at the end of each). They point to what is, by historical standards, a rapid and radical change in the content of Burma’s mainstream media. They also highlight a genuine diversity of voices and a fair range of opinion.
For instance, I doubt that two years ago you could say, “and, for his own sake, the president needs to be working every last angle in an effort to stop the further fraying of Myanmar’s democratic experiment.” Things are changing…
*****
But some things are still the same. As an illustration, New Mandala readers will want to digest this article about a Burmese indie rock band struggling against the yoke of United States government sanctions. Perhaps once sanctions are lifted (which is only a matter of time, right?) an enterprising young US Embassy staffer could get these guys invited to play inside the compound. That would be a nice touch. And probably a rocking party.
For a flavour of their music, this video is a terrific place to start. The image at the top of this post is, you will find, a still from that video.
“You said that you will talk to the people through the media.
It is good to see that [the media] has become more transparent. I want it that way. As we have very good communication tools, if I call you and invite you to come and listen to what I want to say, you will come here right away. Right?”
Hm. Is that an avuncular joke, or a passive aggressive, dictatorial, big brother threat?
Good questions posed to him!
And I am surprised giving advice to Thein Sein is published. My apologies to Kyaw for the prior miss communication, but still, this media freedom needs its own legislation!
Quality comment or not?
1 
0
The reform process being driven by past and present members of the Tatmadaw, including the welcome easing of censorship, are a blessing for the people of Myanmar.
But little has changed for international NGOs, either because the government continues to distrust them or because of destructive elements in the public service. INGOs are struggling with might and main to overcome visas issues, MOU issues and import permit issues. Some INGOs say the situation is even worse than it was a year ago. It’s not just INGOs that are frustrated. When employees of the overseas aid agencies of foreign governments apply for visas they are getting the third degree. The Myanmar government needs to issue necessary instructions to resolve this situation because it is a significant impediment to further progress.
Quality comment or not?
0 
0
Haha. I interpreted as him saying that if he wants to get a message out through the media, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. I think most journalists would be dying to interview him. It probably shouldn’t be a surprise that he gave his first interview to The Myanmar Times, as it was virtually set up by MI.
On the media legislation – something should appear during the next session of parliament, which begins on Thursday. Although it’s not clear what it will look like.
Quality comment or not?
1 
0