Changes at the top: Reactions on the ‘ousting’ of General Khin Nyunt
Thakhin Aung Myint of Veteran Politicians

DVB (August 26,2003)

DVB : Is it quite surprising that General Khin Nyunt becomes the Prime Minister?

Thakhin Aung Myint : Yes, you can say that. Also, General Kyaw Win’s name is becoming more prominent than General Khin Nyunt in the military intelligence [MI]. Besides, General Soe Win has become Sec-2 and he may become Sec-1 within days. We have to see who will become Sec-2.

DVB : Is General Khin Nyunt not going to be in the SPDC anymore?

Thakhin Aung Myint : I am not sure about it. It hasn't mentioned anything in the statement. All we know is that he is no longer Sec-1 anymore. I won’t be able to say whether he will be a normal member.

DVB : If he won't be a normal member, does it mean that he is demoted?

Thakhin Aung Myint : It could be like that, but sometimes, things are not that clear. They might still consult each other.

DVB : Do you think the shift is connected to the Dipeyin incident?

Thakhin Aung Myint : If it is connected to the incident, General Soe Win is mainly to be blamed. He is the main player in the Dipeyin incident.

DVB : How would you comment on the current development? Is it good or bad?

Thakhin Aung Myint : I think it is not that good because people being promoted are quite tense. We can assume that they are hardliners.

DVB : Is Rangoon quite quiet with the changes?

Thakhin Aung Myint : No one has talked about it yet as it has just been announced. Probably people will be talking about it tomorrow.

DVB : How about the security measures?

Thakhin Aung Myint : Security measures have been tight for a long time.

DVB : Not many ministers are being fired like that since they have changed their name from the SLORC [State Law and Order Restoration Council] to the SPDC?

Thakhin Aung Myint : No. It has only started today. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow. As I said before, you have to ask where the Forestry Minister has gone. Where the major has gone? There will be problems. There will also be problems for who will become Sec-2. I can’t say what the consequences will be.