Political view: a youth's perspective

CAN WE TRUST PRIME MINISTER KHIN NYUNT?

(By Lawi Weng)

Can the ethnic nationalities and the democratic movement trust Prime Minister Khin Nyunt? The more politicians there are, the more there will be political views on this issue. Some people may question if Khin Nyunt is a moderate person or not and if he possesses the tolerance needed for democracy to work in Burma. One can make a comparison to President Frederik W. de Klerk (former president of South Africa); Mr. de Klerk drew up a non-racial constitution, held a referendum, and an election. He won a Nobel Peace Prize because of his achievement in reaching peaceful negotiations with President Nelson Mandela in 1991.

Some people may view Khin Nyunt as a hardliner after he criticized Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for instigating the May 30 ambush. He also criticized the international community for taking sides in supporting Aung San Suu Kyi and thus tarnishing his country's reputation.

What can we make of Mr. Khin Nyunt? Is he a puppet? A liar clinging to power? A hack powerless to persuade his cronies to reform. Or all the above? Did he lie to the Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart and the international community, to Mr. Surakiart when he went to the opening ceremony bridge in Myatwatty? Is he committed to starting a dialogue with ASSK? He proclaimed to the International community that the regime was willing to open a new page in Burma's history back in May 2002. He insisted they wouldn't limit ASSK in traveling around the country. But they soon arrested her out of fear and sidelined her again under house arrest. So, it is possible to highlight the contrast between Khin Nyunt and Mr. de. Klerk?

He promised that the UN special envoy Mr. Razali would be allowed to see ASSK and that dialogue would soon begin, but Than Shwe denied implementing of dialogue and Khin Nyunt's permission to resign. Than Shwe knows that Khin Nyunt's ideas could be used to control power.

Instead of promptly dismissing him, Than Shwe bumped him up to the post as the new Prime Minister. Reshuffling of the Burmese military leaders is a common occurrence for the people of Burma, a practice done every five years. Can Khin Nyunt walk the tight rope of politics during the next five years? If he trips, he falls from power for good, who then will Than Shwe use to preserve the power of the military? That is the ultimate strategy, isn't it?

Khin Nyunt's road map to democracy will have him stepping down from power in the next five years. According to his proposed road map, there will be free and fair elections. How about 1990 election's result? Will it be the same as Saw Maung's election in 1990? Therefore, can we believe him as an optimistic person who is committed to solving a 50-year conflict and can help the millions of people in Burma?