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THE NATION: Whether as capitalists
- Subject: THE NATION: Whether as capitalists
- From: suriya@xxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sat, 23 May 1998 19:25:00
Mailbag
Whether as capitalists or
socialists the generals
win
AFTER seizing power in 1962, Gen Ne Win
changed the economic and political
policies of the government to the so-called
''Burmese Way to Socialism'' which meant
the nationalisation of major industries,
schools, rice mills, small and large
businesses, and financial institutions.
Nationalisation meant monopolising the
economy under the central control of the
then military regime called the
''Revolutionary Council''.
Twenty-five years later, the result of
nationalisation is that Burma has been
lowered to the level of Least Developed
Country. On the other hand the generals
have become wealthier and wealthier.
After the 8-8-88 uprising, Gen Saw Maung
took power and changed the name of the
government to the State Law and Order
Restoration Council (Slorc). The Burmese
military junta began another change to an
''Open-Door'' programme of economic
reforms.
Privatisation was introduced in some
sectors. But there was no fair competitive
drive to reduce costs, raise quality or boost
innovation. Privatisation means a transfer
of the organisation of production from the
public sector to the private sector. But this
didn't happen in Burma.
At present only a few rich people have the
privilege to invest their savings in shares.
The majority of innocent, poor Burmese
people cannot.
Khun Sa, Lo Sig Han and his companions
have made a lot of money from the drugs
trade. So the privatisation is not benefiting
ordinary Burmese people. Senior military
men and their group, and Khun Sa and his
companions get more and more benefits.
Because many industries are under
monopoly control people have to buy from
them whether they like it or not.
Whether they are carrying out a
nationalisation or privatisation programme,
the military is always in some kind of unity
with the opium producers. And also prices
for consumer products continue to
increase. When will they be content with
their ill-gotten gains?
Thet Oo
Federation of Trade Unions-Burma
Washington