New Nation: "Switzerland of the Eas

[dawnstar@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: Re: New Nation: "Switzerland of the East"

This is a GOOD example on how BAD writing of so called journalism can
be. Evidently the writer is not aware of the Swiss Nazi role in WWII,
nor of the banking scandal of money laundering private funds and gold
teeth of exterminated jewish population. Burma is cited and condemned
for genocide! Understand? This here is just cheap trashy propaganda.

Heiko Schaefer wrote:
> 
> [Note: This article was published by the Bangladesh New Nation at 1.
> October 1999 and was printed at the 13. and 14. November in the New
> Light of Myanmar. It is quite shocking to read the Bangladesh opinion
> on Burma, but like this German readers get everyday in Germany. URL:
> http://www.nation-online.com/199910/01/n9100109.htm]
> 
> The New Nation, Bangladesh, 1st October 1999
> A visit to Myanmar: Things are not that bad as the Western media reports
> by Munirul Huq
> 
> Seeing is believing. But this hard reality is always ignored by the
> western world specially their biased electronic and print media about
> the Union of Myanmar which they still call Burma. Mrs Suu Kyi, a planted
> so-called advocate of democracy and wife of a British national Michael
> Aries, is shedding crocodile tears giving a negative picture of her
> motherland defaming the country out of ill motive.
> 
> My first ever visit to Myanmar amply convinced me that the United States
> and the United Nations are violating the rights of the people of Myanmar
> and the western media reports continuously giving false information
> about the government, people and the country. In reality, the Military
> government seems to be a blessing in disguise to Myanmar.
> 
> On my arrival at Yangon international airport I could feel the change.
> The God gifted natural beauty enchanted me which is yet to be destroyed
> by the so-called modern man-made disaster.
> 
> Once Bangladesh used to be known as Switzerland of the East but now I
> feel it is Myanmar which is really a Switzerland of the East. The air is
> fresh, the environment is clean and the people are simple because "dish
> antenna" culture could not yet destroy their culture and nationalistic
> instinct and identity. According to the western media, people do not
> laugh, people do not talk and one can read the face of the people as to
> how the ruling Junta kept them as captives in their own country. But I
> could not find any such signs. People were in smiling faces, children
> enjoy the life and the whole country seems to be friendly to the
> visitors.
> 
> The most surprising scene I have seen at New Mya Yeik Royal Hotel, with
> all the facilities and amenities of a Five Star hotel, was that the
> children between two to fourteen years of age belonging to the rich and
> the poor came to the hotel's swimming pool to take part in training and
> enjoyed swimming for two hours. This scene has reminded me of how
> western media always talks of discrimination between the people in
> Myanmar. Parents from both the poor and rich families from the houses
> around the hotel brought their children to the five-star hotel swimming
> pool for training. I really enjoyed the scene.
> 
> The western world always complains of keeping the country sealed from
> outside exposure but the Television continuously telecast TVS (French),
> BBC (British), MTV and CNN (USA) programmes and I was not ever
> disconnected from the world during my weeklong stay in Yangon.
> 
> One evening while sitting at the hotel lobby I found a big gathering of
> film artistes who came to participate in the launching function of a
> film. Renowned artistes participated at the function and I could see the
> film stars of the country. Which again proved that all activities are
> going on in full swing and there is no mark of the negative effects
> caused due to sanctions imposed by the USA and the UN.
> 
> Discipline and hard work were visible everywhere. There is no traffic
> control official but people are following the traffic signals
> religiously. There is no artificial decoration as God has bestowed the
> Yangon city with natural beauty. They whole city of Yangon is clean and
> surrounded by green trees and orderly houses and hotels. I met an Indian
> engineer who is trying to set up a power plant at the Hotel who said
> during his fifteen-day stay he did not find any beggar and any traffic
> menace and termed Myanmar as the wonderland in Asia. He commented, the
> country only needs money and technology.
> 
> During my meeting with the Deputy Minister for National Planning and
> Economic Development, I asked him to comment on the sanctions. He
> laughingly replied we were under self-sanction for twenty-four years
> (during socialist rule) and not at all upset with US sanctions as we are
> used to it. However, we would like to have better relations with all
> countries including the USA and the UK.
> 
> In the afternoon I met my host Foreign Minister U Win Aung who took the
> initiative of inviting me to see the beautiful country. He was gracious
> to extend my stay and asked me if I can stay for another week. But I
> could not avail the opportunity as I had to return to Dhaka. He told me,
> please see for yourself and write what you have seen and inform your
> readers about our initiatives. On his instructions I was provided with a
> car to go around the city without anyone to brief. It was a rush hour,
> but nowhere I could see the traffic rules being violated.
> 
> I have the privilege of visiting many developing countries now sinking
> with foreign loans and assistance with vivid mark of abject poverty
> ridden hardship on the faces of the poor people. To my delight Myanmar
> has no such foreign loan and no beggars were seen and no sign of
> absolute poor people in Yangon, the capital of Myanmar, was evidently
> notice.
> 
> Another important aspect which attracted my attendtion was that the
> people firmly continue to maintain their identity and ninety-nine
> percent population including children use their own national dress which
> proves their patrotism. From offices to public places everywhere, I saw
> people wearing their national dress and there was no western dress
> visible at all. Lungi, sandal, a short shirt- no pant and no shoes.
> 
> The lifestyle, the food, the language and the dress - everything are
> their own and not imported. Really they can boast of their leadership
> who encouraged them to hold fast to their own culture and heritage. They
> totally discourage alien culture.
> 
> Yangon is a city of Pagodas and Temples, but mosques and churches are
> there and people are free to perform their relgious rites which probably
> is not allowed even in some of the countries who were instrumental in
> the imposition of sanctions on Myanmar. The country did not receive a
> single dollar loan and has no external debt. The GDP growth rage is 5
> per cent and yearly budget deficit is only 7 per cent.
> 
> The annual budget is formulated on the basis of own domestic resources.
> The Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue of Myanmar informed me
> during the meeting that they have 20 private banks owned by the
> nationals of Myanmar and have about 110 branches throughout the country
> apart from the Central Bank. According to the Deputy Minister, the
> economy is improving and they are happy with the progress rate they
> could achieve with their own resources.
> 
> The Governor of the Central Bank and Director of Budget who were also
> present during the meeting said, we want to develop our economy,
> industry and energy on fast track and that is our priority areas. The
> Governor also said, we are carefully taking steps and do not like to be
> trapped in crisis situation like Thailand, Korea and Malaysia by
> allowing foreign investment in capital market and be dependent on
> foreign investors. We welcome foreign and private investment but without
> any string and conditions.
> 
> We want to develop our economy in our own way and with our own
> resources, he maintained. According to the Central Bank Governor there
> are more than a dozen of foreign banks including two Bangladesh Banks
> which opened their representative offices and we are watching their
> activities. We have a state run financial system, but allowed private
> banks of our own people and have given them full autonomy to run their
> own businesses. We want to do everything slowly but steadily and do not
> want to see that our economy is hijacked by someone else, he asserted.
> 
> During a discussion with the Deputy Head of the Department of
> International Affairs, Office of the Strategic Studies at the Defence
> Head Quarters, Lt Col Hla Min said, "Peace may not be everything but
> without peace everything is nothing." The military government is
> systematically moving towards the main objective of a modernised,
> well-developed and peaceful nation within the structure of a solid union
> and supportive economic infrastructure. To reach the ultimate goal
> Myanmar intends to move forward phase by phase, said the young Colonel;
> educated in western country. The first phase during the SLORC
> administration was to restore and establish law and order in the
> country. He said that economic sanctions and embargoes imposed on
> Myanmar by the western countries are in reality putting obstacles and
> hurdles on our path of democracy. Ironically, it is the same western
> nations that are criticising Myanmar for not being a democratic country.
> We want to prepare our people for a disciplined and functional democracy
> and I strongly feel without economic development and disciplined
> democracy, the democracy will turn into anarchism.
> 
> The visit to Hlaing Thaya industrial zone and the project of Department
> of Human Settlement and Housing Development is an eye-opener attempt of
> the government whom we know from outside world building only future for
> them, but not the people as publicised by the West, especially the media
> there, proved to be asbolutely false. The project "From Hut to the
> Apartment" is the evidence of how the Government of Myanmar is earger to
> improve the lifestyle of the people. In the newly built industrial zone
> I visited two industries - one a Malaysian garment industry and the
> other one was a cold drink project- both projects have hundred percent
> local investment. While talking to the management, they said the workers
> are disciplined, diligent and most obedient and we are happy with them.
> 
> No one will ever believe the developments taking place in Myanmar
> without foreign loans or assistance.  The housing sector is the
> example.  With the government's logistic support, the private people
> are encouraged to invest with priority and wholehearted supports are
> extended to them.  The housing, industrial sector, electricity, and
> infrastructural developments are the priority areas where government
> is giving highest importance and the people started gaining the
> benefits by way of getting employment opportunities.
> 
> Everywhere the sign of development could be seen and that too without
> a single dollar assistance from the international community. The
> market-oriented economy in other countries of Asia is creating a big
> gap among the people, but the mechanism adopted by the Myanmar
> government is not creating a class rather helping everyone to take
> part in nation building activities with active support from the
> government and the private sector banks owned by Myanmar people.
> 
> All the ministers mostly remain in the rural areas and other cities to
> supervise the development activities taking place there.  The
> Minister, Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) informed me
> that they encourage foreign investment and are ready to extend all
> possible facilities in addition to the fact that procedures are very
> easy. He said, they are receiving good response but slower phase, due
> to negative publicity. Still we are quite happy with the
> investment. As on 31-8-99 the foreign investment stood at US$ 7137
> million despite the sanctions and negative propaganda.
> 
> It is only China, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan who are
> investing in Myanmar and Bangladesh has one project.  The investors
> around the world are looking for safe, secured and profitable place
> and Myanmar offers all these, but due to adverse western propaganda,
> people are hesitant.
> 
> Seeing is believing and my visit has amply convinced me that Myanmar
> would be the best place to invest and the investors should visit
> Myanmar and see for themselves instead of believing the biased and
> motivated propaganda of the so-called free and fair media of the West.
> 
> The Minister for Information was kind to offer me an opportunity to
> talk to him on Media in Myanmar about the state policy.  The Minister
> accompanied by the Deputy Minister, Director General Myanmar TV, Chief
> Editor, The New Light of Myanmar was quite frank and free during the
> discussion. The basic political objectives according to him are:
> stability of the State, tranquillity and prevalence of law and order,
> national reconsolidation, emergence of an enduring State
> Constifution. This proves the government want to go forward on a firm
> footing.
> 
> The four economic objectives are: development of agriculture as the
> basic sector and all round development of other sectors of the economy
> as well, proper evaluation of the market-oriented economic system,
> development of the economy inviting participation in terms of
> technical know-how and investment from sources inside the country and
> abroad, and the initiative to shape the national economy must be kept
> in the hands of the State and the national people.
> 
> The social objectives as stated by the Minister for Information are:
> Upliftment of the moral and morality of the entire nationa, upholding
> the national prestige, integrity, preserving and safeguarding the
> cultural heritage and national character, boosting of the dynamism of
> patriotic spirit, improvement of health, and education standard of the
> entire nation. He firmly said, we can not allow alien culture to
> destroy our national character. These policies, the Information
> Minister stated, are visible all over and very effectively being
> inculcated among the people.
> 
> I am sure the days are not far away when this country will emerge as
> the economic Tiger of the East and there will be a competition among
> the western states as to who will reach Yangon first. I also believe
> the time is near when the benevolent government and the patriotic
> people will possess the power to say Yes or No on all matters on their
> own will force. The Information Minister took me around the Television
> Station and informed about the activities of his ministry. The most
> interesting persons I met were the members of Parliament belonging to
> National League for Democracy (now defunct) from Maingalandon, Tontay,
> Monnyo and Yankin who were expelled by Suu Kyi because of their
> straight forward attitude and they are now Independent MPs.
> 
> The rift between the government and opposition started when Suu Kyi
> started undemocratic and dictator-like behaviour.  The Parliament was
> dissolved and all the opposition members of Parliament numbering about
> 2000 were put behind the bars. The NLD members from jail sent a letter
> to the chairperson Suu Kyi and the Government to call a National
> Convention to resolve the crisis and go for a dialogue. But as party
> chairperson Suu Kyi took a rigid stand and gave an ultimatum for
> holding the convention which the moderate MPs of NLD opposed.
> 
> According to them (now Independent MPs), the chairperson did not
> listen to them and started her undemocratic activities which resulted
> in banning of all political activities.  Her situation became worse
> than the pre-election time and the government had to ban all political
> activities. All the five MPs including a seventy-five years old lady
> termed the activities of Suu Kyi as undemocratic, arrogant and
> unpatriotic. They also called her a foreign agent.
> 
> The Deputy Minister for Commerce during a discussion at his office
> informed me that the volume of trade between Myanmar and Bangladesh is
> steadily growing. In 1996-97 export to Bangladesh was 108 million
> kyats (6.4 kyats equal to a dollar), in 1997-98 it was 447 million
> kyats and in 1998-99 it stood at 1102 million kyats. Through border
> trade export to Bangladesh was 4.71 million kyats in 1997-98 and 15.82
> million kyats in 1998-99. He emphasised on bridging the information
> gap about the potentialities available in both the countries and
> frequent exchange of visits of business leaders. About bridging the
> information gap he said, "seeing is believing" and people from both
> the countries should visit and see for themselves the opportunities
> available and use the latest technology of Internet and Webside. The
> Director General and other senior officials of the Commerce Ministry
> were also present on the occasion and assisted the Deputy Minister.
> 
> The Vice President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and
> Industry in a meeting said that his organisation is the member of ICC,
> ASEAN, CCIUMFCI. "We have signed MOU with fifteen international
> organisations including border trade accords with Thailand, Japan,
> South Korea, Singapore and Bangladesh and eager to establish trade
> relations with all countries of the world," he said. The Federation
> leader stressed upon easier movement of goods, capital, labour and
> technology across the border to enhance trade and investment.  When
> asked to comment on World Trade Organisation (WTO), he said the forum
> is, in fact, a mechanism of preventive diplomacy. He firmly said, a
> nation needs speedy development of human resources to face the
> challenges of the 21st century.
> 
> This writer had also a meeting with one of the top most business
> tycoons which was quite interesting. He travels a lot and very
> recently was conferred the Doctorate degree in Business and Management
> by an American University. According to him the only problem of
> Myanmar is Western media campaign against the country. He said we have
> cheap labour, obedient and disciplined workers, favourable investment
> policy. He also termed his country better than many countries
> including Singapore in terms of law and order and security system. We
> need transfer of technology, capital and equipment to develop our
> economy, he asserted adding that the Myanmar government has launched a
> free market economy but with a constant check and balance to retain
> the national character and heritage in tact."
> 
> In an appeal he requested the people of East, West and North to visit
> Myanmar, see the available facilities there and then take their
> decision. He said, seeing is believing and invited the investors to
> visit Myanmar and expressed his readiness to help them.
> 
> As a friend of all deprived development countries specially the
> countries who are victims of the US and UN's illegal embargoes, I
> always try to highlight the potentialities and capability and the real
> situation prevailing in these countries. I found Union of Myanmar's
> real situation far more better than I knew. I can say it is a heaven
> on earth. I would unhesitatingly say that the "Army government is a
> blessing in disguise for the people of Myanmar."
> 
> We in Bangladesh enjoy a type of political democracy but could that
> democracy provide the minimum requirements for the people even with
> billion dollar debts? A disciplined democracy with economic
> development can benefit the people of developing nations and Myanmar
> is absolutely on the right track. I wish the nationalist
> administration continue to govern the country till the set targets are
> achieved and oppose all ill aimed targets of the West who claim to be
> the champions of democracy and human rights.
> 
> The government of Myanmar is employing the younger generation in
> mid-level administration and those young officers are very talented,
> efficient, obedient and patriotic and well aware of their
> responsibilities as well as the evil designs of the so-called friends
> of the world who come as friends and ultimately become masters.
> 
> My visit to the People's Republic of China and Union of Myanmar had
> almost similar experience and I hail the leadership of these countries
> who are opposing all evil machinations and trying to develop their
> country on the basis of their national character and heritage. I urge
> upon my colleagues in the media to give up the western style of press
> freedom and help these countries who are developing their economy
> themselves and expose the ulterior motives of so-called free press and
> the so-called friends of the World- the US and the United Nations.
> 
> Bravo to the people of Myanmar for setting example to the so-called
> democratic governments of the world. Democracy without education,
> food, shelter, clothes to wear, medicare and employment is autocracy
> and anarchism.
> 
> Fight for disciplined democracy and economic development like Myanmar
> and then advocate for the rights of the people. Myanmar is a model
> for all developing nations.
> 
> I am indebted to the Foreign Minister and the Government of Union of
> Myanmar for providing me the opportunity to visit the great country,
> its people and the vast development strides. I also owe my thanks to
> the embassy officials in Dhaka, particularly the former Ambassador U
> Tint Lwin for their cooperation in scheduling the visits.
> 
> Myanmar is much more developed than we know and a better living place
> than many other countries of the world including Bangladesh.
> --
> +================== Burma Group Tuebingen ==================+
> | Heiko Schaefer                  | heiko@xxxxxxxxxxxxx     |
> | Beim Herbstenhof 42             |                         |
> | 72076 Tuebingen, Germany        | Tel: ++49 7071 55 25 54 |