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                            UB - Gone Insane

By: Kanbawza Win
March 2, 2001, Mizzima News Group (www.mizzima.com)

The standard joke "If you put two Burmese in a cell they will form three
political parties? seems to hit some chord when we read in the news that
the National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB) in its meeting of
Presidium and Secretariat members rejected a "transitional plan" drafted
by the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (developed by
the Euro-Burma office at the request of the NCGUB).

How come these two sections of the same group or UB (Union of Burma)
that are supposed to spearhead the Burmese democracy movement in
Diaspora could not see eye to eye? But the worst part of it is that
their disagreement and squabbling has come out into the open. This
augurs failure. It can also be read as part of a political barometer for
the international community to stet what Burma would be like once
democracy is achieved. It definitely paints the picture that something
is very, very wrong. Have they really become UB, which in Burmese means
"gone insane"?

The NCGUB, formed by the elected members of parliament in the 1990
elections who managed to sneak out of the country, is led by Dr. Sein
Win, the first cousin of the pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,
the Burmese Nobel Laureate. The NCGUB has just celebrated its 10th
anniversary, even though it is unable to demonstrate any substantial
achievement. However, the Burmese in Diaspora (both the ethnic and pro-
democracy groups) graciously accepted the NCGUB as the standard bearer
of their cause, and often than not rendered them VIP treatment.

Being based in Washington, it is easily accessible to foreign
governments, NGOs, the UN and its agencies, etc. and obviously enjoys a
high profile coupled with the niceties of life, compared to their
brethren fighting in the malaria-infested jungles of the border areas.
The NCGUB members usually go around the world at OBE (Other Burgers?s
Expense) highlighting the Burmese cause. They seem to be thoroughly
enjoying life. But after a decade they seem to forget their roots if not
their cause.

The NCGUB?s proposal gives a sort of "road map" that lays out some
specific steps to be followed to achieve democracy in Burma, including
political dialogue, negotiations, compromise and transition. However, it
emphasizes more the economic factor, hoping to lure in the international
community, than the political factor. The most important thing is
national solidarity, concentrating on the ethnic national groups. Then
the NCGUB presented to a high-powered meeting on Burma?s political
deadlock in Seoul, South Korea LAST YEAR without the knowledge or the
blessing of the pro-democracy forces nor the ethnic groups. Here the
spirit of, "We alone can do it," which is so prevalent among the Burmese
Generals, can be seen vividly also in NCGUB. The Seoul meeting that
brought together the Burmese experts as well as some government
representatives of both East and West showed a keen interest in the plan
but no one actually promised that their country would adopt it. The plan
is something like an impressive strong metal statue with feet of clay.

Eventually this so-called confidential plan was known by the mass of the
Burmese people in Diaspora and a barrage of criticism was directed
against the NCGUB. Like the Junta it has under-estimated the Information
Technology, especially that of the Internet and word spread around
quickly. The people now began to question the very legitimacy of the
provisional government, its source as well as the substance of the plan
that compromised the NLD?s overwhelming electoral victory in the 1990
elections. The ethnic groups were furious that such a plan should be put
up without their prior knowledge or approval. Thus it has a profound
effect on the NCUB which, in fact, is the amalgamation of most of the
ethnic forces and the pro-democracy groups. That the NCUB rejected the
NCGUB was a forgone conclusion.

Incidentally, at the same time we read another shocking news in the
Asian edition of TIME that Dr Sein Win has supported the claim of Aung
San Oo (the only surviving brother of Aung San Suu Kyi, now a computer
programmer for the US Navy in San Diego) to half of their mother?s house
in Rangoon where Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is living. How can this betrayal
exist at a time when the Junta was squeezing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and
the NLD out of existence? Her only brother and cousin (Dr. Sein Win) who
were supposed to be supporting her and the cause of democracy had
connived to deprive her only abode in Burma at the most critical moment?
Even though this is a family affair, it shows how one?s own flesh and
blood can betray a much more noble cause once money and other aspects of
life are involved.

On the other hand, it is evident that the Junta has employed the divide
and rule policy again by extending an olive branch to the Myanmar
(Burman) especially those in the provisional government. Now that the,
"Secret Negotiations" between the NLD and the Junta have commenced the
Junta has targeted the Myanmar in Diaspora and aims at the NLD of the
liberated area who fled during the ?90s. Word was sent to the exiles
that they are welcome home, that there will be new elections and that
they can stand for election as NLD or whatever party they choose to run
for. The messenger was none other than Daw Le Le who is Aung San Oo?s
lesser wife (I dare not mention his American wife). The Junta skillfully
used her and, of course Aung San Oo being under the petticoat government
He is compelled to claim half of the house (where Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
is living) and take the case to the Junta?s court in Rangoon. It was an
irony that as, according to the Burmese law no foreigner can sue a
Burmese for inheritance and Aung San Oo is a naturalized American
citizen. It was at this point that the Burmese living in America went
emasse to demonstrate in Aung San Oo?s house.

The other Ko Lu Thu Bhet Thar (literally translated means ?my men? but
on his side) is non other than NCGUB?s UN representative Thaung Htun who
is Sein Win?s right-hand man. At a meeting in Thailand where hundreds of
expatriate NLD members including cabinet ministers attended, he
eloquently narrated the Junta?s latest offer of how they will be treated
to a red-carpet welcome once they go back to Burma and that the Generals
had repented of persecuting the NLD and so on. Being true to the country
they will be welcomed as heroes and can carry on their political belief
as usual.

Obviously this was a great lure and naturally those who fled in the 90s
long to see their children, if not to have a cosy time with their wives,
jump at the offer. But cooler heads prevail. Who is going to
hold an election? And even if the election is held will the Junta honour
its results, as previous experience has shown? No doubt everybody is
nostalgic and longs to see their wives and children but there are
hundreds if not thousands of compatriots who have already made a supreme
sacrifice, continue to fight tooth and nail and have witnessed their
wives and sisters being raped by the Burmese soldiers. What about them?
Isn?t the NCGUB representing them if their claim is to be fighting for
democracy and upholding human rights? The whole aim of the Junta is to
separate the pro democracy movement in Diaspora from the ethnic groups
by enticing them back to Burma so they can finish them off one by one as
can be seen in their latest offensive.

It is high time to make a revolution within a revolution and let go
those who has every potential for not only splitting the liberated NLD
members but also the entire resistance movement. This virus must be got
rid once and for all. Even though we are not serving the house of Aung
San against the evil house of Ne Win; but for the entire people and
country with a goal of genuine democratic federal revolution, we must
learnt several lessons from this Aung San Oo's episode. We cannot let
anyone stab Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the back.

On the other hand, will the NCGUB be like any other ethnic or
pro-democracy group that has its own history of splits, coups and
liquidations or will they practice what they preach about democracy and
will they be as gentlemanly as they claim to be? Time will tell. History
have often repeat itself as for example the Pyi Chit Asoeya (exiled
government led by U Nu) of the ?70s?

We don't want real fighters, genuine revolutionaries, intelligentsia,
grass-root workers and dedicated persons to be left out in the impending
strategy meeting. Let those politicians who desire to stand in the
Junta?s sponsored elections, but those who loves the country not with
their lips but with their hearts carry on the struggle as they have
chosen to die with our boots on rather than to live on their knees.

(The author is a visiting Professor at the Faculty of International
Development Studies, University of Winnipeg Cum Research Fellow at the
University of Manitoba at the Institute of Humanities, Winnipeg,
Manitoba, Canada)





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<center><b><u><font color="#660000"><font size=+3>UB - Gone Insane</font></font></u></b></center>

<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>By: Kanbawza Win</font></font>
<br><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>March 2, 2001, Mizzima News Group
<a href="http://www.mizzima.com";>(www.mizzima.com)</a></font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>The standard joke <b>"If you put
two Burmese in a cell they will form three political parties? </b>seems
to hit some chord when we read in the news that the National Council of
the Union of Burma <b>(NCUB) </b>in its meeting of Presidium and Secretariat
members rejected a "transitional plan" drafted by the <b>National Coalition
Government of the Union of Burma </b><i>(developed by the Euro-Burma office
at the request of the NCGUB).</i></font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>How come these two sections of the
same group or UB (Union of Burma) that are supposed to spearhead the Burmese
democracy movement in Diaspora could not see eye to eye? But the worst
part of it is that their disagreement and squabbling has come out into
the open. This augurs failure. It can also be read as part of a political
barometer for the international community to stet what Burma would be like
once democracy is achieved. It definitely paints the picture that something
is very, very wrong. Have they really become <b><i>UB</i></b>, which in
Burmese means "gone insane"?</font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>The <b>NCGUB</b>, formed by the
elected members of parliament in the 1990 elections who managed to sneak
out of the country, is led by Dr. Sein Win, the first cousin of the pro-democracy
leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese Nobel Laureate. The <b>NCGUB</b>
has just celebrated its 10th anniversary, even though it is unable to demonstrate
any substantial achievement. However, the Burmese in Diaspora (both the
ethnic and pro- democracy groups) graciously accepted the <b>NCGUB </b>as
the standard bearer of their cause, and often than not rendered them VIP
treatment.</font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>Being based in Washington, it is
easily accessible to foreign governments, NGOs, the UN and its agencies,
etc. and obviously enjoys a high profile coupled with the niceties of life,
compared to their brethren fighting in the malaria-infested jungles of
the border areas. The <b>NCGUB</b> members usually go around the world
at OBE <i>(Other Burgers?s Expense) </i>highlighting the Burmese cause.
They seem to be thoroughly enjoying life. But after a decade they seem
to forget their roots if not their cause.</font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>The <b>NCGUB</b>?s proposal gives
a sort of "road map" that lays out some specific steps to be followed to
achieve democracy in Burma, including political dialogue, negotiations,
compromise and transition. However, it emphasizes more the economic factor,
hoping to lure in the international community, than the political factor.
The most important thing is national solidarity, concentrating on the ethnic
national groups. Then the <b>NCGUB</b> presented to a high-powered meeting
on Burma?s political deadlock in Seoul, South Korea LAST YEAR without the
knowledge or the blessing of the pro-democracy forces nor the ethnic groups.
Here the spirit of, <b><i>"We alone can do it," </i></b>which is so prevalent
among the Burmese Generals, can be seen vividly also in <b>NCGUB</b>. The
Seoul meeting that brought together the Burmese experts as well as some
government representatives of both East and West showed a keen interest
in the plan but no one actually promised that their country would adopt
it. The plan is something like an impressive strong metal statue with feet
of clay.</font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>Eventually this so-called confidential
plan was known by the mass of the Burmese people in Diaspora and a barrage
of criticism was directed against the <b>NCGUB</b>. Like the Junta it has
under-estimated the Information Technology, especially that of the Internet
and word spread around quickly. The people now began to question the very
legitimacy of the provisional government, its source as well as the substance
of the plan that compromised the NLD?s overwhelming electoral victory in
the 1990 elections. The ethnic groups were furious that such a plan should
be put up without their prior knowledge or approval. Thus it has a profound
effect on the NCUB which, in fact, is the amalgamation of most of the ethnic
forces and the pro-democracy groups. That the NCUB rejected the <b>NCGUB</b>
was a forgone conclusion.</font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>Incidentally, at the same time we
read another shocking news in the Asian edition of TIME that Dr Sein Win
has supported the claim of Aung San Oo (the only surviving brother of Aung
San Suu Kyi, now a computer programmer for the US Navy in San Diego) to
half of their mother?s house in Rangoon where Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is living.
How can this betrayal exist at a time when the Junta was squeezing Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD out of existence? Her only brother and cousin
(Dr. Sein Win) who were supposed to be supporting her and the cause of
democracy had connived to deprive her only abode in Burma at the most critical
moment? Even though this is a family affair, it shows how one?s own flesh
and blood can betray a much more noble cause once money and other aspects
of life are involved.</font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>On the other hand, it is evident
that the Junta has employed the <b><i>divide and rule policy </i></b>again
by extending an olive branch to the Myanmar (Burman) especially those in
the provisional government. Now that the, <b><i>"Secret Negotiations" </i></b>between
the NLD and the Junta have commenced the Junta has targeted the Myanmar
in Diaspora and aims at the NLD of the liberated area who fled during the
?90s. Word was sent to the exiles that they are welcome home, that there
will be new elections and that they can stand for election as NLD or whatever
party they choose to run for. The messenger was none other than Daw Le
Le who is Aung San Oo?s lesser wife (I dare not mention his American wife).
The Junta skillfully used her and, of course Aung San Oo being under the
petticoat government He is compelled to claim half of the house (where
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is living) and take the case to the Junta?s court
in Rangoon. It was an irony that as, according to the Burmese law no foreigner
can sue a Burmese for inheritance and Aung San Oo is a naturalized American
citizen. It was at this point that the Burmese living in America went emasse
to demonstrate in Aung San Oo?s house.</font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>The other <b><i>Ko Lu Thu Bhet Thar
</i></b>(literally
translated means ?my men? but on his side) is non other than <b>NCGUB</b>?s
UN representative Thaung Htun who is Sein Win?s right-hand man. At a meeting
in Thailand where hundreds of expatriate NLD members including cabinet
ministers attended, he eloquently narrated the Junta?s latest offer of
how they will be treated to a red-carpet welcome once they go back to Burma
and that the Generals had repented of persecuting the NLD and so on. Being
true to the country they will be welcomed as heroes and can carry on their
political belief as usual.</font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>Obviously this was a great lure
and naturally those who fled in the 90s long to see their children, if
not to have a cosy time with their wives, jump at the offer. But cooler
heads prevail. Who is going to</font></font>
<br><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>hold an election? And even if the
election is held will the Junta honour its results, as previous experience
has shown? No doubt everybody is nostalgic and longs to see their wives
and children but there are hundreds if not thousands of compatriots who
have already made a supreme sacrifice, continue to fight tooth and nail
and have witnessed their wives and sisters being raped by the Burmese soldiers.
What about them? Isn?t the <b>NCGUB</b> representing them if their claim
is to be fighting for democracy and upholding human rights? The whole aim
of the Junta is to separate the pro democracy movement in Diaspora from
the ethnic groups by enticing them back to Burma so they can finish them
off one by one as can be seen in their latest offensive.</font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>It is high time to make a revolution
within a revolution and let go those who has every potential for not only
splitting the liberated NLD members but also the entire resistance movement.
This virus must be got rid once and for all. Even though we are not serving
the house of Aung San against the evil house of Ne Win; but for the entire
people and country with a goal of genuine democratic federal revolution,
we must learnt several lessons from this Aung San Oo's episode. We cannot
let anyone stab Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the back.</font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>On the other hand, will the <b>NCGUB</b>
be like any other ethnic or pro-democracy group that has its own history
of splits, coups and liquidations or will they practice what they preach
about democracy and will they be as gentlemanly as they claim to be? Time
will tell. History have often repeat itself as for example the <b><i>Pyi
Chit Asoeya </i></b>(exiled government led by U Nu) of the ?70s?</font></font>
<p><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>We don't want real fighters, genuine
revolutionaries, intelligentsia, grass-root workers and dedicated persons
to be left out in the impending strategy meeting. Let those politicians
who desire to stand in the Junta?s sponsored elections, but those who loves
the country not with their lips but with their hearts carry on the struggle
as they have chosen <b><i>to die with our boots on rather than to live
on their knees.</i></b></font></font>
<p><i><font color="#000099"><font size=+1>(The author is a visiting Professor
at the Faculty of International Development Studies, University of Winnipeg
Cum Research Fellow at the University of Manitoba at the Institute of Humanities,
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)</font></font></i>
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