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Where is UDP heading? (Interview) |
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Interview
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by Mizzima News
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Tuesday, 05 May 2009 12:38 |
Veteran Burmese politician Thu Wai, who for his political beliefs had been imprisoned by the current Burmese military regime for seven years, said the junta’s proposed 2010 election is a window of political opportunity and in order to grab this chance he has formed a political party known as the United Democratic Party of Myanmar (UDP). The party will contest the election.
But news of Thu Wai, the ex-Chairman of the former Democracy Party, which was banned by the ruling military junta, teaming up with another veteran politician Ye Tun and the Canada-based Kyaw Myint, (a controversial person with a background of being a former leader of an armed group from Mone Koe region), has made the Burmese political circle sit up. It has also triggered a spate of rumours and criticism.
During Thu Wai’s visit to Bangkok for medical treatment, Mizzima’s Managing Editor Sein Win caught up with him for a brief interview on his stand on the formation of UDP and his view on Burmese politics.
Q: What is the purpose of your current visit to Thailand? Some said that you would proceed to Canada and meet U Kyaw Myint there. To what extent is it right?
A: It's not a significant matter. But I'd like to explain to you a little bit here. I have no idea why you people are interested in U Kyaw Myint. I'll tell you about myself first. So it will be clear.
I've always been in Burma's political sphere. The politicians usually talk about politics. This is a normal thing. So we see that our country has reached a turning point in Burma's history and it's an opportunity for us. In the last 20 years, we could not do anything, we could not say anything. Now the door has been opened a little bit.
I think those who wish to serve the country and the people, and as politicians, we should enter from this open window. We decided that we are obliged to enter this door. That means contesting the forthcoming general election. All the 54 million people are on the same boat, Burma. We were divided in the past though in fact we are brethrens. In this way, we consider to achieve understanding and unity among us at this crucial time.
I was in 'Democracy Party' in the past. Now there's not only a single party. We discussed joining and working together and many accepted this idea. We were planning to contest this general election. At that time had contact with U Kyaw Myint. He too is nursing an idea of coming back to Burma and contesting in this election. As their thinking is the same with us, we agreed to work together. We have a plan to contest this election and to work together when the election law and political party registration law are enacted and announced. All of us including U Kyaw Myint will contest in the election as we would like to do broadly by joining hands with many others in order to win in the election.
Q: Does it mean there's no official constitution of UDP party yet?
A: We understand this is just the preparatory stage and so do they. And we like the name of the party of their choice -- UDP. So we have an understanding to use this name when the time is ripe. This is just a thinking. And also there are many more names for our party being under consideration.
Q: Do you think there are many more people who are interested in your party and willing to join you? How many party members are there at the moment?
A: UDP has not yet become the confirmed name of our party. What we are discussing is contesting the general election. Democracy will be based for the reconstruction of our country. Likeminded people meet together for this common purpose but not in the name of UDP.
Q: Now you are considering contesting the election in the name of UDP. But on the other hand, some critics and hardliners are saying that the junta has not transferred power to the winning party NLD in 1990 general election. Don't you think you can face a similar fate in this election?
A: We calculate the current situation as different from the past. The situation has changed a lot during this time, 2010 is quite different from 1990. So we should not be dogmatic. We should find the reason for not handing over power to the winning party at that time. It should be thought of on a party basis. We see the current situation is different from the situation then. We calculate that the ruling junta is now ready to hand over power to the winning party in the framework of this new constitution.
Q: since your spouse is a Thai citizen, can you contest in this election?
A: It will be clear only when the election law is enacted and announced. But my intention of being in politics is not just contesting the election, becoming MP and Minister. This is not my prime purpose. I can do politics without contesting in the election. Other people can contest it. Contesting the election and becoming an elected MP is not my prime intention.
Q: How do you view the junta's attitude towards the UDP party?
A: We cannot find out what they are thinking about UDP but we are contesting in this election to be held by the government. I think they will be pleased with it too. I think whosoever will like to see other people come and join their plan.
Q: How about your relation with opposition parties, NLD and ethnic parties?
A: Since I'm always in the political sphere, I have cordial relationships with politicians and political parties.
Q: The rumour circulating says U Kyaw Myint is providing you financial support. How do you want to respond to it?
A: I'd like to explain about it. Since we have known U Kyaw Myint, he has proposed to provide financial assistance to cover the expenses when we can form a political party in Burma. We told them we were glad to hear that but we cannot say yet that it will certainly come true. There is one more question that is if they can come back to Burma and join this political party when it is allowed to be formed some day. Everything will be clear and decisive only during election time.
Q: Yes, it's ok, not as a political party yet, how many percent of parliamentary seats do you expect from this election? Which ones will be your probable alliance?
A: These matters are not yet in realms of existence. We are just considering restoring democracy in Burma by joining with all likeminded people. We think that the military government is fed up with ruling the country for over 20 years. So they too want democracy. They wish to resolve all their difficulties and crises in this change. We must publicize ourselves as the sole force which can serve the people and the country if elected. The more we can win people's support, the more we can do.
Q: The last question is about the relationship with U Kyaw Myint in future since the relationship between you and them is not yet certain and clear. As there is much news being circulated about it, is it possible that the situation may change or you have in anyway determined to go ahead by joining them?
A: These problems are his personal matter. Not only with U Kyaw Myint, we are meeting and organizing many people in this regard. Anybody can join our movement. We will work together. U Kyaw Myint's problems are his own personal matter. He can come back Burma when all these problems have been resolved. No one can stop him if he comes back.
Q: Will all other people from Democracy Party join UDP?
A: Yes, all old members will be included in it. Not only us, the people from democracy forces and ceasefire groups, former 'Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League' (AFPFL) members, former youth members of 'People's Patriotic Party' (PPP), graduate persons and many others will come and join us.
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