Q: The people of Burma have complete trust in you, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. They respect you to the fullest extent. But as for the U.N., we cannot rely on it at this moment. Therefore, can you think of a way to bring about change in our country as quickly as possible without the U.N.’s involvement? It would be good if you would outline how this could be done, so that people will support you in this effort.
A: I accept the fact that it is mainly the people themselves who will have to work in the interest of our country. But it would not be wrong also to accept whatever help the U.N. is able to give. I believe that if the Burmese people who live abroad and those who are in this country, along with all others who support us, work toward democracy together in a huge network, we will very quickly achieve success. To create that kind of network, the main thing will be to establish lines of communication. This is why we are trying as much as possible to establish lines of communication among those who live abroad and those who live here.
Q: Could you advise young people like me who are living abroad on how we can work effectively in the interest of our country?
A: I always hear about the work that you and other young Burmese living abroad are doing to help establish democracy in our country. It would be very good if you could continue these efforts. As to being more effective, each of you must think about how you can do better on your own. I think that communications among those who live abroad and those who live inside the country are very important now. Only if a huge network of communications is created will we be able to work toward democracy in our country. Therefore, I would like to request all young people to try as much as possible to establish lines of communication among those who live abroad and those who live in Burma.
Q: I am studying in the U.K. How can we be more constantly in contact with you? We would like to be more effective in our efforts for Burma.
A: All of you must work toward establishing these contacts. Those who live abroad are in a better position to create lines of communication than those inside the country. So if you want to get in touch with us, you yourselves must look for the means to do so. We, on our side, are also looking for ways to establish such contacts. Answering your question now on this radio program could be one of those ways. So please give us your different ideas. We want to hear what young people know.
Q: Now that elections have been held, the government has declared that [junta proxy party] the USDA has won, and that in three months’ time parliament will be convened. I understand that when parliament convenes, the 2008 Constitution will come into effect. How can we stop this constitution, which favors the military, from coming into effect?
A: The National League for Democracy has said right from the beginning that the way the 2008 Constitution was drawn up was not appropriate for the country. Therefore, everyone must put their efforts together to amend those articles that are not suitable. We also will continue to work toward that end. We are not saying the constitution is unsuitable out of the interest of any one organization. Some of its points are bad not only for the country, but also for the military. We would like for everyone to discuss these issues, coordinate with each other, and try to solve these problems. In this way, we will continue to work with the strong support of all the people. I believe that people like you will put all of your knowledge and physical and mental energy into helping with this work.
Q: Is it possible for our country to become completely free like other countries?
A: I believe that our country will also develop and be free like other developed countries. For this to happen, everyone in the country must have a sense of responsibility. The people must understand their own power. The people are not powerless. They must believe that they have the power, and that they must therefore put effort into their work. I cannot work by myself. Nothing important can be achieved through one person’s efforts alone. I want to say here that everyone’s efforts are needed for the country to be free, to develop, and to enjoy genuine peace and tranquility.
Q: I have seen that foreign countries are trying to help Burma achieve democracy. But I also see that not enough pressure is being put on China, which supports the Burmese government and allows it to repress the Burmese people. How do you view this issue?
A: Burma and China are neighboring countries, and it is important that friendly and close relations be maintained between neighboring countries. It will be for all of us to work toward encouraging China to help shape the future of our country correctly. In the end, though, matters pertaining to our country will depend on the efforts made by our own people. We must strive in different ways to make our big neighbor understand that the interests of the majority of the people of our country must be taken into account in order for China to maintain good, friendly, and neighborly relations with Burma.
Q: Now, at a time when we assume it won’t be long before Burma achieves democracy, I have come to think about the “gross national happiness” of the people in our country. Do you think that Bhutan’s concept of gross national happiness can be adapted into a system that can be used as a policy instrument in Burma in the future?
A: Gross national happiness is a concept that gives priority to the tranquility and happiness of the people. I think that it would be better to think of this as what everybody needs, rather than as a policy instrument. In any country, freedom, a sense of security, and economic development—when taken together—contribute to the happiness of the people … This is a method where everyone can combine their efforts in the interest of their country. So I would like to say that just as they have done this in Bhutan, there is no reason why we cannot do the same.