Burma Democratic Concern (BDC): Meaningful Birthday Wish for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Burma’s democratically elected legitimate leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be 65 on 19 June 2010, yet spending another birthday under house arrest.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi compassionately urged the people of free world to use your liberty to promote Burma’s freedom. She said that
“So for the sake of peace in our country, for the sake of the progress and human development of our people, and for the sake of peace and harmony in our region and in our world, we would like to urge the peoples of the free world to work harder towards bringing true democratic progress everywhere. We would like to see action, rather than words. There have been many words supporting democracy, and we are duly grateful for them, because we do not underestimate the power of words. But words need to be backed up by action -- by action that is united and that is focused on essentials. Only by such action will we be able to realize our democratic aspirations”.

Myo Thein, the Director of the Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) said that
“It is easy to say-- Happy Birthday. But, if we truly wish Daw Aung San Suu Kyi happy we must work implementing how she wishes to see Burma—a nation where justice prevails. Then it will be the meaningful birthday wish for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi”.

Junta claimed that it will hand over power after 1990 elections but when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's party, NLD, won landslide victory they ignore to transfer power. In order to nullify 1990 election result, junta planned to hold sham election in 2010 which is designed to legitimize military rule in Burma.

“If this country is to achieve genuine democracy, the result of the elections of 1990 must be recognized. It will be to the detriment of our country if after an election has been held the results are not honoured and we do not resist attempts to trivialise it”. (Daw Aung San Suu Kyi)

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi led National League for Democracy (NLD) boycott junta planned sham election in this year due to its unfair electoral laws.

Khin Maung Win, the Director of the Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) said that
“I would like to echo what Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said “People got the rights not to vote at the election. Let’s practise our rights—rights not to vote, at the junta planned sham election later this year. In this way we can give the best birthday present to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi”. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is not only the icon of the Burmese people's struggle for freedom but also the symbol of non-violent movement in the world at large.

Daw Khin Aye Aye Mar, the Patron of the Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) said that
“I would like to remind people around the world that crisis in Burma is crisis in your own country. Even though you don’t practically see what is happening in Burma at your eye-sight but do not forget that instability could spread very easily in this day and age. Please do not forget that standing up for justice in Burma is tantamount to standing up for the justice in the world”.“Imagine that if US military generals refuse to let Obama stay in power— what US citizens will do. Imagine that if Gordon Brown refuses to resign as the PM— what UK citizens will do”, added Daw Khin Aye Aye Mar.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should be the head of the government of Burma as the leader of the winning party according to the results of the 1990 general election but sadly military regime put her under house arrest and intensified crack down on her supporters.

Junta’s planned 2010 election is designed to legitimised military rule in Burma. In Burma, there is no rule of law and junta is always above the law. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was elected by the citizens of Burma in the 1990 General Election. Ironically that election was conducted by the same generals who suppress Burma today.

U Tint Swe Thiha, the Patron of Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) said that
“Junta is planning to hold fake election in 2010 with sham constitution which legitimise military rule in Burma. I would like to assure here that there will be no genuine democratic change coming out from 2010 election since the election results are premeditated already by junta, which will be General Than Shwe transferring power to General Than Shwe. The suffering of Burmese people will prolong so long as military regime is in power either in booted or suited”.

Burmese people want the international community to endorse Aung San Suu Kyi led democratically elected leaders according to the 1990 election as the legitimate government of Burma if the one should be formed, which is effectively by-passing the China and/or Russia at the UNSC. If the world leaders unanimously focused working on this essential—then we will be able to realise democratic aspiration in Burma and it will be the best birthday present ever for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

For more information please contact

Myo Thein [United Kingdom]
Phone: 00-44-208-493-9137, 00-44-787- 788-2386

Khin Maung Win [United States]
Phone: 001-941-961-2622

Daw Khin Aye Aye Mar [United States]
Phone: 001 509 586 8309

U Tint Swe Thiha [United States]
Phone: 001-509-582-3261, 001-509-591-8459
Source: http://www.bdcburma.org/Statements.asp?Id=89