“It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.” [5]
Aung San Suu Kyi
"Aung San himself constantly demonstrated courage not just the physical sort but the kind that enabled him to speak the truth, to stand by his word, to accept criticism [...] to correct his mistakes, to respect the opposition, to parley with the enemy and to let people be the judge of his worthiness as a leader." [4]
Aung San Suu Kyi
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"We the people of Burma...Determined to establish in strength and unity a sovereign independent state, To maintain social order on the basis of the eternal principles of justice, liberty and equality." [6] After gaining independence from Great Britain, Aung San became the leader of Burma, drafting a democratic constitution. However, ethnic and political divisions in Myanmar created instability.
In 1947, Aung San was assassinated, leaving U Nu, a member of his council as leader. |
"It is very popular in certain circles to say the former colonies were all given democracy and turned into dictatorships, but colonial administrations were very authoritarian, with no check on their powers apart from rather tenuous legislative supervision at home." [7]
Dr. Peter Slinn
"The primary goal affirmed by the Revolutionary Council statement was socialism, based on a socialist economy which is described as "the planned, proportional development of all the national productive forces." Specifically, the nationalization of "vital" means of production such as industrial and agricultural production and distribution, transportation and commodities; work according to one's abilities and pay according to quality and quantity; a reasonable closing of income gaps and the recognition of workers and peasants as the vanguard and custodian of the 'Socialist Democratic State." [8]
"Federalism is impossible...It will destroy the union." [9]
Ne Win
To maintain his power, Ne Win eliminated opposition by violently suppressing opponents. Under his rule, the economy of Burma became the weakest in Asia.
"Ne Win regards the type of socialism he practices as a means mostly of organizing and controlling Burmese society, rather than developing it to meet the challenge of a radically changing world." [10] |
"Burma . . . paid dearly for the socialistic, xenophobic policies of Ne Win's reign. Once seen as potentially the richest county in Southeast Asia, it became the poorest. Human rights were routinely abused, corruption was rampant and individual freedoms were nonexistent." [11]
Los Angeles Times