How is your health after spending time in Myitkyina prison ? Zarganar. I’m fine. But because Burma is changing so much, I’ve been encountering the ‘fourth pillars’ journalists even before I boarded the plane so I’m now getting a headache and neck pain.
Your release yesterday was into a different Burma than the one you left in 2008. Is there now more freedom and transparency ? IZarganar. don’t want to say it like that. I just can’t conclude that there’s more freedom and transparency based only on releases from prison – I don’t see any significant change so far.
Unlike your previous jail terms, this time around you could read books and magazines. Have you been aware of developments in the outside world ? Zarganar. Yes – I got to read newspapers and journals, about 12 or 13 copies every week, and I saw news and pictures of the developments so it’s okay.
So what do you make of developments in Burma prior to your release ? Zarganar. Aunty (Aung San Suu Kyi) said we are heading toward change. She didn’t say there is a change now but that she thinks changes are on the way, and I believed so until yesterday. But this morning, I’m not convinced – I began to have doubts about the so-called reform because I don’t understand why everyone in prison wasn’t released. Only a meagre amount of people were freed. I wish everyone inside prison in Burma is released, even people like (former prime minister) General Khin Nyunt, because they were not arrested and imprisoned under President Thein Sein’s ruling. I don’t see a reason to keep them detained for this long when we are looking for reconciliation. Why just do so little when it makes it hard to believe changes are taking place ?
In a parliamentary discussion about freeing political prisoners, a government minister questioned whether stability of the state would be guaranteed. Is that a legitimate concern ? Zarganar. Then I have something to say. I will deposit my life with President U Thein Sein – he can take me life if there’s riot in the country because these people are released. This is my challenge. I can bet on my life.
Now the government is saying Burmese nationals living in exile can return. Should they go back immediately ? Zarganar. I have a short, one-line answer for this: just wait and see.
How do you plan to take part in the political process ? Zarganar. I’m getting old, and I would like to contribute as much as I’m capable of physically and mentally doing. I will mainly emphasise education, to spawn a lot of youths who understand and are specialised in politics, economics and social fields.
What is your view on the recently-scrapped Myitsone dam project ? Zarganar. Now that it’s over, I don’t want to criticise. Individuals concerned have done what’s needed to be done and I’m not an expert on this. But a wish has been fulfilled so I’m happy for those who worked for it.
Anything else you want to say ? Zarganar. I’d like to say just wait and see how things will be handled.
2011.10.1318170