Media Statement for Immediate Release
13 March 2010
We are shocked by the blatant and heavy-handed moves by the Burmese junta to ensure that democracy never sees the light of day in Burma.
The new rules barring people who have been convicted in court from
even being a member of a political party are clearly aimed at ensuring
that not only is the much-feared iconic figure Aung San Suu Kyi
totally put out of action, but also that opposition parties in general
will be crippled. About 2,000 dissidents are currently in prison, and
thousands more have been released but are apparently now barred
forever from participating in politics. This will neatly ensure the
perpetual survival of the one-party system.
Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, the NLD, now has the Hobson’s choice of
either sacking their leader or itself being disqualified from having
any role in the political process, including the election.
This reveals the stark and deeply disturbing fact that, despite all
the carrots and sticks applied, with particular intensity in the last
year or two, the Burmese regime has absolutely no intention of
softening its resistance to moving towards democracy.
ASEAN has most to lose, since it is collectively shunned and punished
as a result of Burma’s recalcitrance. It should, therefore, naturally
spearhead redoubled efforts to push Burma into line. One important
initiative should be to ensure that the generals themselves also feel
the bite of sanctions imposed on Burma, rather than continuing to do
covert, and very lucrative, business with them.
MUSTAFFA KAMIL AYUB
Chairman of International Bureau
People’s Justice Party
