In Myanmar and Thailand, two militaries moving in opposite directions
Kevin Rafferty says as the generals in Myanmar cede power in the historic handover to civilians, Thailand’s ruling junta should remember the dangers of prolonged military rule on a nation’s economy and social fabric
Who would ever have imagined it – singing karaoke, dancing and joking. This was not some theatre vaudeville event but the closing ceremonies of the bleak, humourless, military-dominated parliament of Myanmar before yielding to a largely democratically elected new parliament.
The outgoing speaker urged his audience to join him in singing Dreams May Come True. The people of Myanmar have had to wait more than 50 years, since the military first took over in 1962, to dream of their dreams coming true. Even today, after Aung San Suu Kyi and members of her National League for Democracy have taken their seats and dominate the new parliament, the handover to civilians will take another month.
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What is clear is that the Myanmese and Thai militaries are moving in opposite directions. Until they both yield to civilian politicians, Asia will be performing below its potential, to the detriment of the world and especially to the people of both countries.
Suu Kyi is the central focus of speculation about the path Myanmar will take; but she has maintained a judicious silence and enjoined her party members not to speculate. She even sat stony-faced when she was complimented as the most beautiful parliamentarian during the outgoing gig.
Suu Kyi faces a far bigger task than her fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela, who was similarly released after years of detention. South Africa was a viable state, where the essential task was to bring the majority blacks into a flourishing economy.