Interview with Min Ko Naing
Broadcast by Radio Free Asia (RFA), Burmese Service,
Nov 22, 2004
Remark: The words in the (brackets) are by the translator.
Part one:
Burmese junta freed prominent student leader Min Ko Naing from the Sittwe prison, on the morning of 19 November. Min Zin of RFA interviewed him. (RFA is) going to air the interview in two parts. Here is part one which includes Min Ko Naing’s experience in prison, how he survived the difficulties of prison and (his current) health condition.
RFA: You stayed in solitary confinement for almost 16 years. When you were released yesterday, how did the prison authorities inform you of your release? Were you expecting your release? Or, it was unexpected?
MKN: I didn’t know exactly. However, I felt a bit that my condition would be slightly extraordinary very soon. (The prison authorities) asked me my ID number in the morning (the day I was released). When I asked what it was for, they replied that it was to buy an air ticket for my return home. It was then, that I knew (that I was going to be free). I was not surprised or shocked about my release.
RFA: What is the condition of your health after your release?
MKN: I can’t say that my health is totally good. According to the World Health Organization, a person is in good health if he or she is mentally and physically healthy. As I stayed alone for almost 16 years, my mental health condition was affected a little bit. However, I tried my best to keep myself in good physical health. Even if now I am not one hundred percent healthy, I am still able to do almost anything like a normal healthy person.
RFA: You have experienced harsh mental and physical torture. Please tell us a bit about how you passed the difficult time in prison.
MKN: You will know a religious saying; it is “I am not alone. I am with God.” It gave me confidence in prison to know that although my journey is rough and dark, I am not alone and I am with my comrades. As a result, I have finished the long journey (in almost perfect health).
RFA: I heard that while you were in prison (the authorities) said that they would free you if you either agreed not to participate in politics or if you agreed to go abroad. Did you have to sign anything to say that you would not participate in politics again in the future?
MKN: I would like your careful attention to my answer. I never gave my signature when I left my cell for the prison gate and I reached home without giving my signature.
RFA: In prison, what’s your worst experience? Can you give me one example, how did you overcome it?
MKN: In this case, I want to speak generally: there are some experiences that need to be forgotten, although we have some feeling on them. Everybody has their own personal experiences and suffering. However, (sometimes) we have to forget it. All of us have our own personal issues and sacrifices. Several political prisoners have suffered a lot although their prison periods are no longer than my prison period. (In order to survive in prison), I had to satisfy myself by thinking; “Oh, we sacrificed only some parts of our lives, many comrades sacrificed their lives.” So, I am not able to give any examples. Each political prisoner makes different sacrifices in prison. Mothers, lovers and concern persons know this.
RFA: How did you feel about your reunion with your beloved mother, father and family?
MKN: I had already prepared for the worst. According to Article 10 A of the State Protection Law, upon completion of my sentence (the authorities) were able to extend my imprisonment many times for up to five years. In the past, this is what (the authorities) did. Therefore, I had prepared for the worst. Now, my release was a gain for me, let’s say. Now, I am reunited with my father, mother and family members. My father is getting old. However, I have to be satisfied that he is still alive. Now, I don’t want to talk about my personal feelings - I request you to understand this. After 16 years, I now have the chance to talk. I want to say Mingalarbar (a word of kind-hearted greeting). However, I am met with the tears of mothers whose sons have disappeared. The gentlemen are also sad and cry deeply. I want them to withdraw their tears. When they can do it, it is meaningful to say Mingalarbar. The person who knocks on the front door of a mother’s house at night should only be the son who has stayed out late. It shouldn’t be the person who comes to take the son away from his mother. I don’t want it to happen anymore. That’s it.
Translated by Ko Zarny (AAPP)
Interview with Min Ko Naing
Broadcast by Radio Free Asia (RFA), Burmese Service,
Nov 23, 2004
Remark: The words in the (brackets) are by translator.
Part two:
RFA: Human rights organizations, governments and activists pressured and asked (the junta) for your release and freedom; they also gave you honorable awards. How did the international pressure and assistance affect you and the other political prisoners?
MKN: While we were in prison, they gave their support and encouragement to us; they did their best for us. We felt like a person in a winter river that catches sight of a small light far away. We did not feel it directly; we partially felt it. However, it’s enough for us. We will never forget their support. Please, give our thanks to all those who worked for us.
RFA: When do you think your fellow political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, will be freed?
MKN: Since the beginning (of the democracy movement), the students haven’t placed particular emphasis on any one politician. We haven’t worked for anyone special. This long period of democratic movement has tested our abilities. However, I believe that we should mention their names now. So, when all the leaders including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo and other comrades are released, we can place more emphasize on something that we all hope for. You can probably guess what that something is.
RFA: As you have suffered a difficult life for many years, do you feel at all bitter? Will you be able to forgive (the perpetrators)? How do you see the country’s reconciliation in the future? Please, tell us your thoughts.
MKN: Sometimes, we have to repair the rough road. When we walk on the road full of dents and holes, we need to rebuild the road. We need proper gratitude to build the road. Sometimes, it’s rather appropriate to assume that you must make sacrifices for the road building. Currently, we all want national reconciliation. This will have been achieved when the comrades and leaders, including the persons I just mentioned, come together. Actually, national reconciliation for the world and for the people of Burma can be made and created. I believe that we just need maturity and foresight. We don’t have to highlight our own personal feelings.
RFA: You were only 26 when you were arrested. Now, you are 42. How did the 16 year prison experience affect the development of 26 year old Min Ko Naing to 42 year old Min Ko Naing?
MKN: A prisoner and a person outside of prison are very different. Outsiders easily finish a certain period of their life while prisoners slowly and bitterly finish it. We are experiencing the rough pathway and therefore there is more chance that we become mentally and physically old. We don’t assume that we are mentally old but we do become more mentally mature. In order to encourage ourselves, we have to become more mentally mature.
RFA: Do you have something to say to the people of Burma and the international community?
MKN: During this long journey to democracy, we have nightmares. Sometimes the dawn seems to be coming closer. Then, it is dark and we get some sleep. Again, we have nightmares. Then, the dawn seems to be closer still. It’s a waste of time and a long journey. After I was released from prison, I read the faces of the people. These faces think that the dawn is getting nearer. So, I am hoping that we will be able to achieve the expectations of the people.
Translated by Ko Zarny (AAPP)
Campaign Committee
Campaign for Democracy in Burma (Finland)
