The Interview with Maung Zaw

The Interview with Maung Zaw
By smilekdy


This is the article I wrote for CSIA Newspaper, the Quill. And I am happy to share this invaluable interview with many readers of my blog.

-“Give freedom to Burma!”
He’s from the country called Burma. He has lived in Korea for 15 years as a democracy activist, striving to achieve peace in both Burma and Korea. The reporter met him last July, was impressed by his works, and conducted the interview.

Question 1: How would you introduce yourself?

There seems to be several names that define me: democracy activist, migrant laborer, international refugee, and civil activist. During the democratic movement called 8888 (occurred on August 8, 1988), I participated in student protest as a high school student in Burma. With our demonstrations, the dictatorship of the last 26 years was deposed. On following September, however, new military coup replaced the empty seat of the dictator. The new military power arrested and executed many students and civilians who have peacefully participated in the democratic movement. I continued to protest against the military government, but as it made my life in Burma vulnerable, I fled to Korea in 1994.

In Korea, I met many Korean civilian activists while participating in democratic movements. Talking with them, I found out that I was interested in promoting human rights and peace. So I started to get involved with civilian movements, which strengthens our society. That’s why I am currently at SungKongHoe University to study, and involved in a group called “Civilian Movement” to talk about culture, peace and human rights with Korean students.

Question 2: What are the differences between “Myanmar” and “Burma”?

Those soldiers who instigated the Uprising 8888 changed the name ‘Burma’ into ‘Myanmar’. In other words, the name Myanmar was entitled by illegitimate government. What they claim is that as Burmese comprise 60-70% of the whole Myanmar/Burma population, ‘Burma’ cannot represent the whole nation. But we believe that the right to change the country’s name should be granted to legitimately elected representatives of our people.

The day will definitely come when we can freely and peacefully gather to decide the name of our country that will represent us all.

Question 3: What are some of the political similarity/differences between Burma and Korea?


Burma and Korea are far yet close countries and have gone through very similar modern history. We suffered from colonization, strived for independence, underwent the military dictatorship, and stood up for democracy.

The similarity can also be found in the people: Independence movement leader Kim Gu and general AungSan, democratic movement leader Kim Daejoong and AungSan SuuKyi, present secretary general of UN Ban Kimoon and former secretary general U Thant.

Most explicit difference would be that Korea is a racially homogeneous country while Burma is a multiracial nation of more than 100 ethnics. The tension between diverse ethnics of people alleviated after Uprising 88, because of the common goal to oppose military dictatorship. Another major difference is that Burma failed to achieve democratic government even after legitimate election of 1990, while Korea actually succeeded in abdicating the military government.

Question 4. Can you tell us briefly about democratic movements in Burma?

After coup in 1988, the military government yielded people the right to execute national election. Although NLD(National League of Democracy) led by AungSan SuuKyi won an overwhelming victory, the election result was disregarded. The military ruling still continues until now.

AungSan SuuKyi, the Nobel Prize laureate, had been confined to her house for three times, for more than 14 years. More than 2000 ‘political offenders’ were arrested, ranging from a four-year-old child to AungSan SuuKyi.

In short, Burma is the country where not a single congress was held for past 20 years, where the people’s passion for democracy is often deprived by guns and tortures. It is where many refugees flee because of political oppression and poverty, and it is the first country to be warned by ILO (International Labor Organization) because of its compulsory labor problems.

Question 5. What was the hardest part in participating democratic movements in Korea? And what was your most memorable experience?

The hardest part of adjusting Korea was not a language or cultural difference. Rather, that people who came from Asia, like me, had virtually no door to meet with Korean society was the hardest part.

I came to Korea in 1994. I first thought coming to Korea was a big mistake, and regretted a lot. Before 1994, Korean citizens didn’t really know that Asians (except Koreans, of course) were living in Korea. There were only handful of NGOs, and I couldn’t even talk about democracy in Burma or life of an immigrant; afterall, there was no one to listen.

But as time passed, I could understand this country, and gained many memorable experiences. I will tell you two of them. Firstly, I watched the 2004 President impeachment being rejected. Korean citizens protected their political wills with the most peaceful method. I really hope such victory to happen in Burma as well. We, the activist, will reach the true democracy of Burma by pursuing such peaceful means. And I want to walk that road with you guys. Secondly, in 2002, I met Korean elementary and middle school students for the first time. Children calling me “A-Jeo-Si, Teacher!” still remains with me as the exultant joy. I continued talking with Korean students about culture, human rights, and peace from then on. I believe because of these students, Korea became a warmer and happier place to live in. That is why I believe that my choice of coming Korea is a truly blessed opportunity.

Question 6. How do you think Korean teenagers can help to promote democracy in Burma?


I think the most effective way to contribute to global peace is education. Teenagers can easily promote Burma’s democracy and peace by “Calling Burma Burma.” This short phrase shows your interest in democracy in Burma. Having interests in Burma will undoubtedly promote the peace in Burma as well in Asia. I also urge you teenagers to consider Burma’s problem as the problem of the Asia. Please remind that “Democracy in Burma is the peace of Asia.”

Question 7. As a democracy movement leader for a long time, what do you think is the way to promote democracy in Korea?

I think Korean society still lacks the interest over the rights of the minority, and avoids facing Asian or African issues. In order to uphold democracy in Korea, Koreans should really care and think about those underprivileged.

Also, they should acknowledge that democratization is not a mere problem of a single country. Rather, it should be considered by us all. AungSan SuuKyi once said, “Please your share freedom for us.” Hence I believe democratization is sharing our freedom and interests for the common goal of the world.



Question 8. Do you have any other things to say to our voracious Quill readers?


1998 August Blood of Yangon, the national election of 1990 and the failure of the promise…… There is no longer Park Jeonghee or Newin. But the evil spirits of the military government seem to wander Asia. And only the passion, support, and collaboration for true democratization can cast them out. I found out the possibility and the spirit of cooperation through peaceful candle-demonstrations in Korea.

The people of Burma have unceasingly fought for democracy, human rights, and peace for the last 40 years. But we do not mourn at the time we spent. We believe that this process is part of the journey we slowly yet steadily pursue for the true peace and human rights. What we really need is your interests and cooperation. I really want to make the world without boarder, world without war, but the world with guaranteed human rights and peace, with you.