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NLD: U Lwin's speech at Martyr's day (translation)

National League for Democracy
97/b West Shwegondine,
Bahan Township, Yangon.

Opening address by the Chairman
on the occasion of the
54th Martyrs Day Ceremony.
(19 July 2001)

Mingala to all,

1. Today marks the 54th anniversary of martyrs' day. On the 19th July 1947 our government leaders Bogyoke Aung San, Thakin Mya, U Ba Cho, U Razak, U Ba Win, Mahn Ba Khine, Maingpon Sawbwagyi Sai San Tun, U Ohn Maung (Secretary) and bodyguard Ko Htwe were gunned down by power-mad men and believers of the rule of might. It was an event that has not been forgotten to date. The people are still sorrowing, bleeding and weeping over similar events till this day.

Since we have all experienced the consequences of the 19th July event there is no need to elaborate on it. Most of the country will recall how these fallen leaders worked enthusiastically and persistently for the good of all and with no thought for themselves. At times when we are surrounded with insurmountable problems we might just long for Bogyoke and dream about what he would be saying to us to give us hope and encouragement. We will be probably hearing his voice in the speeches he made. It is a shame that we have lost these leaders who worked tirelessly, striving and giving priority to work that would be beneficial to most people at the risk of losing their own lives. This longing for them is no surprise.

2. Because of the integrity of such leaders, the country was able to hold its head high not only in Asia but in the entire world. Because of Burma's good reputation, U Thant our permanent representative at the UN was chosen for the position of General Secretary at a time when the great powers were in conflict.

Between March 1945 to 19th July 1947 the AFPFL headed by U Aung San was the strongest organised party in the history of Burma

On the 8th waning day of Tazaungmon (BE 1247) the Burmese kingdom was lost because the people broke ranks, and from then on our glory waned. On the 27th March 1945 all the Burmese nationalities united and overthrew the Japanese Fascists. From that day on we gained prestige within and without the country.

We were able to build up the political organization known as the Anti Fascist Peoples Freedom League (AFPFL).

>From the 19th July 1947, this big organization slowly diminished because of evil doctrines based on dependency on weapons and the force of arms. The prestige and integrity that could have been part of our history diminished and descended. Very sadly, the AFPFL disintegrated. "When the cattle herd breaks up the tiger attacks" is the Burmese saying.

3. On the 2nd March 1962, when the army seized power, the splintered AFPFL (Stable and Clean) lost its place on the political stage. Though the Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) government snuffed out the 7th July demonstrations, other demonstrations followed. Finally the socialist government fell after the 8.8.88 demonstrations. Again the army seized power. It is an extraordinary phenomenon that in this second military take over period, legally constituted political parties still exist. More extraordinary is the fact that the National League for Democracy headed by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi won 80 percent of the seats in a valid election and are operating as the opposition to the military government.

On one occasion when Singapore Prime Minister Go Chok Taung visited Burma to study the situation prior to Burma's entry in ASEAN he unequivocally remarked that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a political power.

4. How much is the political reputation of the NLD increasing? We can say that it is increasing. It is now very important to control ourselves. Our organization needs to be disciplined, strong and solid. More important than displaying signboards is the ability to work together with integrity and honesty within the association itself. If we honor our martyred leaders we will examine our weaknesses and correct our shortcomings quickly. Humbly and simply I say that we still have time. The past thirteen years of grief and sorrow will be recorded and is history now. The thirteen years of turbulence and storms have been weathered with patience and now our hearts desire for dialogue has been achieved. Had we broken ranks as happened on the 8th waning day of Tazaungmon 1247 BE we would have been like the cows that were attacked by tigers in the period prior to the 2nd March 1962. Before long we should be able to build a genuine democratic Union of Burma.

Thank you all for attending and all of those who helped to make this commemoration of the 54th anniversary of martyr's day a success.

19 July 2001.