For over two decades, Myanmar was considered to be an undemocratic country ruled by a dictatorial and corrupt military junta. The popular democratic leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was placed under house arrest. Myanmar was shunned by the neighbouring countries and the democratic world.
During this time, the leader of Myanmar was Senior General Than Shwe, who was the supreme commander of the armed forces.
The political situation changed significantly in Myanmar since March 2011, when President Thein Sein came into power. My friend from Myanmar told me that many people were surprised that he implemented reforms and introduced democracy. Aung San Suu Kyi is now allowed to contest the next election. Furthermore, President Thein Sein and several members of his cabinet was regarded by the people to be free of corruption, and genuinely concerned about taking positive steps to improve the lives of the people.
What was more surprising, and is now being felt and realized by many people in Myanmar, was that the steps towards reform and democratic changes were planned by the former leader, Than Shwe. When he was in power, many people feared and perhaps hated him. It seemed that he might have a good leader after all.
Than Shwe supported Thein Sein's election as the President of Myanmar. In turn, Thein Sein has now earned the respect of the people of Myanmar and the democratic world through the positive leadership that he has provided.
This is the view of an insider of Myanmar. It development was a surprise to me, as I had not been following Myanmar closely. I wonder if other people, who knows the situation in Myanmar, can share their perspective?
During this time, the leader of Myanmar was Senior General Than Shwe, who was the supreme commander of the armed forces.
The political situation changed significantly in Myanmar since March 2011, when President Thein Sein came into power. My friend from Myanmar told me that many people were surprised that he implemented reforms and introduced democracy. Aung San Suu Kyi is now allowed to contest the next election. Furthermore, President Thein Sein and several members of his cabinet was regarded by the people to be free of corruption, and genuinely concerned about taking positive steps to improve the lives of the people.
What was more surprising, and is now being felt and realized by many people in Myanmar, was that the steps towards reform and democratic changes were planned by the former leader, Than Shwe. When he was in power, many people feared and perhaps hated him. It seemed that he might have a good leader after all.
Than Shwe supported Thein Sein's election as the President of Myanmar. In turn, Thein Sein has now earned the respect of the people of Myanmar and the democratic world through the positive leadership that he has provided.
This is the view of an insider of Myanmar. It development was a surprise to me, as I had not been following Myanmar closely. I wonder if other people, who knows the situation in Myanmar, can share their perspective?
FROM WIKIPEDIA
Senior General Than Shwe (born 3 February 1933) is a Burmese military leader and politician who was chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) from 1992 to 2011. During the period, he held key positions of power including commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces and head of Union Solidarity and Development Association. In 2011, he officially resigned from his position as head of state, in favor of his hand-picked successor, Thein Sein.
Thein Sein (born 20 April 1945) is a Burmese politician and former military figure who has been president of Myanmar (Burma) since March 2011. Previously, he was Prime Minister from 2007 until 2011. He is generally considered to be a moderate and reformist in the new government.
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