Activists have new role in changing Myanmar
Former Myanmar protesters now have gentler role
Activist, Min Ko Naing, an 88 Generation students leader talks about 'open society' (Photo 88 Generation)
- Thomas Toe, Yangon
- Myanmar
- October 16, 2012
Ko Ko Gyi was sentenced to 65 years in prison when he took part in protests led by monks in Yangon in September 2007. His early release in January, after four and a half years behind bars, was a key moment in the country’s recent rapid progress towards democracy.
Also involved in sweeping protests in 1988, the former student democracy leader says his role has now changed.
Following a by-election in April that saw opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi become a member of parliament and a series of political prisoner releases, Ko Ko Gyi is now a leader of the 88 Generation activist group. he says the group is concerned with promoting rights at grassroots level rather than directly challenging the government.
“We try to listen to the feelings of the people and solve their problems as much as we can,” he says. “We do hope the people will be brave enough to speak out about their feelings and problems.”
As someone who has suffered imprisonment under the former regime, Ko Ko Gyi has witnessed repression in Myanmar first hand. This meant people were often afraid to associate with him and his activist colleagues, he says.
Earlier this year, members of 88 Generation met with senior members of the government and they are now allowed to get involved in political and humanitarian activities which were once off limits.
People in Myanmar can now vote, take part in demonstrations and strike as part of reforms introduced in the past two years.
Even so, while things are changing after 50 years of military rule, Ko Ko Gyi says there is still much to be done to heal society.
“Without upgrading the role of the citizen, the reforms will not be genuine,” he says.
Tun Myint Aung, another 88 Generation member, points to a recent spate of farmers losing their land without compensation and endemic corruption as two key enduring concerns that affect the everyday lives of ordinary citizens.
He says that the 88 Generation has helped various people, including workers at 40 factories who have struggled to gain better conditions and pay.
“Public strength and public participation is essential,” says Tun Myint Aung.
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Also involved in sweeping protests in 1988, the former student democracy leader says his role has now changed.
Following a by-election in April that saw opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi become a member of parliament and a series of political prisoner releases, Ko Ko Gyi is now a leader of the 88 Generation activist group. he says the group is concerned with promoting rights at grassroots level rather than directly challenging the government.
“We try to listen to the feelings of the people and solve their problems as much as we can,” he says. “We do hope the people will be brave enough to speak out about their feelings and problems.”
As someone who has suffered imprisonment under the former regime, Ko Ko Gyi has witnessed repression in Myanmar first hand. This meant people were often afraid to associate with him and his activist colleagues, he says.
Earlier this year, members of 88 Generation met with senior members of the government and they are now allowed to get involved in political and humanitarian activities which were once off limits.
People in Myanmar can now vote, take part in demonstrations and strike as part of reforms introduced in the past two years.
Even so, while things are changing after 50 years of military rule, Ko Ko Gyi says there is still much to be done to heal society.
“Without upgrading the role of the citizen, the reforms will not be genuine,” he says.
Tun Myint Aung, another 88 Generation member, points to a recent spate of farmers losing their land without compensation and endemic corruption as two key enduring concerns that affect the everyday lives of ordinary citizens.
He says that the 88 Generation has helped various people, including workers at 40 factories who have struggled to gain better conditions and pay.
“Public strength and public participation is essential,” says Tun Myint Aung.
Related reports
At least 89 political prisoners freed
Nation marks one of its bloodiest incidents
