Change in Myanmar

Change in Myanmar

Those that want to see the implementation of democratic reforms in Myanmar will have received the news of the sacking of Myanmar's prime minister Khin Nyunt with a great deal of dismay.

The ousted prime minister, a more liberal and forward looking person, credited with the formulation of the seven-point 'road map to democracy' was in favor of a dialogue with the leading opposition parties in Myanmar as well as for setting the NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi free.

The unceremonious departure of a person who was third in the Junta hierarchy is indicative of not only an internal power struggle between the Myanmar strong man and hardliner Than Shwe and Khin Nyunt, but also of the bleak prospect of democratic reforms in Myanmar.

The change has perhaps been brought about by Than Shwe's compulsion to forestall any challenge to his rule by the ousted premier, who was not only the prime minister but was also the head of, reportedly, the most powerful government institution in Myanmar, the military intelligence.

The fact that a hardliner has replaced Khin Nyunt has in all likelihood put paid to whatever little chance there was of political reforms in Myanmar. Lt. Gen. Soe Win, the new Prime minister, is known to favor hardline posture against the NLD.

Much of Myanmar's potential has been sapped because of its present political dispensation and reluctance of the junta to implement political reforms. It is our hope as a neighbor and well wisher of its people that the recent political change would hasten rather than hamper democratic reforms in Myanmar. -- The Daily Star, Dhaka