Myanmarese style

One can expect Soe L. Han, as a diplomat representing his country (Myanmar), to defend his government. But for him to revile the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) with completely distorted reasoning (The Jakarta Post, May 28, 1996) makes his arguments utterly ludicrous.

First, as another reader pointed out (The Jakarta Post, May 31, 1996) certainly not every country in the world requires that public gatherings be granted permission from the authorities (whether they are competent or not is another question). Even Indonesia is working at doing away with this oppressive and often-abused authoritarian regulation.

Second, Soe L. Han should be reminded that it was the NLD that won the elections in 1990, taking 392 of the 485 parliamentary seats. By preventing the legitimately elected party from forming the government, SLORC is guilty of breaking the law, not the NLD.

So spare us the sanctimonious claims that SLORC is exercising "patience and tolerance" in dealing with the so-called illegal activities of the NLD.

Third, in detaining the NLD activists -- over 200 of them -- to prevent them from attending the meeting of opposition leaders reflects the regime's insecurity and high-handedness in dealing with dissenters. Whether you hold them in "state guest-houses," as you call them, or even in state palaces, the fact is they are being held against their will.

At present, ASEAN members have adopted a policy of "constructive engagement" in their dealings with Myanmar. Whether or not this is working is a matter of some debate. Soe L. Han and his colleagues should not use this to justify the strong-arm tactics of their government. In addition, they should not abuse the hospitality of the countries in which they are based by using the local media to spew vitriolic denunciations on their opposition parties.

NANCY CHNG

Jakarta