I'm not the only one working for democracy in Burma - there are so many people who have worked for it because they believe that this is the only way we can maintain the dignity of our people.

Freedom must be demanded and defended, by those who have been denied it and by those who are already free.

I've always tried to explain democracy is not perfect. But it gives you a chance to shape your own destiny.

What we are lacking in Burma is an independence effective judiciary, and unless we have all three of the democratic institutions - strong and healthy, we cannot say that our democratic processes (is complete).

Human beings the world over need freedom and security that they may be able to realize their full potential.

I would like to have seen my sons growing up.

In Burma, we have only about four percent of the people in our country who are (college) graduates. So can we not value the majority? No, we must. If we just value the graduates, then does that mean our people are not valuable? I don't believe that. What is important is we need right people in right positions.