Because of rampant inflation, living standards have been dropping for the great majority of the population. The people are poorer because standards of health and education have fallen. And conditions in the rural areas are worse off than they have ever been. So, you cannot equate the so-called open-market economy adopted by the SLORC with any real development that benefits people.

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

Burma is located between China, India, and South East Asia. So it is quite natural that a country wanting diplomatic relations with our country would pay attention to who our regional neighbors are. It is not at all fair to ask a country to build relations with Burma but not take into account the situation in China. There is no way to think that taking the Chinese situation into consideration shows a disregard for Burma.

I was a bit of a coward when I was small. I was terribly frightened of the dark.

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

I don't understand why people say that I am full of courage. I feel terribly nervous.

If you're feeling helpless, help someone.