Aung San Suu Kyi
Burmese Politician
“Fear is a habit; I am not afraid.”
-Aung San Suu Kyi
Biography
- Born in 1945 (Age: 69), Myanmar
- Studied at University of Oxford England - Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- Father was Prime Minister of British Burma (assassinated 1947)
- Mother was ambassador to India (1960)
- Leader of Burmese Government
- spent 15 years in house arrest
Situation
Burma was under the rule of harsh dictator U Ne Win, who replaced government with militia and ran office 1974-81. Burma was then turned into a one party ruling country. Suu Kyi returned to Burma to take care of her sick mother when she saw for the first time, the harsh iron fist ruling and the suffering of the people.
1989
- Junta noticed her efforts against government
- House Arrest in July 1989
- conditional, if she left she would have been free
- Started being affiliated with National League for Democracy (80% of parliament seats)
- 1991 -Nobel Peace Prize
1995
- freed from house arrest
- 3 years later, founded official ruling party of Burma
2000's
- placed under house arrest (3rd Time)
- annually renewed after pro government protests began
Event Information
Freedom From Fear Speech
"Democracy is the only ideology which is consistent with freedom. It is also an ideology that promotes and strengthens peace. It is therefore the only ideology we should aim for."
- unity of people
- justified discipline
- did not hate the army, just wanted them to use their powers differently
- Young people are frank and free from deviousness
- dedication to the entire country
- MULTI PARTY DEMOCRACY
When?
Thursday, Mar 12, 2015, 09:00 PM
Where?
Burma
Impact
Suu Kyi's non violent protest and movement against dictatorship inspired the world. Although she was captive and under house arrest, she managed to spike a change in the people by communicating her ideas of peace through her husband and sons in the UK. The people of Myanmar stood by her, protesting for an open and free country and a democratic government in place. Her ideology for minimizing suffering is great. Her persistence in peace and freedom ultimately lead Myanmar into a democratic government. Many of her ideas of peace and forgiveness are derived from her religion as a Buddhist.
“In societies where men are truly confident of their own worth, women are not merely tolerated but valued.”
- Aung San Suu Kyi
Now...
The Burmese government still face transparency issues along with corruption. As a leader in Burma, she resiliently advocates for further advancements in the government. The NLD holds 43/45 seats in the Burmese government. She gives speeches to people around the world, inspiring people for freedom and expression. Suu Kyi has changed her tactics in the recent years, recognizing the growth of technology and nurturing young people to continue her message.
"It is not power that corrupts, but fear.”
-Aung San Suu Kyi