Aung Kyaw Moe, deputy minister for human rights in Myanmar’s shadow government, the National Unity Government (NUG), told VOA that the people of Myanmar do not believe the ruling military leader’s recent claims that he is interested in restoring democracy in the country. In a recent interview with Voice of America, the minister, who is also the first Rohingya minister of the National Alliance for National Alliance, called for careful assessment of China’s efforts to facilitate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh and discussed the Rohingya in depth. people’s desire to ally with the Rakhine people against the military government. , overthrowing the democratically elected government in 2021.
The following interview has been translated into English and edited for length and clarity.
Voice of America: Min Aung Hlaing, a senior general in Myanmar’s military junta, delivered a speech at the Armed Forces Day military parade on March 27, claiming that he was in power “temporarily” only to strengthen democracy. What are your thoughts on this?
NUG Deputy Minister of Human Rights Aung Kyaw Moe: The main leader of the military junta is Min Aung Hlaing. Nearly every word that came out of his mouth belied his intentions. From day one of his first attempt to seize power, he has not been held accountable for his words and there has been no accountability within the organization he leads. Therefore, listening to him will only waste time and tire those seeking real political solutions.
His political vision was diametrically opposed to the reality he faced. When the military attempted to seize power, their political calculations did not foresee such collective resistance from the public. They didn’t expect such widespread opposition. This latest statement, while disingenuous, is calculated so that he can present a narrative to the international community, one that is more likely to be accepted by its allied countries. This statement is also an attempt to deceive the people amid the political tide against the military government. However, the people are aware of the misinformation spread by the military government and they will not believe it.
Voice of America: Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also said in his speech that by the end of this year, they will complete a new count of Myanmar’s voter groups. He did not specify when the election would be held but said that for it to take place, the people and the military must be united. How do you see the prospects for unity ahead of new elections?
Aung Kyaw Mok: That election will be rigged – a sham election. They have consistently claimed that they see the election as a political exit strategy to try to seize power. First, they did nothing, let alone prepare for an election. Secondly, we already have a parliament made up of representatives elected by the people, who clearly prevailed in 2020. With a mandate from the people and parliament, the junta has no reason to hold another election during its term. The masses do not accept it, the national revolutionary organizations do not accept it, and the democratic activists do not accept it. In the current tense political climate in Myanmar, such remarks by the military government cannot be tolerated.
Voice of America: The United Nations has taken the lead in resolving the Rohingya crisis, but China has also been involved, such as by repatriating Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar. What do you think of China’s role in the Rohingya crisis?
Aung Kyaw Mok: It is undeniable that, as a neighboring superpower, China has a pivotal influence in Myanmar’s political landscape. However, China needs to understand that Myanmar’s transition to the rule of law does not pose a threat to its interests. When it comes to the Rohingya, China is calculating. The Rohingya issue does not directly affect China’s borders, but Chinese investment in Rakhine State, including deep-sea ports and the Swiss-Russian gas pipeline project, is huge. Perhaps China’s desire for peace and stability in Rakhine State is in line with its national interests. However, China’s attempts to gain international acceptance of the junta by facilitating Rohingya repatriation may give the junta the legitimacy it seeks in international relations. China may also indirectly create diplomatic space to legitimize the military regime.
Voice of America: Currently, the Rohingya communities remaining in Rakhine State are facing pressure from the military junta and the Arakan Army, especially during the Arakan Army’s recent offensive, which saw military tactical positions and entire towns being captured. The Rohingya are largely caught in the crossfire between the military junta and the Arakan Army, which seeks autonomy from Myanmar’s central government in Rakhine state. Given this complex situation, how do you see the possibility of these two communities coexisting, especially given the differing views on racial identity?
Aung Kyaw Mok: There are two key aspects to consider here. First, as a member of the government and a Rohingya, I see my individual and collective rights intricately tied to my identity and circumstances within Myanmar’s complex political landscape. In a political environment defined by identity, promises of equality mean nothing if we are denied the right to choose our own identities. Preserving Rohingya identity is therefore crucial to safeguarding our rights and cultural heritage.
Secondly, peaceful coexistence depends on the accurate expression of political demands. As we work to dismantle the military junta and shape our own destiny, we must avoid repeating the mistakes of the racism we denounce. Our unity must be based on ethics and responsibility, not reactive emotions. When responding to the military junta’s organized provocations, our response should prioritize the common interests of all ethnic groups in Rakhine State. By aligning ourselves with the interests of the Rakhine people, we counter the military regime’s attempts to marginalize us and safeguard our collective well-being. Embracing moral principles and responsibilities allows us to resist the exploitation of the military regime while promoting genuine solidarity based on shared values and aspirations.
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