Opening Speech by U Maung Maung Aye

Good evening!

Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to state that it is a great honour for me to speak on behalf of JACDB on the occasion of the 67^th Birthday anniversary of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. As you all know, she is not only multi awards winner but also an opposition leader of the Parliament in Burma. Meanwhile, I would like to take this opportunity to extend, my sincere thanks to the leaders of JACDB. At the same time, I would like to express our thanks to all special guests. In addition, our thanks go to the friends who are helping for hall rent, decorations, PA system, Fund-raising and entertainments. Especially, my sincere thanks go to U Pantra and entertainers who are performing this evening.

We are holding this event to honour DASSK as a greatly respected person. Next 3 hours in Oslo, DASSK will be attending the Noble Peace Prize ceremony to accept the prize in person. She is a tireless person working for the emergence of democracy, human rights, ethnic rights, freedom and peace in Burma. She also has many other distinguished attributes. DASSK is the hope of all democracy loving people in Burma. She is the icon of democracy and freedom not only for Burma but also for the whole world.

Today, DASSK is not only a Noble Peace Prize winner but also a figure respected by all nations in the world. It is an honour to have that kind of person in our country.

At this moment in time, the attributes of DASSK are extensive. These attributes are impossible to be counted. So, I would like to quote from her address at the recent World Economic Forum held at Bangkok.

“The question of whether Burma will continue with the democratic reforms or step back from them depends entirely on the position of the military on the current reforms. To clarify this statement I would like to add that it depends on the national commitment whether these reforms will draw back or not. Commitment means whole-hearted attempt, steadfastness and unwavering determination to reach the intended goal. Everybody who wishes for our country to develop must have this commitment. I had spoken that the international community should be caution on the developments as the current situation in Burma is at the point where we cannot definitely say it will not backslide.”

Consequently, I would like to say that the changes in Burma are still at the beginning stage. The changes still cannot be call as genuine. It is still not real change. Likewise, DASSK is against the reckless optimism on the current situation in Burma.

In conclusion, I would like to urge the Burmese community in Australia to take above mentioned points spoken by DASSK and to continue our struggles to restore a truly democratic system in Burma and develop our motherland.

Please allow me to conclude my speech with these birthday wishes. I wish her a wonderful Birthday filled with happy, healthy, love and all good things. Moreover, I congratulate DASSK on her 67^th birthday.

Thank you very much.