Shan State Chief Minister: I feel saddened that people are disappointed
Dr Linn Htut, the National
League for Democracy (NLD)'s pick as Chief Minister for Shan State says he is
saddened that some people are disappointed by his being made the head of Burma's
largest state.
 |
| Dr Linn Htut, the newly Shan State Chief Minister Photo by SHAN |
The 56-year-old Shan State
Hluttaw MP, who was elected from Lashio Township, originally hails from Yangon
region. He has been criticized as ill-suited to become Chief Minister by some
due to a perceived lack of ties to Shan State. He has lived in Lashio Township
since 1994 when he took up a position at Lashio hospital.
In an interview with SHAN, Dr
Linn Htut discussed his thoughts about the challenges that he will face during
his term as the head of Shan State.
Q: Why did the NLD appoint you as the Shan
State Chief Minister?
A: Frankly said, it’s because the NLD does not
have a person for this position. That’s the reason they chose me. I was chosen
for this post because of this. I was not a member of the NLD when they first
formed. I was just a civilian. But, I was a supporter of the NLD party. I
always supported the party in the past. Therefore the NLD asked me to compete
during the November election which I won in Lashio Township. I won the election
because I was lucky, not because I am an expert.
Q: You are not a resident of Shan State but now
you have become the Shan State Chief Minister, how do you feel about this?
A: Of course I know, I think people who accept
me for this position; they have their reason for that. But I know that for my
personality they don’t like me. I know that they don’t like me because I am a
Burmese person. However, I accept it. I understand how they feel. I feel
saddened that people are disappointed. Even though people are criticizing me, I
will have to ignore it because they are saying the truth. I’m not a Shan
person. I cannot say anything because I’m just a product that was produced by
the NLD.
Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest problem
in Shan State?
A: The biggest problem is the ethnic armed groups.
If we can solve this problem, we will be able to reach the door of peace. We
have to solve the problem by peaceful means not by fighting. This should be the
priority.
Q: What is your priority issue to solve when
you come into power?
A: Even when I hadn't been named chief
minister, I had already received requests from people who asked me to solve
problems relating to the peace process, land confiscation and so on. However, I
think that peace process will be my priority. Other problems such as the drug
issue, youth issues, human trafficking and unemployment issues as well as
environmental ones such as the water issue. Right now, we are facing a water
shortage issue. Therefore, we will focus on this problem. Then, we will find
the solution for education, health and economics.
Q: People are now worried about dam
construction on the Salween River, what are your thoughts on this issue?
A: Regarding this issue, we have to look at the
benefits of this project. If it has more benefits than the impact, it should be
carried on. If it still leaves our people in the dark but Thailand and China
have all the benefits, in that case, we will not do it. We have to listen to
the people’s voice.
Q: What would you say about the role of former
Shan State chief minister Sao Aung Myat?
A: I have nothing to say about this. We have to
understand that there were rules and regulations that controlled him. It was
military rule during his term as a Chief Minister. Therefore, he could do what
he was allowed to do. I don’t think it is his fault.
Q: As you are from the NLD, do you think the
NLD will have power over you?
A: Of course, they will have power over me.
But, it will not be the same [with military rule]. What I have to do is to
cooperate with the community. We will have to look out for the people's needs.
If concerns the international level, it has to be done at the central
committee. For me, I’m a country man I have never been abroad before.
Q: When the cabinet for the Shan State government is established,
who do think will be in the cabinet?
A: I wanted to have as many ethnic
representatives as possible. I will try to do something for that. However, it
has to be approved by the central committee. We requested that the Shan
Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) take a position but we understand
that due to their policy they were not able to accept this.
Q: What message would you like to give to the
people of Shan State?
A: I understand that they are not happy. I also
feel the same. At this moment, it’s not a time to question why my mother was
married to a Burmese. However, please give me a chance. I will try to do my job
for a year or two. But, if people still want me to quit, I’m sure Aung San Su
Kyi will ask me to quit. I gave my promise that I will not steal anyone’s
property. I have never received a bribe from others and I will not do it.
Tags: Interview
