Global Voices » Chan Myae Khine

No Taxis for the Blind in Singapore?

Chan Myae Khine — Thu, 02 May 2013 07:33:48 +0000

A visually impaired lady from Singapore wrote about the lack of public awareness on the helpfulness of guide dogs as a taxi driver refused to let in her guide dog saying “Dogs are not allowed” on taxis.

Would Singaporeans only accept blind people with their guide dogs when there is a protective Law with penalties?

Myanmar Now Sells Cheap SIM Cards

Chan Myae Khine — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:39:12 +0000

Great news for mobile phone users in Myanmar. Authorities from different divisions and states will start selling[my] mobile SIM cards for CDMA and WCDMA network at only 1500 kyats or about 2 US Dollars. Just five years ago, a SIM card in Myanmar could cost more than $2000.

Myanmar: Who is Plotting the Meikhtila Riot?

Chan Myae Khine — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 13:01:34 +0000

For three days, riots raged in the town of Meikhtila in the Mandalay division of Myanmar.

The riot erupted on March 20, 2013 when a Muslim owner of a gold shop had beaten up two gold sellers due to an argument over a broken gold piece. A crowd gathered to help the gold sellers and they proceeded to demolish the gold shop.

A curfew was imposed by the police after a group of people reportedly set buildings and motor bikes on fire in the area. As some Muslims feared for their safety, they requested to leave the downtown. Police and members of the Young Buddhist Association escorted them towards the town stadium.

Photo shared by Mg Byine Oo on Facebook.

Netizens are actively discussing the issue. Some are spreading hate comments on Facebook while others are expressing their frustration over religious clashes.

Young Buddhist Association posted an image which says “Don't let religious wars happen because of you!”. The caption reads:

Don't allow religious/ethnic hatreds, conflicts and riots to reverse Myanmar's drive towards the democracy route. We believe that lawful resolving of all injustices, conflicts and riots would be the only possible way with least bad effects.

- Young Buddhist Association (Myanmar)

More than 2,000 people shared it in less than 24 hours to warn writers who espouse hatred and whose identities are mostly unknown.

Tun Zaw Anyar Myay warns[my] against a never ending blood cycle [UPDATE: post was recently removed by author]:

Friend, we are also very sad (to hear about this). If we were to carry those conflicts to our next generation, it will be a never ending blood cycle.

Ye Htut, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Information, posted[my] reminds the public about the importance of solving problems in a democratic manner:

While (we are all) trying our best to cure the wounds in such a vulnerable society, why (are they) making effort to worsen the wounds?

I like everyone to understand that trying to solve something with the force of the mob when it could have been resolved by law is not the way of democracy.

On the other hand, some people are asking if the riot was instigated by something else. Thanda Win is suspicious[my] over the timing of the riot noting that violence is always happening in the country whenever leaders are travelling abroad:

1) Whenever Aunt Suu (Daw Aung San Suu Kyi) or President is on a foreign trip, riot happens in Myanmar.

2) Whenever an important guest visits Myanmar, riot happens.

Google boss Eric Schmidt was in Myanmar during the weekend.

Ye Min Htun compares[my] his experience during the 1988 uprising with the current situation. He also rejects extremism:

Who are creating the ethnic and religion related conflicts? Who will be affected if such thing is allowed to happen. [...] I condemn whoever is supporting the racial and religious extremism. Extremism is not the solution.

Mg Byine O whose hometown is Meikhtila shared[my] his thoughts on the riot.

The whole day, I felt so bad worrying if the fire reached my home or my friends’ homes [...] If those in Meikhtila can't work for like two weeks, all the villages depending on the town will be in trouble. Just now, my grandma called me and said “How could I sell all the onions harvested?, I'm so disappointed”. That's frustrating. [...]

In Meikhtila, people follow various religions – Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and even traditional beliefs. All are doing business together. We have not had such problem. We have argued with those from different religions but nothing like this. There are many police stations, and once you get into trouble, you would be in jail. [...] Everybody who has been to Meikhtila knows it. Everybody mingles peacefully. Now it is not a religious conflict, but (they) are shaping it.[...] I don't want to hear a military general's announcement saying “The military took over the country”in order to bring a timely halt to the deteriorating conditions all over the country“. Phew…. [...]

Ye Myat Min tweeted a similar thought:

@yemyat91: The mastermind behind all these political unrest is leveraging on small-minded people. Blood and anger has become their cards #Myanmar

Other netizens also condemned the extremists and those who are sharing false news and reports. Moe Zay Nyein even made a list[my] of Facebook pages posting false news and extreme posts using the name of Buddhists and Muslims. Eleven Media, which is a popular local news agency, reported[my] that a news item[my] on BBC Facebook page claiming that 10 people died (as of 21 Mar 2013) was inaccurate.

The Ministry of Information released[my] a report stating (as of 22 Mar 2013, 18:37 local time) that 11 died and 39 were injured. The riots also destroyed 152 houses, 2 cars, 1 government office, 1 motor bike, 2 motor trishaws and 13 religion buildings. To restore security, the ministry issued a state of emergency in the town.

Working for Rural Development in Myanmar

Chan Myae Khine — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:13:57 +0000

Video about rural development which went viral in Myanmar

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Google Myanmar is Now Online

Chan Myae Khine — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:23:36 +0000

Google Myanmar is now available in local domain at www.google.com.mm a few days before the arrival of Google CEO Eric Schmidt in Myanmar. Google play store which is inaccessible in Myanmar also seems to have been unblocked for now.

Myanmar: ‘Save Our Zoo’ Campaign

Chan Myae Khine — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 04:27:01 +0000

The government of Myanmar wants to relocate the Yangon Zoological Gardens which has been a city landmark since 1906. In fact, about 450 animals were already transferred to another zoo in Nay Pyi Taw, the country's new capital. Minister Soe Thein argued that the zoo is already a health threat for residents in the city. He added that the zoo can be transferred to Hlaw Kar National Wildlife Park which is outside of Yangon.

Netizens have launched an online campaign to block the relocation. Mahar Kyaung, who posted the “Save Our Zoo” photo on facebook, reminded authorities that zoos in other countries are also located in city centers:

The Saigon Zoo in Vietnam which opened in 1864 is at the center of the town. Similarly, the Ragunan Zoo which also opened in 1864 is located in Jakarta city. Manila Zoo which opened in 1959 in the Philippines is also in the city proper.

The real big purpose (I heard) is that they are planning to build hotels in the location of the Yangon Zoo.[...]

Photo – Ma Har Kyaung Facebook Page

He then cited his reasons for opposing the proposal:

Since current Zoological Garden is a historical zoo;
Since it was founded with funding raised from the public;
Since it will be a waste of country's budget as it will need to renovate the Hlaw Kar Park;
Since it will be inconvenient to go out of town for friends and relatives visiting Yangon after their visit to Shwedagon Pagoda (Author's Note: Yangon Zoo is very close to Shwedagon Pagoda and those from small towns and villages who visit Yangon usually go to the zoo after Shwedagon Pagoda);
Since I knew the idea of the ex-general (Minister Soe Thein) who wants to make profit by relocating the zoo.

If they were to continue to relocate the zoo to Hlaw Kar, we should send our aunts visiting Yangon to U Soe Thein's home if they want to visit a zoo.

Many netizens seemed to agree with him. Naing Lin Ngwe expressed[my] his worry:

Another activism movement to halt a project is on its way again.

Yan Naung Soe sarcastically wrote[my]:

I pray to Buddha and may other gods praise. May they (ministers) have no idea to relocate the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Ko Gyi Kyaw asks[my] if residents are complaining against the zoo:

To say it (zoo) is unhealthy, are the residents around there protesting against it? You (Minister) were not even born when the zoo was founded.

Zin Mar Lwin shared[my] her disappointment:

They often think that it is a development to relocate something to elsewhere. Frustrated.

Yar Zar Di Yar Zar urged[my] authorities to stop making illegal profit:

Enough with all the demolitions happening in the country now. (You) should already be pleased with the wealth already hoarded.

A number of Facebook users who had seen the post asked the question “Again?”, “What do they want this time?” etc.

Since the zoo is currently being managed by business tycoon Tay Za of Htoo Trading, the company said it would follow instructions from authorities on the issue of relocation.

Aung San Suu Kyi Endorses China-backed Mine in Myanmar

Chan Myae Khine — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 05:45:16 +0000

An investigation commission led by Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi recommends that the controversial China-backed copper mine in Monywa should continue its operations, but must improve its environmental safeguards and compensate local residents. This has led activists who have been opposing the mine to protest against Suu Kyi.

The official report [my] released on March 12, 2013 admits that the project does not provide locals with jobs and violates environmental standards and has tried to come up with concrete solutions to solve these issues.

The commission was formed by the government last year to probe the violent dispersal of a protest camp near the mine site. The 10-page report confirmed that riot police used smoke bombs to disperse protesters which included local villagers, activists, and monks who are opposed to the mining operation. The report also advised authorities to be transparent about the contract involving the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (UMEHL) and Wan Bao Company.

Report and Aung San Suu Kyi praised

Many netizens seem to be pleased to read the first report of its kind in Myanmar. Nathan Maung wrote [my] a short note about the report:

I've just read the report by the investigation commission on Latpadaung Copper Mine. I can see the effort and quality of the commission led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. This report is not a report that everyone can accept but it reflects all the initial promises of revealing all things as the truth. (Those who are too emotional and making effort only for blaming do not need to read this.) What the commission reported is that UMEHL and Wan Bao should amend the contract with transparency then the project may be continued.

Zay Htet added[my]:

It's really a detailed report. To make it happen, it's not too difficult if it is done with good will. There are many example (projects) in other countries that are systematically carried out.. I totally accept this (report). That's invaluable experience and the beginning of cooperation, an important effort. I'm pleased.

Htet Linn also asserted[my] that the report is fair enough:

Daw Suu (Daw Aung San Suu Kyi) is unbelievable. It's remarkable that she made it as fair as possible for win-win situation as much as she can even though many criticized this whole thing as a political trap for her.

Protests against Aung San Suu Kyi

But some locals in the project area protested against the report and Wan Bao company by demanding a complete stop in the copper mine project. Meanwhile, Suu Kyi went to Monywa to hold a press conference on March 13, 2013. Some activists protested against the report in Yangon as well. They claimed[my] that “whoever supported the project will be known as criminals in history”.

Monywa locals protesting against the copper mining investigation report. Screentshot from Eleven's Media youtube video

Suu Kyi welcomed the protests and even reminded her detractors that everybody can protest against her under the law and even in front of her house in Yangon. Suu Kyi was defended by many netizens especially on Facebook. Here are some of the comments:

Myo Kyaw Htun[my] : Lack of knowledge, short term mindset – it's difficult (to deal) with such politics. Please sympathize with someone who is running here and there and solving every issue and problem regardless of her age. Whenever something happens, if all would be just protesting without doing any work, there will be no productivity but just going back.

Andy AP: I'm just wondering, did they really read the report from beginning to end???

Kyaw Thu Tun[my] : If they can't accept it, protest against government bravely. Why they yell “We don't want Daw Aung San Suu Kyi” while she just did her duties courageously as a member of parliament when government appointed her without any bias to government or Wan Bao, she is neither supporting their job nor being responsible for what they did.

Lin Thurein[my] : Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is solving all the mess done by military junta including current president. [...] As nobody was daring enough to be involved in such sensitive situation, they transferred that mess to her. And she bravely accepted her duty as a public leader. How can they claim the results (of the report) are not fair just because they don't want it?

May Thingyan Hein[my]: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should not be the target of protests. They should read the investigation report carefully. She suggested specific reforms that the Ministry of Mining, UMEHL and Wan Bao Company have to follow. [...] The public should demand them (UMEHL, Ministry and Wan Bao) to follow all those suggestions clearly.

Mommy Htar[my] : It's very clear. The commission cleverly pointed out the downside of the project and asked the proponents to amend the contract including compensation (to locals) with transparency and to redo the processing of assessment on how the farmers and ecosystem are affected by the mining. For example, they reported the low compensation received by farmers under the current contract. The opinion of the commission cannot be “do or don't”. They can only “report” the situation.

Both Wan Bao company and UMEHL announced their intention of complying with the recommendations given by the commission. Meanwhile, the government formed a committee to ensure that reforms are first implemented before the mine project is allowed to proceed.

China Executes Burmese Drug Lord on Live TV

Chan Myae Khine — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:05:27 +0000

Naw Kham, the Burmese leader of a major drug trafficking gang in the infamous ‘Golden Triangle’ area in mainland Southeast Asia, was executed through lethal injection in Kunming, China last March 1, 2013. Although he was not well-known before his death, his life instantly became a trending topic in Myanmar after his execution.

A number of Myanmar Facebook users were frustrated to learn that Chinese media networks aired the execution on live TV [viewer discretion advised].

Khin Khin Oo writes[my] her frustration:

Broadcast the execution? What an inhumane thing!

Naw Kham before execution. Screenshot from CCTV News video.

Than Thar Win, a well known local singer, also criticized[my] the live broadcast of the execution:

It's acceptable to punish a criminal. But I think broadcasting the execution process live by some Chinese channels should not have happened.

Khin Zarny Htut added[my]:

Being guilty is being guilty. But as a human being.,I feel a bit sad for such lethal execution.

There are also those who blamed the Myanmar government for not requesting a prisoner swap arrangement with China. La Yeik Cho said[my]:

Our government should ask for criminal transfer. Why did they leave Naw Kham's fate in China's hand?

Another Facebook user, Nay Min Kha, compared[my] the situation of foreign criminals in Myanmar and Myanmar prisoners in other countries:

We have been releasing those (foreigners) who committed crimes in Myanmar easily. I do not hear any similar treatment for Myanmar citizens who are detained abroad. In fact, even if Naw Kham committed crimes, he should be sentenced to death only in Myanmar. [...]

Nay Tar Gay thinks[my] Chinese citizens who are found guilty of committing high crimes in Myanmar would be transferred to China:

Regardless of the type of charges, the criminals should be transferred to mother nation and charged against law in one's own country. It is very sure that Myanmar government would transfer him (to China) if he were a Chinese national.

On the other hand, some netizens pointed out that there is no difference between execution in Myanmar and China. Ei Maung posted a short note explaining why the Myanmar government was correct in its decision not to request a prisoner transfer deal in the case of Naw Kham:

It's true that a nation must protect its citizens. And yes, Vienna convention suggested nations to transfer prisoners as showing respect.

But, it's crazy to say Myanmar government should request the transfer of a drug king. Are those people out of their mind? [...] Not transferring a mass murderer or drug king is nowhere near disrespecting. They have their “national security” to concern over respect in those cases.[...]

“Don't make ridiculous conclusion” just because you don't like the government. Even if Myanmar government makes such request, China is unlikely to agree and, such rejection would “unnecessarily affect the relationship”. Government is doing the right thing…

Winston Compunuts mentioned that there is no extradition agreement between the Chinese and Myanmar governments:

In order for prisoner exchange or extradition to take effect, there needs to have agreements for it between such nations. Geneva convention only guarantees humane treatment and access to fair representation (even that definition widely varies in different countries). Extradition treaties must first exist before the arrest occurred. As far as I know, there is no such agreement between China and Burma. I think the Burmese government was right NOT to pursue it since it's highly unlikely to be successful and why waste tax dollars on something unwarranted. There are cases when even a superpower like the United States couldn't even save their citizens or bring them home to serve their prison sentence.

Hkam Awng's brief clarification[my] about the status of Naw Kham went viral:

He is someone who became a wanted person in Myanmar, Laos and Thailand after he implemented his drug route from Myanmar to Laos, then to Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and China. [...] Finally, it reached over the limit of patience of four countries (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and China) after he hijacked a Chinese ship, killed the sailors and threw the dead bodies into the river. [...] To be able to cooperate for drug trafficking, such countries signed the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances but Myanmar did it with exception for the article of criminal exchange. That is why Myanmar government never transferred Khun Sa and other ‘Wa‘ leaders who had been charged by US. [...] Anyway, I'm also against the capital punishment and death penalty. [...]

On March 2, 2013, Myanmar netizens flooded the Facebook page of Chinese Embassy in Myanmar by posting R.I.P messages for Naw Kham.

First Crowdsourced News Site in Myanmar

Chan Myae Khine — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:14:05 +0000

A group of young programmers in Myanmar launched the country's first ever crowdsourced news site called “Buzz in Myanmar“. With the slogan “News for people, by people”, netizens are allowed and encouraged to submit neighborhood and other local news.

Myanmar Netizens Expose Traffic Law Violators

Chan Myae Khine — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 01:59:04 +0000

An overloaded public transport in Yangon. Photo by Myint Kyaw Thu

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Request Google to Look into Myanmar

Chan Myae Khine — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 08:06:32 +0000

Many Burmese netizens requested[my] the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Information who met with Google's Southeast Asia Country lead for Public Policy and Government Affairs to convince the company not to block Google Play in Myanmar and to put Burmese (Myanmar) language in Google Translate.

Violent Crackdown on Monks Protesting China-backed Mine in Myanmar

Chan Myae Khine — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:01:38 +0000

During the Buddhist celebration of the Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone, Myanmar riot police violently dispersed the protest camps set up by Buddhist monks and villagers who are opposing the China-backed copper mine project in Monywa, Sagaing Division. The mining protest began last February.

The project is a joint venture between the government-backed Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. (UMEHL) and Wanbao, a Chinese company. UMHEL reportedly compensated displaced farmers with US$610 per acre. But there are villagers whose farms were leased out to the Chinese company without proper notification and they have been very vocal in urging the government to stop the mining project.

On November 27, 2012, the government ordered protesters near Latpadaung and Kyayzintaung area of Sagain Division to leave the six protest camps. When protesters refused to leave the camps, the riot police used water cannon and tear bombs to disperse the crowd. But there are unconfirmed news reports that the police also used other weapons such as fire bombs or phosphorus bombs and even Napalm.

About 50 monks were badly injured with burned skin.

A monk hospitalized with burn injuries. Photo from CJ Myanmar Facebook page

Myanmar netizens immediately condemned the use of brutal force to disperse a peaceful protest. Myo Set notes that right after the historic visit of United States President Barack Obama to Myanmar, the government showed its real attitude in dealing with protesters and dissenters:

Dear Hilary, as a Burmese citizen, I would like to clearly inform you that the Burmese Government is now brutally cracking down the mass protest led by monks, activists and farmers against Chinese copper mining investment in Central Burma near Monywa.

It is the first response of Burmese government since the U.S. has abolished its sanctions on Burma.

No negotiations were carried out despite the appeals from protesters.

Ko Htike condemned[my] the duplicity of the government:

They could have easily foreseen that the situation in Latpadaung would deteriorate and deliberately failed to consult the public.

Now, it's clear both parties can't step back. Public has no choice but to move forward. If brutal crack down continues, Latpadaung region would be a cursed place.

The question for Latpadaung is that will U Thein Sein play the same trick as he did in the Myit Sone Dam issue?

The Myit Sone Dam project was suspended by the government after it was vigorously opposed by residents. But construction work has been restored, according to news reports.

Lwin Aung Soe requested[my] President Thein Sein to defuse the tension in the area:

I'm requesting President U Thein Sein who is supposed to protect the public welfare to grant their wishes.

1) Please hold a press conference regarding the crack down of protest camps asap.

2) Please exert strong leadership to stop the threats and brutal crack down against the protests.

3) Please find an acceptable resolution by forming a committee as agreed by the Parliament to solve the Latpadaung Copper mine issue asap.

Some netizens are comparing how the government responded to the mining protest and the riots in Rakhine state. Here are some comments on Facebook.

Phyoe Pyeat Min[my] : What courage! Perhaps their courage is only for locals of same nation. They are worshipping rioters in Rakhine. The army dogs…

Rainy Casper[my] : They never used such methods of cracking down during the riots where locals suffered. Now the monks are treated in such way. Inhumane animals..

Maynadi Oo[my] : For the sake of China, they are beyond cruelty when dealing with public. Where on earth did that Ministry of Home Affairs go during the riots in Rakhine state??

The riots involving Rohingya and Rakhine peoples have displaced thousands of villagers. The government was criticized for its failure to end the riots and resolve the conflict

The president's office issued a statement justifying the decision to end the protest in order to uphold the rule of law and develop stronger friendship between China and Myanmar which later become a sarcastic joke among netizens. Alex Rain asserted[my] that the protest went peacefully without any kind of rioting.

The peaceful protest and rioting is not the same.

Police have to use weapons to resolve the rioting. Force is necessary to stop rioters from destroying public places etc. It is to keep the whole public safe.

Now, they burn sleeping monks at 3 a.m. and still claim it's for the rule of law, like a fool.

A few hours later after receiving numerous harsh comments criticizing the government, the same website announced[my] that the statement has been revoked and taken down from the website.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi went to meet up with Wanbao company representatives and residents in order to negotiate between government and the protesters. She spoke in the rally and agreed to assist in the negotiation.

Myanmar Overwhelmed by Obama's Kiss

Chan Myae Khine — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 06:47:22 +0000

Barack Obama made history by becoming the first president of the United States to set foot on Myanmar. Many people cheered his visit while others reminded him that it's premature for a U.S. president to visit Myanmar today. Netizens used the hashtag #Oburma to document and monitor Obama's trip. Keywords such as “Myanmar” and “Aung San Suu Kyi” became worldwide trends.

News about Obama's plan to visit Myanmar excited many people. Printing shops hurriedly distributed U.S. flags and Obama merchandise items.

Thant Myint U, a historian and grandson of former United Nations Secretary U Thant, mentioned that Obama's grandfather had been to Myanmar during World War II.

@thantmyintu Remembering that Pres Obama's grandfather served with King's African Rifles in Burma, was prob part of advance down Chindwin to Mandalay.

Obama's historic visit to Myanmar. Photo from CJMyanmar

A young graffiti artist, Ar Kar Kyaw, painted “Welcome Obama”graffiti in Yangon which grabbed media and public attention, although the artwork was almost damaged by rival painters.

Yangon University underwent some renovations since Obama was set to deliver a speech in the school prompting Ko Htike to comment[my]:

It looks like Obama saved the Yangon University which was destroyed by Khin Nyunt. Now that they are renovating, treasuring the institution… it seems Myanmar military junta only appreciates the value of institutions only when others say so.

On the other hand, some assumed his visit as an effort to establish closer relations with a country which has been dealing only with China in the past few decades. Myo Set discusses[my] this viewpoint:

Rather than emphasizing on Kachin [Civil War] issue, Obama is expected to talk more seriously about the Rohingya riots when he comes. In the name of promoting humanitarian aid, he will make effort to irritate China regarding the Kyaut Phyu Pipeline. […] I just want to suggest to Rakhine organisations to provide detailed historical facts and proofs (regarding the Rohingya issue). Furthermore, I wish they could discuss (with Obama) about the geographical situation of Myanmar and the reported overpopulation of Bangladesh together with Myanmar Human Rights Commission. […] Regardless of what Obama will be discussing, his aim is just to take Myanmar from China. I guess the main purpose of lifting the sanctions is also for this. […] I assume we have to face the unnecessary U.S-China rivalry too early than we expected.

Just before President Obama arrived, 49 political prisoners[my] were freed by the government.

Obama was greeted by motorcades and large crowds everywhere. A few years ago, no one would have expected to see U.S. flags in the streets of Myanmar. But what the public appreciated the most was the kiss Obama gave to opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Although Myanmar remains a conservative country, almost everyone online did not think it as inappropriate and even praised it as a “royal kiss“. Thin Thin Tun describes[my] it as a gesture of friendship between the two countries:

Although it's not quite comfortable to see it through “Myanmar's eyes”, (I believe) it is a reflection of the warm and lovely friendship (between U.S and Myanmar).

Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Yangon to greet Obama. Photo from CJMyanmar

Those who did not have a chance to attend Obama's speech at the university enjoyed the live broadcasting from local channels and some went to tea shops to watch it together with neighbours. Nay Myo Zin, on a different note, wrote[my] about the power outage in some parts of Yangon while Obama was delivering his lecture:

A while after the speech was broadcasted, the electricity went off in Yangon. Till now 5:15 pm, we have to stay in the dark. Day time is short as the cold season is approaching. I silently welcome the U.S. president from the dark land of Myanmar. I was thinking I could die happily if we have a chance to live with stable supply of water and electricity while I was listening President's speech. Now, it becomes dark as there is no light in South Dagon township. By flapping the fan, I am wishing no mosquitoes would bite Obama in the dark.

Obama's speech remains the most talked about issue in Myanmar. Rohingya supporters criticized Obama for not strongly condemning the riots in western Myanmar, while others gave high praises for the speech. Meanwhile, Tom Bergreen asserted that Myanmar should not follow the diversity in the way U.S managed to do it:

For the most part I liked his speech, but there are two areas where our opinions diverge.

First, and this is a rather general thing and is a criticism of US and western foreign policy in general, I think that the worship of Daw Suu is understandable, but I think it creates a cult of personality around her as an individual rather than embracing her ideas and leadership.

Second, although there cannot be exceptions with respect to human rights and slowing ALL persons to live in dignity… (but) citizenship should be based on a set of laws that are applied equally to all within Myanmar borders. As long as the conflict there is viewed erroneously (IMHO) by foreign media and governments as a sectarian one, resolution is nearly impossible. This should be treated as a constitutional issue and must be decided by Rule of Law.

Of course some netizens were humorous in their comments about Obama's trip. Others were more interested in using traditional astrological belief to determine the day Obama was born. For instance, Win Min Ko shared a photo of Obama pouring water at the Friday corner of Shwedagon Pagoda with a caption:

Friday born Obama.

Four Hundred Prisoners to be Released by Myanmar

Chan Myae Khine — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 03:16:36 +0000

Myanmar is set to release 452 prisoners today, November 15, 2012. The amnesty was announced by the government which could be an act of political goodwill in light of the anticipated state visit by United States President Barack Obama to Myanmar. The government also released prisoners when President Thein Sein visited the U.S. two months ago.

Myanmar Hit by 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake

Chan Myae Khine — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 06:58:55 +0000

An earthquake with a magnitude 6.8 hit the towns of Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, Shwe Bo and Sagaing in Myanmar at 7:40 a.m (GMT+6:30). According to reports, 4 workers died and 25 were injured at the construction of a bridge[my] in Shwe Bo. The earthquake was the strongest to hit the country in the past 3 years.