A BLOG POST BY MU SOCHUA
We were briefed throughouly on the political situation in Burma prior to our visit and the meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. I was worried about my feelings and emotions. The invitation to Burma and to meet the woman who represent Democracy and Justice came out of nowhere. The day arrived and the face to face with my heroine was not what I had anticipated.
She came out of an opposite room as we were taking off our shoes. She warmly invited us to the meeting table where Burmese sweets and tea were already prepared for the ten of us. The atmosphere was totally relaxed, as if we had known each other for years. We exchanged ideas, we asked for her wishes.
She spoke of nothing but justice, freedom and democracy. She spoke of the dignity of her people. She spoke of her hope and her vision. She let out no anger, no bitterness, no revenge. She said no words of her years of emprisonment and house arrest.
We spoke of our experience in Cambodia. I could no longer hold my tears and emotions. The determination of her party leaders and supporters whom we met prior to meeting her moved me so immensely as we, members of the lead of opposition party in Cambodia are struggling without our leader in Cambodia. He is sentenced to 12 years by the political Courts of Cambodia.
Democracy building is up to each and everyone of us. The West may be able to help but at the end of the day, it is our own struggle. We may expect our Western friends to lend a hand but we must be aware of their own interests. If there is any change for our people, that change must come from our living without fear.
Meeting Daw Aung San suu Kyi makes me understand the meaning of living without fear.