An interview with Director Mu Se of Kyay Let Myay social aid organization, about the military council’s statement that civil servants blacklisted for joining the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) will have their names removed from the list.
Activists and CDM staff in Karenni State claim that the military council’s statement about removing civil servants from blacklists is an act of incitement to disintegrate the public revolution.
On 12 July, the military council announced that civil servants who participated in the CDM and were blacklisted could return to their jobs if they wished. This announcement has been criticized as an attempt to weaken the public revolution.
Network Media Group (NMG) interviewed Mu Se, Director of Kyay Let Myay, a social aid organization focused on human rights education and supporting both IDPs and CDM staff, about the statement that civil servants blacklisted for participating in the CDM movement will be relieved from their blacklisted status.
Q: May I know your view on the military council’s offer for CDM staff to return to work? Why?
A: Min Aung Hlaing and his group are inviting CDM staff to return because their mechanisms have largely failed in various parts of Myanmar. Their mechanisms are no longer operational. Especially, their systems have completely stalled in the conflict-affected areas and the places with ongoing fighting. For instance, more than 80 percent of their mechanisms in Karenni State is no longer operational. Their current operations are also understaffed. They are also lacking sufficient facilities. According to those who use these services, there are significant shortages. For example, Loikaw hospital lacks adequate facilities.
Q: The statement has acknowledged the loss of human resources due to the CDM. What is your view on this?
A: In response to Min Aung Hlaing’s claim that human resources have been lost due to the CDM, but in reality, no such loss has occurred anywhere. We have the necessary human resources in place. The main reason is that those who joined the CDM did so in strong opposition to the military’s rule, which they believe has usurped the people’s power. Consequently, they refuse to serve under the military regime. By aligning with the public and demonstrating their commitment to the people, they have chosen to support and continue serving the public through their participation in the CDM.
Q: What kind of remedial action is needed from the current public government, the NUG, for CDM staff?
A: This is something that the NUG should do. We want the NUG to implement it sooner or later. Because they joined CDM out of their trust and loyalty to the public and the country. They joined the CDM in the quest for federal democracy. Urgent plans and programs supporting CDM participants are needed to help them survive and continue serving the public.
Q: What are your current activities with CDMs in Karenni State? In your opinion, what additional actions are needed?
A: Karenni State already has an Interim Executive Council (IEC) in place. Its acronym is IEC. Under the IEC, there are various departments where CDM staff can work according to their fields of expertise. For instance, they can work in Immigration Department, General Administration Department, and Humanitarian and Resettlement Department. They can work in the respective sectors based on their areas of expertise. The IEC is working to provide CDM staff in the respective departments with salaries for essential expenses and is making efforts to offer additional support.
For instance, CDM staff in Karenni State are currently providing public services where they are based. With the emergence of the IEC, they can now work in various sectors under its umbrella. We encourage CDM staff taking refuge at displacement sites and elsewhere to reconnect with the IEC and contribute to their respective sectors.
Q: As an official of the Kyay Let Myay social aid organization, which is dedicated to supporting CDM participants as much as possible, what message would you like to convey on their behalf? Do you have any suggestions or requests?
A: Our Kyay Let Myay would like to urge international community, local organizations and donors not to overlook CDMs. They are the heroes of the Spring Revolution. They have made significant sacrifices and given up a great deal. We request that all organizations and donors provide aid to help CDM participants survive this challenging period. We ask for support in funding small-scale businesses to ensure their long-term sustainability. We would like to request social and political organizations to support the campaigns and assist in securing financing for CDMs staff.
Sent by NMG