DAP welcomes release of Aung San Suu Kyi from 19-month house arrest and calls on ASEAN governments to give positive assistance to ensure that it marks a steady and irreversible return to democracy in Burma


Media Statement 
by Lim Kit Siang

(Petaling Jaya,  Monday)DAP welcomes the release today  of Burmese Opposition Leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi from 19-month house arrest by the military junta.  

Veteran Malaysian diplomat and UN special envoy, Tan Sri Razali Ismail deserves national and international commendation  for his success in achieving the historic  breakthrough in the 12-year political deadlock in Burma.   

The Myanmese military junta should keep its commitment to mark “a new page for the people of Myanmar and the international community” with Suu Kyi’s release, paving the way for the end of the country’s international isolation by setting out a clear road map and reasonable time-table for the restoration of democracy and the goal of national reconciliation.  

This is not the first time Suu Kyi regained her personal liberty.  She was first placed under house arrest in 1989 and was released in 1995. She was put under  another span  of virtual house detention again in September 2000.  

ASEAN governments and leaders should give positive contribution to ensure that Suu Kyi’s release today marked a steady and irreversible return to democracy and power-sharing with civilisans without any relapse to unadulterated  military rule in the months and years ahead.

(6/5/2002)


*Lim Kit Siang - DAP National Chairman