If the MANA-associated candidates leave MANA, who will run MANA?
[him] moderator
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Candidate Q&A
By Maw Maw San
September 27 - October 3, 2010
Dr Saw Naing (left) with other independent candidates at a press conference on September 21. Pic: Hein Latt Aung
How do you view the 2010 election?
In my opinion, the seven-step road map [to democracy] and 2008 constitution are like a train – it will go on whether we like it or not. But in order to make it stop at the station we like, we need to be on that train. In other words, we need to take part in the election.
What will be the focus of your campaign?
I will contest in Yangon Region Hluttaw South Okkalapa Constituency 1, which is where I am from, and I’ll pay serious attention to the personal desires of residents in South Okkalapa before making any policy decisions. I would like to work together with them. If I’m elected I plan to focus on the health, education and energy sectors.
Most candidates are opting for Pyithu or Amyotha Hluttaw constituencies, so why did you choose the Yangon Region Hluttaw?
Yes, there are many candidates for the Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw but there are not many for State and Region Hluttaws. I feel voters do not have many choices and I want to give them another option.
What’s your background in politics?
I took part in the 1988 uprising.
Did any of the parties ask you to stand as a candidate for them?
At first I planned to represent a certain party but the party I like did not register and I didn’t want to join any of the new parties. Some have contacted me and asked if I would like to be their representative but, like I said, I declined their offers. But saying that, I think there are three groups in this election: the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), National Unity Party (NUP) and then the rest, the democratic groups. I don’t dislike the other parties but I prefer to stand as an independent.
You’ve joined the network of independents headed by U Yan Kyaw and U Ba Tint Swe. What benefits will that bring for your campaign?
I joined the network on August 10. I’d been looking for a group to join forces with since I registered. We have strength in numbers and we can discuss ideas together.
Have you discussed whether you will vote as a group after the election?
We haven’t talked about that yet, I think we’ll wait and see whether we are elected or not before making any decision. But I expect if we’re elected we will cooperate with each other, and with the democratic groups as well.
What strategies will you use when campaigning?
I will distribute pamphlets with information about me, like my personal history and what I can do for each family – there are more than 10,000 – in my constituency.
Are you confident you can get over the line on November 7?
I’m from South Okkalapa township and five years ago, after I resigned as a civil servant, I opened a dental clinic here called Phyuzin Yadana. In addition, there are about 1000 members of the Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association here so I am already well known among the people of the township and I’m confident I can win.
You’re involved with the Anti-Narcotics Association?
I was chairman of the Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association’s South Okkalapa region before choosing to be an independent candidate, after which I resigned from the association. I’m also an executive member of the Myanmar Dentists Association and a patron of the Tuesday Buddha Waiyarwitsa Association (a Buddhist donation group) and the HIV People’s Development Group for South Okkalapa township.
Who will you be competing against in the election?
I heard there are three other candidates: one candidate from the USDP, one from the NUP and one from Union Kayin League.
What’s your message for the voters of South Okkalapa?
I want to tell them to choose their candidate bravely, taking into account both the person’s conduct and qualifications.
http://www.mmtimes.com/2010/news/542/54203news.html
