KNU’s Colonel Ner Dah Mya Briefs Australian Parliament

Saw Kyaw Khwe (KIC) / Karen News, June 3, 2013

Colonel Ner Dah Mya, a son of General Saw Bo Mya, met and discussed with Burmese civil society groups in Sydney during a recent visit to Australia.

The Australian Karen Organization (AKO) organized the meeting and discussion that was attended by 30 people from Burma including ethnic nationalities such as Kachin, Mon and Karen living in Sydney. Members of the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF), delegations from the Joint Action Committee for a Democratic Burma (JACDB), member of the National League For Democracy Liberated Area (NLD-LA) and representatives from a local Burmese radio program.

Colonel Ner Dah Bo Mya explained to the meeting what he said in his speech to the Australian Federal Parliament on May 27. Colonel Ner Dah Mya was representing the Karen National Union (KNU) and the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) 
as a guest speaker. Colonel Ner Dah Mya said he told the parliament about the situation for ethnic minorities in Burma. Colonel Ner Dah Mya’s was introduced and sponsored by federal MP Luke Simpkins and Senator Dean Smith of Western Australia.

“International governments should not only listen to the voice of the Burma government, but should pay attention of the voices of the ethnic nationalities – groups such as the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) that is made up of with 11 ethnic groups,” said Colonel Ner Dah.

Colonel Ner Dah Mya said, “The people are our strength. Let’s achieve the goal that we are aiming for by re-organizing the people from inside Burma and those living overseas.”

The Burmese civil society groups based in Australia exchanged information of the current changes inside Burma and what was needed in the on-going peace process.

Saw Paw Lu who took part in the discussion said.

“Although the Burma government is making changes by talking about equal rights and reconciliation, their actions and strategies seems to reinforce Burmese chauvinism. I’m really pleased that Colonel Ner Dah Mya has come here to talk to us.”

Colonel Ner Dah Mya plans further meetings with Karen civil society groups in Sydney before leaving Australia.