Wishing for a better year

With 2016 arriving, people in Myanmar are positive about the prospects for their lives and their country.

Most wish that the problems they have to endure on a daily basis are eased. But most of all, they have bigger wishes for the country.

Here are the wishes of some of them.

 

Zaw Lwin, 38, a taxi driver

Zaw Lwin wishes that Yangon’s traffic jams be tackled by the new government and that the number of passengers  be increased. Welcoming a new family member, he prays that his family can make ends meet while his parents stay healthy.

Like many, he hopes to see a smooth transfer of power to the National League of Democracy.

“May the constitution be successfully amended to ensure Amay (Mother) Suu becomes the president. May the NLD do for the good of the country much better than the Thein Sein government,” he said.

 

 

Khin San Hlaing, 36, a housewife

Worried about the cost of goods, she wishes prices at least stay the same, if not decrease. She also wishes that her children do well in education and the landlord does not raise apartment rents.

Her wish for the country: “May Aunty Suu become the president. May Myanmar keep abreast 

with other Asean countries in terms of development, and human resources. May the new 

government create good job opportunities for the development of the country.”

 

Soe Aung, 56, a political observer

Wishing a better future for his children, the observer hopes he would stay healthy enough to keep an eye on the latest developments of Myanmar’s political climate.

He has a strong wish for unity and national reconciliation.

“May armed attacks and conflicts come to an end all over the country. May Rakhine State be peaceful and tranquil without any acts of violence and religious conflict between the two communities - Buddhists and Muslims,” he said.

Tin Maung Than, secretary-general of the Islamic Religious Affairs Council

His wish is for strength in the family to double its efforts in creating a lovely environment and playing a part in moving Myanmar forward.

“May Myanmar citizens see a significant progress in democracy and human rights all over the country. May such progress be sustainable for a long time. May the whole country, including ethnic regions and conflict areas, be peaceful without any violence and racial hatred. May all citizens live together peacefully and interdependently.”

 

 Sai Nyunt Lwin, general secretary of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy

 

“Today is the time when we can see the biggest change in Myanmar’s history since we gained independence from the British in 1948. Year 2016 will definitely be an important cornerstone in our political climate. In such a crucial transition period, I wish all the citizens, regardless of nationality and religion, peace and happiness so that we can strive together towards a truly democratic nation. May 2016 bring the best of luck and inclusive growth to all the citizens, including ethnic minorities.”

 

Ko Ko Latt, chairman of the Gulf Group of Companies and CEO of Family Business Group

 

“May 2016 be the year of goodwill; the year for resolutions, and the year for leaving behind old habits that hinder growth. I do wish for positive changes in our lives, our communities and all citizens. Let’s make 2016 a year of goodwill for all citizens - regardless of their skin colour and religion. 

“Let it be a year of goodwill for economic growth, for our fight against corruption, for the enforcement of law and order, for better health, for freedom and peace, for democratic reforms, for ending decades of conflict, and for more job opportunities, especially for  youth. But let it also be known that goodwill is not only about wishing; it is also about taking action that show that we have goodwill. Let us therefore make resolutions to take specific actions that show our goodwill for our country.”