Aung San Suu Kyi has completed two successful and delightful long-distance inland political journeys since her release from a second house arrest about 10 weeks ago. The State Peace and Development Council, or SPDC, the military regime, has provided full security for her travels in Mandalay and Mon states. Several thousands of people came out to greet and listen to her.
Suu Kyi returned her hospitality to the regime by visiting projects such as a hydroelectric dam. These developments are real positives, encouraging our people as well as Myanmar-watchers.
I acknowledge the concerns of some critics who warned that these developments were mere cosmetics for a regime that needed outside investment and assistance. Their opinions as a whole were pessimistic, and Western countries were cautioned not to make contributions. I could not see the wisdom in that, as health and education needs are serious, let alone other issues. What did our people have as alternatives?