Exclusive Interview with President Nai Htin
New Mon State Party
Talk to
Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA)
15 November 2003

Introduction

President Nai Htin was elected to the top Post of New Mon State Party in 2003 after the late President Nai Shwe Kyin passed away in March. He is now at his 90s with good health. He resides at northern Ye River in southern Burma in a thick forest with his beloved comrades. President Htin granted an interview to Mon journalist of Independent Mon News Agency in on 13 September 2003. The first text is published at Guiding Star, Independent Mon Newspaper in September 2003. This interview is the first ever face to face interview of President Htin to the Independent Mon News Agency.

IMNA: Your statement on the 56th Anniversary of Mon National Revolutionary Day is quite strong in criticism to the Burmese military government. It there any obstacles that made you when you met them in Rangoon for yours strong words?

President Htin: The statement released on the Mon National Revolutionary Day is based on the principle of the party. There is no reply by the military government in regards to the statement. If they did so, we firmly stand by our prime principles.

IMNA: When you are at the top post of the party, which way will you lead the party to follow?

President Htin: Up on the principles of the party, I maintain the doctrine of "Bureaucracy" and I prioritize the resolution of "Collective Leadership and Individual Responsibility" to drive the party forward.

IMNA: Despite the party reached cease-fire agreement to the Military government, there is wide spread criticism to the government by media and the government accused the party is doing it. What is yours party position to this matter?

President Htin: No one can deny the truth and the fact. The party will remain on its prime position and fundamental policy.

IMNA: Some say that the cease-fire process will end but some say it will not. What is the circumstance of the party in regards this accusation?

President Htin: It will depend on the situation.

IMNA: The party agreed for cease-fire process and opened office for doing business but on the other hand, the party still collect contribution in the community and the voice of the people now dissatisfy to this proceeding. What is the president’s opinion on this matter?

President Htin: The business is not quite real so far. The government assistance is neither sufficient for the welfare of the party’s members. We ask the community for contribution to serve the national interest until we reach our common goal.

IMNA: The history of the party proved that a split of the organization often occurred in the party. What would the party do to avoid similar crack in the future?

President Htin: Every member of the party is assigned to upgrade personal skills in political affairs and we will work hard to place that every one is undertaken the principle of "Bureaucracy" within the party’s resolution.

IMNA: Would you consider establishing a "United Nationality Front" and how you could form it?

President: Yes, it is ought to establish a "United Nationality Front" and the Mon organizations within the Mon community should discuss this agenda and we should form it with the best of our interests but of course with best quality.

IMNA: How the party views the Mon community in exile?

President Htin: The party has perceived wherever the Mon community resides they are the strength of the Mon. The party welcomes any discussions on exchanging ideas or criticisms. To serve the best national interests, the party always has undertaken the tasks within its capacity.

INMA: What is your last message to the Mon public?

President Htin: We aim to gain freedom and independence for the entirely cause in which we have sacrificed our lives and properties. We bring the victory with our entire national’s unity.