Bangkok (The Nation/ANN) - A split in Burma's military elite might jeopardise a plan for national reconciliation between the government and dissident groups, notably the ethnic minorities, academics said yesterday.
The current set of leaders in Naypyidaw is divided into two groups.
The reformers led by Burmese President Thein Sein are supported by lower house speaker Shwe Mann and commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing; while the hardliners are led by first vice-president Tin Aung Myint Oo and upper house speaker Khin Aung Myint.
The two groups have different approaches in dealing with dissident minorities who have been fighting the military-backed regime for a long time, said lecturer Dulyapak Preecharushh of Thammasat University's Southeast Asian Studies programme.
The reformers offer a lenient approach in dealing with the armed minorities peacefully through dialogue and negotiation, while the others want to use military force to suppress them, he said.
Speaking at the panel on Tuesday at Thammasat University to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the monks uprising - the so-called Saffron Revolution - Dulyapak said division among the leaders in the new regime was deepening as they are confronted over matters including security and development schemes.
Former paramount leader Than Shwe has intervened to reconcile them in order to carry on the new Burmese government which was formed in March, the academic said.
Researcher Zaw Aung said a new regime which follows the November election will open up Burma and its economy to the world via many development projects which could pose a negative impact on the society and environment of the country.
A dam project on the Irrawaddy river could affect the environment, while the Tavoy deep seaport funded by a Thai construction firm might change society in the communities of southern Burma, he said.
The huge projects which the Burmese government wants to be a driving force of economic development as well as a window to a global economy would shift some parts of Burmese society from agro-based communities to industrial ones, he said.
The Burmese have three options - to adapt themselves to fit the new situation, migrate from the projects or seek ways to prevent their negative impact, he said.
By SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE in Bangkok/The Nation | ANN
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