28 April
State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi wrote on her Facebook page yesterday about the need for unity, solidarity and kinship in the following manner:
Sayargyi Thakin Kodaw Hmaing urged the people to have solidarity in times of crisis.
When we went to The Hague for the ICJ matter, about 400 Myanmar people from many countries from all over the world came to give us strength and moral support. At that time we learnt in full measure about the value and meaning of being united. We felt a feeling of warmth in such a cold climate. Our heavy burdens became lighter. Why – because many came to share our burdens.
A world-famous writer once said. The objective of great battles is not to be belligerent. It is to become united. I like this idea very much. When we have to face great challenges, the main thing is to be united and to have solidarity. This is the foundation of success.
Among the people who came to The Hague on their own expenses, some were no longer Myanmar citizens. In times of crisis they showed solidarity. To see how strangers became like family in a matter of three days with similar beliefs, similar goodwill and unity is really a sight that warmed our hearts and filled us with joy.
This week Myanmar citizens in the tens of thousands will be returning from Thailand because of the COVID-19 problem.
We have to be proud of all of them who are returning to the Motherland with great hope for protection because they were facing difficulties. We have to welcome with healthcare programmes and arrangements to the best of our abilities. “We’re back in our Motherland. We’re safe and secure”. This is how we want them to feel.
In this time of crisis, let’s have solidarity. (Translated by Kyaw Myaing)
