Resilience in the Midst of Change: Dr. Zaw Wai Soe's Journey for Myanmar's Future

Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, a respected orthopedic doctor, recently delivered a poignant speech in Australia, shedding light on his commitment to the causes of democracy and healthcare reform in Myanmar. In his speech, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and the broader reformation efforts in his homeland. Although the speech was in Burmese, a volunteer translated the main points and submitted them to our platform, with a wish to share the information with foreign supporters of Myanmar.

Dr. Zaw Wai Soe began by reflecting on the years following the turbulent events of 1988. Despite widespread dissatisfaction with the 2008 constitution, there was a prevailing belief that Myanmar could evolve from partial democracy to full-fledged democratic governance. This aspiration was further fueled by connections with Australia, which played a pivotal role in enhancing Myanmar's healthcare sector.

The doctor vividly recounted the dire state of healthcare in Myanmar during 2008-2009, with a healthcare budget of just one dollar per person per year. It ranked among the lowest globally, second only to Somalia. His experiences studying in England revealed a stark contrast in medical facilities. Modern tools enabled swift bone-fixing procedures in developed countries like the UK, taking no more than 20 minutes, whereas in Myanmar, manual methods often took hours due to the lack of appropriate equipment.

The years 2015, 2016, and 2017 marked significant improvements as the healthcare budget increased, and hospitals received much-needed upgrades, despite ongoing maintenance challenges. In 2018, Dr. Zaw Wai Soe was appointed as a rector, entrusted with overseeing the transition of hundreds of non-military universities. This transition was a noteworthy shift in the education sector.

The unexpected coup on February 1, 2021, dramatically altered the course of events. Dr. Zaw Wai Soe noted that telephone lines were interrupted in the early morning, and soon after, Min Aung Hlaing's Personal Security Officer conveyed a foreboding message, urging acceptance of whichever government emerged. He emphasized his close relationships with both military figures and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

In the weeks preceding the coup, he and Minister Phyo Min Thein had discussed the possibility of a coup, although they never anticipated it would happen. The suddenness of the coup left them unprepared. On the fourth day following the coup, a deputy general offered him a position, and by the seventh day, he was being considered for a Deputy Minister role. His daughter in Australia cautioned against joining the State Administration Council (SAC), highlighting potential social consequences and urging careful consideration of the offer.

Amidst the unfolding political crisis, Dr. Zaw Wai Soe observed a significant drop in COVID-19 cases, leading him to make the bold decision to close all 18 COVID quarantine centers, including administrative operations. Acknowledging that he was not a politician and unsure of his role, he remained steadfast in his determination to not revert to a dictatorship that had previously resulted in a severely inadequate healthcare system.

He recounted the improvements in healthcare and education that followed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's release, particularly the upgrades to Yangon Hospital and other medical facilities. Simultaneously, the education sector was undergoing a transformation, exemplified by Yangon University's impressive jump in global rankings from nearly 30,000 in 2007 to 7,000 in 2020. The abrupt arrest of Phyo Min Thein and elected parliament members deeply troubled him.

Fueled by his unwavering commitment to democracy and healthcare reform, Dr. Zaw Wai Soe made the decision to join the CDM despite his close relationships with military generals. The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) was founded, and the National Unity Government (NUG) emerged, albeit later than anticipated and with a zero budget. NUG's formation and subsequent activities were largely empowered by the CDM.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of medical students and volunteers during the protests and highlighted NUG's increasing financial stability. NUG had received around $200 million in official funds from diaspora supporters, with an estimated additional $450 million reaching the ground. NUG had also established a financial system with Spring Development Bank and NUG Payment System, paving the way for future development.

As the political landscape evolved, with NUG transitioning from a defensive position to an offensive one, Dr. Zaw Wai Soe noted a significant decline in SAC's military forces. PDF and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) were gaining ground across Myanmar, with Mae Se experiencing remarkable success and minimal casualties.

During cabinet meetings, NUG formulated plans for both public and military battles, emphasizing the importance of achieving victory while minimizing casualties. The Karenni forces' successful capture of military base camps in Mae Se showcased the effectiveness of their strategies, including the relocation of civilians to avoid harm.

Dr. Zaw Wai Soe underscored the significance of diaspora support, emphasizing the shift from traditional warfare to innovative approaches, including the use of drones developed through Aero Drone University. NUG's focus was on ending the war with minimal casualties and public harm, highlighting the pursuit of Federal Democracy rather than mere requests for it.

The speech also touched on NUG's diplomatic efforts, with support from countries like East Timor and the Czech Republic. Dr. Zaw Wai Soe emphasized the need to engage with neighboring countries like China to address military control in various sectors. NUG's long-term planning focused on Myanmar's stability and existence, prioritizing the country's interests over short-term gains.

In conclusion, Dr. Zaw Wai Soe's speech offers a compelling narrative of dedication to democracy, healthcare reform, and the pursuit of a brighter future for Myanmar. His story reflects the resilience and determination of the people in the face of political upheaval, and it underscores the collective efforts of Myanmar's citizens and global supporters in the journey toward recovery and progress.