Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at Shwedagon pagoda after her release from house arrest in 2002

Listeners from Bangladesh, Burma, Czech Republic, Finland, Japan, Singapore, and the USA asked questions to Dr Zarni and Col Khun Okkar in BBC studios in Oxford and Bangkok respectively. Listeners also put forward their questions to NLD spokesperson U Nyan Win in Rangoon via telephone line.

Telephone lines are closed now. But you can comment on the programme.

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How crucial is Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's role in the future of Burma? Is this kind of Aung San Suu Kyi-centric way of thinking pragmatic for the political developments in Burma?

The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far..

The special discussion programme on the evening of June 19th was great and thank you for it however a few answers were not clear and unsatisfactory. The question of U Aung Saw Oo from Washington D.C for an opinion of Dr. Zar Ni regarding the result of 1990 elections and National Convention was not directly answered. The question of Ko Sitko Naing from Czech Republic for an opinion of U Nyan Win in regards to whether the NLD has an acting leader like Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to continue the pro-democracy movements in the country while she’s being put under house arrest was not clear as well. Indeed, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s role in the future of Burma is a crucial.
Aung Myint, Canada

I do not think Daw Aung San Suu Kyi wants to be the leader. She is just guiding the people and showing patience to the public while paving the way towards democratic Burma.
Sai Hla Hsengyoi, Chiangmai, Thailand

I think it is time to reposition the policy of opposition groups for the demoncraticisation in Burma. No more proof is necessary to ses that economic sanction is ineffective without neighbors' cooperation. So far, I don't see any signs that neighbors' willingness to act together with the West. Lifting of economic sanctions could ease tension with the Burmese government because if the opposition change its view on economic sanctions then there is a common ground. Without a common ground, talks couldn't be initiated.
Wunpawng, Burma

Well . . this question is a bit difficult to answer. The future of Burma is entirely depending upon her, particularly on her age and health status, I have to say. As she is getting old now and being under house-arrest for ages, her health status is not as good as before, I assume obviously. It is a sad situation for our democratic revolution. She is unreplaceable and we can only see the woman like her once in our life time. Sadly, she won't be able to do much more on political developments in the future, I dare say. So her role will not be that crucial in about another decade. We can only pray that the next democratic leader be as genius and strong enough as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Moreover, doing politics need to be pragmatic at some points but not always need to be. Hope for the best for Burmese people.
Dr Awe, London, UK

I love my country but still the political problems are not settled yet. I love my national hero Bo Aung San and Daw Aung San Suu kyi. I would like to say all people in burma help to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Aung Kyaw Nyunt (Kachin), Thailand

I don't think that NLD can't do for the people because this party without Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, has no intention to do anything good for the Burmese people and their lives. They are waiting for Aung San Su Kyi. I think they can't do anything without her.
Ko Ko, Yangon, Myanmar

After this interesting BBC programme, a verse I learned at Primary school echoed vividly in my mind. It says "Is this cart too heavy to move out of thick mud? Think! it can move IF you all push together." It is probably the answer.
Nwe, Sheffield, UK