Khine Nwe Win — “There aren’t any universities for young people in Kawthoung. Kawthoung’s education level is extremely low. There have been cases of young people having to work in the bordering country due to a lack of jobs even though they are university graduates. So, I will work towards obtaining a guarantee for young people,” says Ko Zaw Min Htike (also) Ko Kyaw Thu, a candidate running for the Tanintharyi Regional Parliament from Kawthoung Constituency 2.
Q: Where are you running as an independent candidate?
A: I’m running for a seat in the [Tanintharyi] Regional Parliament from Kawthoung.
Q: Have you carried out any political activities in the past? If so, please tell us.
A: I served as the ward/village chairman for the National League for Democracy (NLD) in 2010. Then, I submitted letters of appeal concerning confiscated land in Dawei, Myeik, and Kawthoung to the government. I have also participated in protests.
Q: Tell us how you came to run as an independent candidate after serving as the ward/village chairman in the NLD.
Q: After taking my position in 2010, I resigned in 2012. After I resigned, I have worked on land confiscation issues in Dawei. While working on the protests that are held due to the inability to solve land issues, I split from the party and am now running in this election.
Q: Tell us about your campaign and your chance of winning as an independent candidate.
A: The campaign is doing well. I have to struggle against the big parties as I’m an independent candidate. The big parties are moving with their own principles. I rally for votes by telling the public about my activities. I tell them about my political activities. As a young man, I explain about my activities for roads and communication, trade, economic, fishery, electricity, and youth and drugs issues. I give promises regarding what I will do for the public’s benefit if I get into the parliament.
Q: What are the challenges in the campaigning?
A: My challenge is the budget. I’m poor. I am running while operating an orchard business. I can’t use pamphlets as much as I want unlike others. I can’t use as I want even for this small matter. These are the challenges.
Q: You have said that you will submit the promises you’ve made in your campaign in the parliament if you win. Please tell us what kind of actual benefits you will bring to the area if you win.
A: There aren't any universities for young people in Kawthoung. Kawthoung’s education level is extremely low. There have been cases of young people having to work in the bordering country due to a lack of jobs even though they are university graduates. So, I will work towards obtaining a guarantee for young people. Regarding the land issue, I’m going to work for the public to receive housing after getting back confiscated lands from the group of cronies.
Q: Do you have any plans to carry them out if you lose in the election?
A: Even if I don’t win, I will do the best of my capabilities to carry out what needs to be done if I see the public suffering.
Brief biography
Name: U Zaw Min Htike (a) U Kyaw Thu
Date of Birth: 20.8.1982
Age: 33
Party/Politics: Served as NLD ward/village chairman in 2010 and protested on behalf of farmers whose lands have been confiscated
Race: Dawei
Religion: Buddhist
Occupation: Orchard business
