After the abolishment of the three big chin parties, the opening ceremony of Chin National League for Democracy (CNLD), forming local CEC members and public consultation were conducted across the Chin State. In terms of the current situation, future possibilities of the party, the commentary on Myanmar and Chin Politics, The interview of U Ngai Sak, a chairperson of CNLD was made.

CW: We currently saw that the opening ceremony of new offices and forming the new committees of CNLD. Which townships have you formed the local committees in?

ANS: We received registration on 11th, July 2019. A week after we have got registration, the three Chairpersons including central committee members opened the local party offices in Kanpalet, Mindat and Matupi in Chin State. We were warmly welcomed in every township where we have been. Although a trip plan to Paletwa has been set up, we were suggested by the local people not to come under insecure situation and we will go as soon as when the situation is getting better. In next time, from 20th August, public consultation will be conducted and local offices will be opened continuously in Thantlang, Hakah, Tonzan, Kalay, Tamu, Khampat, Khatkaw and Htiling. Moreover, Trips to Rakhine and Magwe will be made.

CW: CNLD used to be established in 1988 and run 1990 election. Why the name of CNLD was adopted again? You used to be the first General Secretary of CNLD and you might have something to comment.

ANS: CNLD used to be a historic party which was born from 88 uprising. Since the forming stage, the objectives of party were assuredly developed and founded together with Salai Ram Ling Hmung, the chairperson. We run 1990 election and won three seats. When the current three political parties came together, based on the acclaimed name of party since 1998 and due to being a historic party of 1988, CNLD proposed by CLD was agreed by all after inclusive discussion.

CW: What might be the significant part of CNLD to be voted by the Chin People among other parties such as NLD and USDP which run the entire country? Some criticized that involvement in national level party might secure more seats, referring the example of U Nu and PU Za Hre Lain. If there is a situation like that, what might be the reason to choose the Chin party?  On the other hand, there was an example that the Chin political parties won in 2010 but there was not any significant progress.

ANS: I would like to answer this question in four parts. There are many reasons why the chin people should vote for CNLD rather than NLD, USDP. None of the two parties has any significant provisioned policies for Chin State. So, it means that they don’t have policies for the Chin people. Only CNLD has special national policies for the Chin people. Furthermore, NLD and USDP focus only on the development which depends on the Union and State’ budget.

Due to lack of ethnic based policies, culture, language and the value of Chin people will not be upgraded. CNLD, because of being a chin party, will promote any affairs related with national issues and development affairs. Without being enforcement of the provisioned law that can confiscate the customary land in easy way, land affair should be managed in line with customary law. In order to re-claiming the rights of self-determination and the rights of freedom, everyone who loves the Chin needs to vote the party.

The reason of centralized appointment which often practiced by Burmese leader, Pu Za Hre Lain left Chin National Congress in Pasapala era and moved to Pasapala League. Those who power centered people were often dependent on giant parties. Instead of facing   centralized administration practiced by Burmese leaders, surrendering themselves to the system often made the objectives of the Chin ethnic deficiency.

There are   opportunities not only to become the prime minister but also to become the speaker and deputy speaker of Chin State according to 2008 constitution. We can do many things for the Chin people. Even if the position of prime minister is not attained, the governing bodies can be checked to hold accountabilities form legislature body. For example, bit competition, budget distribution, corruption and land confiscation will be made transparent and justice without degradation to public, standing firm on the side of people.  

The two chin parties used to exist in 2010. Both CNP and CPP attained only 11 seats and majorities of seats were occupied by USDP. As a result, the position of Prime minister and the position of speaker of State Hluwtdaw were also accordingly attained. That was the reason why Hluwtdaw did not have any opportunities to apply power in the State Parliament. However, the capabilities of representatives from both Chin parties had tenth times than representatives from NLD and USPD in Union Level. They had opportunities to present their proposal freely. In during four year term, it has been seen that the presentations of Pu Paw Lian Lwin and Pi Za Hlem from The Chin parities were much more effective than the representatives of NLD were. Even if the representatives of giant parties have opportunities to present, with regard to some critical issue such as federal case; they would propose under the guidance of Central Committees.

CW: How certain extend of expectation you put as the Chin party on the upcoming election in 2020. Which townships are supposed to be won?  

ANS: It is expected to win in 7 out of 9 townships in Chin State and we won’t lose totally in the rest two townships. The seats of ethic affair ministry in Sigaing, Magwe and Rakine are expected to attain.

CW: In terms of selecting party candidates, what qualifications are expected to apply and then are they selected by township committees? or what might be the roles of CEC?

ANS: The candidates will be selected under the coordination of central and local committees. The central committee will give final approval over the lists of nominees. The guidelines for qualification and other requirement are still on the process of developing. It will be finalized in November and December.

CW: Are there any activities of the party and how does the party survive financially. What might be other challenges for CNLD?

ANS: The main challenge is finance. For national affair, we support on our own and need to give time. Belonging dependent mind of some Chin to giant parties is the challenge rather than having self-esteem. Some are weak to analyze the political arena and give just confidence in the giant parties. Political awareness trainings have to be conducted not only to village levels but also to township levels.

CW: Do you have a plan to run again in 2020 election? State or Union?

ANS: I have not decided yet. If I do, I prefer to go state parliament.

CW: For Alliance, Which Alliance will be chosen UNA or NBF? Have you discussed about it?

ANS: We agreed to make decision on it by the end of 2019.

CW: The one who has involved in national affair, what might be your dream of the future Chin State? What position might be said that your dream have come true.

ANS: For chin national affair, national equality in which the same position we can discuss with Burmese Leader, self-determination, setting federal union and returning rights to our hands are required to initiate. Furthermore,  I will be pleased, after federal system has been guaranteed and the time when the Chin state constitution which brings Zomi, Asho, Lai, Cho, Thado-Kuki, Matu, Mara together under the umbrella of Chin has been adopted and equality for all the chin tribes has been assured. When the day comes, I will no longer involve in politics but will devote to rule of law with my profession. Thank you.