As the elections draw close, one of the most respected a Shan monk who wishes to remain unidentified, has warned people of Shan State to take the opportunity offered to them and strive for unity.

His two-point advice was clearly aimed at the politicians:

Before deciding to become a candidate, one should consult with one’s own community, because one’s well being as well as the community’s are inseparably intertwined

Shans in different parties must try to emulate the Muslims of Thailand. The Thai Muslims may be members of opposing parties, but in general they never take part in the inter-party conflicts. While others become bitter enemies, they remain friends with each other

Dr. Sai Mawk Kham, who is contesting for the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), while campaigning in Lashiio, the capital of Shan State North yesterday, mentioned that most Shan candidates are to be found in two parties: the USDA and the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP).

“It is up to you (the voters) who you will cast your votes for,” he said. “I, for most of my life, have been actively involved in the preservation and promotion of Shan language and culture. But, in spite of this, there has been a lot of attacks on me. Quite a number of them have been exaggerations.”

Sai Mawk Kham, who has a clinic in Lashio Yu Li Kha  (Be Healthy), since his university days in the late 1960’s, has been active in the anti-literacy campaigns. He was reportedly Gaung Khauk Ywe (knocked on the head and chosen) by junta authorities early in the year to run for the then yet to be named junta party.