Overcoming fear of the ‘other’

• Main Author: EUGENE, Tan K. B.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2013
• Subjects: Asian Studies; Political Economy
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sol_research/3754; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sol_research/article/5712/viewcontent/today_20131017_1.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

In a commentary about the political and economic changes in Myanmar, SMU Associate Professor of Law and NMP Eugene Tan opined that deep-seated sectarian conflict could prove to be the Achilles heel of Myanmar’s reforms. He noted that the mere introduction of democracy anywhere will not miraculously transform voters into fair-minded citizens and that democracy requires the rule of law, a minimal level of education and political maturity, or it would degenerate into the tyranny of majority rule where might is right. Associate Prof Tan said that Myanmar must guard against this tendency and embrace the rich diversity in its ethnic make-up. He also noted that there must be the political will to implement laws and policies that are fair and equal, notwithstanding the ethnic Burman majority and the special position of Buddhism in Myanmar.