Zaw Myint Maung, a close ally of detained Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, passed away on Monday at the age of 72, after a battle with leukaemia. He had spent around two decades in prison for resisting Myanmar’s military and was a key figure in the National League for Democracy (NLD). Zaw Myint Maung was detained following the military coup in 2021 and was recently released on health grounds, only to succumb to his illness shortly thereafter. His death is a significant loss for the NLD, as he held the position of vice-chairman within the party.
A senior party source confirmed Zaw Myint Maung’s passing, expressing sadness at the loss and stating that despite the expectation of his eventual death due to the circumstances, it is still difficult to come to terms with. The focus now, they said, is to continue working towards democracy with the leadership they have. Zaw Myint Maung’s death comes at a challenging time for Myanmar, with the country grappling with the aftermath of the military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and reinstalled military rule.
Zaw Myint Maung had been a prominent figure in Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement since 1988 when he led a doctors’ strike as part of the massive uprisings that brought Aung San Suu Kyi into the political spotlight. He joined the NLD in 1989 and was imprisoned for his activism for nearly 20 years by the military regime. After the NLD’s victory in the 2015 elections and the subsequent democratic reforms, he became the chief minister of the Mandalay region. Aung San Suu Kyi described him as a loyal comrade who had been by their side since the party’s inception.
The European Union delegation to Myanmar criticized the charges brought against Zaw Myint Maung as politically motivated and condemned the harsh conditions of his detention prior to his release. They also questioned the sincerity of the government’s gesture in pardoning him only hours before his passing, calling it a lack of genuine clemency. Zaw Myint Maung’s death serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of democracy and justice in Myanmar, even in the face of adversity and repression.
The loss of Zaw Myint Maung is felt deeply within the NLD and Myanmar’s wider pro-democracy movement, as he was a respected and dedicated leader who had sacrificed much for the cause. His passing underscores the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Myanmar, particularly in light of the military’s recent actions to suppress dissent and quash democratic aspirations. As the country continues to grapple with political turmoil and uncertainty, the legacy of leaders like Zaw Myint Maung will remain a source of inspiration and strength for those who continue to fight for a better future for Myanmar.
