Aung San Suu Kyi waving at her supporters outside her gate prior to being detained under house arrest and isolation in May 2003.

Former Legislator, Northwest Territories, Canada, 16 June 2005
I am very pleased to have this opportunity to wish you Happy 60th birthday along with a fervent wish that your seventh decade will soon bring you unconditional release from arrest and achievement of every one of the laudable goals of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Caucus on Democracy in Myanmar.

I want you to know that many of us in Canada, who deeply cherish the free society in which we live here, are with you in thought and spirit.

For sixteen years, until 1995, I had the honour of being a parliamentarian in a remote and territory of Canada’s far north, and I was very gratified, as a parliamentarian to have been involved in enhancing aboriginal rights and democratic rights, through the settlement of the Inuit land claim and the creation of a new territory from the former Northwest Territories, on April 1, 1999, called Nunavut.

Nunavut is a huge territory, which borders on three oceans and covers 1/5th of the land mass of Canada, located in Canada’s Eastern Arctic. Nunavut is the homeland of the Inuit of northern Canada (formerly called Eskimos) who are enjoying the benefits of the settlement of their aboriginal land claim in that territory, in 1993: financial compensation, land and land and resource management rights.

Also, they have established their own form of democracy through the Government of the Nunavut Territory, which reflects, in its composition, the 85% of Nunavut’s small but rapidly growing population (about 30,000 people) who are Inuit.

Those of us who were involved in this process to settle the Inuit land claim, which has made the Inuit the largest private landholders in North America, and create the new Nunavut territorial government, were always keenly aware that we should be grateful that although it took more than twenty years to realize our goals, we achieved these significant changes using the democratic system, and without bloodshed, violence or force of any kind.

We sincerely hope that the noble goals for self determination of the people of your country can be realized, inspired by your example, your leadership and endurance.

Member of Parliament (Malaysia); Secretary, AIPMC

“The military authorities of Myanmar have broken their promises to ASEAN and the world to release Aung San Suu Kyi.

Even with all their guns and soldiers, they are still unable to gain the enthusiastic support of the people of Burma, as Aung San Suu Kyi has. Her sincerity, concern and commitment to peace, democracy and development in Burma is more powerful than military weapons.

Her courage, persistence and innate humanity remains stronger than the bars of any prison.

This is why the military authorities are afraid to free her, and this is why the people of Burma have placed their hopes in her.

On the occasion of her 60th birthday, I am honoured to wish Aung San Suu Kyi good health and freedom. Her freedom will lead to freedom for the people of Burma as well.

Aung San Suu Kyi is a role model for all women working for peace, human rights and democracy in their communities.”

Former Senator and Minister, Republic of the Philippines, 15 June 2005

For as long as Aung San Suu Kyi remains in captivity, Burma in the eyes of nations of the world will always be viewed as a repressive Regime. It cannot take its place fully amongst the family of free nations towards mutual support, prosperity and modernization.

The release of Aung San Suu Kyi can only build the trust and respect of free men and will bring Burma closer to the family of free nations.

The military authorities of Myanmar must fulfill their commitment to free Aung San Suu Kyi, free Myanmar of its characterization as a repressive anti-democracy.

Former Chairperson of PD Burma
Former Danish Minister and Member of Parliament
Former Commissioner and President of OSCE-Parliament
Honourary member of the Council of Europe

Copenhagen, 14 June 2005

I would like to pay my tribute to Burma’s democracy leader and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi for her 60th birthday on 19 June.

Aung San Suu Kyi commands my deepest respect. Despite years of isolation and separation, she continues to remain the undisputed and rightful leader of her people. The people of Burma have shown again and again that they place their hope in her. They have chosen Aung San Suu Kyi to represent them and they continue to support and look up to her wise guidance.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s immediate and unconditional release is and has always been a necessary step for national reconciliation in Burma. In liberty, Aung San Suu Kyi will be able to play a role that will be of benefit to her country and its people, as well as to the region and to the world community.

Aung San Suu Kyi is a beacon of hope to her people and an example of civic courage and moral leadership to all of us. In 1989, citizens of the world rallied to free Nelson Mandela on his 70th birthday. In 2005 the world is rallying to demand Aung San Suu Kyi’s freedom. I would like to add my voice to their call.

I send you my warmest and most heartfelt wishes for the day, Aung San Suu Kyi.

8th June 2005

On the Occasion of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 60th Birthday: 19 June 2005

On the occasion of the 60th Birthday of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Caucus for Democracy in Myanmar (AIPMC) has launched a special web-portal for tributes and solidarity messages from serving and former legislators the world over, to the imprisoned Nobel Peace Laureate.

This can be accessed at:- http://www.aseanmp.org/suukyi.htm

2 June 2005

Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS),

30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace,

Pasir Panjang,

Singapore 119614.

The Singapore Caucus on Democracy in Myanmar was launched today at the ISEAS. The national-level caucus is the fifth caucus of its kind – on promoting democracy in Myanmar – to be formed nationally and is part of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC). The Singapore chapter comprises of Parliamentarians from Singapore’s ruling political party, the People’s Action Party.

Parliamentarian the Hon. Charles Chong acts as the caucus’ chair.