Erasing History, Redefining Legitimacy

The statues of Aung San, Myanmar’s founding father, are being systematically dismantled across the country. Officially, they were erected with “incorrect proportions and shapes.” But analysts see a deliberate attempt to erase his presence from public life, stripping democratic legitimacy from his daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Aung San’s legacy is complex: he founded Myanmar’s military, united its diverse ethnic groups, and led the nationalist movement that won independence from British colonial rule in 1948. His statues have watched over the nation for decades, many erected during the brief democratic interlude when his daughter governed through her National League for Democracy (NLD). The removal of these statues is not just a rewriting of history; it’s a brazen move to redefine legitimacy.

For Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD, this development is a stark reminder that their democratic credentials are under siege. The military’s actions aim to discredit the elected government they overthrew in February 2021 by erasing Aung San’s legacy and diminishing his daughter’s regime. This cynical ploy exploits Myanmar’s deep cultural attachment to Aung San’s image.

The removal of Aung San’s statues also threatens national identity, a long-simmering issue in Myanmar. The country has struggled with ethnic diversity and regionalism. Aung San’s nationalist movement was seen as a unifying force, bringing together various groups under a common banner. By removing his statues, the military risks exacerbating these tensions and undermining any attempt to build a cohesive national narrative.

James Char, an assistant professor at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, notes that this campaign will take years to complete, if it succeeds at all. However, what benefits does Min Aung Hlaing, the general-turned-president who is courting regional recognition after a widely discredited election? The answer is unclear.

The parallels with authoritarian regimes like China’s Great Leap Forward and North Korea’s Kim Il-sung cult are striking. Leaders have sought to redefine legitimacy by rewriting history in these cases as well. Myanmar’s military may be making a strategic miscalculation by erasing Aung San’s legacy, alienating not just their domestic opponents but also the global community that has supported Myanmar’s democratic aspirations.

The consequences of this action will be far-reaching and complex. As the statues are dismantled, so too is a sense of national identity carefully constructed over decades. The implications for Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD are clear: they must navigate a treacherous landscape where their legitimacy is constantly under attack.

The future of Myanmar’s democracy hangs in the balance. Will the international community continue to support the beleaguered regime, or will it be forced to abandon ship in the face of mounting pressure from the military? The outcome of this battle will have far-reaching implications for the region and beyond.

The removal of Aung San’s statues serves as a stark reminder that Myanmar’s struggle for democracy is far from over. As the generals continue their campaign, they must be reminded that history cannot be erased with a simple stroke of a pen or a bulldozer. The ghosts of Aung San’s past will haunt them still – and so too will the international community’s unwavering commitment to Myanmar’s democratic aspirations.