A Nation That Never Rewards Its True Patriots

Dr Ko Ko Gyi @ Abdul Rahman Zafrudin

Proposed Medals to award to Burmese Democracy Activists

The late eminent journalist Ludu Daw Amar once sighed with weary wisdom:

“Ah… our country’s karma has never favored the truly good and capable people. Whether during the struggle for independence or after freedom was gained, countless noble souls sacrificed their lives for the nation. Yet, despite their devotion and suffering, they never received the rewards they deserved. That, my dear, is the saddest thing of all.”

Among the “noble souls” she referred to were General Aung San, Ko Ba Hein, Ko Rashid, the revered Sayagyi U Razak, and even Thakin Than Tun—individuals who gave their lives for Burma’s independence and dignity.

Today, decades later, her words still echo painfully true.
There are countless people who have sacrificed their lives and livelihoods, been detained and tortured in notorious interrogation centers, become disabled, or left their loved ones to go underground or into rebellion. Many have been displaced within the country or forced to live abroad as refugees. Thousands who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) lost their jobs, houses, shops, and all their possessions. Others devoted their time, energy, and limited resources to support the 8888 Revolution, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the National League for Democracy (NLD)—only to be forgotten once power was achieved.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s cold remark still pierces like a dagger through their hearts:

“I don’t need the woodcutters anymore; I need the wood sculptors now.”

Even General Ne Win, for all his dictatorship and the ruin he brought under the BSPP regime, at least recognized those who contributed to independence. He granted them titles, positions, and public honors. Hard-working citizens, outstanding students, veterans, even rebels who surrendered, and dedicated civil servants were acknowledged and rewarded.

But in the new Myanmar, worse still is the religious and racial discrimination—especially against Muslims, particularly those of mixed heritage. Discrimination extends also to Christians and non-Bamar ethnic minorities, though in varying degrees.

Ironically, under the old Burma Star medal regulations, even navy or air force personnel who served just in a designated war zone were eligible for recognition. Yet in present-day Myanmar, those who have sacrificed the most for the nation’s democracy and freedom are neither recognized nor remembered.

As the Spring Revolution continues, one must ask:
Will the future Federal Democratic Union of Myanmar finally honor its true patriots—those who fought, suffered, and sacrificed without reward?
Or will it, too, forget its own woodcutters once the sculptures are complete?

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