Part IX — When Law Becomes Stronger Than Power

You see, dear Nan, when true democracy exists and the law becomes stronger than politicians, everyone becomes safer.

In a genuine democratic society, even powerful institutions — the military, police, judges, prison authorities, and ruling parties — must remain under the law.

Only then can ordinary citizens live with dignity, security, and peace of mind.

Look at the village tracts governed by U Sa, U Kay, and U Eu. Their villagers are protected equally under established laws. Politicians there behave more like servants of the people rather than masters over them.

The people themselves are the true owners of the village.

Leaders must seek the people’s trust and approval in order to serve.

Perhaps this still feels difficult for you to imagine because you have spent your entire life inside Myanmar, where ordinary citizens were often treated like untouchables — placed at the very bottom of society while powerful authorities stood above the law.

But the world does not have to function that way forever.

Look at what happened in the villages of Ko Ger and Ma Ni.

Long ago their lands were divided by fences and armed guards. Many innocent people were even killed simply for crossing borders without permission.

Yet eventually the richer elder brother, Ko Ger, persuaded poor Ma Ni to remove the fence and reunite their separated villages into one community called Germany.

Now, under a genuine democratic system, the once poorer Ma Ni has even risen to become the leader of the united village.

That is the power of democracy and reconciliation.

So if you truly wish to marry U Ta Yoke, then ask him one important question first:

Would your children ever enjoy the same equality and opportunities there?

I honestly doubt it.

Even the children of his favourite wife, Ma Hong Kong, remain far from real political power.

And if U Ta Yoke sincerely loved Ma Tai Wan, he could demonstrate that love through trust, democracy, and equality — not merely through military pressure or repeated shows of force.

He could even allow one of Ma Tai Wan’s own villagers to become the head of the village one day.

I do not mention these examples to gossip about others, my dear. I only wish to remind you that not everything which glitters is gold.

That is why I continue trying to persuade you not to rush into another marriage.

Under true democracy, however, every race and religion should have equal opportunities.

Just look at Ko Kalar’s village.

Ko Mus Lim serves as chairman of the village council.

Ko Pan Char became the village head.

And Ma Italy — though originally from another village — rose to become one of the most influential figures there after marrying into Ko Kalar’s family and becoming a recognized citizen.

Once accepted as a full villager, she gained the same legal rights as everyone else — even the possibility of leading the village itself.

Of course, she was politically wise enough to calm extreme nationalists by allowing her close friend Ko Pan Char, a minority figure, to serve as village head instead.

Compare that with the mentality of Daw Than Shwe and her followers.

Our sister Daw Su was repeatedly denounced simply because she married a man from another village.

But such discrimination has no place in a genuine democracy.