Publication Type
Editorial
Version
publishedVersion
Publication Date
10-2013
Abstract
In a commentary about the political and economic changes in Myanmar, SMU Associate Professor of Law and NMP Eugene Tan opined that deep-seated sectarian conflict could prove to be the Achilles heel of Myanmar’s reforms. He noted that the mere introduction of democracy anywhere will not miraculously transform voters into fair-minded citizens and that democracy requires the rule of law, a minimal level of education and political maturity, or it would degenerate into the tyranny of majority rule where might is right. Associate Prof Tan said that Myanmar must guard against this tendency and embrace the rich diversity in its ethnic make-up. He also noted that there must be the political will to implement laws and policies that are fair and equal, notwithstanding the ethnic Burman majority and the special position of Buddhism in Myanmar.
Discipline
Asian Studies | Political Economy
Research Areas
Public Interest Law, Community and Social Justice
Publication
Today
First Page
12
Last Page
17
ISSN
7237-4163
Publisher
Singapore Mediacorp Press
Citation
EUGENE, Tan K. B..
Overcoming fear of the ‘other’. (2013). Today. 12-17.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sol_research/3754
Creative Commons License
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