Download Burma has recently been thrust into the international spotlight.
Following the landslide victory of the National League for Democracy in the April by-election and Aung San Suu Kyi finally taking a seat in parliament – Burma is being hailed as Asia’s newest democracy.
But the government continues to limit the public, and sometimes political, activities of Burma’s Buddhist monks.
After the 2007 Saffron Revolution, monks must now obtain government permission to give a public speech – including details of its content.
Prominent monk Ashin Pyinnyar Thiha is banned from giving any speeches and was recently evicted from his monastery in Rangoon.
Citra Dyah Prastuti travels to Hmaw-Bi Township on the outskirts of Rangoon to meet him.
Download Dubbed as Asia’s newest democracy, Burma is moving away from authoritarian rule and embracing a new wave of openness.
But just how free is it?
Citra Prastuti joins a cheering crowd for the opening ceremony for a new branch of Aung San Suu Kyi National League for Democracy Party (NLD) in Rangoon.
Download It’s one word in the parliament’s oath – ‘to safeguard’ – that ends up with empty seats for the National League for Democracy when the Burma’s parliament started early this week.
It’s not a boycott, says NLD’s Aung San Suu Kyi, but they’re just waiting for the right time.
Technically, it’s just one word in the pledge, but many see it as the first ‘political test’ that could lead to future deadlock between long time rivals.
Download After the historic by-election win by Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi, now comes a historic ceasefire.
Last week, the Karen National Union signed a pact with the Burmese government, raising hope of a permanent end to one of the world’s oldest civil conflicts.
Burma’s civil war has been going on for more than six decades, since independence in 1948.
A dozen major ethnic groups have fought against the government – including the Karen.
The Karen is the third biggest ethnic group in Burma.
Download Burma is celebrating Aung San Suu Kyi’s win in last weekend’s by-elections.
Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party won 43 out of 45 seats contested.
But only around six per cent of parliamentary seats were up for grabs – leaving the military still in control.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations marked the event by calling for international sanctions on Burma to be lifted, to help the democratic process.
The United States has announced it will further ease sanctions against Burma, while European Union leaders had said earlier that they would consider taking similar steps.
Since the political transition began in 2010, Burma’s government has impressed observers with the pace of change – it’s released many political prisoners and relaxed media restrictions.
But the real test comes now – as Suu Kyi’s small minority tries to promote deeper reforms in Parliament.
As Nay Thwin reports, the hopes of Burma’s people are now higher than ever.
