Without knowledge, one cannot make correct decisions and can harm the surrounding environment, says Min Aung Hlaing

Without knowledge, one cannot make correct decisions and can harm not only oneself but also the surrounding environment, says Min Aung Hlaing

September 1

A ceremony honoring students who excelled in the university entrance examination and the industrial, agricultural, and livestock breeding university entrance examinations was held on the morning of August 31 at the Naypyitaw State Academy graduation hall in Naypyitaw, and coup leader Min Aung Hlaing attended and delivered a speech.

In his speech, Min Aung Hlaing urged that "without knowledge, one lacks the ability to make correct decisions and can be led astray by false beliefs, harming not only oneself but also the surrounding environment; one should cultivate the habit of reading widely in order to be full of wisdom and good moral character."

"I would say that he is not just lacking in reason but completely devoid of it. The coup that has utterly destroyed the country is the clearest evidence of a lack of knowledge. His actions did not merely harm a small surrounding environment as he claims. They have driven the entire country into a severe decline toward being a failed state," a politician told the outlet.

Furthermore, Min Aung Hlaing urged that "young people going abroad to work is a great loss to the state and causes the loss of many national resources, so young people should apply the knowledge taught in their own country and fully benefit and repay their country and their people."

"Our young people did not willingly leave for other countries. It was only because of porter conscription and forced military conscription destroying young people's futures that they had no choice but to flee abroad. Even those who work abroad and return for brief visits are being arrested, so no one dares to return. During the time of the people's government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, many young people and adults abroad returned. They were enthusiastically planning to contribute their skills to national development. If the country truly had security and a hopeful future, who would want to leave their homeland and family?" a Myanmar citizen in Thailand told the outlet.

The UN Human Rights Office has warned that Myanmar citizens continue to face airstrikes, arson attacks, and displacement, and that Myanmar's already dire human rights situation has fallen to a "new low."