International EducationVET & TAFE
ANU Burma fracas – the studied bite back
That researcher Ashley South is upset his report received a strongly worded response from the Karen National Union (The Nation 22/08/11 and Campus Review 31/10/11) indicates both his naivety as a public writer and his arrogance. South cites two articles opposing his and another ‘Burma expert’s’ research, as proof that they are on the receiving end of something sinister. He claims the articles, “represent a ugly development…in a campaign to suppress alternative views regarding Burma” and stifle ‘freedom of expression’.
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I have been following this debate for a while and whole heartedly agree with Naw Paw Mu that South’s assertion that he is being ‘supressed’ and the defensive way he has engaged in this debate is truly shocking. He is researching a country that he knows has astounding suppression of freedom of expression, one would think he would be championing it. Deeply disappointing.
Thank you Naw Paw Mu Na for your contribution. South’s and other assertions need to be challenged. this is urgent for the academic community, and for development of effective foreign policy on Burma and real protection of human rights.