Thet Lwin Burmese politician died at 83

Nai Thet Lwin (20 October 1940 – 20 September 2023) was an ethnic Mon Myanmar politician who served as the Minister of Ethnic Affairs in the government of President Htin Kyaw. Thet Lwin's political career was deeply rooted in Myanmar's ethnic politics, and he played an instrumental role in the formation of several political parties and movements.

Early Life and Education

Born to Aung Nyein and Khin Thein in Kawkareik Township, Kayin State, Thet Lwin pursued his studies at Moulmein College (now Mawlamyine University), where he studied philosophy. At the young age of 18, he began his political journey by joining the Mon Development Party. After graduating in 1970, he committed himself to the preservation and teaching of Mon literature and culture.

Political Career: A Journey Through Turbulence

In 1988, Thet Lwin played a key role in bringing Mon politicians together at his residence to form the Mon National Democratic Front (MNDF), as part of Myanmar's historic "8888" pro-democracy movement. He ran for a seat in the Mon State capital, Mawlamyine, in the 1990 election. However, following the election, the MNDF was banned, prompting him to venture into various businesses, including rubber, fisheries processing, food exports, and hotels. In 2011, he took part in peace talks with the Mon National Liberation Army.

With the lifting of the ban on political parties in 2012, Thet Lwin helped reestablish the MNDF. He was also a founding member of the United Nationalities Alliance in 2015, which aimed to unify eight ethnic minority political parties in Myanmar. During his tenure as the Minister of Ethnic Affairs, which began in 2015, he emphasized the need for a federal system in Myanmar and stressed the importance of democracy and the rule of law. He pledged to follow the instructions of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Chairperson of the National League for Democracy (NLD).

Personal Life and Legacy

Nai Thet Lwin was married to Kyin Than and had four children, including Mi Kon Chan, who followed in her father's political footsteps and was elected an MP for the NLD for Paung Township in the 2015 election.

Thet Lwin passed away from a heart attack in Yangon on 20 September 2023, at the age of 83. He leaves behind a legacy of being a steadfast advocate for Myanmar's ethnic minorities and for democracy.

Nai Thet Lwin's life serves as a testament to the resilience and dedication it takes to navigate Myanmar's complex political landscape, especially with regards to ethnic affairs. His contributions to the political empowerment of Myanmar's ethnic minorities will remain an enduring part of his legacy.