State Counsellor wrote on her Facebook page yesterday that she wished everyone would be able to overcome by working together strenuously for the country not only for COVID but for all other challenges that they might have to encounter. This was what she wrote:

Although I keep reminding again and again, it is not surprising that there might be some who might turn a deaf ear to my words. Among such people, there might be some who might have been deeply shocked by 19 June news that 23 new COVID positive cases have been found. I hope that instead of feeling troubled with anxiety, they would take this as a lesson.

Just as I have presented to the people a few days ago, we have been able to overcome the first COVID wave by following the rules laid down by the Ministry of Health. We need to prepare ourselves to overcome bigger challenges.

These new cases are people who came back from foreign countries but never had to live according to the necessary rules for protection against the disease. I don’t wish to heap blame on anyone; rather I wish all to remember this as an opportunity to learn. We must remember to be on our guard. We must not turn our backs on rules. We haven’t won our battle against COVID. We are still fighting an offensive battle against COVID so that it doesn’t defeat us.

It is a lesson that life has taught us that just as there may be people who are easy to teach, there are also those who are difficult to teach. On 19 June I became 75 years old and thus I have experienced quite a large number of life lessons. Everyone can change to become better if there is a will.

I want our people to strive hard to become people with exemplary spiritual strength and will power. This is not my birthday wish but my wish for every day. I was encouraged and energized on my birthday by the voices of my supporters who were helping me in many ways for the fulfilment of my wish. I am also grateful. If I begin to tell you about how much I feel grateful, it would never end.

May you all be able to overcome by working together strenuously for the country not only for COVID but for all other challenges that you might have to encounter! 

(Translated by Kyaw Myaing)