Only a few days to go now and this incredible event leads the Otago Daily Times Entertainment section today: https://www.odt.co.nz/entertainment/music/making-some-noise-myanmar
Continuing our introduction of people taking part in the show on Thursday night, meet our hosts for the night, Dr Har Mar, a physician at Wakari Hospital and Ingrid Leary, MP for Taieri (Photo shows Ingrid Leary during her time in Myanmar)
Firstly, Dr Hay Mar sums up why this show is being staged:
"Myanmar is in deep, dark, violent crisis and the people there struggling for democracy and freedom, they need our help. This wonderful multimedia show, with an incredible line-up of exceptional talent from all corners, is our way of transforming the negative into a positive.”
We asked them both for why they decided to take part:
Dr Hay Mar:
I decided to take part because I just can't be watching millions of people are suffering because of a ruthless dictator and his terrorist gang. My help may be just a little support but I really want to show our defiance to junta, and our thirst for freedom and democracy.
Ingrid Leary, MP:
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Myanmar several times and work there in my previous role with the British Council. It has a special place in my heart, as do the people there – some of whom are former colleagues. Standing in the previous Burmese Parliament in Yangon where Aung San Suu Kyi’s politician father was shot to death in 1947 was very moving. It showed me the whakapapa of violence and the whakapapa of the struggle for freedom. The free world has a duty to stand up for those who are struggling to have their human rights recognised. I believe that increasingly more of our international relationships including trade relationships will necessarily be based on values and on a rules-based system.
What are your hopes for the night?
Dr Hay Mar:
I do hope the audience will know what is happening in Myanmar, hope to value the freedom and democracy we have here in New Zealand, and hope to able to help Myanmar in any way they can.
Ingrid Leary, MP:
I hope that lots of people attend, everyone enjoys their evening, we all learn something more than we already know. I hope that we use the social cohesion we build from the event to stand in solidarity of each other and of our brothers and sisters overseas who are fighting for democracy and for human rights.
What are your hopes for Myanmar?
Dr Hay Mar:
To win the fight against junta and restore peace and freedom, at all cost. I also hope international bodies will take action against unlawful junta, rather than issuing statements.
Ingrid Leary, MP:
I utterly condemn the horrific increase of lethal violence used by Myanmar’s military against civilians. My deep sympathy is with the victims, the survivors and their families. I want to see the violence stop and for those responsible to be held to account. The military must release political and civic leaders and return Myanmar to civilian rule.
The NZ Government has expressed our outrage through a range of statements and engagement in multilateral fora including the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council. We have announced a range of measures responding to the military coup. This includes suspending high level political and military bilateral engagement, a travel ban on military leaders, and ensuing our aid programme is not channeled through the military government. We welcome the outcomes of the 24 April ASEAN Leaders’ meeting and acknowledge the important role of ASEAN in any regional issues, including this matter.
