Misspelling Irritates Generals

RANGOON — An information leaflet from the junta's Ministry of Information promoting the annual Traditional Performing Arts Competition has an irksome misspelling of a Burmese word that has iritated and embarrassed the military leadership.

The misspelling of one Burmese word occured in the title of a play meant to honor the Tatmadaw (military). Instead of  “Sons as Valuable as Treasure,” the title read “Sons Who Make Their Parents Suffer.”

The information leaflets have been distributed to a wide audience, including the generals.

"When the leaflets were distributed, they created widespread gossip among government servants," said an officer at the Ministry of Labor in Naypyidaw

The misspelling may be unintentional, but if was intentional the person responsible could be punished because it aroused the generals’ anger, he said.

There was a similar incident in 1999 when the junta's official newspaper Kyae Mon (The Mirror) printed "World Renowned Liar" above of a photograph of former intelligence chief and junta strong man, Gen. Khin Nyunt. Two employees from the newspaper, U Hla Han and U Tha Win, were arrested and one of them died during interrogation.    

The competition, to be held on Oct. 18, is designed to promote traditional performing arts. Held since 1993, the contest has showcased talented young men and women who can sing, dance, compose music and play instruments in tradtional Burmese style.

The junta has ordered soldiers and civil servants in Naypyidaw and the local population to attend the competition, according to sources. 

Similar national art skills and performance contests are organized annually to promote national culture but they attract limited interest among artists, and sources said few contestants have signed up for the competition this year, which will be held in the Agricultural and Veterinary Schools.