Dr. Tayza San, a prominent leader of Myanmar’s anti-coup movement, has called on the National Unity Government (NUG) to urgently implement reforms in order to secure the success of the ongoing revolution before it is too late.
In a social media post on 7 July, Dr. Tayza San stressed that while the NUG still enjoys strong public support, it continues to face major weaknesses in building a cohesive military command structure.
He warned that prolonged conflict is exposing critical issues in discipline and coordination among the so-called “three armed wings.”
Dr. Tayza San, who led the first protest against the 2021 military coup outside Mandalay Medical
University, said the NUG needs to clearly differentiate between the People’s Defence Force (PDF) and the People’s Defence Teams (PDT). PDTs operate as local guerrilla units He added that it is necessary to reinforce the PDFs and allow some units to fully transition into structured PDF forces.
He further argued that political legitimacy alone is no longer enough for the NUG to lead the revolution effectively. Reforms are urgently needed in financial transparency, administrative efficiency, and adaptability to new developments on the ground.
“With the Military Council pushing to legitimize itself through sham elections and reinforcing its ranks under the People’s Military Service Law, the NUG must respond with immediate and strategic reforms,” he said.
In recent months, the NUG has encouraged its overseas officials to return. On 26 November 2024 and again on 1 January 2025, Acting President Duwa Lashi La publicly urged members to come back and contribute to operations within the country. Following those appeals, Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, the NUG’s Minister of Health and Education, returned to Myanmar.
