It has been over four years since the terrorist military seized power in 2021 and began brutally killing civilians. While the military attempts to cover up their war crimes and atrocities against the public through various means, they consistently use film, music, and entertainment events to divert public attention and propagate the message that life continues normally under military rule. Among the many pro-military artists, singers, and actors who help spread military propaganda, Sai Sai Kham Leng stands at the forefront. He is preparing for a post-birthday show in Yangon on May 24, and plans to release one of his biggest films, ‘Pancha Let Moe,’ on June 27.
At a time when countless civilians have lost their lives, it is no longer appropriate to support artists who remain silent instead of criticizing, mourning, or standing with the people, and who continue to organize events and perform art in accordance with the military’s wishes solely for personal gain. During Sai Sai’s recent performance at Spicy in Thailand, he initiated efforts to undermine the public’s revolutionary spirit and determination, even as some Myanmar people in Thailand showed their support. While young revolutionary fighters sacrifice their possessions, lives, and futures to fight injustice, Sai Sai Kham Leng performs songs with lyrics promoting passivity and submission, effectively using art to indirectly support the dictatorship.
Although Sai Sai Kham Leng is one of Myanmar’s most prominent singers and artists, he chose neutrality and silence during the public’s suffering. He prioritized personal achievement over justice. While the entire population fights for liberation, he continues to organize events with military permission and conduct international performance tours, showing disregard for the suffering public. His actions, including releasing new songs and continuing to produce films like the upcoming ‘Pancha Let Moe’ scheduled for June 27, along with planning a show in Yangon on May 24, represent attempts to normalize the situation and spread artistic propaganda suggesting a return to normalcy amid oppression.
Sai Sai Kham Leng’s approach of maintaining silence about injustices while continuing his entertainment activities under military approval, including international tours and performances, not only disrespects the entire suffering population but also serves to pacify public resistance through art. His actions demonstrate a clear choice to prioritize personal success over standing with the people during their struggle for freedom and justice. This pattern of behavior, including his acceptance of military-given awards and continued participation in military-approved entertainment events, reflects his position as a prominent figure who has chosen to work within the military regime’s system rather than support the public’s fight for democracy.
