Saw Ba U Gyi

Who is Saw Ba U Gyi?

Saw Ba U Gyi was the first President of the Karen National Union. Ba U Gyi graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Rangoon University in 1925 and studied law in England, passing the English bar in 1927. From 1937 to 1939, he served as the Minister of Revenue of British Burma, and from February to April 1947, as the Minister for Transport and Communications of Burma. He was killed in ambush by the Burmese Army on 12 August 1950.

Ba U Gyi's four principles are still held as the guiding Principles of the Revolution of the Karen National Union:

Surrender is out of the question

The recognition of the Karen State must be completed.

We shall retain our arms.

We shall decide our own political destiny.