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HomeCrimeFFSS pledges help to family of slain ‘hero’ Nay Win

FFSS pledges help to family of slain ‘hero’ Nay Win

The Free Funeral Service Society in Rangoon (FFSS) has pledged to look out for the welfare of the family of taxi driver Nay Win, who was shot dead yesterday by the assailant who also assassinated prominent Burmese lawyer Ko Ni at Yangon International Airport.

Nay Win, also known as Saw Kyi Wah, 42, was shot in the groin as he chased the fleeing gunman who had moments earlier walked up to government advisor Ko Ni while he was holding his grandchild in a taxi rank, and shot him from point-blank range in the head.

The murderer then ran off, but was pursued by several taxi drivers, one of whom, Nay Win, reportedly threw a brick or a stone at him. The fleeing assailant apparently turned and fired several shots, one of which hit Nay Win. He was rushed to hospital but subsequently pronounced dead.

The Rangoon-based taxi driver was also a member of the ruling National League for Democracy party for whom Ko Ni was working as a legal advisor.

News of the incident quickly spread on the social media. Nay Win was praised as a hero for his action by many users on Facebook and Twitter.

He is survived by his wife Suu Thet Khine and three sons – a seven-year-old; a four-year-old; and a new-born infant, just 45 days old.

FFSS board member Nilar said the civic group would take responsibility for the welfare of Nay Win’s three sons, and provide them with the necessary assistance until they graduate.

“We pledge to provide assistance for the children’s education – including the youngest child – until they get university degrees. We will also assume responsibility for their health and livelihoods,” said Nilar.

She said the group will launch public fundraisers to support the family.

The FFSS said Nay Win was “an honourable citizen,” who had contributed to the country’s reforms. It said that, as a taxi driver, he had recently provided free rides to commuters struggling with a shortage of public buses.

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A funeral for Nay Win is scheduled for 11:30am on 31 January at the Yeway cemetery.

Meanwhile, Suu Thet Khine, the wife of the slain taxi driver, spoke to DVB earlier about her anguish.

“The pain of losing my husband overwhelms any sense of pride I have for his action,” she said. “Any pride would be simply inconsequential. He [Ko Nay Win] is irreplaceable, and there is nothing I can do to change that.

“Now I have three boys to look after on my own.”

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