Ko Ni

His Excellency The Honorable U Ko Ni
ကိုနီ
U Ko Ni during a VOA interview in 2015
Born	(1953-02-11)11 February 1953 Katha, Sagaing Division, Burma (now Myanmar)[1][2]
Died	29 January 2017(2017-01-29) (aged 63) Yangon International Airport, Myanmar
Cause of death	Assassination (gunshot by an alleged assassin)
Resting place	Yayway Cemetery
Citizenship	Burmese
Education	Bachelor of Arts (1975), Bachelor of Laws (1976)[1][2]
Alma mater	Rangoon Arts and Science University[1][2]
Occupation	Lawyer Legal advisor Activist Advocate
Years active	1976–2017[2]
Known for	Human rights lawyer, writer, legal advisor to the National League for Democracy
Political party	National League for Democracy (NLD)
Spouse	Tin Tin Aye[1][2]
Children	Multiple, including: Yin Nwe Khaing[2] Aye Thi Khaing Thant Zin Oo
Parents	Sultan Mohamed (father) Halima Khin Hla[2] (mother)

Ko Ni (Burmese: ကိုနီ, pronounced [kò nì]; 11 February 1953 – 29 January 2017) was a prominent Burmese lawyer, constitutional law expert, and advocate for democratic reforms and interfaith dialogue in Myanmar. As a legal advisor to Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD), he played a pivotal role in crafting constitutional strategies to navigate the military-dominated political landscape.^[3][4] Known for his intellectual rigor, dedication to justice, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles, he became one of Myanmar's most influential reformists in the post-military era. Ko Ni was assassinated by gunshot in Yangon, Myanmar, on 29 January 2017, a loss mourned as a blow to Myanmar's democratic transition and interfaith harmony. His death spotlighted the ongoing challenges faced by reformists and minorities under Myanmar’s military rule.^[5][6]

Ko Ni was born on 11 February 1953 in a village near Katha, Sagaing Division, Burma (now Myanmar), to a family of farmers and shopkeepers.^[7] His father, Sultan Mohamed, was an Indian Muslim who had moved to Burma in the early 20th century as part of the British Indian Army. His mother, Khin Hla (also known as Halima),^[1] was of mixed heritage, with a Muslim father and a Buddhist mother.^[8][8] This diverse background influenced Ko Ni’s lifelong commitment to promoting interfaith understanding.

Growing up in poverty, Ko Ni worked as a day laborer to fund his education.^[7] Despite these challenges, he execelled academically, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975 and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1976 from Rangoon Arts and Science University. His resilience and dedication to education became a cornerstone of his later advocacy for justice and equality.^[7]

Ko Ni founded the Laurel Law Firm, establishing himself as a leading voice in constitutional law.^[8] He became a member of the International Bar Association, the Independent Lawyers' Association of Myanmar, and the Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association. Through his practice, Ko Ni championed human rights, often taking on cases that others avoided due to political sensitivities.^[1]

He authored six books on topics such as democratic elections, constitutional reform, and human rights, which became essential reading for aspiring lawyers and activists. His contributions to legal literature and advocacy for the rule of law were widely respected, even among his adversaries.

Ko Ni’s work extended beyond individual cases to systemic reforms. He critiqued the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar for its entrenchment of military power and advocated for its replacement, not just amendment. His meticulous legal strategies were instrumental in creating the office of State Counsellor, enabling Aung San Suu Kyi to assume a leadership role despite constitutional barriers.

Ko Ni officially joined the National League for Democracy (NLD) on 8 October 2013, after years of serving as a legal advisor to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the NLD party.^[1] His legal expertise and reformist vision became crucial in navigating the complexities of Myanmar's political system, which was heavily skewed in favor of the military.

He was a vocal critic of the military-drafted 2008 Constitution of Myanmar and sought to diminish the military’s grip on power through legal avenues.^[6][8] His efforts earned him both admiration and hostility. Ko Ni was also an advocate for the Rohingya minority, openly criticizing the 1982 Citizenship Law that stripped them of citizenship.^[1] This advocacy made him a target of threats and hate campaigns, as he consistently called for constitutional changes to ensure equality for all citizens.^[1][9] Beyond constitutional reforms, Ko Ni was active in the interfaith movement, working to bridge divides between Myanmar’s Buddhist majority and religious minorities. His commitment to pluralism and dialogue was seen as a unifying force in a fractured society.^[10][11]

Ko Ni was assassinated on 29 January 2017 at Yangon International Airport upon returning from Jakarta, Indonesia, where he had attended a senior leadership program on democracy and conflict resolution.^[10] As he was waiting for transportation, Kyi Lin, an ex-convict, fatally shot him in the head. Nay Win, a taxi driver who attempted to apprehend the gunman, was also killed during the incident.^[12][10][6]

Police arrested Kyi Lin, the gunman, shortly after the shooting.^[13][4] The gunman had also shot and killed Nay Win, a taxi driver who attempted to intervene.^[14][15] Allegations emerged in social media that Kyaw Swe, the Minister of Home Affairs and former Commander of South-west Command in Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region had orchestrated the killing.^[4] The assistant secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, Maung Maung Myint, issued a statement on 1 February 2017, denying the allegations as "rumors."^[4]

Subsequent police investigations uncovered that the plot to assassinate Ko Ni had begun in April 2016 when three former Burmese military officers met at a Yangon teahouse.^[7] The three officers included Zeyar Phyo, a retired military intelligence captain, Aung Win Khine, a retired lieutenant colonel, and Lin Zaw Tun, an ex-colonel who formerly served in the office of the commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing from 2011 to 2015, and had departed to become a Union Solidarity and Development Party politician.^[7] The three had concocted a scheme to find a gunman to kill Ko Ni. Zeyar Phyo gave Aung Win Khine US$80,000 to pay for the operation, and the latter sourced Kyi Lin, an ex-convict, as the hitman.^[7]

Police investigations revealed that the assassination was orchestrated by a group of former military officers, including Zeyar Phyo, a retired intelligence captain, Aung Win Khine, a retired lieutenant colonel, and Lin Zaw Tun, an ex-colonel. The conspirators recruited Kyi Lin to carry out the attack, reportedly providing $80,000 for the operation. Allegations also surfaced linking high-ranking officials, but these were denied by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Ko Ni’s assassination was widely interpreted as a targeted attack on his efforts to reform Myanmar's political and legal systems. Amnesty International described the killing as having "all the hallmarks of an assassination," and called for a thorough investigation.

Ko Ni's funeral on 1 February 2017 was a deeply poignant occasion, drawing thousands of mourners, including individuals from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds.^[8] His death resonated deeply within Myanmar, particularly among those who had advocated for democratic reforms and interfaith harmony. Despite his influence, one notable absence was Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), who did not attend the funeral, which stirred some controversy. Ko Ni's funeral became a symbol of the ongoing struggles for democracy in Myanmar and the tragic loss of one of its most vocal advocates.^[4] The ceremony was attended by people from all walks of life, underscoring the widespread grief felt by the public. His family and friends, along with members of the NLD, paid their respects as he was buried at the Yayway Cemetery in Yangon, where many prominent figures have been laid to rest. His burial marked the end of a life that had been dedicated to promoting justice, peace, and reform.^[16]

The assassination of Ko Ni elicited strong reactions from various sectors, both inside Myanmar and internationally. Senior leaders from the National League for Democracy expressed their shock and sorrow, with Tin Oo, a senior party leader, describing the killing as "a great loss for the country, and for democratic forces.^[17] His death was seen as not just a personal loss but also a blow to Myanmar's transition to democracy, which had already been fraught with challenges.

Internationally, the assassination was met with widespread condemnation. US Ambassador to Myanmar, Scot Marciel, who knew Ko Ni personally, expressed his sadness, stating, "All I want to say is, of course, we are all shocked and really sad. I knew Ko Ni and his commitment to his country and democracy."^[6]

Ko Ni’s assassination marked a turning point in Myanmar’s struggle for democracy. His contributions to constitutional law, interfaith dialogue, and human rights advocacy remain a source of inspiration for many. Scholars, activists, and politicians frequently cite his work as a roadmap for reform in Myanmar.

His assassination underscored the dangers faced by reformists and minorities in a country where military dominance persists. Memorial events, books, and academic discussions continue to honor his life and work, ensuring that his legacy endures in Myanmar’s ongoing quest for democracy and equality.

Ko Ni has become a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism and a beacon for those fighting for justice in Myanmar. His life serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dare to challenge entrenched power structures.

Ko Ni’s advocacy for the Rohingya community highlighted the systemic discrimination they faced. His calls for repealing the 1982 Citizenship Law and granting full rights to the Rohingya resonated globally. While his efforts were cut short, they continue to influence discussions on minority rights in Myanmar.

Kyi Lin also reacted swiftly, labeling the murder as an "assassination" and calling for a thorough investigation. The organization described Ko Ni as a "tireless human rights campaigner" whose death should be fully investigated to ensure accountability.ling.^[18] Zeyar Phyo received five years in prison for destroying trial evidence, after the initial charge against him for financing the assassination was suddenly dropped before the verdict.^[18] Aung Win Khine evaded arrest and remains at large.^[18][7] Lin Zaw Tun was not arrested or charged for his participation.^[7] In December 2020, three nationalist supporters of Kyi Lin received 1 year sentences of hard labour, for wearing provocative t-shirts with threatening slogans during Kyi Lin's trial.^[19]

In September 2020, prosecutors submitted a special appeal to the Supreme Court of Myanmar to mete out harsher sentences to those involved in Ko Ni's murder.^[20]

Ko Ni was married to Tin Tin Aye, with whom he had three children.^[21] His daughter, Yin Nwe Khaing, is a medical doctor.^[21] Known for his humility and dedication, Ko Ni’s family often spoke of his unwavering commitment to justice, even at great personal risk.