was written to refer to Mon people in his book titled “Myanmar’s The Only Queen”, published in the Burmese language.
On November 16, the Mon historic researcher group sent an objection letter to the printing and distributing company, called U Chit Nyut (Zin Yatanar Zarbay), in Insein Township, Rangoon. The letter urged the printing company to stop printing and distributing the books.
“It only mentioned the writer’s pen-name, Thant Htun (HleGu). Because we do not know the actual address of the author, we sent the letter to the printing and distributing company. It is not to print book again,” said Nai Pan Aung, chairman of Mon historic researcher group.
In the book, there are 11 uses of the phrase “Talaing” on pages of 35, 39, 41, 42, 49, 61, 62, and 186.
The objection letter also stated that the phrase “Talaing” was never used during ancient times, including the Suvanabhumi era, the first Hongsarwatoi era and the second Hongsarwatoi era.
However, the word “Talaing” was in use during the epoch of Thushin Thakar Rotpi and after the war with Thabin Shwethee and Bayin Naung. As well as during the last Hantharwaddy Min era and Innwa era.
“Talaing” translates to “parentless child ( abandoned child by his parents)” in Mon language. Mon Buddhist monks and Mon leaders, from generation to generation, have objected to the use of the word “Talaing”.
The requests on the objection letter include stopping immediately the book’s distribution and to apologize through the media and journals for the author’s mis-use of the word “Talaing”. However, if the printing company and the author do not respond as requested, the Mon historical researcher groups will report the issue to the appropriate government department.
According to supporting documents, during British colonisation and before Burma gained independence, it was officially ordered that the phrase “Talaing” not be used in reference to Mon people.
