Parliament should be people-centred, not group-centred: Suu Kyi
Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has said the parliament is a place where everyone will have to work together for the sake of the nation and its citizens. She urged parliamentarians in Myanmar to exercise people-centred leadership without being “group-cent
The National League for Democracy chairperson spoke at the parliament meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on February 15.
“MPs (members of parliament) should not forget that we are just representatives. We represent the people in the parliament. We do not represent ourselves. All MPs should keep that in mind. The parliament is not a stage where each MP works for his or her own sake. And it’s not a ladder to climb up the ranks. It’s not a boxing ring where people with different views wrestle. It is a place where we all should try our best for the sake of the nation and the people. The people’s representatives should only take care of the people, not their parties or groups. We should live up to the good standards set by the first parliament, regardless of one’s own party, sect, religion or race, without self-centredness,” said Suu Kyi.
She added that MPs will understand the seriousness of their responsibilities if they respect the people they represent. She also cited the British parliament as an example during her speech.
Suu Kyi urged MPs to improve their skills to create higher standards and create a parliament for the people.
“To represent the people is a unique honour. To work for the sake of the people is an opportunity that is also matchless,” she said.
Suu Kyi urged MPs to work together to bring Myanmar’s young parliament to maturity and international acclaim.
