Australia awards honorary doctorate to Suu Kyi
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Visiting Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi received her third honorary doctorate at the Australian National University in Canberra on Friday.
Suu Kyi was awarded a Doctor of Letters conferred on her by the ANU Chancellor, Gareth Evans, for her outstanding contributions to society.
She spent part of her 10-minute speech explaining the role of the army in a democratic society. “I have no reason to be against the military. Indeed, I always say … I am fond of the military. This is because the army was founded by my father. But I don’t agree that the army means the rule of the country,” said Suu Kyi.
“Armies are meant to defend the people, to protect the nation, to make sure that the peoples of the land enjoy all the rights of citizenship within the framework of a fair and just constitution. At this moment we are struggling for a fair and just constitution in our country, a constitution that ensures that Myanmar truly becomes a democratic society.
“We need the help and support of the world, we need to recognise that Myanmar is just starting out on this journey to democracy.
“I hope and pray that Australia will be a good example of the possibility of genuine unity and diversity.”
Prior to the ceremony, Suu Kyi met with executives of the ANU, and spent 40 minutes in a seminar with a group of Australian and Myanmar students from the university, discussing future leadership.
Thai universities confer honorary degrees on Myanmar
Thailand's Mae Fah Luang University and Naresuan University have conferred honorary doctorates on Myanmar’s President Thein Sein.
Mae Fah Luang University awarded the president an honorary doctorate in philosophy in public administration, while Naresuan University bestowed an honorary doctorate in political science on Thein Sein during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw.
“I believe the conferment of these honorary doctorate degrees is in recognition of the endeavours of the entire Myanmar people,” Myanmar’s state media quoted Thein Sein as saying.
“The main objective of this government is to achieve political stability in the country and to attain social socio-economic development of the people,” he added.
Thein Sein highlighted the release of political prisoners and peace-making activities as his government’s efforts towards political stability.
He added that major economic challenges for Myanmar relate to capital, technical know-how and human resources. “Currently, we are carrying out educational reforms in primary as well as higher education sectors,” the president said.
The ceremony was attended by vice president Dr Sai Mauk Kham, ministers, and university council chairpersons of Mae Fah Luang University and Naresuan University.
