Most at NLD meet support constitution amendment

More than 99 per cent of the 30,000 people who attended Sunday’s meeting organised by the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) in Yangon seeking public input for constitutional amendments said they supported the change.

Party leader Aung San Suu Kyi  attended the function and addressed the meeting that took place in her constituency in Kawhmu Township.

“I think that in a way, this constitution is a source of discord between the people and the military. In our effort for charter change, our opposition to the military’s leading role in national politics doesn’t mean opposing the military,” said Suu Kyi, also a Lower House MP.

She wished there would be oneness between the people and the military but blamed the constitution for making the military a culprit whenever there is an issue that the public is unsatisfied with.

“If the military MPs accounting for 25 per cent of the total seats in parliament oppose the desire of other MPs accounting for the remaining 75 per cent, the people will think that they are also being opposed. I think that [the constitution] has made the military a culprit. If there are disagreements in the country and among the citizens, it is important that we address them in parliament in a fair way. The MPs elected by the people have to address those issues through cooperation and negotiation. They must also have authority to do so,” said Suu Kyi.

Those who do not want constitutional change have spread propaganda that the NLD is attacking the military. Anyhow, the current constitution must be amended to ensure that the military wins the trust and respect of the people, Suu Kyi added.

She also questioned whether the government or those who hunger for power wanted to have power or take responsibility. If they don’t want power, they must write a fair constitution, she added.

“I want to question those who have distanced themselves from the constitutional change. Which role did they take in the national convention? I want to say that they have no sense of responsibility to neglect the issue although they have participated in the national convention which approved the constitution. Our country will not progress if those with no sense of responsibility remain in power,” said the NLD leader.

She also commented that all those concerned with the charter change must know the public desire and ensure that the people have freedom from fear.

“Have the courage to change. Don’t value the stubborn attitude towards no change,” Suu Kyi said.

At the public meeting, law experts from the NLD, Win Myint and Htay Oo, explained undemocratic provisions in the constitution.