Suu Kyi highlights Myitsone Dam and charter change

In response to a question about Myitsone raised by a Buddhist monk, Suu Kyi replied that it was the previous military regime that agreed to initiate the dam project. President Thein Sein, who was part of the previous government, suspended it for five years using his current authority as the nation’s leader. Accordingly, she said, this question should be asked only of the president. 

“How did they agree to the project? What timeline was planned, and how can it be resumed? What were the agreements for the project? What will happen when the CPI company resumes it? The person who can answer these questions is President Thein Sein,” said Suu Kyi.

Suu Kyi, who also chairs the National League for Democracy, brought up some weaknesses of the 2008 Constitution for discussion, answered questions and sought approval for constitutional amendments from those present at the forum.

 “Some people have asked me what I will do if the Tatmadaw [armed forces] wants to change the charter. Or ‘What will you do if the president and the current government don’t wish to amend the Constitution? How can you change it?’ If the people are desirous of doing it, it can be amended,” Suu Kyi told a people’s forum in Hpa-an on Saturday.

“Our current constitution was drawn up with the intention of representing only a particular group of people, but it did not symbolise the entire people. I believe that the charter can be changed through the desire of the people and their support. It can be amended sooner or later. A quick amendment would be a good sign for our country,” she said.