Constitution change a test for democracy, Suu Kyi says
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We will have to monitor whether govt will heed aspirations of the people, says opposition leader
The push for charter change is the litmus test on whether Myanmar is on the right track for democracy, said National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi at parliament last Friday.
“After the nationwide signature campaign for amending Section 436 [of the charter], scheduled from May 27 to July 19, it is certain that the aspirations of the people will manifest. It will become clear who will place emphasis on the people and their aspirations,” Suu Kyi said.
“Myanmar says democratic reforms are taking place in the country. Therefore, Myanmar is enjoying the support of foreign countries. We will have to monitor whether the government will heed the aspirations of the people.
“A group of [powerful] individuals advised on what should be suitable for the country. Their view is not democratic and does not represent the people. Only a government has the power to make decisions. Only a group or an organisation is responsible for the decision making.
“This practice is undemocratic. It goes against the democratic norms. To be clear, their acts are veering off the road to democracy.”
The petition for the amendment of Section 436 is not a referendum but a message signalling what the people want, she said.
She went on to say that the push for the Myanmar army to accept Charter change should not be assumed as a threat. The move is deemed necessary because only the military commander-in-chief can decide whether to revise the Charter.
The call for charter amendment is like applying pressure on the only organisation which can advance forward the change, she said.
“The country is still under the climate of fear. The Charter change will come into effect by pushing the military,” she said.
“Pressuring other organisation is futile. I am telling the truth. We must act in concerted efforts. To enjoy equal rights, the military must give up the privileges.”
She urged the military to show its maturity by conceding to being equal to other institutions instead of holding on to being above the parliament.
She said she deemed it undemocratic for requiring military consent on amending the Charter, which should be entirely a legislative affair.
The 2008 constitution is seen as the obstacle to achieving sustainable peace in a fractious society like Myanmar, she said.
She voiced support for any proposed amendments sponsored by political parties, including the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party.
