Minister apologises after wife's FB attack on Suu Kyi
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Deputy Information Minister Ye Htut said opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's spirit would remain high despite a social media attack.
His comments followed a social media attack on Suu Kyi by his wife, Khin Shandar Tun.
She recently apologised for spreading a fake photo of Suu Kyi that showed the opposition leader wearing an Islamic headscarf. The picture of Suu Kyi wearing a hijab and a tiara was shared by the minister’s wife after it was posted by another Facebook user under the title “Woman of the Week”.
Aside from sharing the photo, Ye Htut’s wife also shared a post speaking out against tentative plans to teach the world’s major religions in schools.
Facebook users appeared outraged by Khin Shandar Tun’s shares. "It shows discrimination and taunting of Muslim women," one user said, adding, "People with this kind of shallow point of view will also do the same thing to Christians or whoever."
Responding to the controversy on his Facebook page, Ye Htut said, “I am sure Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is the one who strongly believes in democratic values.”
“I believe she is not someone who accepts attacking those who hold different perspectives via embarrassing posts and rude comments and I do believe such people are not around her.”
Known as the "Facebook minister" for his enthusiasm for social media, Ye Htut said he was so unhappy with attacks on social media that he sometimes wanted to close his own Facebook page.
“My Facebook page was opened with the aim of sharing information with the people and listening to their voices. So I really value this page as I have collected a lot of suggestions which can make our country more developed among thousands of posts on my wall from the people from all walks of life.”
“I want to urge my FB friends to continue to post constructive comments. I warmly welcome all kinds of criticism if their posts are written politely.
“At the same time, I strongly condemn all kinds of posts on social media that may lead to hate speech among different ethnic groups and religions. Everyone should oppose groundless accusations and rude posts,” he wrote.
