Keep close eye on democratic process, Suu Kyi tells public
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If Myanmar does not achieve "full democracy", people will lose their rights, she warns
National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is stepping up her mission to gain public support for amending the charter, drawing about 30,000 people to a rally in Bago Region’s Taungoo.
If Myanmar does not achieve “full democracy” its people will lose their rights, she warned.
Keep a close eye on the development of the democratic process, she told the crowd, adding that they – not the government or its puppets – will decide the country’s future.
The rally was part of her signature campaign to petition for changing the military drafted Constitution.
“When I say the Constitution is unfair, I mean the insurmountable amendment process that requires 75 per cent of MPs to support it,” she said, adding that this required support from representatives of the armed forces, who comprise 25 per cent of MPs.
The Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services chooses these representatives, she told the crowd.
“The Constitution needs to be amended for the sake of the development of the country and the people as well as for democratic rule,” Suu Kyi added.
She reiterated that the NLD was not seeking to create dissension, saying it was intending to improve Myanmar. “We do not intend to cause dissension between the Army and the people,” she said, explaining that the military’s role was to protect the country.
The charter can only be amended with the approval of the Commander-in-Chief and MPs elected by the people lack the mandate to do this, she added.
This demonstrates “disrespect” for citizens and is the reason why the NLD is pushing for charter change, she said.
Opponents of charter change are fuelling public anxiety, but the people are the masters of their own destiny, she added.
Suu Kyi also dismissed concerns that charter change would complicate the peace process, saying that ethnic groups do not support the Constitution.
“Only when the Constitution is amended, can genuine democracy be achieved. Ethnic groups do not like this Constitution. For the good of the country, constitutional amendment must be made,” she said.
She also rebutted again the allegation that the NLD is seeking to change the charter to gain an edge in the next election.
“The NLD will never fear losing,” she said, adding that whether the party wins or loses the election depends on whom the public votes for.
Suu Kyi also addressed concerns about widespread bribery and corruption in the country, saying the solution to this is the creation of an independent judiciary.
The president appoints the Union chief justice, but the people should vote for candidates for this office instead, she said, adding that such a change would help create a free judiciary.
“If we do not achieve full democracy, the people will lose their rights. A [legislative] committee is handling complaints [on land grabs]. We can only urge the Parliament to tackle land-grab issues. Only the government can effectively deal with this,” Suu Kyi said.
Replying to a question raised by a student, she said the government was trying to frighten people about charter change. If the government does not accept amending the Constitution it will face challenges to it within the legal system, which will be made known to the public, she added, stressing that only peaceful resolutions are acceptable to resolve any dispute.
“In the initial period of regaining independence, Myanmar embraced democratic rule and Southeast Asian countries followed our example,” she told the crowd.
The collapse of democracy left Myanmar desperate, she said, adding that public involvement is vital in the effort to change the charter.
