Reforms on the right path: President

“If we realistically examine the current reform process, it is undeniable that we are on the right path and moving in the appropriate direction. All of us are doing our part for the success of the reform process through a commitment to nurturing moderation and a new political culture of acting with political goodwill for the benefit of the nation,” he said.

His monthly address follows a meeting on August 25 between opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and about 100 artists and writers where she urged them to use their skills to ensure the country moved in the right direction so that the transformation from military to civilian rule succeeds. 

“Now is the time when we must all work together,” she said then. “The year 2015 won’t decide where our country goes. I have often said this year will decide it. As I have said before, if we reach the right path in 2014 we will reach our goal in 2015. I’d like to request all of you to help the country reach the right path,” Suu Kyi said.

Myanmar is also under international pressure to push forward more reforms. While visiting the country in August, US Secretary of State John Kerry said among issues that need to be improved are ending the decades-long, multiple array of civil wars involving more than a dozen groups. And they need also to expand the space for civil society, protect the media, address land rights, prevent intercommunal violence, and enshrine into their laws basic freedoms.  

Thein Sein acknowledged in his address that there were differing views on the reform process, but he called on people to put these aside and focus on maintaining the momentum of the process. “As we undertake our tasks, people may, depending on their viewpoints, see the way we overcome challenges and difficulties in a good or bad light. Since I am the one who bears the most responsibility for these reforms, I acknowledge these different viewpoints. But importantly, I urge political and business leaders to look beyond merely agreeing or disagreeing with my government’s efforts and to focus on sustaining the momentum of the reform process,” he said.

Thein Sein also lauded his efforts to bring peace to Myanmar. “As a preparatory step towards political dialogue [with armed ethnic groups], the first ever meeting was held between the Union Peace Working Committee, the National Ceasefire Coordination Team and legally registered political parties. During my government’s remaining time in office, we are striving to lay the foundation for peace by soon concluding a nationwide ceasefire agreement, followed by the successful start of political dialogue,” he said.

Thein Sein also urged political and military leaders, as well as leaders of armed ethnic groups and citizens to continue to strive for a better future through realistic political means. 

National League for Democracy leaders, ethnic leaders and many people have asked for a meeting be held between the president, parliamentary speakers, the commander-in-chief and Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss the current challenges facing the country, primarily the 2008 Constitution and the national ceasefire deal.