Chaotic political scene remains
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Myanmar's politics remain chaotic as ever, with the focus being placed on a few key players like President Thein Sein, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Aung Hlaing, and ethnic leaders.
Following military lawmakers’ refusal to have the military-drafted constitution amended, last week came another attempt to soothe public resentment – a six-party talk. This followed the motion by Upper House MP Myint Tun of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) which was approved on November 25.
Joining the meeting would be President Thein Sein, Union parliament speaker Thura Shwe Mann, the Upper House Speaker Khin Aung Myint, National League for Democracy (NLD) chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi, the MPs representing all ethnic groups and the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Aung Hlaing.
Though preferring a four-party talk with the president, the commander-in-chief, and Union Parliament Speaker Thura Shwe Mann, Suu Kyi welcomed the six-party talk. When meeting with journalists on November 27, she said the sooner the six-party talk can be held, the better for the public.
“Meetings and negotiations will lead to the destination. The sooner we can do it, the better for the public and country. I don’t understand why they don’t want to hold the meeting. Meeting does not mean declaring a victory. The only winner should be the public. The best way for the public to win is holding meetings and negotiations,” she said.
Having witnessed stalled reforms, Suu Kyi noted “Not everything I discussed will be successful. If some things I discussed failed, I accept it as a failure. We should not go to the meeting with the mindset of what we’re going to discuss is right and must be successful.”
Fourteen ethnic parties were upbeat for the meeting. They voted to select Arakanese MP Dr Aye Maung to represent them at the meeting. convened on November 26 and cast a secret ballot on the next day.
“I was not present when the urgent proposal to hold a six-party meeting was submitted at the parliament, I fully supported the idea. Before that I’ve already submitted a proposal for a five-party meeting. It is a good proposal for establishing a genuine state,” said Aye Maung.
He admitted that there was no preparation as what ethnic parties would propose at the meeting. Further discussion is necessary, he said.
“Our main intention is for general reconciliation,” he noted. “I expect a good result from the meeting. The discussion can find a solution to solve the charter problems. I supported the idea because Aung San Suu Kyi also gave her support for the meeting. If more people are involved in the discussion, it will be more effective to amend the constitution.”
Yet, the political leaders summit may or may not take place as soon as Suu Kyi expected.
"This six-party summit is rather impractical," presidential spokesman Ye Htut told the Myanmar-language service of Radio Free Asia on Thursday. "I don't think it can happen at the moment."
That would be a further setback to hopes for full democracy after 49 years of military rule.
Suu Kyi’s NLD on November 27 also hosted a dinner for military MPs at Nay Pyi Taw Sipin Guesthouse. None showed up, saying the invitation arrived too late and they were tied up with a farewell party for military officers. The invitation was sent only November 26.
A military MP said “If they had invited us in advance, we can arrange a date when we're free. They invited us cordially without any purpose. It would be OK if we're informed in advance before the invitation.”
Suu Kyi was relentless. She assured that her party will not be hesitant to invite them again, adding that NLD will seek a political dialogue with the military for constitutional amendments.
The military holds 25 per cent of the seats in parliament, a barrier to the more than 75 percent vote margin required for constitutional amendments. The current constitution bars opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president.
In another development, President Thein Sein told political party leaders last week that everyone is responsible for Myanmar’s constitutional amendment.
“It is necessary for future constitutional amendments to reflect agreements between the government and ethnic political forces through political dialogue that will emerge from the ongoing peace process,” said Thein Sein at a meeting on November 27 in Yangon.
Leaders from 67 out of 69 political parties attended the meeting organised by the Union government. Each party was allowed to speak for five minutes.
“While it is true that everyone is responsible for charter change, I think the role of parliamentarians, who are the major driving force behind legislation in this country, is especially important. I urge MPs to make a relentless effort toward charter change, as it is very important for the future of the country and the people,” the president continued.
The president said his stance is not to restrict anyone's rights, regardless of affiliation, in seeking high office. However, there must be an appropriate policy for the country in order to perpetuate its sovereignty, he said.
He also promised further political talks with greater inclusiveness, like the previous high-level meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw on October 31.
As he said, the 2015 general election would be a major turning point for the country’s democratisation. Much remains to be done during the transition period, including a mechanism through which political parties can offer advice to the government in solving problems and more monitoring groups to reduce clashes with ethnic armed groups.
