Setting good examples

National League for Democracy candidates need to disclose the assets belonging to them and their immediate family members for inspection at any time in an effort to stamp out corruption, party leader Aung San Suu Kyi told the central committee.
She said: “We are setting new rules and regulations for the selection of candidates. All candidates are to declare their immovable and movable properties and those of their spouse and children. We need personal and business bank account details. Those who will perform the country’s duties need to have nothing to do with corrupt practices.”
Candidates must sign a pledge to cooperate with NLD investigations into their properties and those of their immediate families. She said some MPs now owned 10 houses despite only owning one before they got elected.
Suu Kyi said: “Candidates should understand that they must serve the country’s interest alone, not their self-interest and that of their families. It aims to showcase the fact that our party will continue doing it transparently and democratically. We will not win the trust of people unless candidates declare their assets openly. We want to elect those who can be trusted. Efforts will be made to find such candidates. All NLD members should pay more attention to the country’s success rather than any individual victory”.
Aside from offering quality candidates, the opposition leader has campaigned relentlessly for changes to a charter that bars her from the presidency, focusing on a clause (436) that effectively hands the army a veto over any amendments.
"If we want genuine change in this country we must amend 436," she said in a statement to AFP.
The clause calls for a 75 per cent majority in votes on major constitutional changes, ensuring that unelected soldiers - who are reserved a quarter of the parliamentary seats -- have the final say.
Parliament discussion on Section 436 started today.
Suu Kyi also called on her party to push for a landslide victory in the first national vote in a quarter of a century. The election will be held in November with many expecting Suu Kyi's NLD to sweep the board if the polls are free and fair.
"We the National League for Democracy need to have a landslide win in the election," she told supporters.
 "Whatever we continue to do, with the support of the people and the strong will of our party members we will be successful," she added.
She also told her party that NLD candidates should target the country’s democracy rather than individual victory.
“We will scrutinise and select our candidates in a careful manner. Those who want to be candidates shall not be included in the election team. Many people, as a consequence, have quit the team. As a result, we can clearly see who will prioritise victory over the party interest.”
She also mentioned that the candidates will be selected regardless of age and experience. Non-party members who can serve the country’s interests would also be invited to be candidates.
Suu Kyi continued: “We will have a chance to set up the administrative system we want only when we win the election. Our party faces many difficulties in performing our work. We will stand firm with the people. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for all the work they do. The NLD has been standing firmly for nearly 27 years thanks to the people’s support. People backed the NLD even when it was dangerous to openly support us.”