Brave votes to kill threats to voters, says Suu Kyi
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National League for Democracy (NLD) chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi urged voters in Kawhmu constituency to vote for her party without fears.
When asked by a local government employee how she could avoid risking her employment by voting for the NLD, the Nobel laureate stressed the importance of even a single vote in changing the system in which such threats and coercion are possible.
“If we win, there will be no such threats in the future. Are you being threatened? If so, take a brave step forward and vote for NLD to be free from such a life. The votes are secret as well, and by the time they find out who voted for whom, the NLD would have won,” Suu Kyi said.
She also announced that her party would never stoop to using dirty methods for political gain.
“We have always said that in politics, there should be no remorse because we have to forge forward with the principles we believe in. When I mean no remorse, I do not mean that the ends justify the means. Our party will strive to achieve victory, but there will be no personal attacks of any kind, nor have there been any. Everybody can fact check me on this when I also say that even on an organisational level, there have been no personal attacks,” said Suu Kyi.
“In order to achieve a better future, we have to upgrade our political and social practices step by step. So we, the citizens, need to take pride in ourselves because those who value themselves will never utilise cheap and dirty tricks for political or social agendas,” she added.
She encouraged voters to endure the challenges of the election period.
“People find it troublesome to make sure their names are on the voter list. It takes only a couple of days at most, a miniscule amount compared to the objective of achieving a better future for the entire nation. The results of this election will decide whether we make or break this country,” said Suu Kyi.
Aung San Suu Kyi hold several election-related talks around the villages in Kawmhu Township on September 21 and 22.
When asked whether social welfare for the needy would be a priority of her party, Suu Kyi replied: “I will be straight forward. We will not be distributing more money or oil for the poor, but we can assure you that we will create opportunities for people to stand up on their own. Nobody wants to beg if they don’t have to. I and our party are not wealthy because we do things the honest way. You will not see us going around giving out money or other things. It is the primary duty of the government to implement and ensure that citizens can safely cultivate and protect their livelihoods with their pride intact.”
Transparency promised
Suu Kyi also promised to work transparently and seek the counsel of the people regarding infrastructure projects, including the Myitsone dam project, if the party can form the government.
Asked how the NLD would deal with the controversial project, she said: “The root problem of the Myitsone project is the lack of transparency. No one knows when and how the then-government signed the contract. The NLD does not take promises lightly. It is not good if we break our promises. And we would fail without the people’s trust. We need to keep our promises after signing any kind of contract with other countries. A government must take the interests of the country into account when signing a contract. This matter will depend on the government.”
“So far, nobody knows which points are included in the Myitsone contract. The government failed to inform the people about it. The NLD will inform people about all projects transparently if the NLD can form a government. Then, the NLD will decide which kinds of decisions should be made,” she continued.
“I don’t want citizens to keep their eyes and mouths shut. We don’t need to be afraid of transparency. Transparency will help support the smooth functioning of the government’s works in a rightful manner,” she said.
Another Kawhmu Township resident asked the NLD leader about rumours that there will be an influx of Muslims if the NLD wins the 2015 elections.
Aung San Suu Kyi replied: “Do you think that the NLD will go against the public desires if we win the upcoming elections with the support of people? I don’t know why people believe such words. Spreading such rumours is not in conformity with the Constitution. Here I would like to say that campaigning by deceiving people is not in accordance with the law.”
Thousands of from Kawhmu Township and nearby regions attended the NLD rally.
