Military chief denies former dictator pulling strings
The commander-in-chief of the defence services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has told Radio Free Asia that former senior general Than Shwe has no influence over the nation's politics.
The Washington-DC-based station interviewed the military chief in Nay Pyi Taw.
He denied that Than Shwe, who retired in 2011, still influenced national politics.
“Former senior general Than Shwe doesn’t influence politics. We go to meet him on special religious occasions because he is the father of our Tatmadaw. He gives advice on what will be good for the country and the armed forces. He never told us to do this or do that. He always reminds us to be united and work for the country. We are doing what we can. He has no influence over Myanmar’s politics.”
He added that it was better if presidential hopefuls had good relations with the armed forces. He also justified the military’s MPs objections to amendments to Section 59(f) and Section 436 of the 2008 Constitution, which block Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president and provides the military with a veto on any constitutional change.
Min Aung Hlaing said national reconciliation was needed, adding that it could be achieved through hard work and good will.
“We need unity, stability and development. They are intertwined and one cannot be achieved without the other. National reconciliation can be achieved with trust,” said Min Aung Hlaing.
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