Maubin crowds rally for Suu Kyi and charter change
Published on Sunday, 11 May 2014 15:20
Tens of thousands of people yesterday took part in the Maubin rally organised by the National League for Democracy (NLD), showing their support for amending the 2008 Constitution.
NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi led the rally. NLD members from 26 townships in Ayeyawady Region, including Pathein, Myaungmya, Hinthada, Maubin, Labutta and Danuphyu, turned out in full force.
Among key rally speakers were Lower House MP Win Myint, Upper House MP Aung Kyi.
When asked, the crowds said they were in favour of charter change either by rewriting the charter or by amending the existing provisions.
The party initially estimated some 50,000 people at the rally and the actual turnout was around 80,000 people, according to NLD's Lower House MP Sein Win from Maubin Township.
"There are two reasons why I have come to Maubin," said Aung San Suu Kyi. "The first reason is that I had planned to visit Maubin before the by-election in 2012, but I couldn't come due to various reasons. So, this is like repaying my debt. Another reason is this rally is part of the campaign which we have been holding nationwide."
The reason why the NLD contested in the 2012 by-election was to carry out democratic rights and to aim for national reconciliation, which is believed by people as understanding between the military and the public. After the 1988 democracy revolution was crushed by the military, there has been a huge gap between the military and the public. After it was established, the NLD has been continuously working towards national reconciliation. Some people do not agree to amend the constitution, but it must be amended. If anyone looks at the constitution, they will find that it does not meet with democracy standards, according to Suu Kyi.
She said she does not hate the military but national unity will not be achieved if an organisation has been given special privileges.
"Unity is based on equality. Our country is a Union. In a township like Maubin, there are other ethnic races that are not Bamar. Bamar is also one of the ethnic races. But, we are the majority in terms of population. In a Union comprised of ethnic races, unity is required. If there is unity, there will be peace and tranquility. In order to have peace and tranquility, equality is a basic requirement. We have to question whether the constitution that was drafted without such kind of equality can give peace to our country," said Suu Kyi.
Lower House MP Win Myint said, "Political scientist Aristotle defines that constitution is not to give power to the government, but true and fair authority to it. Similarly, political scientist Graham defines constitution as an instrument to control the power of the government and to protect rights of the people."
"The 2008 Constitution is not only unfair but it also empowers a centralized system of the government. It would seem that the constitution amendment depends only on the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. Tatmadaw (armed forces) is in command of legislative, judicial and executive powers. For that reason, the 2008 Constitution should be amended," he added.
Upper House MP Aung Kyi Nyunt said, "The Article 4 of the 2008 Constitution states the sovereign power of the Union is derived from the citizens and in force for the entire country. Despite the people and all MPs have same idea to carry out the constitution amendment; it will not be OK if the Commander-in-Chief does not decide to give the green light to it."
Only when the constitution is fair, then the conflicts prevailed in the country can be addressed. The current constitution is difficult for the country to amend. Accordingly, Myanmar will never see unity and peace. Moreover, it will fail to live up to fulfill the aspirations of the people, he said.
"We come here from Myaungmya Township. We welcome and support the constitution amendment. We hold that the Constitution must be amended for the sake of the people. The rural people are mostly farmers. Farmland disputes are taking place in all parts of Myanmar today. If the 2008 Constitution upholds democracy we will move forward, we will not see such problematic situations. Based on the current problems facing to the people and the country, the constitution should be amended," said Karen national Marn Htaw.
"I do not have personal attachment to Aung San Suu Kyi. But I do not have any reliable person except her whatever age or experience. Accordingly, I support her," said seventy-year-old Sein Tun.
The President and the Commander-in-Chief said in May that if necessary, the constitution would be amended.
In recent days, the NLD and 88 Generation are making collaborative efforts to amend the charter. Meanwhile, the people are flocking to public rallies, calling for charter change.
http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/maubin-crowds-rally-for-suu-kyi-and-charter-change/
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