Suu Kyi insists constitutional amendments “not to reduce military power”

Suu Kyi insists constitutional amendments "not to reduce military power"

Published on Wednesday, 20 November 2013 22:14

Local people attend public meeting on Monday held by the NLD in Nay Pyi Taw to seek public input on amending 2008 Constitution. (Photo – EMG)

NAY PYI TAW—Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi told a public meeting on Monday that she insists on amending the 2008 Constitution not to reduce military power but in the hope that the army will become a democratic institution that is respected and loved by the people.

Speaking at a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw seeking public input for constitutional amendments, Suu Kyi said she is repeating the message because there have been incitements to enmity between her party and the military. The two sides should have clear views on each other, said Suu Kyi, chairperson of the National League for Democracy Party (NLD).

"I'd like to say my father's words. I've always said it, and these words will never go into oblivion. The country must not be the servant of the military. The military must be a basic part of the country. It is very honourable to be a basic part of the country. It is a very respectful and strong position. Our military was founded to serve the interests of the people, and I believe the military will maintain its objectives. Therefore, I am urging reforms," said Suu Kyi.

She said it is out of her genuine good will that she does not want the military to take an inappropriate position according to the constitution. 

"One cannot accept that one's respected persons behave wrongly. The people also desire that their beloved army act in a correct and dignified way. Therefore, one must insist on the constitutional amendments," the Noble Peace Prize Laureate added.

Military must take leap of faith

"I'd like to say to the military representatives: look at the interest of the country. If you have good faith towards the country, you don't need to worry about the position of the military. If the country is strong, the military will be strong. If the people strongly support the army, any army will never waver."

Regarding the constitutional amendments, the government and the public must have mutual agreement and efforts must be made for peace and stability, the NLD leader noted, adding that there are inconsistent articles in the constitution, which cannot protect the people's rights nor ensure peace in the long run.

"Our people will live in peace only when there is justice in the society. So I stress the rule of law. The laws must be fair and effective. There also must be the prevalence of law. The rule of law is directly concerned with the constitution," said Suu Kyi.

"There are three main pillars in democracy. The constitution will determine if the judicial pillar is independent or not. Now, our judicial sector is under the administrative sector, because the president appoints the chief justice. This is just an example. If our country is to have the rule of law, the constitution must be amended. We must make the judicial sector independent. Nowadays, all the people know that our judicial sector is not clean. Therefore, we are trying to amend the constitution."

Suu Kyi said that the willingness to amend the constitution comes down to who truly loves and cherishes their country—as opposed to those who only say they do but are actually interested only in themselves or their own group.

Aung San Suu Kyi speaks at Monday's public meeting in Nay Pyi Taw seeking public input on amending the 2008 Constitution. (Photo – EMG)

Action, not words, proves love of country

"Are they ready to sacrifice for the country?  How much they are going to sacrifice for the country? Are they thinking for themselves or for the sake of the people? There is no reason to believe in those who are waiting for their own chances," she said. "No matter what they are doing for the interest of the nation, if they don't want to change the constitution then we have to recognize that they don't want real changes. Look carefully into this matter."

The NLD leader urged the electorate never vote for those who object to amending the 2008 Constitution or those only willing to address minor issues without amending the major inequities in the constitution.

The opposition leader also said that she believed that holding public talks on constitutional reform was the right approach for the Democratic Way. To support the constitution without understanding it is of no value for the public, she said, and a vote only has value with understanding.

She continued that she would never mislead the public and needed to explain the State's interest for the people. Supporting the 2008 Constitution would not be in the public's best interest. Suu Kyi said that she hoped the public would support the NLD's proposal to amend the constitution, not because they favour her or the NLD but because they support doing what must be done for the sake of the country.

The NLD leader added that, in keeping with democratic principles, those who don't want to change the constitution should not be regarded as the enemy but as those with different ideas. The people should have the right to ask questions, and if there are reasons for the constitution not to be amended, they should also be informed of what benefits can be achieved in that case, she added.

Large majority supports amendment

This is the first time the NLD leader has presented a public brief on the constitution. About 20,000 local supporters and party members attended the event, with about 15,000 showing approval for amendment.

At the event, Lower House NLD MP Min Thu read out a declaration paper on the constitution and law experts and MPs Win Myint and Aung Kyi Nyunt explained the provisions of the constitution which are undemocratic and some points which limit the rights of the citizens.

Eighty-eight percent of attendees raised their hands in approval of constitutional amendment when Suu Kyi asked whether they wanted to have the constitution amended or redrafted.

One woman in attendance, who identified herself as the mother of a military official, said she did not want her son to become someone who mistreats the people. She said she had an attitude of good will towards participating in the drive to achieve genuine democracy.

"Only when we work together to amend the constitution, will we be able to work together with our leaders for the good of our nation," she said.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/suu-kyi-insists-constitutional-amendments-not-to-reduce-military-power/