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At this auspicious time,
now that the people's leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has arrived
I call on the Lawkanat royal drum
to strike up in triumph …
The Master of Ceremonies Dr Tint Way introduces Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
to members of Sydney's Burmese community representing some of Burma's ethnic nationalities.
Dr Tint Way: This is a country welcome by an Aborigine.
Poster: People's leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Sydney Burmese Community Meeting 27-11-2013, Concert Hall, Opera House
Poster: 27-11-2013 Concert Hall, Opera House
Aboriginal Performer: Mingala-ba (I wish you well/Good Day - in Burmese)
DR TINT WAY: Our honoured leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, your distinguished entourage and all our ethnic brethren,
welcome and auspiciousness to you all (Mingala-ba!).
Today is a very special and auspicious day filled with blessings.
Welcoming you, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Sydney weather is putting on a fine show today
and our folk are in a happy and convivial mood.
Because of the high regard for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s endeavours for peace, her courage and sacrifices,
we the people of Burma are able to stand tall and proud within the world community.
For example, here we have two great universities of Sydney giving us special favours and
even in the world famous Sydney Opera House, as though in a big Burmese village, we Burmese are happily
congregating and enjoying ourselves in accordance with our customs and traditions. Seeing all this and
being able to welcome our revered and beloved people’s leader gives me such extreme joy that I am lost for words.
She has equal rights for all...
She has equal rights for all as her goal, is striving for peace through non-violent means,
is listed among the world’s most influential and is a Burma-born leader.
Meeting someone significant face to face, I too, like most people, have much to say
but as there is not enough time, nor would anyone want to hear what I have to say, I will keep it short.
In one of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s previous speeches I heard her
mention five points – so I will also keep it short and to the point.
First of all I would like it to be known that we Sydneysiders firmly believe in Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's
endeavours for genuine democracy in Burma and give her our full and unfailing support.
Burma’s main political problem - achieving equal rights and self determination for all its ethnic nationalities -
is an issue we hope you will address when the time is right and there is the opportunity.
The Panglong agreement ...
One of the fundamental concepts of the Panglong agreement,
“one kyat in the hands of a Shan is worth as much as one kyat in the hands of a Burman”
(Kyat is the Burmese currency; Shan is an ethnic group) is a principle that I hope you will take to heart.
Your efforts towards human rights, freedom of speech, etc, guaranteed by the rule of law, based on the Constitution
are greatly appreciated. We thank you very much.
We believe that in the context of rebuilding the country Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
in all her wisdom and her desire to raise the standard of education and health
of her countrymen will establish world class universities and hospitals which
can exchange knowledge and expertise with the top institutions of the world.
I would like to state that Burma-born professionals now living overseas are keen to
turn the onetime “brain drain” into a “brain gain” by helping the country in any way they can.
With the saying “One can’t, but many can” engraved in our hearts and minds,
we are all eager to help out our motherland Burma.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – while we are able to meet like this please tell us what we need to know
about the economic, education, health, and social situation in Burma based on your assessment,
and also advise us overseas Burmese on how we can help in collaboration with those living in Burma.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – at this Sydney Burmese community meeting please share with us your ideas and aspirations
and the key imperatives for rebuilding the country. I request this on behalf of the Sydney Burmese community.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi: Thank you very much for giving me this warm welcome.
No matter where we travel in the world whenever I meet Burmese people it always makes me very happy.
And I always refer to them as “Burmese people” and not “Burmese citizens” because
some have already settled down in these countries and adopted their citizenship.
Be that as it may they remain our brothers and sisters. We don’t differentiate.
All were born and bred in Burma so we are all brothers and sisters and part of the same family.
It’s of no consequence whether or not you have become a citizen of another country.
The main thing is for everyone to have loving kindness and compassion.
If you love our country and have goodwill towards its development it
doesn’t matter what citizenship you hold we welcome you as family.
We reciprocate love and goodwill with love and goodwill.
I was told that this little gift I just received is a symbol of peace and love.
For the successful development of any country these two are essential requirements.
We need peace. And to gain peace you need loving kindness and goodwill.
For instance even within a family if there is no love and kindness there will never be peace.
You will all understand this.
Disagreements in a family can be sorted out if there is love and kindness.
But if there is no loving kindness there can be no solution.
In our country it’s the same.
Our country is presently at a very important and very delicate juncture.
Some people think that we arrived at this juncture in 2010.
Not so. We got to this point only now.
The changes that were begun in 2010 - how effective will they be?
Will they really take the Burmese people to our desired destination? Now is the time for decision.
I say this very plainly. This concerns the Constitution.
The foundation of any country is its Constitution.
If this foundation is flawed the country will never be stable, peaceful or well developed.
That is why we are giving this issue top priority.
I am repeatedly saying that our country is a Union.
And a Union is a country made up of many different ethnic nationalities.
And when I say different ethnic nationalities the Burmese are one of them.
Because the Burmese are the majority some people don’t consider them as part of the ethnic community
and view them as separate from the rest.
Actually, this is not right.
The Burmese are also one of the ethnic nationalities of the country.
However, they happen to be the majority.
Being the majority I believe that they have to take on more responsibilities.
There may be some people who want to take advantage of the fact that they are in the majority.
I do not agree with this. The majority must take on more responsibilities.
Furthermore, I believe that we of the majority have the biggest responsibility to
generate loving kindness and work towards nationwide peace and harmony.
However, this can’t be done by just one group. Everyone has to be involved.
I always maintain that duties and responsibilities should be placed before entitlements.
That is the only way in which our country can develop and prosper.
I have already stated what is important for our country. And I have also explained why it is important.
So that the people of our country will be aware of this issue my party, the National League for Democracy,
arranges public meetings to explain the importance of the national Constitution.
I am very encouraged when these explanations are easily understood by the public.
They also understand why it is important to amend the Constitution.
For decades the people of Burma have endured being
governed by authorities who never ever gave any explanations.
Whatever was said, whatever was done, people just had to take it. No explanations were given.
We must now go beyond this era. Only after public explanations and with
the genuine support of the people can we continue to progress.
After these meetings with the public not only do they easily understand
the situation but I have observed their interest and enthusiasm.
However, for the changes that we want to be implemented,
what we also require is public involvement.
Then again, just having understanding and being enthusiastic are not enough.
Active participation and help in any form is also required.
I think you will be asking me about these matters in the following question and answer session.
And that is why I am not making a lengthy introduction.
I am keen to answer your questions because in that way we can have an exchange of ideas – a give and take.
As for politics, especially democratic politics, it must be based on give and take.
You cannot be one sided. You cannot only take – or only give.
And this applies to the government and its citizens – within our ethnic groups – and between individuals.
There has to be give and take.
And only when that give and take is just and fair can there be
peace and tranquillity, harmony and prosperity, in the country.
If it isn’t fair or just then at one time or another the peace, harmony and prosperity will be adversely affected.
That is why all of us should follow a political path aiming for give and take that is just and fair.
These days some are just highlighting business, business.
Then there are those who accuse us of not understanding business and of not encouraging business.
We do understand business, and that is why we know that the economic progress
of a country must have a firm foundation with political and social stability.
If you do not have such stability then you cannot have economic progress.
That is why because we want economic progress we must make sure that we get political and social stability.
To achieve stability we have to establish a system and
governance commensurate with the peoples wishes and aspirations.
That is why I appeal to everyone here who has goodwill towards our country, be you of Burmese origin or Australian,
or still a Burmese citizen, to be united and have loving kindness towards each other without differentiation,
and co-operatively help us to achieve our goals – not in 10 years, not in a year, but within months.
And with this appeal to all of you I conclude. Thank you.
Dr Tint Way: Thank you very much.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi - Before we continue our programme,
on behalf of the Burmese people we would like to present you with a small gift.
May I call on U Kyaw Myint and Daw Theresa Wong to represent our Burmese community and come up to the stage.
This is U Kyaw Myint.
This is Daw Theresa Wong.
We will show you.
There is an opal inside.
Dr Theresa Wong: Ma Ma (Sister), so that you can open it I will hold this for you.
It’s an opal brooch from the Burmese community – a unique Australian gemstone.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi: Thank you.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi: Thank you.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi: Is it a little crocodile? Dr Theresa Wong: I am not sure.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi: Thank you.
Dr Tint Way: The next part of our programme is one that the Burmese community of Sydney has been
looking forward to with great interest. And I expect Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will also enjoy it.
Individual questions from members of the Burmese community are on rolled up pieces of paper in the silver bowl.
I request you please Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to open and answer as many as you can in the allotted time.
Dr Tint Way: I think it's already switched on.
Dr Tint Way: Oh, it's okay now.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi: Thank you – but I’m not very happy that I can’t see any of you in the audience.
It would be much better if I could talk to you face to face. Anyway, it’s alright.
Dr Tint Way: Lights.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi: This question states, “My name is Naing Oke Thon. Aunty I would like
to wish you ‘ma-ngai-ya’, I’m not sure if this is correct or not, in the Mon language.
I would like to ask you a question. If you are elected President in the 2015 election,
as part of your policy on education what are your views on allowing
the ethnic languages to be taught in schools and used officially in their respective regions.”
This question should be asked only after you have made me President in 2015.
Tell me, how much have you done about that?
My party the National League for Democracy has already laid down its education policy
to encourage, develop and teach the ethnic languages in their own States.
We want the States to have the ability and authority to decide how best the language should be taught and used.
At the same time this must be in consonance with the education policy of the whole country.
As you all know our country comprises numerous ethnic groups. In some of the States there
is only one ethnic group so use of their language does not need too much thought.
However, in some States there are more than one ethnic group
so we have to devise a system that will be suitable for the whole country.
And that is why I don’t want to give you an easy answer.
Nonetheless, it is our basic policy to encourage all ethnic languages and cultures.
We firmly believe that only if ethnic cultures are developed will our country be more prosperous and fulfilled.
Where shall I put this? If I put it here it will fall down.
“Selfless, Wise and Honourable Aunty Suu...” Don’t be praising me too much,
otherwise I’ll be wondering what you want from me!
“I believe that if you become President, Burma will progress speedily on the road to genuine democracy.
From your international travels Daw Suu I have learnt that overseas Burmese are
keen to help rebuild Burma contributing their skills, knowledge and experience.
Could you tell us briefly how much has already been contributed?
And I am sure that when Daw Suu becomes President more effective contributions will be seen.”
As I just said, the first step is to make me President.
And while on this subject I’d like to say something.
In Burma some people don’t fully understand the concept of democracy.
Some people ask me if I want to be President. I say Yes. Then they want to know why.
Only then can we do what we want to do.
Only then can we implement projects that are political, social, educational, economic, and so on, is my answer.
Some people fault me for wanting to become President.
My reply to that is that in a democratic system political parties have to be formed, and why they have to be formed is
because democracy means rule by the people. Now, not all can be rulers.
There are roughly 55 to 60 million people in Burma.
It is impossible for all 55 million to rule the country. So, instead of what might
be called ‘direct democracy’- the whole world has ‘representative democracy’.
And that means it is based on party politics.
Twenty years ago, or more, when Burma was under military rule we were accused of practising party politics.
There is a difference between party politics and national politics.
It was said that party politics is bad because it just looks after its own interest,
and only national politics, which is implemented by the rulers, is good ...that was the propaganda.
I have always replied that in this day and age if you wish to have democracy you have to have political parties.
However, in party politics there is dirty party politics, and clean party politics. We practise clean party politics.
Therefore, when you try to gain government for your party through clean,
transparent and honest means, there is nothing wrong with that.
In other words you cannot do without party politics in a democracy.
And when a party comes into power, it’s like this, that party’s leader
automatically becomes the head of the government. This is a normal procedure in a democracy.
Could it be that some of the public are saying this because they don’t understand?
Or is it that the people saying and writing this don’t understand? I don’t know.
They even question why I should want to be President. And why I should want to bring down the current President!
All I shall say is this - we will not bring down the current head of government by violence or with weapons,
but through the proper process of free and fair elections, we want to bring him down and take over.
This is not only our right but is the duty of any party that wishes to establish democracy.
And that is why we will continue doing this, may I say.
As for the matter of how our overseas Burmese are helping our country,
there are some doing so individually and others as part of organized groups.
Right now people are helping us mostly on the humanitarian side. That is in health and education, as much as they can.
Earlier I was discussing this subject. In our country there are very few good doctors in the district hospitals.
I have an idea to implement a project.
Residing overseas there are Burma-born teachers, doctors, and nurses, well educated nurses, who are very valuable.
It would be beneficial if such professionals could volunteer their services occasionally in district hospitals
for short periods – say a month or two in a year – as time and circumstances permit.
This would directly benefit the people and also by giving training to the junior doctors would raise their standards.
This would be an immense support to our health services.
Likewise there are many other projects that we want to implement.
We are trying to set up projects to utilise the time and expertise of our overseas Burmese for mutual benefit.
“Good wishes to you Aunty Suu. May I ask you two questions?
You once maintained that because the results of the 1990 elections were not honoured
you wouldn’t consider any other election. Please explain your thoughts about this?”
Yes – it is true that at one time we demanded that the results of the 1990 elections should be implemented.
At that time we heard that instead of honouring the 1990 election results another election would be held.
We said that we could not accept this.
We kept our word and did not participate in the 2010 election. We boycotted it.
The reason for the boycott was our insistence that the 1990 election results be acknowledged.
We gave much thought to how we would word our position.
We did not insist that power should be handed over to the elected representatives
but that the results of the 1990 election must be acknowledged.
You see, in politics you have to be practical. There has to be give and take.
As I have often mentioned before because our country was under military dictatorship for many years
the culture of democracy disappeared.
Furthermore, I have said that our skills in negotiating compromise had weakened.
Why? Because we lacked practice. And that is why we never make extreme statements.
We have never said that power should be handed over to representatives elected in 1990
but only that the election results must be acknowledged.
That is why we did not participate in the 2010 election. But, that is not the only reason.
There was another important reason.
The 2010 election rules stipulated that no persons in jail could be party members and must be expelled from the party.
We could not do this because those of our party who were incarcerated were there because they had fought diligently
for the party and for democracy.
Abandoning such stalwarts is something our party should not do.
If, because we wanted to participate in the election so much, we expelled our worthy comrades –
if we were that kind of party – the people should not support such a party.
If we did not have loyalty to our own colleagues how could we be loyal to our own country? That is why ...
That is why we refused.
Then there was the matter of safeguarding the Constitution. That too we objected to.
So, in connection with all these matters we held talks with President U Thein Sein in 2011 and compromised.
There was give and take on both sides.
As a result we were able to remove the stipulation about expelling party members and the problem was resolved.
Then a top government official said that yes – the NLD (National League for Democracy) did win the 1990 elections.
We didn't demand this. We didn’t ask to have it in writing.
As I have said you must be flexible. In politics you have to be flexible.
As part of democratic politics we could accept that.
One of the rules and regulations was that we must abide by the terms of the Constitution.
It’s like any other law. It’s just like all the existing laws in the country. That too we accepted.
I think many of you will know that there was a small problem concerning this.
In our Constitution's appendix, the parliamentarian oath says that parliamentarians must safeguard the Constitution.
I have to admit honestly that I hadn’t noticed this.
I did read the Constitution beforehand but missed this item perhaps because I wasn’t paying too much attention.
And then we forgot all about it.
It was only when my party won 43 out of 44 seats in the by-election, that we realised we had to take this oath.
Put simply we had to think very hard about whether or not we should enter the parliament
by swearing this oath of allegiance which requires us to safeguard the Constitution.
What we had to consider was the fact that among those persuading us to enter the parliament
were many from indigenous ethnic groups already in the parliament.
Apart from that, similar persuasion came from the public who voted for us. That is why we had to think.
During the election we campaigned.
When we campaigned we asked for votes. As asked for, the public gave us their votes.
If after they have voted for us and because of our oversight we then decide not to enter parliament
and not to represent those who voted for us, then this would amount to our not giving due respect to the voters.
Also, it would amount to disregarding the invitation from the ethnic parliamentarians.
Because the oversight was my fault I myself made the decision to take the oath and enter.
And that is politics. In politics you have to do the right thing, be open and transparent.
If you have a weakness or have made a mistake you must let the public know.
In my opinion if we are open and honest ... the public will be understanding and accepting.
The people have appreciated and supported my actions and decisions.
But of course those who want to criticise, do criticise. That doesn’t matter.
If you can’t take criticism don’t enter politics.
There are many in politics who can’t take criticism
and because they are like that they accuse others of not being able to take criticism.
So, what I want to say is that with regard to the 1990 elections we compromised and achieved a smooth outcome.
Now we will earnestly work towards obtaining full democracy.
As for your second question: “You have already said that the main purpose for your participation in the 2012 by-election
is to implement in parliament 1) The Rule of Law, 2) Internal peace and 3) Amendment of the Constitution.
So, I would like to know and please explain why you are now asking for public opinion on amending the Constitution.”
I am quite surprised at this question. The parliament and the people’s aspirations should be one and the same.
Who said that just because you are in parliament you don’t need to get public opinion?
When you are in parliament you are working and speaking as a representative.
Our party must be in line with the people.
What is taking place in parliament and what is happening outside cannot be separated.
When a political party is honest and sincere it will always operate hand in hand with the people.
These two – the party and the people – must always be linked together. The two must always reflect each other.
What we do in parliament must reflect the policies and work being carried out by our party headquarters outside.
In the same way our party headquarters outside must reflect whatever we do in parliament. These always go hand in hand.
If work is being done only in the parliament while those outside are allowed to sit idle
then I don’t think our party will be elected next time. Therefore we must always strive for this.
As I said before, our public meetings have been very successful and very effective.
If we continue on this path the world will come to realise just how much our people desire constitutional change.
“Respected Aunty. May I ask one question?
To get the peoples’ votes in the 2015 election what is your NLD party’s main campaign promise?”
We have never said we will do this for you or give that to you, and have never campaigned with such promises.
We didn’t do this in 1990. We didn’t do this in the 2012 by-elections.
Because we respect the people we don’t make false promises
without considering whether or not we can deliver - just to get votes. We have never done this.
I always say I can only make one promise and that is that I will do my best.
I can do no more. I can do no more than my best. That’s clear.
Regarding this there is another party – you know which one.
A member of this party said, ‘Why should we vote for someone who doesn’t promise anything?’
Well, I have already said I will do what I can and I will do my best.
The people are smarter than that person so that is why they voted for me.
Our party has always maintained to the public that we will never deceive or mislead them. We will never deceive.
We will always deal with the public through honest politics.
We have said that we will practise honest and straightforward politics.
Honest and straightforward politics ... that I promise.
As for the rest we tell you what our objectives are, but do not say they are promises.
For example, our objective is to develop and improve education and health. I cannot make promises.
All I can say is we aim for development and improvement and will do our best to achieve this.
At present in my constituency of Kawhmu I am doing my best
to improve the transportation system, improve health care, improve the education system, and create more jobs.
In this connection I would like to do a little canvassing.
I'm not sure if you can call this canvassing or simply asking for charity.
Not only for my constituency but for the whole country
I have established the Daw Khin Kyi Foundation. (The late Daw Khin Kyi was Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s mother.)
For instance, this Foundation has begun building a vocational training school in our Kawhmu Township.
And next year the school will begin operating.
In this school vocational training will be given to our youth.
And after their training we will also ensure their employment.
At the same time in my township we are trying to establish businesses and industries.
The main thing is to create jobs for our youth. Only when our young people have work can they have hope.
I have often said that I am more worried about our young people not having hope, than their not having jobs.
So, I would like to request all of you to do what you can to help us in these endeavours.
Another thing, I would like to acknowledge the politically aware young people who,
during our 2012 by-election campaigning trips, supported us so enthusiastically and wholeheartedly.
This made us extremely happy indeed. And we drew strength from it.
That is why we must repay our debt of gratitude to our young people.
To repay this debt the main thing is for us to ensure that they have a good future.
This does not involve only education or health – but also creating employment opportunities.
While we are trying to achieve all this I would once again appeal to all of you to give us your help.
“Dear Aunty. Is it true that you are not saying anything about the atrocities committed by the Burmese military?”
About this...
Aunty will say this.
Before 2010 apart from Aunty’s party which other party had ever criticized the unjust actions of
the SLORC (State Law and Order Restoration Council) and SPDC (State Peace and Development Council)?
Also, ...
Also, apart from Aunty’s party which other party has ever taken the SPDC government to court for its unjust actions?
Aunty has a belief.
I believe that when you become a bit powerful you must never harbour any thoughts of oppressing others.
That's why, ever since we founded the NLD we declared that we would work towards national reconciliation.
National reconciliation has always been our aim. It is still our aim now.
That is, we want the military and the civilians to be reconciled.
I don’t know how some people interpret national reconciliation.
They may think it only concerns the different ethnic groups.
But no. We have to have reconciliation between the different ethnic groups,
between the military and the civilians, and between the diverse political parties.
So, national reconciliation is a very broad subject.
Why do people want us to condemn others? I get criticised for not condemning this person or that, this group or that.
So, I would like to say this.
If I can be clearly convinced that condemning someone would be beneficial, then I will condemn them.
But the way I see it condemnation of others creates more divisions and leads to further dissent.
We must be able to forgive. I say this repeatedly.
In some story, I don’t know which one, a person was asked 'in this situation could you forgive?'
I liked the answer so much, but although I’ve forgotten the story I still remember the answer.
He replied, 'How good or great a person am I that I can’t forgive this one or that?
And from another standpoint how influential or elevated am I that I have the right to say I forgive this or that person?'
It’s so simple. No one is so great or so important that they can or cannot forgive.
We are all the same. We don’t want to think about forgiving or not forgiving.
All I want to concentrate on is how best to bring about smooth relations between people.
Of course there are things I don’t like. I am not a saint.
There are things I don’t like. There are things I don’t want.
And I have differences with others. There are also people I don’t like. And others I can hardly stand the sight of.
But, I won’t let this jeopardise our efforts towards national reconciliation.
So, please don’t encourage one another to speak ill of this person or that.
Whatever hatreds, dissatisfactions, opposing viewpoints, there may be,
I encourage you to figure out how best to resolve these differences.
“I would like to know if by the time of the 2015 elections the military has not agreed to amending
the flawed 2008 Constitution, will you, Mother, participate in the election or boycott it?”
It is too early to say what we are going to do.
But there is one thing I can tell you and that is that this Constitution has to be amended someday.
Sooner or later it has to be amended. And it has to be amended soon.
So I now address everyone who has goodwill towards our country.
Please help us to get the Constitution amended as soon as possible.
“At the moment in Burma it is very fashionable to use the word ‘transparency’. Even the President is using it freely.
Parliamentarians are also using it.
It is very encouraging to hear even roadside sellers using the word just as the media does.
You see, this word to a great extent represents democracy.
So I would like to know to what extent this popular concept of transparency is being applied in practice
in the different fields, especially in the conduct of legal matters”.
If you say this is so popular then I’ll have to take some credit for it. Even boast about it.
The National League for Democracy was the first to use the word.
At a time in Burma when there was no usage of the terms transparency and accountability
our party the National League for Democracy used them frequently. There has to be transparency.
Furthermore, there has to be responsibility, there has to be accountability.
That is the basis of good governance. We were the first to say this. And then a whole string of others followed.
However, if you ask how much there is, in truth there isn’t really all that much as yet.
That is why we are trying to get more.
But it’s not enough to just talk about transparency, you have to put it into practice.
Many of the problems in our country arose because of the lack of transparency.
For example, you will have heard recently about the rise in costs of electricity.
The matter of increasing the charges was discussed in parliament. There were questions raised.
What we want to say is that in a democratic country if you hike the prices overnight without warning,
the people will not accept it.
Don’t the authorities who raised these prices realise that?
With transparency this sort of thing should be discussed. Discussed in advance.
You have to get people’s opinions. And I don’t mean holding a referendum.
For instance, in reference to amending the Constitution we are not holding a referendum, neither are we able to.
We want to know how the people feel about this. That’s what we are trying to find out.
We must also explain to the people why we want to know.
It is not enough to know by a mere show of hands who agrees to amending the Constitution. We don’t do this.
In our public meetings the first thing is to explain what the Constitution is.
Formerly our people were not allowed to know this.
Secondly, we have to explain how the Constitution affects the lives of every one of its citizens,
and why this is important.
Thirdly, we explain the history of Burma’s Constitutions.
The present one is our country’s third.
We explain what the previous Constitutions contained and why they did not last,
and why we have this present third Constitution.
We also explain how this third Constitution was written up and adopted and why this process was not democratic.
That was for the writing up and adoption.
And now we also explain why sections of the Constitution are undemocratic. Which is why we want the amendments.
What is more, the majority of people accept the fact that things cannot go on like this
and that the Constitution does have to be amended.
There are also those who want a total rewrite of the Constitution because it is useless.
We also fully understand this.
However, we contested the by-election with the intention of bringing about change.
And then in order that there be no misunderstandings among our democratic communities we took it to the public.
There are certain things that have to be done to bring about change. There are many difficulties.
For instance, briefly, without military support the parliament cannot endorse these changes.
This is a huge difficulty.
We will also face difficulties in persuading the military to stand on the side of change.
We also explained other difficulties.
With regard to the rewriting, we also explain what difficulties we might encounter.
We ask the public if they want to change, step by step, starting with what is most important, or
if they want the whole Constitution to be rewritten.
And in that way we are able to get their opinion. Not through a referendum.
In this frank and open manner, from a show of hands indicating who accepts and supports what,
we observe that the majority of people support change.
And based on our party’s observations we will include these findings in our proposals and implement them accordingly.
And this is the way we operate in transparency.
I’m afraid that at the present time I have to say
that there is very little transparency in the way legal matters are conducted.
And that is why, on the other hand, I am trying hard to establish the rule of law and ensure that it is upheld.
Where internal peace is concerned we are not yet in a position to be directly involved. This I state with honesty.
The reason is that right now several of the ethnic groups
are in official negotiations with the government and as such our party does not wish to take sides.
No matter who does what in the peace process, if they are successful we will support them.
We do not believe that only we can bring peace. There are some who think that only we must act and no one else must.
I do not subscribe to this notion and believe that no one should think in that way.
Dr. Tint Way: Thank you very much.
Dr. Tint Way: In this question and answer session Daw Suu has enthusiastically and patiently answered our questions
and provided us with wide ranging information and facts with her astuteness and international experience.
For this we are extremely grateful.
Daw Suu even though you are jet lagged and tired from conducting official state duties ...
Dr TW: ... you have made the effort to come here ... DASSK: I’m not tired yet – I will be later!
Dr TW: ... to meet us and patiently explain things to us. We have learnt a lot. For this we thank you very much.
Even though I have more things to say I’ll be brief and just say thank you to all those involved in making this
meeting possible such as members of our Organizing Committee, the general public, and other organizations.
With regard to the Foundation set up by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for health and education
and which Daw Suu referred to earlier, I wish to thank all those who were enthusiastically
involved in organizing the charity dinner at which donations were collected for the Foundation.
I thank all the organizations.
In conclusion I would like to say that one day when we meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi again in the future –
Dr TW: ...in better circumstances and a better position... DASSK: Be frank Saya (Sir), ...don’t beat about the bush.
Dr Tint Way: … when you become the great President, please come back.
Daw Suu, wherever you are, may loving kindness enfold and protect you.
And no matter where you go, may loving kindness carry you to success. That is our prayer for you.
DASSK: Thank You.
Dr Tint Way: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Shall I take it for you? Yes, I will take it.
DASSK: Take the heavy ones. Dr TW: The heavy ones, yes, yes.
DASSK: Thank you. Thank you. Audience: Mother Suu we wish you health.
-- Translation by Alison Mya Mya Win -- -- Burmese Transcription by Tina Thayne --
-- Translation by Alison Mya Mya Win -- -- Subtitling by Glenn Tun --