Emotions run high in Myanmar
Print Edition
MEMBERS of Aung San Suu Kyi’s victorious National League for Democracy were in tears yesterday as Myanmar swore in its first president with no military ties in more than half a century.
Htin Kyaw, a close friend and confidant of the Nobel peace prize laureate, was hand-picked by her to run Myanmar’s government because a constitution drafted by the former junta bars her from the top office.
In a short address to the chamber, Htin Kyaw reiterated Suu Kyi’s stance on the importance of changing the 2008 charter, which entrenches the military’s powerful position in politics, and called for national reconciliation.
NLD lawmakers were emotional at the scale of the achievement after decades of struggle, including years when many of them were jailed or, like Suu Kyi herself, put under house arrest.
Relations between the armed forces and Suu Kyi will define the success of Myanmar’s most significant break from military rule since the army seized power in 1962.
“Our new government will implement national reconciliation, peace in the country, emergence of a constitution that will pave the way to a democratic union, and enhance the living standard of the people,” said Htin Kyaw, sporting the NLD’s traditional burnt orange jacket.
“We have the duty to work for the emergence of a constitution that is appropriate for our country and also in accordance with democratic standards.”
The armed forces are guaranteed three ministries and control a quarter of parliamentary seats.
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