YANGON: Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi told investors at a European Union forum yesterday that business leaders should not ignore the country’s political challenges as it heads towards crucial 2015 elections.
The veteran activist, who rejected suggestions that her party would slow economic progress if it came to power, said constitutional change was imperative for the economic development of the nation, seen as a key regional developing market.
“Anybody who encourages business or investment or any other activity in Burma while at the same time totally ignoring the need to amend the constitution is not being pragmatic,” she said, using the country’s former name.
She was speaking at a forum on supporting Myanmar’s transition from decades of military rule that was hosted by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton. The current constitution, crafted under the former junta, would block Suu Kyi from becoming president after 2015 parliamentary elections because it excludes anyone whose spouses or children are foreign nationals.
It also ensures that a quarter of the legislature is reserved for soldiers. President Thein Sein, who took power in 2011, has won international plaudits and the removal of most Western sanctions for changes including Suu Kyi’s participation in parliament and the release of political prisoners.
President’s Office Minister Soe Thane called on the international community to give “constructive advice” to Myanmar as it emerges from half a century of isolation.
He said the country was working towards “sustainable economic growth that leads to a shared prosperity”.
“We want to move quickly to embrace democracy, the idea of social inclusiveness, political openness. But these will be just words unless we are able to change deeply-rooted ways of thinking and behaving as well,” he told delegates.
Government officials at the EU session expressed frustration that Suu Kyi had repeatedly highlighted constitutional change.
Myanmar has been beset by ethnic rebellions for decades. Tentative peace pacts have been signed with most armed groups but a nationwide ceasefire has so far remained elusive.
AFP
