AUNG SAN SUU KYI CALLS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

AUNG SAN SUU KYI ADDRESSING A RALLY IN MYANMAR
AUNG SAN SUU KYI ADDRESSING A RALLY IN MYANMAR

National League for Democracy (NLD) leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has held two rallies in the town of Mogoke, Mandalay Division in order to demand amendments to Burma’s controversial 2008 Constitution.“Those who say the Constitution does not need to be amended, and that the country is on a path to democracy, are cheating the people,” Suu Kyi told a crowd of around 3,000 people in the ruby mining town of Mogoke.

In recent months, Suu Kyi has become increasingly vocal on the issue and in February 2014, she teamed up with the 88 Student Generation leaders in pushing for constitutional reforms through the use of ‘people’s power’ demonstrations. Suu Kyi said she would continue this popular drive, adding that Burmese citizens should join in and “be brave, and rid themselves of fear in order to create the country they want.” Demonstrations in Mandalay, NyaungOo near Bagan and in the Sagaing Division towns of Monywa and Depayin have been organized with groups of hundreds or several thousand demonstrators calling for constitutional reform. In Rangoon, protests were reportedly held in Tamwe and Dawbon townships.

PyinOoLwin, home of the Defence Service Academy, was the site of protests last week as demonstrators demanded changes including reducing the provision of 25 percent of military representatives in the hluttaw.

“Amending the constitution is not for me to be president. Most people think that. I thank all the people who love me and depend on me, but I don’t want a situation that relies on only one person. It is not good for the people or for me and the country,” DawAung San Suu Kyi said.