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Myanmar’s ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party vice-chairman warned against the possible harm to the country’s sovereignty if the 2008 Constitution is to be amended.
Htay Oo, vice-chairman of the USDP, told the press on Sunday that the provision preventing opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president was not made specifically for her.
“We have only just formed the Constitutional Review Committee. We didn’t form it to amend the constitution. While reviewing the constitution to make amendments, it is important not to harm the national sovereignty. The prohibition in the constitution was not intended only for her [Aung San Suu Kyi]. She wouldn’t even be allowed to become an MP according to the 1947 and 1974 Constitutions. The 2008 Constitution allows her to become an MP. We will not consider amending the constitution if we think that a foreign [country] would influence our sovereignty,” said Htay Oo.
“I don’t believe the public wants to amend the constitution because it is rare to find those who study the constitution. Even I’m still studying it now. I think the public would only want to amend the constitution after those want to have it amended explained [the reasons] to them. People are just being crazy,” he continued.
The USDP’s central executive committee is now studying the constitution to amend it. The party will hold draft review sessions and decide future actions based on the results of those sessions, he added.
The Constitutional Review Committee was formed in July this year with 109 members. As the committee must submit its first report by the end of December, ethnic parties and the National League for Democracy have been studying the constitution.
NLD chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi has said that her party will educate the public regarding the constitutional amendments.
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