Job for Suu Kyi

Pro-democracy icon may be given suitable post if she wins seat

Myanmar icon promised govt post if she wins seat

YANGON: Democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi could be given a job in Myanmar’s nominally civilian government if she is elected to parliament in April by-elections, a presidential adviser said.

The Nobel laureate, who could be propelled into a parliament still largely composed of the military and ruling army-backed party, would be given a “suitable” position, Nay Zin Latt said yesterday.

It is the latest gesture of reform by Myanmar’s new leadership but concerns remain about the fate of political detainees in the country also known as Burma.

“There is also a possibility she will be appointed to the government,” said the adviser, adding it would depend on Suu Kyi’s wishes.

“If she’s more interested in legislative matters, there can be a suitable duty for her at parliament,” he said.

The comments come as Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party confirmed that the 66year-old would contest the vote in a constituency near Yangon.

“Suu Kyi will contest from Kawhmu constituency. We will release final candidate lists for constituencies after Jan 11,” Nldspokesman Nyan Win said.

“We do not know yet how and where she will serve her duty if elected,” he said, adding that she would “just be a parliament member”.

Nyan Win said Suu Kyi would embark on a campaign trip soon although details of the tour had not been decided.

Nay Zin Latt said President Thein Sein would welcome Suu Kyi if she was elected in the vote and becomes a parliament member.

“The president wants the coming by-elections to be free and fair.”

Suu Kyi, whowas freed from seven years of house arrest days after the November 2010 election, said she expected to live to see a “full democratic election” in Myanmar, in comments to the BBC last week.

Her NLD also saw its party registration officially approved by authorities last week, clearing the final hurdle to its participation in the byelections.

A total of 48 seats are up for grabs in the April vote – 40 in the lower house, six in the upper house and two in regional assemblies.

The polls are to fill places vacated by those elected in the controversial vote who have since become ministers and deputy ministers in the government. — AFP