Suu Kyi under scrutiny for appointing former militia leader to her ‘clean’ parliament
SHE swept to power promising a new era of “clean politics” in Burma after five decades of military rule.
But just two days before her National League for Democracy takes control of parliament, Aung San Suu Kyi is embroiled in controversy for nominating a former militia leader from the defeated pro-military party for a top job.
Ti Khun Myat repeated denials of any involvement in the country’s lucrative drug trade to The Daily Telegraph yesterday during a colourful celebration in the capital Naypyidaw hosted by the outgoing ruling party.
“There are a lot of envious attitudes and some people are trying to create political issues at this time by linking me to that trade,” said Mr Khun Myat, an ethnic Kachin who headed a promilitary militia in a region where opium trafficking is widespread. Ms Suu Kyi has nominated Mr Khun Myat as a deputy speaker in the new parliament.
Although he is a senior MP in the military-backed ruling party that was crushed in the November election, he struck up a good working relationship with the Nobel laureate while heading an important legislative committee.
The NLD leader is believed to have chosen him for the post as part of her attempt to forge better relations with the military and ethnic minorities.
Mr Khun Myat has denied repeated reports in opposition media linking his former militia with the drug trade. “Come to my district any time and you will see I am committed to drug eradication,” he said.
He also denied reports that he had ever been associated with a Burmese bank that was closed down because of allegations of money laundering.
The questions about his past have, however, provoked controversy about the nomination.
“While long-standing allegations of Khun Myat’s involvement in the drug trade have never been substantiated or resulted in any conviction, questions will surround his selection as deputy speaker in light of Suu Kyi’s long standing calls for rule of law and clean government, and expectations that her appointments would be ethically beyond reproach,” said David Matthieson, senior Burma expert with Human Rights Watch.
His nomination seems certain to be approved on Monday.