Monks will remain neutral if Aung San Suu Kyi visits here, says Rakhine monk
By Mizzima
June 7, 2014
Monks will remain neutral during any future visit of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to Rakhine State, says a member of the Rakhine State Discipline and Monks Organisation.
200 monks from 17 Rakhine townships gathered to discuss peace and development issues at Myoema monastery, north Sittway on June 4, said Sayadaw U San Daw Baa Sa, chair of the North Sittway branch of the organisation.
Speaking to Mizzima on June 5, Sayadaw U San Daw Baa Sa said that as news of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s speeches to amend the constitution hasbeen spreading, this prompted the monks to include as part of their discussions, the possibility of her delivering a speech in Rakhine State.
“The monks will neither support nor object to her, we will not organise the people in any way and they can stand where they like,” said Sayadaw U San Daw Baa Sa.
“It is not certain as to whether Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will travel to Rakhine,” said U Win Myint, a member of the National League for Democracy central executive committee.
On May 27, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi launched a petition calling for the amendment of section 436; a provision of Myanmar’s constitution that requires any amendment to the 2008 constitution to be approved by a 75% majority in parliament, effectively giving the Hluttaw’s unelected Tatmadaw representatives the right of veto.
On May 17 - 18, the NLD leader addressed large crowds on the issue of constitutional amendments, first in Yangon and the following day in Mandalay.
