Only Suu Kyi Speaks for NLD, Party Says After Speaker Slip
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| National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi speaks to media about the upcoming general elections, during a news conference at her home in Rangoon on Nov. 5, 2015. (Photo: Reuters) |
January 22, 2016
RANGOON — The National League for Democracy (NLD) announced on Friday that party chairwoman Aung San Suu Kyi is the only person authorized to speak publicly about the party’s policy decisions.
In a statement shared on social media, the NLD said it has to “handle things delicately at present,” as the party prepares to assume power after unseating the military-backed government in the Nov. 8 general election.
“Therefore, it is hereby announced that except for the chairperson of the NLD, no one else is authorized to talk about the policies and transition issues of the NLD,” the statement read.
The announcement followed a widely cited AFP report that the party had made its selections for speakers and deputy speakers of the Union Parliament, quoting senior party member Nyan Win.
The central committee member said that of the party’s picks for the four powerful positions, three would be ethnic minorities and two would be from a party other that the NLD.
The party declined to speak further on the issue when commented by other media outlets.
The NLD has come under criticism for its secrecy about policies and political appointments, though Suu Kyi has stated her intention to nominate non-party members and to prioritize ethnic minorities in the formation of her administration.
