Suu Kyi calls on NLD members to work for the nation

Saturday, 09 March 2013 18:22 Ko Ko Gyi

Members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) should be fully responsible and seriously committed to work for the nation—and not for the purpose of attaining higher positions, party leader Aung San Suu Kyi said on Saturday.

Party leader Aung San Suu Kyi addresses NLD members at the party's congress in Yangon on Saturday, March 9, 2013. (PHOTO: NLD Congress / Facebook)

Speaking in Yangon’s Bahan Township on the second day of the party’s first general congress, Suu Kyi said, “A party congress should not be seen as an opportunity for individual members to attain higher positions. It is a platform where the party sets targets on how to best provide for the general public. It is therefore essential that we treat this forum seriously.”

She suggested that all party members seriously consider who deserves to represent the NLD, and assess the level at which each nominee can fulfill the needs of the public.

“This party has sometimes practiced a centralized system in terms of decision-making over the past few years,” she continued. “We have been criticized of this by our own members and others outside the party. I acknowledge that this situation is true.”

Suu Kyi added: “The domestic political climate is changing. We must therefore practice a selection process that observes democratic principles from the bottom level to the highest level. Fulfillment of these conditions will set us in good stead for the future.”

Addressing the matter of internal conflicts within the NLD, Suu Kyi said that party members should seek compromise whenever possible to find a solution, and agree to hold different points of view.

She said that the principle of compromise must be observed because the party believes national reconciliation to be so essential for the next steps in nation-building and in avoiding a repetition of past events.

She mentioned that the party should enact practical ways of introducing a new generation into its leadership ranks for the sake of the party’s long-term strategy.

The final day of the NLD congress is to be held at the same venue in Yangon on Sunday when a new leadership is due to be elected.