Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi
is cautious about her country's future and is pinning her hopes on the
international community ensuring that the military government's political and
economic reforms remain "irreversible".
During
an interview at the Word Economic Forum on East Asia 2012 in Bangkok yesterday,
she said that the international community could influence reforms, which she
believes should be used to improve the condition of all Myanmar people,
including ethnic groups.
"I
can't read their hearts or minds. We all have to make sure that they keep their
word," she said at a press conference, adding that everybody should keep
their promises. Since Myanmar President Thein Sein will probably step aside
when his term ends in 2015, she said the future of the reforms really lies in
the hands of his successor.
As for
her country attracting investments, she said investors should monitor what is
going on in the country, especially since much of the reform depends on
national commitment.
"It's
good to have optimism, but it should be cautious optimism. Now, it's reckless
optimism. It's not good for you or for us," the 1991 Nobel Peace Laureate
said.
Last
week, the United States suspended some of its sanctions against Myanmar and Suu
Kyi welcomed this as a "reward for good behaviour".
Since
Myanmar will become the Asean chair in 2014, she said other members of the
grouping should set standards for it to follow and explain what they want from
the Asean chair.
"You
don't get anything for nothing. There's no use in helping unless you engage in
endeavour," Suu Kyi, who is also leader of the National League for
Democracy, said.
Just as
investors eye Myanmar's rich resources, the pro-democracy icon said both
political and economic reforms need to go hand in hand. When asked if
infrastructure or investment should come first, she said they must both come at
the same time, adding that investors should demand that the government provide
infrastructure in order to accommodate their investment, like road links.
However,
she said, it was essential that companies ensure that the government establish
the rule of law first.
"There
are many good laws existing in Burma, but we do not have a clean and
independent judicial system," she said, adding that without the rule of
law, even good investment regulations would be of no benefit. "[But] I
have to confess that not many in the government agreed with this reform. They
don't see the urgent need for reforms," she said.
In
terms of the investment law, which is at a draft stage, she said she would not
know the details until the draft is ready. Under the current rule, it is
difficult to amend the Constitution because it requires votes from every
civilian as well as military backing.
Apart
from the rule of law, she also stressed the need for better education and job
creation. She asked for the international community to help find ways to
improve the education system, which is in a "very poor" state.
Just as
the country needs more PhD holders, she said the secondary education level also
needs to be improved and should include vocational and informal training. She
said she understood that every investor's goal is to make profits, but she
believes that if Myanmar's people were better educated, they could help investors
benefit further.
Suu Kyi
added that job creation was a top priority, especially for the youth who are
spending their time drinking, abusing drugs and gambling. If jobs are created,
then people can earn a decent living, which will empower them to fight for a
true democracy. She believes that even the most basic of skills will allow the
Myanmar public to reap benefits from the ongoing political and economic
reforms.
She
also emphasised the need for transparent investment policies, since corruption
and income inequality are the country's two major issues.
While
Thailand is upbeat on the prospect of the Dawei development project, she said
it was important that all bilateral projects remain transparent. Myanmar is as
open to investment as it is to humanitarian aid, but the problem now is that
the people are "completely kept in the dark" and have no chance to
discuss the impacts, which can be dangerous for national reconciliation.
"Our
country needs to benefit as much as the investors...We do not want investment
to mean greater inequality. And we do not want investment to mean greater
privileges for those already privileged," she said.
She
explained that she was not discouraged by the slow pace of reforms, and sees a
high possibility for national reconciliation. She said that despite the
diversity of Myanmar's ethnic groups, the gap is not "unbridgeable".
Suu
Kyi, who has been allowed to leave her country for the first time in 24 years,
warned the world that Myanmar's reform process is not irreversible yet.
"It depends on how committed the military is to the process," she
explained. "It depends on national commitment. All the people must be
committed to improving the state of our country."
According
to her, only national commitment will bring about reconciliation and improve
her country's condition.
Achara
Deboonme
The
Nation
Business & Investment Opportunities
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