Nai Janau Mon, also known as Ngwe Thein, chairman of the All Mon Regions Democracy Party (AMDP), explained, “As a country, Burma should get this position. However, they [new government leaders] have not done anything yet to demonstrate a move towards true democracy, even though they have already formed the new government.”

“Democracy is good for the people. The government needs to reform the situation in the country before they are given the position [of ASEAN chair],” he said.

With the end of ASEAN’s 18th summit in Jakarta on Sunday, ASEAN is still considering Burma’s proposal to lead as chairman in 2014.

Bangkok Post, a Thai news agency, reported yesterday that a statement by the current chairman from Indonesia showed support for “the steady progress and political development in Burma following a general election and the formation of a new government.”

Nai Ngwe Thein, the chairman of the Mon National Democratic Front, which participated in national elections in 1990 prior to being disbanded, said, “ASEAN is working according to its protocols, which call for Burma to improve its human rights situation in order to be the ASEAN chair in 2014.”

“I support their [ASEAN’s] decision as we have not yet seen what the country has done for democracy, even though they have already set up the new government,” commented Nai Ngwe Thein.