A public meeting in Karen State, organized by the State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and members of the government appears to be simple 2020 election campaigning, said Mann Aung Pyi Soe, Vice Chairman of the Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party (PSDP).
Mann Aung Pyi Soe told the Mon News Agency that “the government meets, discusses with the public and listens to a presentation. They have tried to resolve as much as possible, but honestly, I consider that it was an election campaign approach.”
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and government members traveled to Kawkareik, Kyar Inn Seik Kyi, Myawaddy, and Hlaingbwe on the 24th and 25th February for a public meeting. Along with the members of the National League Democratic Party (NLD), thousands of local people attended the consultation.
“The sign that read, “WE STAND WITH YOU,” is now spreading all over the country. Truly, it seems like this is a message that is used for elections”, added Mann Aung Pyi Soe.
Some leaders of other ethnic parties pointed out that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi used the state budget to hold a public consultation in Kachin, Kayah, Shan and Chin State in January and February, for what they believe amounted to 2020 election campaigning.
Ironically, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made the following statement during the public meeting in Kawkareik. She said, “When people have power, they do whatever they want to. They tend to exploit the freedom of choice. They do not achieve their duties when they abuse the right of choice. When the responsibilities are not fulfilled, their lives get destroyed because of the power. Therefore, when we have the power and rights to do, we will use them right. The genuine freedom of choice is when we use it for the benefit of people [majority]. Our lives will be more significant when our duties have been carried out through the right decision. Everyone can make their lives meaningful.”
U Zaw Htay, Spokesman of the Office of the President, stated at a February 21/20 press conference that Daw Aung San Suu has been holding these public meetings because she is Chairperson of the Border Area Development Committee.
