Suu Kyi promises to tell truth about Latpadaungtaung

Published on Sunday, 09 December 2012 05:44

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, chairperson of the Investigation Commission for the Latpadaungtaung Protest, said at the Yangon Region Parliamentary Building that the truth will be revealed even if everyone is not satisfied with the result.

“Not everyone can be satisfied and it cannot be helped. It is not the duty of the commission. The duty is to find out the truth and provide the ideal suggestions based on the facts,” explained the chairperson.

After having discussed with police officials, she said, “The officers told us that they used water cannons to disperse the protesters and later used smoke bombs. We need to find out what can happen when smoke meets water. So long as there is no evidence, they will be regarded as innocent, but suspects.”

Aung San Suu Kyi assured that the investigation will be conducted according to the existing laws. Therefore, the suspected persons will be regarded as innocent until solid evidence is found. Only then it can be clear who is guilty and how it happened.

She also added that commission members are required not to reveal any information as individuals.

The investigation will be carried out with duty and law in mind and will cooperate with the public.

She said to the journalists that the commission is formed by the decision of Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House).

When asked about the protests, the chairperson answered “First of all, I want to know for what the protest was initiated. If we find out the reason, it will be easier to take the investigation forward. The fact is important. Even though we must keep the law enforcement in mind, understanding and solving the problem is far more important.”

“The responsible persons must know that the commission will not shirk its duty of finding the persons responsible. The evidence will be analysed by outside analysts and non-governmental officials. Although Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd is largely composed of former senior military officials, the truth will be disclosed.”

She also said the Chinese companies participated in the mine project because of the agreement with the government and they cannot do so if the government did not allow it. Moreover, the government has to take the responsibility for the country and if the projects are implemented with transparency, these kind of problems would never occur. The projects should be arranged only after satisfactory negotiations.

“Negotiation needs all parties included to compromise their needs. If a party does not compromise, the deal cannot be made. A deal means the parties have to be flexible and understanding. That is the basis of democracy,” said Aung San Suu Kyi.

This protest can lead to a misunderstanding among foreign investors that their investments could face similar problems. The media has to learn deeply and report accurately. The backgrounds must be included and reports must look for the good of the country.

Many people have condemned the serious crackdown on the protest camps from Latpadaungtaung copper mine area at 3am in the morning on November 29.

The commission was first established by the president on December 1 with Aung San Suu Kyi as chairperson.

On December 3, the commission was reformed with 14 members but Aung San Suu Kyi was still appointed as chairperson.