Some students from university student unions staged a standing protest holding placards as State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi delivered a speech on January 28. 

The State Counsellor was speaking at a symposium on education promotion (basic sector) held at the Myanmar International Convention Center-2 in Nay Pyi Taw. 

About five minutes after she spoke, 12 students stood to protest by holding placards reading "Can national economy progress by holding examinations till by the end of March? Immediately correct mismanagement, Down with the education without research, Immediately handle the Mandalay University strike and Don't waste time in seeking the truth". 

The ceremony turned chaotic for a moment but the protest stopped after negotiations were made by officials with the students.

During her speech, Aung San Suu Kyi remarked that protest should not be used for the sake of one's own group or one individual's view. 

"It should not have happened at all. Everyone has their rights as well as their responsibility. We must be self-disciplined. I can't see what is happening in the last row. You have the right to submit what you want to. There are ways to submit. You can submit your outlooks. But don't abuse such a ceremonial event. Everyone must be self-disciplined," the State Counsellor commented. 

After the speech, the students negotiated with Dr Tin Maug Win, deputy director general of the Basic Education Department to meet the State Counsellor for about 10 minutes. But they were not allowed. 

Aung Pyae Sone Phyo, secretary of the Student Union of Yangon University of Education, said: "There are two reasons why universities and colleges go on strike. One is an extension of exams till March and the other is delays in solving the Mandalay University protest. I don't think the State Counsellor knows them. We were just trying to tell her about this." 

The students said they would try to meet other decision makers, although they were not allowed to meet the State Counsellor.