Parliament Opens in Naypyidaw, Mon Officials Doubtful of Change

By LAWI WENG & AKAR – Burma is set to open a new parliament today for the first time in 20 years. According to the chairman of the All Mon Regions Democracy Party (AMDP), the new parliament will be no different from the former military government.

Nai Ngwe Thein, AMDP chairman said, “If we want to present a proposal at the parliament we need to wait for two weeks. They will check our proposal first before we are able to present at parliament. If they agree, we can present at parliament,” he said.

“The restrictions must be reduced. If not, the new parliament will be a military parliament,” he said.

Seven AMDP candidates joined the new parliament today in Naypyidaw among hundreds of elected officials for the opening of parliament.

For the first time, the Mon people have official candidates at parliament in Burma. But, the people are doubtful about how well the Mon candidates will be able to fight for the Mon due to restrictions in the new constitution.

“They need to be courageous to fight for their people at parliament. If not, the people will be disappointed in them,” said Nai Ngwe Thein.

The AMDP won 16 out of 34 positions for Mon State in the November 7th election.

The AMDP was the main opposition party to the regime-backed United Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in Mon State. AMDP won seven seats in the State Parliament while the USDP won 14.