Aung San Suu Kyi sworn in as member of Myanmar’s parliament
02 May 2012
Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was sworn in to Myanmar's military-backed parliament today, the first time she has assumed public office after the launch of her struggle against authoritarian rule nearly a quarter century ago. (See: Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi elected to parliament)
The opposition leader's entry into the legislature is expected to usher in a new era in the country, cementing a risky detente between her party and the reformist government of president Thein Sein, which took over power from the army last year.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party however, would not enjoy any real power in the ruling-party dominated assembly, given the few seats it has. However, now there are fears that the opposition lawmakers could simply legitimise the regime without any change.
However, the new lawmakers would also bring a level of public debate to the legislative body, something that has been lacking for decades as they prepare for the next general election in 2015.
The solemn swearing-in ceremony was convened in the capital, Naypyitaw, which was built by the former army junta. Suu Kyi wearing white roses in her hair, stood along with several dozen of her party's lawmakers as the speaker of the lower house asked them to read the oath.
In a brief interaction with reporters later, Suu Kyi said she would try ''to carry out our duties within the parliament as we have been carrying out our duties outside the parliament for the last 20 or so years.''
