New Delhi (Mizzima) – Khin Maung Swe, leader of the National Democratic Force, told Mizzima he was delighted pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi had been released and that his National Democratic Force was ready to co-operate with her.

His comments came as Suu Kyi was released from house arrest at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday. “We are ready to meet her, if she desires. We want to co-operate with her in the struggle for democracy,” Khin Maung Swe said.

The National League for Democracy (NLD) decided unanimously against contesting in the election at the central executive committee meeting held on March 29, citing the patent unfairness of the junta’s electoral laws.

After a May 6 deadline for existing political parties to re-register in accordance with the electoral laws, NLD central executive committee members Khin Maung Swe, Dr. Than Nyein, lawyer Thein Nyunt and Dr. Than Win formed the NDF.    
Khin Maung Swe said that he would talk to Suu Kyi about why they had formed a new political party.

“The NLD’s decision, which was made on March 29, did not forbid forming a new political party to contest in the election. But some people said we were traitors to the NLD. We will tell Aung San Suu Kyi why we’ve formed a new political party. We’ll explain what we are doing for the people,” he said.  

He was not concerned that junta authorities would harass his party surrounding such a meeting. “She’s our leader. So, whatever happens, we will meet her,” he said.

In the election on November 7, just 16 of 163 candidates won parliamentary seats. All of the winning candidates had contested seats in Rangoon Division. Eight of them are People’s Assembly candidates, four are National Assembly candidates and the remaining four are States and Regions Assembly candidates.

NDF, Mizzima also contacted the Chin National Party (CNP), Chin Progressive Party (CPP), Shan Nationals Democratic Party (SNDP), Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP), Peace and Diversity Party, and 88 Generation Student Youths (Union of Myanmar) to receive their comments on Aung San Suu Kyi’s release.  

The parties said that they were delighted at the release of Suu Kyi and wanted to co-operate with her.

“We will co-operate with her for the sake of our country. We hope for the best,” Peace and Diversity Party vice-chairman Tin Maung Aye said.

CPP deputy general secretary Shein Tun said: “She’s our pro-democracy leader. We will co-operate with her. We like her attitude. Moreover, we deeply respect her as the daughter of our national hero, Aung San.”
(1)     Image: National Democratic Force party leader Khin Maung Shwe (first left) takes part at the NDF head office opening ceremony in Tarmway Township, Rangoon Division, on August 1, 2010. On Saturday, he welcomed Aung San Suu Kyi’s release and signalled willingness for his party to collaborate. Photo: Mizzima