YANGON -- Myanmar's military chief on Sunday pledged to support the country's new civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, but emphasized security concerns that signaled determination to keep the armed forces at the heart of government.
In a speech marking Armed Forces Day, an annual event in Napyitaw, Myanmar's capital, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that the armed forces would work for the nation's prosperity, but also warned about challenges. "The two main hindrances to democratization are not abiding by the rule of law, and the presence of armed insurgencies. These could lead to a chaotic democracy," he said. His remarks about the rule of law were widely seen as a pointed reference to attempts by Suu Kyi to amend the 2008 constitution.
