Aung San Suu Kyi's victory in the Myanmar by-elections can be the catalyst for a rapid process of change in this sanctions-hit country. Suu Kyi's elevation to parliament — after years of house arrest — also reflects well on Myanmar's President Thein Sein, who has orchestrated a series of reforms, which include release of political prisoners; cutting peace deals with insurgents; lifting censorship and media restrictions and opening the country up for international scrutiny. He is thus making a case for the lifting of international sanctions.
Many would argue that the president has used Suu Kyi as a potent weapon for his own foreign policy measures but the people of Myanmar should not complain. At stake is the opening up of doors welcoming trade and investment, which Myanmar can only benefit from, given its natural resources and strategic location with proximity to both China and India. The onus is now on Suu Kyi to prove that she is the ‘chosen' one who can lead her country and its people out of starvation and isolation.
So far she has been the symbol of freedom but, in order to win favour, she must become a leader. To this extent her task will be cut out for her — for starters, to win the hard-nosed junta over in government.
