Aung San Suu Kyi warned elected lawmakers over the weekend to keep it together as the National League for Democracy heads into a potentially tough transition to power after winning a majority in the November 8 polls.
She also told them to go outside and pick up some trash.
Lawmakers interviewed by the Voice Weekly said the Nobel laureate stressed the importance of garbage collection as a way of showing solidarity with constituents.
“The reason to collect litter is that MPs should do what people do,” Suu Kyi reportedly said, expressing a sentiment that is difficult to argue with.
The lawmakers heard the words of the trash decree loud and clear.
Htun Myint, an elected candidate in Bahan township, told the Voice that he had followed through on the orders.
“We already planned to collect litter on weekends. Aung San Suu Kyi also instructed us to do this,” he said. “The reason why MPs are collecting litter is that we want people to throw away litter carefully, that’s why we are leading this.”
Suu Kyi is making sure no one gets out of line in the period between now and when they take power sometime in late January or early February. About two weeks ago she scolded some MPs who had spent more than they were supposed to during campaigning.
She has also pledged to reduce MP wages as a sign of personal sacrifice.
Photo of YCDC dumpster on Merchant Street earlier this year / Coconuts Yangon
