Aung San Suu Kyi told a group of NLD lawmakers and members gathered in Naypyitaw this evening what she considered in picking Htin Kyaw, her senior aide, to be Myanmar’s next president: loyalty, discipline and qualifications.
“People will love the president and vice-president we elect,” she told the closed-door meeting at MP dormitories.
Although another candidate from Chin state was also nominated by the NLD this morning, Htin Kyaw, a 69-year-old NLD loyalist whose father was the famous poet Min Thu Wun, is considered the most likely choice for president.
The military is choosing at least one other vice-president.
Lawmakers are set to vote on the president tomorrow after nominees were announced this morning. Two of the losing candidates will become vice-presidents.
“She [Suu Ky] told us to be healthy and not to be absent [for the vote] tomorrow,” said Ma Thandar, an MP from the Irrawaddy Region.
“We already practiced how to vote and how we also have to practice again,” said Maung Thin Thit, who represents Pobba Thiri Constituency in Naypyitaw.
The NLD has not held any public press conferences about the announcements.
After security locked the doors to the meeting hall this evening, journalists were forced to listen in.
It looked like this.
Talking afterwards, MPs praised the presidential candidate.
“Htin Kyaw has a good history,” said Min Oo, from Bago Region. “He is a qualified, loyal and honest man.”
Most importantly of all, though…
“We can say his appearance is suitable for the presidential position,” said Min Oo. He is also tall.”
