[SLORC Press Conference
(extract),
We do not know as yet to whom and how the power would be
transferred, and we do not know who would win and in which manner we would
transfer power. We cannot transfer power as soon as the elections are held. The
government would be formed according to a constitution.
If the state power is hurriedly transferred, it would lead to a shaky and weak
government. This can be reasoned by any person with intelligence. Stability can
be achieved only by systematically forming a government based on a
constitution. Presently, we have two constitutions in our country; that is, the
1947 Constitution and the 1974 Constitution. Of the two, the 1947 Constitution
was drawn up based on the 1935 Act-the Government of Burma Act, 1935 -- in
accordance with the Aung San-Atlee Agreement. ...
The 1974 Constitution was promulgated after obtaining the wishes
of the entire people on many occasions. The difference between the two laws had
been pointed out. The elected representatives can choose one of the
constitutions to form a government, and we will transfer power to the
government formed by them. We are ready to transfer power to the government
that emerges according to the constitution.
If they do not like the two existing constitutions, they can draw
[up] a new constitution. Neither the Defence Forces nor the State Law and Order
Restoration Council will draw up a new constitution. The elected
representatives are to draw up the constitution. If the people approve that
constitution, we will transfer power as soon as possible to the government that
emerged according to that constitution. There should be no worry about transfer
of power. We are ever ready to transfer power. ... We will transfer power as
soon as possible to the emerging government, as explained earlier.”
Source FBIS-EAS-89-111, June 1989, at 28. via
“Democracy and Politics in