The man tipped to become the Religion and Culture Minister, Thura U Aung Ko, says it is possible that the race and religion could be used by hardliners to create instability after the new government come to power. He was speaking after a meeting between the people nominated to be appointed as ministers and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 25 March. “Religion can been seen simply as religion, but sometime some of the issue related to religion could become a political problem. As there are the people and the organizations who wish for the success of the work to be implemented by the new government, but there could also be some organizations or individuals who yearned for the status quo. Since such element could exist so you never know they may try to create unrest in the society,” Thura U Aung Ko said. He said as the new religious minister he will meet with monks in the country during the first 100 days after the new government come to power. He said there are 600 000 monks in the country. He also said it is important to create understanding between the government and monks. Thura U Aung Ko did not say what kind of actions will be taken against those who attempting to create instability in the country. His comment on discussion with monk to prevent violence implies that the monks were involved in incitement for violence during the term of President U Thein Sein. “We have our national groups who are follower of other major religions like Christian, Islam and Hinduism and also we have small religions. We will engage with them as well. And then we need to draw up a plan to create harmony among the four religions and to advocate them not to listen the people who are using religion to incite violence,” Thura U Aung Ko said. The National League for Democracy who won the last general elections is to take oath of office on 30 March and the new government will assume office on 1 April.