nlmDecember06

HOME
ARCHIVES	Monday, 4 December 2006	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein addresses ceremony to mark International Day of Disabled Persons

Yangon, 3 Dec—“Disabled persons in Myanmar are now enjoying social rights fully under the find traditions and culture of Myanmar and the policy of the government,” said Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein at a ceremony to mark the International Day of Disabled Persons held at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road, here, this morning.

Present on the occasion were Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hla Htay Win, the ministers, the chief Justice, the attorney-general, the Yangon mayor, the deputy ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, members of the Central Committee for Organizing the International Day of Disabled Persons, resident representatives of UN agencies, those from the Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Myanmar Sports Federation for Disabled Persons, the principals of the school for disabled persons, teachers, students, well-wishers and guests.

In his address, the Secretary-1 said that today is the International Day of Disabled Persons that was designated by the UN in order to uplift the dignity of disabled persons. The nations of the world have been holding the ceremonies to mark the International Day of Disabled Persons with the aim of letting the world peoples to better understand the condition of disabled persons, to better understand the benefits of integrating disabled persons into the community and to focus on the rights and capabilities of disabled persons.

The Union of Myanmar has been participating in the noble activities for human race carried out by the UN. The nation holds the ceremony to mark the International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December yearly to enhance the dignity and morale of disabled persons and to strive for them to be able to enjoy equal rights. The ceremony held today is the 13th of its kind, he added.

He said that according to traditions and culture of Myanmar ancestors, parents, sons and daughters and grandchildren have been living together in a family through thick and thin. It was a Myanmar tradition deeply rooted in Myanmar society that Myanmar peoples in a family take mutual care of one another, regardless of age and disability.

Therefore, there is no such incident in Myanmar society that older and disabled persons have been ostracized but they are being taken care of in one way or another.

The government believes the fact that disabled persons are a national force. This being the case, it has been making efforts in all seriousness for disabled persons to enjoy equal rights with others, to create opportunity of improving their socio-economic life and to boost their morale and capability.

He said the State Peace and Development Council has been making efforts to enable Myanmar to become modern and developed one with the objective for all citizens to enjoy social happiness in peaceful atmosphere and to fully enjoy the fruits of development.

Systematic arrangements are being made for elderly people, mothers and children and the disabled who need special social care services in accord with the objectives, he said.

The government is also undertaking rehabilitation projects for the disabled at different levels through medical treatment and social activities, he added.

He said preventive measures, giving oral polio vaccine and vitamin A to children, distribution of iodized salt and leprosy and trachoma control programmes are being carried out nationwide.

National rehabilitation hospitals are being opened in Yangon and Mandalay. Besides, people’s hospitals in states and divisions are also providing treatment for the disabled. The government has opened schools for the blind, schools for the deaf, schools for the disabled adults and schools for the disabled children to care for the visually impaired, the hearing impaired, the physically disables and the mentally retarded and is conducting programmes for their education, vocational training, social dealings and jobs under centre based system.

Social organizations on their part have opened Mary Chapman School for the deaf in Yangon, schools for the blind in Yangon, PyiOoLwin, Pakokku, Myitkyina and Meiktila, Eden School for the disabled children and Taunggyi School for the orphans and disabled children. With the system of inclusive education being practised, all the blind, deaf and disabled children all over the country have now a good opportunity to pursue their education. As a result, 13 students from the schools for the disabled passed the matriculation examination in 2005 and 15 others in 2006. They are now studying at university. It is a great honour for the disabled persons to know that the physically handicapped Ma Su Pon Chit who passed the 2005 matric exam with four distinctions is attending Yangon Technological University and the blind Ma Aye Chan Aung who passed the 2006 matric exam with three distinctions and won the whole Myanmar first in the arts combination.

With the advancing information and communication technology, knowledge based societies have been built across the world. In order for the disabled people like able people to enjoy the development of ICT, Asia-Pacific Region Disabled Decade (2003-2012) has been laid down. The UN laid down the motto ‘E-Accessibility’ on the International Day of Disabled Persons. Myanmar is conducting computer courses at the schools for the disabled. Now, the blind students at Kyimyindine School for the blind are able to use computer although they had to use only cassettes and Braille in the past. Likewise, students of Khawegyan and Sagaing Schools for the blind and Mandalay and Mary Chapman Schools for the deaf are now using computers in their learning.

Arrangements are being made to publish the book on the Sign Language Dictionary Volume 1 containing 693 words for the deaf. And, the Volume 2 of the book that covers about 800 words is being compiled. Therefore, the dictionary will benefit the deaf children to have easy access to the learning of education and relationship in their society.

Myanmar is speeding up rehabilitation of the disabled persons and actively taking part in ASEAN and international sports meets and demonstrations for showing off skills and abilities of the disabled. The Myanmar Para Sports Federation, one of the members of International Paralympic Committee, participated in the regional sports meets for emergence of disabled athletes who brought honour to the State. Likewise, ministries concerned honoured and presented prizes to outstanding disabled athletes.

On 15 October every year, Yangon City Development Committee organizes the International White Cane Day, and the 15th ceremony will be held this year. Over 700 disabled students who have been taking part in the International White Cane Day yearly can increase the appreciation of the people. As part of activities in commemoration of the International Day of Disabled Persons 2006, the National Sports Competitions for the Disabled was held with the participation of about 500 disabled athletes. Likewise, skills demonstrations were organized with the participation of over 360 disabled students at the schools for the disabled in Yangon.

At the ceremony, prizes will be awarded not only to outstanding athletes from various sports competitions but to 17 outstanding students from the schools for the disabled and other outstanding persons from organizations. Disabled persons were nurtured as the persons of lacking physical strength in the past. Nowadays, it is necessary to set sights on nurturing the disabled persons to be able to enjoy rights in equal terms with other citizens and on uplift of their living standard. Hence, departments, social organizations and all the people are to actively join hands in a drive to enable the disabled persons to enjoy equal terms of prestige and social rights with other persons, to work their best for improvement of and to get on well with the human society.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the disabled persons to work hard on self-reliant basis by showing their abilities; to strive for becoming the persons who can contribute to their families and society; and to participate in nation-building tasks together with the people.

Resident Represent-ative Mr Charles James Petrie of UNDP read the message sent by the UN Secretary-General.The Secretary-1 presented prizes to the Director of Eden School for the Disabled Children, U Than Hlaing of Myanmar Federation for the Disabled, U Thein Naing of Mandalay School for the Deaf Children, Ma Aye Chan Aung of Aungban BEHS, Maung Kaung Htet San of Myitkyina BEHS and Maung Sai Soe Moe Thu of Namlan BEHS of Hsipaw.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence gave prizes to outstanding persons from the schools for the disabled — Maung Hein Htet of the School for the Disabled Children, Maung Aung Thu of the School for the Disabled Adults, Maung Aik San of Mandalay School for the Deaf Children, Ma Nyo Nyo Aye of Kyimyindine School for the Blind, Ma Zar Phyu Lwin of Sagaing School for the Blind, Ma Naw Shae Myar of Mary Chapman’s School for the Deaf, and Ma Khun Hsant of Khawegyan School for the Blind.

CEC member of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Asso-ciation Daw Htwe Htwe Nyunt presented prizes to Maung Naing Min Tun of PyinOoLwin School for the Blind, Maung Myint Sai of Pakokku School for the Blind, Maung Thein Aung of Phayabyu Parihita Geha and L/Cpl Aung Hsan Oo of No 1 Defence Services Vocational Training Camp (Hmawby).

Vice-President Daw Khin Thet Htay of MWAF awarded prizes to Sgt Kan Chyar of No 2 Defence Services Vocational Training Camp (Mongmao), Maran Bauk Ja of Myitkyina School for the Blind, Maung Hsan Win of AAR, Ma Thiri Min Wai of Eden School for the Disabled Children, and Daw Aye Aye Myint of Saint Mary Workshop for the Blind.

Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe presented prizes to two sporting teams that won medals in the Special Olympic International, the soccer team that bagged medals in the special olympic soccer tourn-ament in Bangkok of Thailand in 2006 and the sport team that secured three gold, five silver and two bronze medals in the Special Olympic Invi-tation Track and Field Competition in Shanghai of the People’s Republic of China in October 2006.

Resident Repre-sentatives of UN agencies and departmental officials also gave prizes to winners in the activities in commemoration of the International Day of Disabled Persons 2006.

Minister for SWRR Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe accepted K 1 million donated by Dr Aung Lwin-Daw Thet Sanda (Pyae Phyo Tun International) for providing stipends to five BEHS level students of the training schools of Social Welfare Depart-ment. Next, the minister presented one wheel-chair each to Ma Gin Ngaik Din of MWAF and Ma Thuza Htay of MMCWA.

Yangon, 3 Dec - Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence met a 11-member team of Tatmadawmen led by Lt-Col Sein Than of the Ministry of Defence who will take part in the Friendly Rally Driving between armed forces of Myanmar and India to be held in New Delhi, India from 5 to 28 December at the lounge of Yangon International Airport here this afternoon. Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hla Htay Win, senior military officers and athletes.

At the meeting, Lt-Gen Myint Swe said that the rally driving is the first of its kind between armed forces of Myanmar and India. Hence, Tatmadawmen are to take part in the rally to the best of their ability so that they can enhance the prestige of the State and Tatmadaw and further cement friendship between armed forces of the two countries.

At 2.30 pm, Lt-Gen Myint Swe, the commander and senior military officers saw off the athletes at the airport.

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 Dec - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo together with officials heard reports on the amount of fruits produced from the oil palm plantations, production of crude palm oil and growing of oil palm and mango by Managing Director U Kyi Win of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise and officials, and gave necessary instructions at the briefing hall of the research and pedigree farm in Ingabo Village, Kyaikhto Township, on 1 December.

Next, the minister met with members of Township Agricultural Coordination Committee and called on development of the agricultural sector.

In the evening, the minister and party inspected construction tasks of Kataik Dam Project being implemented in Paung Township and thriving rubber plantations near the dam. The minister heard reports presented by an official and also met with members of State/District/Township Agriculture Coordination Committees.

Kataik Dam, across Kataik Creek, is 134 feet high and 5,200 feet long. The dam has two conduit canals, each of which is 650 feet long. Spillway of the dam is 810 feet long and 60 feet wide. Its water storage capacity is 56,000 acre feet and it can irrigate 10,000 acres. A total of 95 per cent of the construction task of conduit canal, spillway and control tower were completed and 12,182 acre feet of water have been stored in the dam. The remaining tasks are being implemented at full capacity. The irrigation facilities will contribute a lot to summer paddy plantations.

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 Dec—Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Maung Oo on 26 November met with Deputy Commander of Ayeyawady Division MPF Police Lt-Col Maung Maung, Chairman of Pathein District Peace and Development Council Deputy Commissioner of Pathein District U Than Win, Administrative Officer U Aung Myo Hlaing of Ngwehsaung, departmental officials, townselders and members of social organizations at the office of General Administration Department in Ngwehsaung.

Administrative Officer U Aung Myo Hlaing reported to the minister on salient points of Ngwehsaung and works carried out for regional development.

The minister stressed the need for officials, departmental personnel and social organizations to serve the interests of the State and the people and to take part in regional development.

Next, the minister presented cash assistance to staff members of Ngwehsaung GAD.

Later, the minister proceeded to Ngwehsaung MPF station and inspected functions of the police station.

The people can serve the interests of the nation by means of casting their votes with consideration rather than with emotion

Yangon, 3 Dec— The following is the proposals submitted by independent representatives-elect U Tin Win of Kyaiklat Township Constituency-2, U Thein Kyi of Taundwingyi Township Constituency-1, U Hla Soe of Minbu Township Constituency-2, U Mya Hlaing of Twantay Township Constituency-2, U Kyi Win of Mingaladon Township Constituency-1 and U Tin Tun Maung of Mingaladon Township Constituency-2 on the detailed basic principles for the Chapter “Election” and the Chapter “Political Parties” to be included in State constitution at the Plenary Session of the National Convention in Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmaby Township, Yangon Division on 30-11-2006.

I extend my greetings to Mr Chairman and NC delegates, chairmen and members of the National Convention Convening Commission and respective committees, and NC delegates, I extend my greetings to you all.

I am independent representative-elect U Kyi Win of Mingaladon Township Constituency (1) from the delegate group of representatives-elect.

It is great pleasure for independence representatives-elect us, U Tin Win of Kyaiklat Township Constituency (2), U Thein Kyi of Taungdwingyi Township Constituency (1), U Hla Soe of Minbu Township Constituency (2), U Mya Hlaing of Twantay Township Constituency (2), U Tin Tun Maung of Mingaladon Township Constituency (2) and me to have an opportunity to present our proposal for the Chapter “Election”, the Chapter “Political Parties” and the Chapter “Provisions on State of Emergency” to be included in State constitution.

Holding free and fair elections is a fundamental factor for the establishment of a democratic human society. According to the democracy system, a government is vested with the State power only through the votes of the people concerned. A free and fair election can convert the votes into the State power of a government in accordance with the existing law and State Constitution. By this means, a democratic government that represents the people comes into existence. In this regard, the people should value and correctly use the right to vote. The people can serve the interest of the nation by means of casting their votes with consideration rather than with emotion.

Regularly holding elections gives a good opportunity to the people to vote for a sort of Hluttaw member with a sense of duty for the next time and to remove a sort of Hluttaw member with incompetent discharge of duties by means of not voting for him. Every democratic country holds elections, but not every election is held democratically. Some leftist governments and some governments exercising a single-party system make their rule legal through elections. In such an election, there is a list of only one candidate or a few candidates with the intention that the representative nominated by the government or the party concerned can be elected. A democratic election is a competition of various political parties along with the right to canvass the people in a free and fair way for votes, the right of eligible citizens to vote, practice of fair election rules and electoral functions, and occasional holding of elections.

All candidates for elections in the democratic countries are responsible for upholding democratic concepts and the State constitution. They are to be convinced of the fact that they are vying each other for shouldering important duties of the nation. After the elections, losers are to be pleased with the results and the winners, to implement the feelings and desires of the people.

Every citizen in a nation exercising the multi-party democracy system shall be vested with the right to elect a people’s representative who will represent them, and to stand for election in accord with the law. The right to elect a people’s representative who will represent them covers all citizens who have the right to vote. The voting age should be fixed at 18 years. A person at this age is intellectual and mature enough to distinguish between bad and good. All citizens eligible to vote should be bestowed with the right to vote freely irrespective of sex, educational qualification, wealth and qualification.

“Every citizen who has turned 18 on the date on which elections commence, who is not disqualified by law, who is eligible to vote, and who has the right to vote under the law, shall have the right to vote.”

Under the detailed basic principles adopted by the National Convention, Hluttaw members are to be elected to:

In this regard, at a constituency, a voter shall cast only a vote for a Hluttaw at an election. In a Region or State and except those who have already got the Self-Administered Area, each of the remaining national races that has a population which constitutes 0.1 percent and above of the population of the State should be vested the right to elect a national race representative. That shows recognition of the right of ethnic minorities and Union Spirit.

Therefore, regarding the election of people’s representatives to the Hluttaw concerned, the point:

(a) “Every citizen who is eligible to vote and who has the right to vote by the law shall cast only a vote for a Hluttaw each at a constituency.

(b) “In addition, people of national races concerned who are eligible to vote in accordance with the provisions of the State Constitution shall have the right to vote in electing representatives of national races to the Region or State Hluttaw concerned.”

In the democracy system, the people should be vested with the right of ballot to enable them to vote freely and to protect them being threatened. Moreover, polling booths and ballot boxes are to be under protection and the votes cast are to be counted in the public of the people. Only then will the government win the trust of the people.

All those who have the right to vote should be entrusted with the right to elect people’s representatives who represent them. But, that right should not be vested in certain sorts of persons.

(a) members of the Religious Order;
(b) persons serving prison terms;
(c) persons adjudged to be of unsound mind as provided for in the relevant law;
(d) persons who have not yet been cleared from being declared destitute; and
(e) persons who are banned from voting under the election law.”

In the interests of the electorate concerned, a candidate should stand for election at the constituency only he has already planned, rather than doing so again at another constituency.

(a) shall be elected to one Hluttaw only.
(b) shall stand for election at one constituency only.”

The voters living in a Union territory are going to elect members to the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Amyotha Hluttaw because the Union territories will be under direct rule of the President, and the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw will have to prescribe necessary laws for Union territories. So, electorate of the Union territories no longer need to elect Hluttaw members to the Region or State Hluttaw. After a Region or State Hluttaw member from a township or constituency in a Region or State is elected, and that township or constituency is prescribed under extraordinary circumstances as a Union territory by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw with respect to national defence, security, administration, and economic affairs, the said township or constituency will be under direct rule of the Union President. In addition, save as otherwise provided by this Constitution, such Region or State Hluttaw member should no longer be allowed to stand as a Region or State Hluttaw member.

“(a) Electorate living in the Union territories, or the Union territories designated by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw under the law, shall elect members of the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Amyotha Hluttaw only.

(b) Save as otherwise prescribed by the Constitution, a Region or State Hluttaw member elected in a constituency that the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has designated as a Union territory shall no longer stand as a Hluttaw member”

Every citizen should be bestowed with the right to vote and to stand for election in accord with the law.

“Every citizen who is not disqualified by the provisions of this Constitution and the provisions of the law regulating elections shall have the right to stand for election to a Hluttaw”

The electorate concerned should be vested with the right to recall the Hluttaw member they have elected if he has betrayed the State, violated a provision of the Constitution, committed a misbehaviour, is no longer capable of discharging duties assigned to him, or lacks qualifications prescribed in the Constitution for a Hluttaw member. In this regard, the maximum number of the voters necessary to recall a Hluttaw member should be at least one per cent of the initial number of the voters. And, the complaint about the Hluttaw member should be submitted to the Election Commission.

After receiving such complaint document, the Election Commission should conduct an investigation into the case in accord with the law and entrust the Hluttaw member with the right to rebut the accusation in person or through a representative.

(b) Complaint about the Hluttaw member endorsed by at least one percent of initial number of the voters of the constituency concerned shall be submitted to the Pyidaungsu Election Commission.

(d) While the case is under investigation, the Hluttaw member concerned shall have the right to rebut the accusation in person or through a representative.

(e) The Pyidaungsu Election Commission shall, finding the accusation true and considering the Hluttaw member should no longer carry out duties, take action in accord with the law”

Another important point to introduce democracy is the holding of elections. Now, many other countries have made the system of setting up a large constituency to elect more than one Hluttaw member, and designating the number of Hluttaw members in proportion to the votes. So, necessary laws should be prescribed in accord with the resolutions of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw.

“The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw shall prescribe necessary laws on election and recall.”

A Pyidaungsu election Commission should be formed to implement functions on election as well as the laws on political parties. Our nation is going to exercise the discipline-flourishing democratic system, so elections for the Pyithu Hluttaw, the Amyotha Hluttaw, and the Region or State Hluttaw will be held from time to time, and tasks for holding elections will be carried out continuously. In addition, there will be many tasks such as formation of sub-commissions at different levels to supervise the work, designation of constituencies, taking arrangements, making lists of voters. Therefore, a permanent Pyidaungsu Election Commission should be formed and a chairman and members should be appointed to the Commission in accord with the law. The commission should be entrusted with the duty to supervise electoral work and scrutinize and assess notes of electoral complaints. Moreover, political parties should be under control by means of prescribing laws, rules and procedures in accord with the provisions of this Constitution. With respect to assigning duties to the chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, the President should appoint at least five members including the chairman of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in accord with the provisions relating to the appointment of a Union minister stated in the Constitution. The chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission should have due qualifications. Having to carry out demanding tasks, such persons should be the ones with security outlook, political outlook, legal outlook and administrative outlook. And they should be the ones who are well-experienced with prestige and good characters. Besides, such persons should be the ones age above 50 years. And they should not be members of a political party. They should not accept any other positions through which they can enjoy salaries and allowances.

Therefore, regarding the formation of Pyidaungsu Election Commission, the points:

(a) The President shall form a Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Election Commission. In the process, he may appoint at least five members including the chairman of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in accord with the provisions on appointment of Union minister stated in the Constitution.

(b) The chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Election Commission shall be the ones who —

(3) (aa) have served in the post of Union Chief Justice or Union supreme court judge; Region or State High Court judge or in a position equivalent to the post of Region or State High Court judge at least five years; (or)

(bb)have served in the post of judicial officer or law officer that is not lower than Region or State level for at least 10 years; (or)

(5) comply with provisions, with which they have no right to stand for election as Pyithu Hluttaw members.

(9) do not accept any other positions from which they can enjoy salaries and allowances”

Under the future State constitution, the people will have to elect members to the Amyotha Hluttaw, the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Region of State in accordance with the law. In the process, 12 Amyotha Hluttaw members will be elected from each Region or State including Union territories. And 330 members from across the nation will be elected to the Pyithu Hluttaw in accordance with the law based on the population and situations of the township concerned. In addition, two members each from the townships will be elected to Region of State Hluttaw who will represent the national race concerned.

The election commission should be vested with the duties to form sub-commissions at different levels of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, to designate and arrange constituencies and to make lists of voters to ensure free and fair elections.

The Pyidaungsu Election Commission should be given duties to put off the elections that cannot be duly held in a free and fair way in some constituencies due to natural disasters or regional security. It will have to prescribe necessary laws on election and political parties. It should also be assigned duties to issue necessary laws, procedures and directives on election and political parties in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

It is natural that despite correct and effective supervision of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, some losers in the elections complain about the results. So, electoral benches are to be formed in accord with the law to approach such electoral disputes. The commission will have to discharge electoral procedures and duties prescribed from time to time in addition to its original duties prescribed in the State constitution. So, regarding the designation of duties of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, the points:

(a) holding Hluttaw elections;
(b) supervising Hluttaw elections, and forming and supervising sub-commissions at all levels;
(c) designating and arranging constituencies;
(d) making and arranging lists of voters;
(e) putting off elections that are not in a position to be held in a free and fair way in some constituencies due to natural disasters or local security;
(f) issuing necessary laws on elections and political parties in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and procedures and directives in accordance with the laws concerned;
(g) forming electoral benches to resolve electoral disputes;
(h) discharging duties assigned under a law.”

If the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission commits any of the reasons:

(1) treason;
(2) violation of any provision of the Constitution;
(3) misbehaviour;
(4) lack of qualifications prescribed in the Constitution for a Hluttaw member;
(5) incompetent discharge of duties,

the President shall blame or charge him in accordance with the provisions prescribed in the State constitution on blaming the Union Chief Justice or any of Union Supreme judges.

Therefore, regarding matters on blaming or charging the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, the point:

“If the President has to blame or charge the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, he shall do so in accordance with the provisions prescribed in this Constitution on blaming the Union Chief Justice or any of Union Supreme Court judges”

If the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in service wishes to resign of his own accord due to his health condition or any of other reasons, he should have the right to do so.

So, regarding resignation of the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, the point:

“If the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in service wishes to resign of his own accord due to his health condition or any of other reasons, he may submit his resignation to the President.”

If the seat of the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is vacant due to resignation, termination of responsibilities, death, or any of other reasons, the President should appoint a new chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in accordance with the provisions on appointment of a Union minister enumerated in the State constitution.

Therefore, regarding a vacant seat of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, the point:

“If the seat of the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is vacant due to resignation, termination of responsibilities, death, or any of other reasons, the President may appoint a new chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in accordance with the provisions on appointment of a Union minister enumerated in the State Constitution.”

If vacant seats of the chairman or members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission are filled with suitable ones from qualified government employees, they should retire from government service.

So, regarding measures to be taken if the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is a government employee, the point:

“If the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is a government employee, he shall be deemed to have resigned from civil service in accord with the existing civil service rules and regulations from the date he is appointed as the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission.”

Some of the members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission may be legal experts. So, in completing electoral procedures, forming benches handling notes of electoral complaints, and expediting implementation of proceedings in accordance with political party laws, the decisions of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission should be final. So, regarding decisions of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, the points;

“The Pyidaungsu Election Commission’s action and measures over the following matters shall be final—

(a) electoral procedures;
(b) appeals and amendments on electoral benches’ decisions and orders;
(c) matters taken under political party law.”
should be adopted detailed basic principles.

The responsibilities and powers of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission will be important for the nation. Therefore, the commission should be vested with due rights. In order to refer to their responsibilities, powers and rights, the role of the commission chairman should be designated to be equivalent to the position of a Vice-President, and a member, to the position of a Union minister. The matter should be prescribed in a separate law instead of prescribing it in detail in the State constitution.

So, regarding matters on designation of responsibilities, powers and rights of the chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, the point:

“The role of the chairman of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is designated to be equivalent to the position of a Vice-President, and a member, to the position of a Union minister in order to make reference to responsibilities, powers and rights of the chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in prescribing laws.”

Some national people may have gone abroad for further study under the permission of the government, on business or on personal affairs. Such stay in foreign countries should be deemed to have settled in the Union.

“The period of staying abroad with the permission of the government shall be deemed to have settled in the Union” should be adopted as the provision under the detailed basic principle:

“having settled in the Union of Myanmar for at least 10 consecutive years up to the time of being elected as Pyithu Hluttaw representative”

In a democratic country, voting means that the people use their rights and duties for the emergence of a government that will rule the nation on their behalf. The people should have access to ballot so that they can vote freely and avoid a situation of being threatened in casting votes. In some constituencies in border areas, the votes cast are counted polling booth-wise. In consequence, armed insurgents can guess who won at a village or ward. And they may torch the village or ward and torture the dwellers for not electing the one for whom they asked the people to vote. So, votes should be counted constituency-wise instead of poling booth-wise.

In every democratic society, there is rivalry between one political party and another along with victory and loss and disagreements. So, it is important that political parties and politicians should take electoral tasks in line with the State constitution through discussions and seeking agreements. If so, the parties and groups with different opinions and stances will be able to push the nation on the path toward democracy. U Tin Tun Maung of Mingaladon Constituency (2) will read out the second part of our proposal.

I am U Tin Tun Maung, an independent representative-elect of Mingaladon Township constituency 2.

I will now present the proposal paper collectively compiled by independent representative-elects U Tin Win of Kyaiklat Township constituency 2, U Thein Kyi of Taungdwingyi Township constituency 1, U Mya Hlaing of Twantay Township constituency 2, U Hla Soe of Minbu Township constituency 2 and U Tin Tun Maung of Mingaladon Township constituency 2.

The emergence of a peaceful, stable, modern and developed democratic state is or vital importance for the people and it depends on the natural conditions, culture, customs, opinions of national races, the forces that can steer the political situation of the nation, objective conditions, public awareness and political outlook. In addition a firm and stable is an essential need.

There should also be political parties keeping in the fore the public interest and that can choose the correct way for the benefit of the people. The parties should be the organizations that are systematic in intra relations and elections and taking the responsibilities, and existing in harmony with the changing conditions based on firm political foundations. Only then will they be able to develop themselves, while maintaining structural progress. Durable political parties will have the capacity to ensure systematic transfer of the State power, maintain stability and give proper directives. If not, unruly and unsystematic attempts to grab the State power will lead to armed conflicts in which rival organizations will accept foreign assistance and public lives and property will be destroyed till sovereignty is lost in the end. Firm and strong political parties can save the nation from such harmful conditions, while weak parties will fail to exist in the long-term. Human society cannot be stable without having experienced and strong political parties.

The Union of Myanmar had been launching independence struggles continuously since she lost her independence and fallen under subjugation. The struggles did not gain success at first as they were led by individuals. But in the later periods, the emergence of national schools had awakened the people who formed many organizations including the GCBA. Some organizations evolved into political parties and the struggle continued with the slogan “independence first; independence second; independence third” till independence was regained. But during the post-independence period, splits occurred among the political parties to the level of waging armed battles against one another. Hence the nation further lagged behind development. Future political parties should take those past events as valuable lessons.

Politics is a cause of the citizens of the nation. It covers all the public education, economic and social affairs. Political parties formed with the persons who are interested in politics have the duty to further improve all the conditions of citizens. Political parties should be set up after seriously considering the questions — “Does the political party concerned have qualified members?” “If not, how is it going to nurture its members?” “Does the political have firm political programme and fundamental principles?” “How is it going to accomplish its tasks?”

If the parties solely aim at garbing power, they will not be able to serve the public interest. We have bitter experiences of the past during which power was the prize for political leaders and the privileges were the gifts for supporters. From an organization that is within the domain of a leader or a group of people, a political party can be able to change itself into a fully democratic organization representing its members, who have the right to participate in making decisions. All the members have the duty to develop their party to reach the said level.

A political party is a place where leaders at different levels for the nation are nurtured and produced. The tasks of the parties are to gather and nurture young men and women of all strata of life and levels of qualification who are eagerly interested in politics and organization duties and to elect and assign them to various duties democratically they are qualified for. By doing so, those young persons will be able to understand the essence of democracy and discharge the State duties well at various levels. And when the parties select and produce candidates in this way, the people will have greater opportunities to assess those candidates and elect them. Political parties as well as the persons who have no interest in and oppose politics will be held responsible for the failure to find first-class leaders. The emergence of brilliant leaders depends on public interest in politics and consideration and the systematic efforts of the parties to produce such persons.

Now, I will discuss the explanations of the Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee based on the facts I have presented in the above paras.

The following detailed basic principles has been adopted in the chapter “Citizenship, Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens”.

“(a) Non-disintegration of the Union
“(b) Non-disintegration of national solidarity
“(c) Perpetuation of sovereignty.”

Hence, the point “Political parties set the objective — non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty” should be adopted as a detailed basic principle.

Of the six objectives of the National Convention, the two objectives — flourishing of genuine multiparty democracy system; and further burgeoning of noblest and worthiest of the worldly values, namely, justice, freedom and equality. There can be genuine multiparty democracy system in the nation only if it enjoys the burgeoning noblest and worthiest of the worldly values — justice, freedom and equality. The noblest and worthiest of the worldly values will flourish only if genuine multiparty democracy system flourishes in the nation. If election is like the heart of democracy, political parties are the foundation of genuine multiparty democracy system. For the foundation to be strong, the political parties should be firmed, disciplined and qualified.

“(a) accept and practise discipline-flourishing genuine multiparty democracy.
“(b) abide by the Constitution and the existing laws.
“(c) be legally registered as a political party.”

The foremost and most important part of a political party after its establishment is organizing task. It will have to constantly launch organization campaigns for its continued existence. Here, I will present a quotation of a famous writer, which says, “Politics means making enemy friend”. If a political party always keeps in its heart the quotation in conducting organization task effectively, it will have less enemies. There will be only persons with different opinions with it. It cannot assume the persons with different opinions as enemies. It will have to organize them to accept its opinion and stand, while giving consideration to different opinions with respect. In this situation, the number of conflict-like political problems will decrease. The right to organize freely is the basic requirement of political parties, and there should be a systematic law for the matter.

The method of election must be practised to measure the degree of success or failure of the organizing tasks. Results of an election indicate the degree of success or failure of the organization campaign. An elected persons should not only respect the interest and opinions of the persons who vote for him, but also those of the persons who do not vote for him. Because he is the representative of his constituency.

Political parties abusing the stipulation “In accordance with the law, a political party shall have the right organize freely” for giving priority only to self-interest may appear. The nation cannot witness the flourishing of genuine multiparty democracy system it she permits the existence of such parties. Without the flourishing of genuine multiparty democracy system, the noblest and worthiest of the worldly values, namely, justice, freedom and equality will not burgeon further. Instead, nation’s stable political climate will disappear and the people will not be able to uphold Our Three Main National Causes — non-disintegration of Union; non-disintegration of national solidarity; and perpetuation of sovereignty. The nation may fall to the level of losing her independence. The occurrence of such parties should be prevented with the Constitution. Only then will the people of the entire Union be able to live with peace of mind as the citizens of a peaceful and stable nation.

Thus, we would like to suggest that the following points should be adopted as detailed basic principles.

“(a)it has been declared as an unlawful association in accord with the existing law.

“(b)it contacts or abets the insurgent group waging the armed rebellion against the State or the association or persons determined by the State to have committed terrorist acts or the association declared to be unlawful directly or indirectly.

“(c) it directly or indirectly receives financial, material and other assistance from the government or a religious association, or any other association or an individual person of a foreign country.

“2. If the body having the authority to register political parties finds that political party is connected with anyone of the points stated in the above-mentioned sub-paragraphs (a), (b), (c) or (d), the party’s registration shall be revoked.”

One of the detailed basic principles adopted for the Chapter “The State” says “Sovereignty power of the State is derived from the citizens and is in force in the whole country”. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw formed with the people’s representatives who are elected by the people, the righteous owner of the State power, will have to elect the President who will exercise the executive power in addition to the legislative power. It is the highest organ of State sovereignty. The majority of the members to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw are from political parties. So, in carrying out tasks such as forming an organization and taking organizing measures, the parties and individuals should enjoy equal right, and the rules and regulations set for the political parties are to be at the same levels. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is the most responsible organ to prescribe necessary laws for the political parties.

“The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw shall enact necessary laws concerning the political parties.” should be adopted as a detailed basic principle.

1. Political parties set the objective — non- disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.

(a) accept and practise discipline-flourishing genuine multi-party democracy.
(b) abide by the Constitution and the existing laws.
(c) be legally registered as a political party.

(a) it has been declared as an unlawful organization in accord with the existing law;
(b) it makes connections with or provides support and assistance to insurgent groups waging an armed rebellion against the State, organizations or persons the State has announced as the ones committing terrorist acts or organizations the State has declared unlawful;
(c) it directly or indirectly receives financial, material and other assistance from the government or a religious organization, or any other organization or an individual person of a foreign country;

5. If the body having the authority to register political parities finds that a political party is connected with any one of the points stated in the above-mentioned subparagraphs (a), (b), (c) or (d), the party’s registration shall be revoked.

6. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw shall enact necessary laws concerning the political parties.

The political parties will have to serve as important sources to adopt laws, policies and plans connecting with the people. The political parties are to convert the people’s requirements, desires and uncertain hopes into reliable laws, policies and stands through coordination and discussions.

Such policies will be more beneficial to the people than the policies and work programmes laid down sector-wise by experts. The views of the experts are to be taken into consideration as important points. The laws and policies the political parties have laid down should be under consideration nationally, not for a single sector. So, the policies, stands and work programmes set for various sectors should be harmonious with each other. The political parties are capable of assessing the desires and stances of the people. So, they should implement the policies and programmes that are appropriate for fulfilling the aspiration, hopes and desires of the people. In fact, a qualified political party is a small union.

I simply hope that there will emerge political parties that are capable of producing qualified State leaders for the future nation, realizing the laws and policies that reflect the people’s desire, avoiding political tricks, and fully exercising democracy in the party concerned. I would like to exhort the political parties to inculcate the entire people with democracy and consideration. And I am looking forward to the political parties that will come into existence through the freedom to organize and genuine multi-party democracy system. U Tin Win of Kyaiklat Township Constituency (2) will read the third part of our proposal.

(Proposals on the Chapter “Provisions on State of Emergency” will be reported.)

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 Dec—Minister for Electric Power No 1 Col Zaw Min on 1 December morning inspected Kyunchaung hydel power project. Officials reported on progress of work, building of main embankment, placing of steel pipe lines, construction of spillway and water-intake cility. After hearing the reports, to the minister who fulfilled the requirements.

Next, the minister looked into earth work for the main embankment and gave instructions on timely completion and meeting the set standards.

After that, the minister inspected the construction of tunnel and spillway and attended to the needs.

Sixty percent of the project was completed and on completion, it will be able to generate by 60 megawatt of electricity. Afterwards, the minister and party arrived at the Pyu creek hydel power project seven miles west of Pyu Township and inspected earth work, construction of benching and diversion weir and fulfilled the needs.

On completion, the hydel power plant will be able to supply 121 million kilowatt hour of electricity annually.

Later, the minister proceeded to Kabaung hydel power project about 15 miles west of Ottwin Township where officials concerned reported on the construction of water-intake and sluice gate, building of hydel power plant and placing of steel pipe lines and attended to the needs.

Next, the minister met with foreign experts and officials and gave instructions on timely arrival of imported machineng and timely completion of the tasks according to schedule. Seventy three per centy the project was completed 73 per cent, and on completion, it will be able to generate 120 million kilowatt hour of electricity.

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 Dec— Minister for Communi-cations, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw on 1 December left for Hong Kong to participate in ITU Telecom World 2006 to be held in Hong Kong form 4 to 8 December.

The minister was seen off at Nay Pay Taw Airport by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe and Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein.

Brig-Gen Thein Zaw was accompanied by Commandant of Signals Workshop under the Directorate of Signals Lt-Col Myint Oo of the Ministry of Defence and Assistant Director U Tin Htay of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs.

Minister goes on inspection tour of Htankai test wells of oil and gas field in Minhla

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 Dec — Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi together with responsible personnel went on an inspection tour of Htankai test well in Minhla Township, Magway Division on 1 December.

At the briefing hall, Project Manager U Win Swe briefed the minister on progress in drilling oil and gas Managing Director of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise U Myint Kyi gave supplementary reports on arrangements to be made for exploration of oil and natural gas.

After hearing the reports, the minister urged service personnel to strive for exploration of oil and gas in Htankai test wells of oil and gas region and which will help boost production of oil in the country. Next, the minister laid down the plans to drill test wells in Htankai region and presented cash prize to the service personnel who successfully drilled Kanhtoo-2 test well.

Afterwards, the minister inspected progress in drilling oil wells. Kanhtoo-2 test oil well produces 50 barrel of crude oil a day. The whole Htankai test oil well region produces 200 barrels of crude oil a day.

The next day the minister inspected oil well No 655 in Minbu, Magway Division. General Manager U Kyi Shein briefed the minister on preparation for drilling oil wells. In response to the reports, the minister gave instructions on timely completion of drilling wells and future tasks. Afterwards, the minister looked into preparations for drilling well No 655, physic nut plantations in Mann oil field.

Officials urged to make arrangements to offer gold foils to Shwephonepwint Pagoda

Yangon, 3 Dec — The Leading Committee for All-round Renovation of Shwephonepwint Pagoda held the second coordination meeting at new Dhammayon of the pagoda this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the Leading Committee Secretariat Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.

The minister said that respective subcommittees are to submit their tasks to the second coordination meeting and they need to carry out the tasks with momentum. He stressed the need to make concerted effort for completion of all-round renovation tasks before the rainy season. In under-taking the renovation tasks, security measures are to be taken for Seinbudaw, Hngetmyat-nadaw and gold plates. It is necessary to spend the fund of the pagoda on offering 50 nine-square-inch gold plates to the pagoda and the remaining gold foils with the use of fund from wellwishers.

In addition, arrangements are to be made for enabling the wellwishers themselves to offer gold foils to the pagoda.

The Secretary of the Leading Committee reported on the plan being made to offer gold plates to the pagoda.

Officials of the subcommittees took part in the discussions. Later, the minister gave necessary instructions.

Wellwishers may contact Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of Myanma Radio and Television, Tel: 01-533553 and 535800 and Managing Director Col Aung Myo Myint of MMPE, Tel: 01-537949 and 535973 and the Pagoda Board of Trustees in Pazundaung Township, Tel: 01-290425 to participate in the all-round renovation tasks.

Yangon, 3 Dec — Under the cultural exchange programme between Myanmar and India, a five-member Indian magician group led by Mr Subhash Parekh performed a magic show at National Theater on Myoma Kyaung Street yesterday evening.

Departmental officials, First Secretary Mr Rai Srivastava and staff of Indian Embassy, diplomats and guests viewed the performance of the group.

Firstly, Deputy Director-General Daw Nanda Hmoon and the first secretary lit the torch. After the show, the deputy director-general and the first secretary presented a banquet to the group.

The performance of the group will be presented on 4 December at National Theater on Myoma Kyaung Street in Yangon and on 5 December at 6 pm at Mandalay National Theater.

Yangon, 3 Dec — Delegates of National Convention together with officials visited Shwemadaw Pagoda, Hinnthagon Pagoda, Culamuni Pagoda, Shwethalyaung Buddha Image and Kambawzathadi Golden Palace in Bago yesterday morning.

At Shwemadaw Pagoda, the NC delegates offered light, flowers and joss sticks to the pagoda and presented cash donations.

Next, they also paid homage to Hinnthagon Pagoda, Culamuni Pagoda and Shwethalyaung Buddha Image and presented cash donations for the pagodas. They visited Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace and Bago Archaeological Museum.

Christian NC delegates attended service at Wa Baptist Church in Mayangon Township.

Yangon, 3 Dec — A ceremony to open Workshop on Final Draft of National Biosafety Framework, of the Development of National Biosafety Framework of Project being implemented by Agricultural Planning Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, was held at the hall of Myanma Farm Enterprise on Pyay Road, here,on 1 December.

Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint delivered an opening address.

Also present on the occasion were directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry, Resident Representative of FAO Mr Tang Zhenping and representatives of ministries concerned.

Yangon, 3 Dec—Physicians and specialists of private infirmaries and clinics have been giving medical treatment to inmates of Mandalay Central Jail since November.

Altogether 44 inmates were given medical treatment—18 inmates on 10 November, 11 inmates on 17 November and 15 inmates on 24 November.

Likewise, psychiatrists of Mandalay on 23 November visited the jail and gave medical treatment to 24 inmates who are mentally ill.

Yangon, 3 Dec — Member of Dabayin Township National League for Democracy in Sagaing Division U Than Gyaung on 23 September resigned from the party of his own accord sending his resignation letter to NLD (Headquarters) and authorities concerned.

In his resignation letters sent to Dabayin Township Multi-party Democracy General Election Sub-commission, he said he quit the party of his own volition as he lost trust and interest in the party and its leaders.