Chairman of the State Administration Council Commanderin-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing addresses meeting 8/2021 of the Council
Nay Pyi Taw March 30
Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered an address at the meeting 8/2021 of the Council at the office of the Chairman of the State Administration Council, here, this afternoon.
Also present at the meeting were Vice Chairman of the Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior Geneal Soe Win, Council members General Mya Tun Oo, Admiral Tin Aung San, General Maung Maung Kyaw, Lt-Gen Moe Myint Tun, Mahn Nyein Maung, U Thein Nyunt, U Khin Maung Swe, Daw Aye Nu Sein, Jeng Phang Naw Taung, U Moung Har, U Sai Lone Hsaing, Saw Daniel and Dr Banya Aung Moe, Secretary Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dway, Joint Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo and Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Soe Htut.
In his address, the Senior General said that the Council has taken responsibilities for two months.
Reason of taking responsibilities of the State has been explained many times. Although the Tatmadaw severally made clarifications to hold the free and fair election, the State of emergency was declared for the State in accord with the 2008 Constitution due to attempts to form the government through vote-rigging, and the Tatmadaw was assigned to take necessary action. As Myanmar is immature in democracy, there would be innocent errors of voter list. It was found that current errors of voting list were systematically arranged. The scrutiny showed voting of 10.4 million of people without identity among more than 39 million eligible voters and suspicious voting. Although more than 25 percent of suspicious voting was found, the calls to address the problem were ignored.
The 2008 Constitution was drawn for paving the multi-party democracy the people chose. Many countries exercise different forms and systems of democracy. Even countries in Europe cannot be similar in democracy and Asian countries are different in democracy as well. Myanmar needs to exercise democracy in conformity with its current situation. Nobody was threatened to vote for the 2008 Constitution to walk on the path of democracy and people of their own accord cast votes for the constitution.
Currently, collective leadership is being practised for strengthening of democracy the people chose with civilian administration bodies supported by the Tatmadaw. Although the people inspired the genuine multi-party democracy, voting frauds were committed in the election for the third term of the government and they are like insulting the people and making fun of democracy the people chosen. Personal cult brought inappropriate consequences. The Tatmadaw firmly decided to emerge the genuine multi-party democracy in the country. The Senior General expressed his firm belief that it is sure to secure success in work process for development of the country. Continuous efforts will be made for improvement of the nation. Tasks are being undertaken for holding a free and fair election.
It is necessary to review practice of PR system for ensuring fairness in the Hluttaw.
Peaceful protests were staged as of the third day when the Tatmadaw took responsibilities of the State.
Later, protests were transformed into riots, violent acts, setting fire for destruction, lootings and killings.
These events were tackled under the law step by step. In handling the riots in the international community, it can be seen that the countries on the path of democracy for a long time take more severe action than that of Myanmar. Meanwhile, some ethnic armed organizations attacked some outposts of the Tatmadaw and Myanmar Police Force as an act to fish in trouble water. It was known that they committed such acts under the behind-the-scene support of foreign countries and not withany political concepts. As such, the Tatmadaw responded to them.
The Council maintains the peace with the aim of realizing the peace process and developing the country in democracy as they are ethnics and they have signed the NCA.
However, the Council responded to the ones which broke the NCA.
In reviewing such events, it can be known whether these organizations wish to grasp peace or not.
In implementing five future programmes, the Council places emphasis on the tasks to be done including inspection of voting list in accord with the law, control of COVID-19 and resurgence of economy which declined in outbreak of COVID-19. If cargo transport is smooth, food supply will improve.
Myanmar cannot discard rural-based businesses. In enhancing economy, it is necessary to narrow the gap between rural and urban areas. As such, efforts are being made to establish institutes of agriculture and institutes of livestock breeding.
Knowledge and skill must be secured to grant the rural people for having necessary monetary and technical assistance. Agricultural loans must be disbursed to the farmers through the shortest way so as to enjoy an effective convenience. The Council needs to consider improvement of the lives of farmers and rural people.
Temperature has risen due to deteriorating environment. Cultivation of quality crops suitable to regional soils is necessary. Rice and wheat are staple food items in the world. As Myanmar is agricultural, domestic rice sufficiency and smooth transport must be assured. Educative campaigns must be conducted to save water as well. Shifting cultivation must be controlled and highland farming improved. Meanwhile, irrigation water supply tasks must be carried out. And businesses must be operated in the long-term interest, the Senior General said.
Council members U Thein Nyunt, Mahn Nyein Maung, U Khin Maung Swe, Jeng Phang Naw Taung, Daw Aye Nu Sein and Dr Banya Aung Moe reported on review of the children’s rights law, establishment of special courts in places necessary for security by enacting a separate law, amendment to income tax rate to avoid any burden, control of Facebook pages spreading rumours, inviting new investments to Ayeyawady Region, continued construction of deep-sea port in Pathein, further promotion of educative campaigns for the rule of law, for further recognizing and aiding of education and health staff, systematic reconstitution of news media organizations, providing of basic necessities for State security mechanism, tightening of security at village administrative offices in respective regions and in other important places, fulfilling of needs for monasteries and learning centres in respective regions for their meals, review of internet blackouts, counter-campaigning against instigations and propagandas from opposing organizations and giving of protection and security to public members wishing to live in peace and parties and organizations.
Next, the Vice-Senior General explained preemptive measures for regional security, the subversive attempts of riot and terror organizations and continued regional security measures.
The Senior General said the children’s rights law will be reviewed for necessary amendments. Emphasis will be paid on opening special courts. Regarding taxes, the people should not face a burden. Relevant ministries have been instructed to extend taxation sector without increasing income tax. Taxation rate in Myanmar is lower than that in other ASEAN countries.
Although government employees earn less salaries than private staff, the former have life guarantees as they are eligible to enjoy pensions.
It is necessary to take measures to create conditions in which people can lead their lives sufficiently with their incomes and living standards compatible with their status. It is necessary to nurture competent economists and legal professionals who are essential for the country systematically. There are many aspects that are in need of reform in the economic and social systems of the country.
It is vital for all states and regions to carry out business activities that are appropriate for respective states and regions, to aim to achieve equitable development for all regions and to narrow the prosperity gap between urban and rural areas.
It is necessary to exploit existing favourable foundations for the development of businesses in the entire country. Measures will be taken to create favourable conditions for building ports for large vessels in Pathein, Mawlamyine and Dawei. I have emphasis on sufficiency of basic needs for government employees and the public. Research will be carried out for food sufficiency in Chin State, which usually faces food shortages.
It is important to find ways and means for the development of the country.
Violent protests currently taking place are not anti-government ones but activities that aim to destroy the economy of the country and the public. We are carrying out our duties which do not go beyond the law and taking step-and-step measures in accordance with the procedures of the rule of law.
There may be advantages as well as disadvantages in using social media. The internet cannot always be shut down as there are tasks that have to rely on it. It is advisable to monitor the use of the internet and to take effective action against violation of the law. The media has been recognized as the fourth estate of the State and it is important to take knowledge from the media. It is necessary to raise the awareness about democracy of the public and to take measures to promote the education and attitude of youths.
Reviews will be made to make best use of holidays for the country.
Instructions have been given to relevant battalions and units for sufficiency of foodstuffs, rice, edible oil and pulses and beans to monasteries and learning centres.
It is vital to change the mindset in the age of democracy and to possess social awareness. Anarchism that neglects democracy cannot be allowed. One’s activities should serve and guarantee the interest of the entire country and national races should be entitled to equal rights. In conclusion, the Senior General urged the members of the SAC to take effective measures to implement the five future programmes of the SAC.
