Nay Pyi Taw April 10
The Tatmadaw is taking part in the leading role of national politics in accord with the 2008 Constitution, and it is a part of the State and the Tatmadawmen are also a part of the people. The Tatmadaw is an organization that defends the country. From the time independence was restored till today, the Tatmadaw has had striven to regain the independence and has been restoring the stability and tranquility. So, the history of the State and that of the Tatmadaw are inseparable.The leading role of national politics under the constitution is the political heri-tage given by the State. In the first term of the Hluttaw, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services was appointed under the official gazette of the State by the president with the approval of National Defence and Security Council, said Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in meeting with officers, other ranks and families of Pathein Station this morning.
Also present at the meeting together with the Senior General were council members General Maung Maung Kyaw and Lt-Gen Moe Myint Tun, Joint Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Moe Aung, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army, Navy and Air), commander of South-West Maj-Gen Aung Aung and officers, other ranks and families of Pathein Station.
Delivering his speech, the Senior General said there were voting frauds in the multi-party democracy general election held in November 2020. In democratic system, president is elected and legislative bodies and government are formed through election. Under the pattern of Myanmar’s election, Pyithu Hluttaw is formed with regionally elected Hluttaw representatives and Tatmadaw representatives. Amyotha Hluttaw emerges with region and state elected Hluttaw representatives and Tatmadaw representatives. These two Hluttaws become Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. Those elected Hluttaw representatives have to choose president. Some countries directly elect their president. In some countries, leaders of the ruling party serve as prime ministers or heads of government and appoint presidents. Different countries have different patterns. They are exercising democracy suitable to their own legislations. Myanmar itself is also marching towards democracy most suitable to the country.
The Senior General said he didn’t cast an advance vote and instead, he went to the polls to cast his vote together with Tatmadaw members. The people were discouraged by the weaknesses of the NLD in serving State duties after winning the 2015 election. When the election of the Yangon City Development Committee took place in 2019, only about 14 percent of eligible voters went to the polls. In the 2020 election year also, ‘no vote’ campaigns were encouraged.
In the 2020 election, ethnic parties lost to the NLD in their own regions. Voting fraud proved that some candidates did not get a single vote in their own regions. In democracy, voting fraud is unacceptable. The democratic ambitions of the people were thwarted. It was an act against the country with political greed, power hanger and unscrupulous ways.
It is required to understand that the Tatmadaw is controlling State power, not seizing it. So, the State Administration Council, government with Union ministers and region/state administration councils were formed with civilians, not Tatmadaw members. The Tatmadaw is just helping with civilian rule. It is acting in accord with the constitution which has not become null and void. This is the measures being taken in line with democratic norms without harming any democratic practices. The constitution has prescribed executive and legislative affairs. At a time when violent protests and riots occur, the Tatmadaw is handling the situation in accord with the law.
The SAC is implementing the five future work programmes and the nine objectives in order to put the country back on the right track to democracy. Efforts are being made to hold the election again within the set period.
All Tatmadaw members are born of the people so they must have good social dealings with the people. For good dealings, organizational tasks outside the military have been extensively carried out since yore. And they will continue. The Tatmadaw is fulfilling the needs of the people. It is protecting the people with flexibility. Over the past two months since the SAC took over State duties, restoration of stability in many places has shown that the Tatmadaw is stand firm by the people.
Protests turned into violence, killings and lootings. Measures to handle the protests are being taken in accord with the democratic rules and law. There were casualties of some members of Myanmar Police Force due to protesters’ attacks. As the Tatmadaw shoulders national defence duty, police are also carrying out their duties for the rule of law. For their steadfastness for the rule of law, they were presented with honorary titles of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services on the 76th Anniversary of Armed Forces Day.
The Tatmadaw is mainly responsible for national defence and Tatmadaw members must live up to the characteristics of a soldier. Political duties must be in accord with democratic practices. With its find traditions, the Tatmadaw must try to improve more. It is necessary to maintain the strength and quality of each Tatmadaw member, each military unit and each military headquarters. Thanks to its solidarity, the Tatmadaw is able to safeguard
the country. Having responsibility with political cause and political affairs, Tatmadaw members need to serve their duties conscientiously, the Senior General said.
After the meeting, the Senior General presented foodstuffs to an official.
Next, the Senior General and party cordially greeted the officers, other ranks and families of respective stations.
Union Minister for Education Dr Nyunt Pe, who accompanied the Senior General, visited No (2) Basic Education High School in Pathein. He met with teachers at Pathein University and Education College meeting halls. He explained plans for school reopening and conducting of training courses for teachers and left necessary instructions.
Likewise, Union Minister for Health and Sports Dr Thet Khaing Win visited People’s Hospital in Pathein and encourage the local patients. He then met hospital staff who reported healthcare services.
The union minister explained measures for prevention of COVID-19 and attended to the needs.
He then viewed and encouraged the local people receiving COVID-19 vaccine jabs at Pathein Township Public Health Department.
