Nay Pyi Taw July 31
The National Defence and Security Council of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar held meeting No 2/2024 at the Office of the State Administration Council Chairman in Nay Pyi Taw this morning.
As the Pro Tem President U Myint Swe is now on medical leave receiving medical treatment, he transferred his duties as a Pro Tem President to Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in order to carry out the national defence and security council duties as necessary. Hence, the meeting was attended by Pro Tem President (Duty) Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw U T Khun Myat, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Union Minister for Defence Admiral Tin Aung San, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, specially invited SAC Secretary Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dway and Joint Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo.
The Pro Tem President (Duty) and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services explained the accomplishments of SAC during the six-month period and the need to continue its duties. First he explained the issue of transferring the Pro Tem President duties. He said Pro Tem President U Myint Swe was receiving medical treatment since early 2023 by a team comprising specialist physicians as he was suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Cataract surgery on both of his eyes was successful and his vision improved. However, he was still suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Medical checkup reports showed that his health condition was not improving. In addition, he could not perform his day-to-day activities including food intake. In this regard, the transfer of duties was conducted at 11:30 hours on 22 July 2024 to carry out the national defence and security council duties.
He said if the connections between the two sections of the Constitution — the section 417 and section 412 – are studied, it can be found that despite of the absence of some of the NDSC members during the time the emergency period was not completed, the task assigned by the Constitution must be fulfilled without failed by the remaining persons. Even if the Pro Tem President cannot attend the NDSC meeting or his post has become a vacant for various reasons, according to the fundamental principles of the Constitution contained in the sections 412(b) and 418 (b), the SAC Chairman Commanderin-Chief of Defence Services, who make final decisions in the national affairs, shall lead the NDSC meeting or his post has become a vacant for various reasons, according to the fundamental principles of the Constitution contained in the sections 412(b) and 418 (b), the SAC Chairman Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, who make final decisions in the national affairs, shall lead the NDSC meeting. Moreover, according to the section 419 of the Constitution the person who exercises the executive power of the State on behalf of the president is the SAC Chairman Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. In this regard, the executive power of the State was transferred to the SAC Chairman Commander -in-Chief of Defence Services, who is exercising it, in accord with section 419.
The SAC will steadfastly implement the adopted five-point roadmap and nine objectives. Soon after assuming the State duties, the SAC examined the township-wise voter lists to expose vote rigging in the places where election was held. Although those who were involved in ballot rigging never confessed, the SAC could expose the cases when they were proved with firm evidence. It released the findings and took legal action against the persons who were involved in the cases.
Its original goal is the holding of an election after the completion of the task of implementing the five-point roadmap and nine objectives and a two-year emergency period. Because of the absence of any chances for the election, one more extension of the emergency period has to be declared even after the completion of a two-year period. The amended five-point roadmap was adopted and its final point is the holding of an election. Election is the consistent goal of the government in office. Preparations for the election are in progress. The work to successfully hold the election in accord with the goal is reconfirmed.
Security that has the relations with national prosperity
After assuming the State duties in accord with the Constitution, the SAC was steering towards national peace and stability and strengthening the multi-party democracy system in accord with the law. But till now, NGU, CRPH and PDF terrorists are committing terrorism in an anarchic way to terrorize the public. During the period from 1 February 2021 to 27 July 2024, nation-wide terrorist attacks killed 84 monks and 7,284 innocent people/civil servants and destroyed 10,930 units of national development infrastructure including health/ education buildings and public residences. Some EAOs, who oppose peace, are applying various means based on armed struggle lines to destroy national peace and stability.
During the meeting with EAOs, they told the government that they agreed Our Three Main National Causes. But now, some of them are violating Our Three Main National Causes. Every citizen has the duty to safeguard the nation, especially Our Three Main National Causes. The government activated the existing People’s Military Service Law to restore national security, peace and stability at the earliest possible time.
The SAC has been reinforcing the path to genuine and disciplined multi-party democracy. On the other hand, terrorist insurgents are applying armed terrorism means under a certain political cause. They are concentrating more on regionwise power grabbing, than taking part in the march to multiparty democracy together with the Union. Myanmar history saw forced demands underpinned by terrorism, but they all failed and there were no benefactors.
MNDAA and TNLA violated temporary ceasefire agreement agreed by both sides for ensuring peace and stability of the region in Shan State (North) and launched attacks. MNDAA attacked regional security posts around Lashio and fired rockets at Lashio daily. At present, they infiltrate Lashio and are destroying life and property of people. TNLA also joined hands with PDF terrorists and attacked local security posts in Nawnghkio, Kyaukme and Mogok regions and urban area. Their terror attacks cause instability in the region, leaving life and property of local ethnic national people. People very abhor those terrorists due to their daily threats on life and property of the people with the various titles and reasons. Tatmadaw was born of the people and it is a people’s Tatmadaw, which is a part of the State. Tatmadaw makes utmost efforts to defend life and property of the people and the State. Upholding the interests of the people and the State is launching the fair war. So, I take proud of patriotic youths, organizations, war veterans and ethnic national people who support Tatmadaw for its serving a far war. I would like to urge all to collectively defend the State against insurgents and saboteurs who intentionally attack the State, with united national spirit and Myanmar spirit. Tatmadaw decided to continuously forge peace and stability in Lashio, Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Hsipaw and Mogok regions. Border region management measures are under the arrangement of both countries. Likewise, border trade must be done by government departments of both coun[1]tries. As weak management can be seen at some border regions, it is necessary to carry out all measures into normalcy.
The government is holding talks with political parties and ethnic armed organizations for restoring durable peace for the Union. The remarks from the talks were recorded as the Union Accords. Moreover, further talks will be held. Some foreign countries encourage armed insurgents and terrorist organizations from diverse politics with monetary assistance, foods, medicines, arms and ammunition, technologies and logistic opportunities in order to shape Myanmar as expected for ensuring long term of armed conflicts.They also help malicious media to conduct psychological warfare.
Economic sector
In striving for booming State economy, only when the State carries out development of manufacturing will the State GDP improve. So, efforts are being made for development of agriculture, industrial and service sectors. It is impossible for increasing GDP without basic manufacturing. Since its assumption, the government experienced severe outbreak of COVID-19 as well as downtrends of economy. The GDP growth in 2020-2021 plunged into -5.9 percent. Due to making utmost efforts for development of agriculture and livestock breeding sectors, the country could secure +2.4 percent of GDP in the six-month period of 2021-2022 FY, with 8.3 percent increase. In 2022-2023 financial year, the country won 3.4 percent of GDP and 2023-2024 FY, 3.5 percent of GDP. At present, the government is pouring out its efforts for securing 3.8 percent of GDP growth in current 2024-2025 FY. If State economy declines, it will bring other bad impacts. So, it can be said that some countries impose economic sanction against Myanmar, committing more sanctions against banks not to run banking services, block border trade in various ways and means, and encourage ethnic armed organizations from border regions in various ways in order to seek profits and monopolize these areas. Hence, encouragements are being made for all to increase production in agriculture and livestock farms. It is necessary to support MSME businesses. Hence, the Senior General thanked all farmers from agriculture and livestock farms for their endeavours.
In April, unscrupulous businesspersons committed value of monetary in disorder. So, prices of gold and currency changed unprecedentedly without ordinary process. They also blocked economic process, bankruptcy and monetary affairs in disorder. As such, Verification was conducted over them under necessary disciplines and law. As it is necessary to ensure firmness of currency rather than inflation, a plan is underway to ensure firmness of currency.
Many incidents happened that unscrupulous businesspersons spread rumours on cooking oil and fuel for raising panic of the people in the country during the period when the government served its duties. Hence, the government adopted correct measures and precise policies for easing tension of the people. With regard to rice, as a possible situation might occur prices of rice in disorder, necessary investigation was conducted to ensure stability of rice prices. In order to ensure convenience of people in the food supply sector, the volume of rice each family will need are being sold nationwide. Accepting a concept that the politics is economy, the government set visions to improve living standard of the people with convenience of basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter and to develop the whole nation.
Social sector
Education is crucial for long[1]term sustainability of a country and its development. Hence, arrangements are being made for all school-age children to learn education and to pursue KG+9 educational scheme as a compulsory measure. Upon completion of KG+9, if students continue learning agriculture, livestock breeding and industrial subjects for three years from KG+10 to KG+12, they will have basic job opportunities. If they are qualified, they will have to continue further learning to obtain necessary diplomas and degrees. If so, the country will have skillful human resources in manufacturing. According to the new academic system, if students reach KG+12, they may turn around 17-18 years old. If they turn 18, they will be an age of voting. If the country will be democratic, everybody needs to understand legal affairs. Hence, it is necessary to discuss legal affairs for those youths to have a wider scope of legal knowledge.
In this academic year, it was possible to open basic education schools nationwide at an average rate of about 70 percent. In terms of basic education attendance, more than 92 percent of the originally enrolled students attended, so efforts will continue in collaboration with responsible persons to achieve full attendance and school openings. Due to the demographic distribution of our country, there is a need for more students to attend school than currently. It is necessary to prioritize the attendance of school-aged children and ensure they are on the educational path in all areas where schools are open.
Starting from 2023, the Education Conference was held, and this year it was also held last month. The findings from the Education Conferences will be emphasized and implemented to enhance Myanmar’s education sector. As the future of a nation is based on education, it is necessary for not only education staff but also students, parents, and governing bodies to collaborate and work together for educational progress. As the saying goes, “National discipline starts from school discipline,” so it is essential to teach and instill respect for laws and regulations and to develop good habits and proper conduct to become exemplary citizens.
Regarding the enhancement of the healthcare sector, the State Administration Council will upgrade district hospitals and above to higher standards within this fiscal year to improve healthcare services. Plans are being made to procure necessary hospital equipment, and US$- 22 million and Ks-116.8 billion from special funds will be used for purchasing hospital equipment and expanding hospital construction within this year.
To address the vacancies in healthcare staffing, the policy “Every Hospital Must Have a Doctor” has been established, and efforts are being made by our government to fulfill this commitment. Due to prioritizing the reappointment of healthcare workers who left their positions due to political reasons, currently, there are 68,258 healthcare workers providing care across 7,278 clinics and 757 hospitals nationwide. Efforts will continue to ensure that everyone fully enjoys their basic healthcare rights. As part of our social objectives, we aim to support the enhancement of the healthcare and sports sectors to promote long and healthy lives for the entire nation. In support of this, the fifth national sports festival is planned to be held this coming December.
Our country experiences varying degrees of flooding during the rainy season every year. This year, from the start of the rainy season, there has been more rainfall than in previous years, leading to floods starting in the northern part of Myanmar, including the Myitkyina region. Currently, there are still floods occurring in the southern parts of Myanmar. The Tatmadaw, the Myanmar Police Force, the Fire Brigade, and responsible social organizations are actively involved in rescue operations, benefiting the public.
Food Security
As the world’s population in[1]creases, the demand for food will proportionately rise. Our country’s climate and geogra[1]phical conditions are conducive to the growth of various crops, fruits, and livestock, making it necessary to utilize these resources effectively. For the 2024-2025 fiscal year, over 15 million acres of monsoon paddy are planned to be cultivated, with nearly 70 percent already planted. For other crops, over 4.6 million acres of oil crops like groundnuts, sesame, and sunflowers are planned, with more than 81 percent planted, and over 3 million acres of various pulses are planned, with about 70 percent planted. Efforts are being made to increase the yield per acre by implementing specialized planting practices for major crops. In terms of livestock, systematic breeding and improving livestock products can ensure not only domestic fish sufficiency but also replace imports and become a significant export sector.
In Myanmar, 15 million acres of monsoon paddy and 2 million acres of summer paddy are being cultivated. With approxi[1]mately 15 million acres of paddy fields, if the target yield of 100 baskets per acre is achieved, it will ensure food security for 100 million people. If double cropping is implemented, food security for 200 million people can be ensured. Therefore, the cultivation of paddy itself can result in a significant surplus of rice, leading to substantial foreign income. If the targets for other crops like maize, various pulses, and oil crops are also met, a large surplus can be achieved without expanding the cultivated area. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage and facilitate diligent farming.
According to the 2019 interim census, 41.2 percent of the working population aged 15 and above are employed in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It is essential to nurture the labor force in these sectors as valuable human resources. The primary economic activity of our country is agriculture and livestock farming. In the livestock sector, if indigenous animals are bred systematically and fed with by-products from agriculture such as rice bran, broken rice, maize, pulse residues, sesame residues, and straw, it can be economically beneficial. Efforts are being made to study and adopt modern agricultural and livestock farming techniques from successful countries to implement them practically.
Those with financial resources are encouraged to invest in the agriculture and livestock sectors. Such investments will lead to the advancement of the country’s agriculture and livestock industries and increase production. Agriculture and livestock farming are vital economic activities for the nation, and efforts must be made to achieve the target yields.
Building a Union based on democracy and federalism
It has been observed that many characteristics of the 2008 Constitution align with a federal system. Firstly, federal principles such as having a legislature and government at the Union and State/Region levels, guaranteeing the existence of States/ Regions by the Constitution, and the existence of six self-administered areas with detailed powers and authorities outlined in the Constitution. Additionally, financial distribution and usage between the Union and State/ Region levels are explicitly defined in the Constitution. Efforts should be made to effectively utilize the rights provided by the Constitution for regional development. Necessary amendments to the Constitution will also be carried out in accordance with regulations to meet the needs.
The State Administration Council is building the multi-party democratic system with true discipline and the union building process based on democracy and federal system at a rapid pace. In order to facilitate this process, 46 districts have been expanded and established in the regions and states including Nay Pyi Taw, and a total of 121 districts have been established since 2022 to bring about effective administration. Under the leadership of the districts, all townships and regions must be improved. They must make use of the powers that they have received according to the regions, states and districts and try to implement the development of their region. Where this is done, it is necessary for the regions and states to be able to hold elections as much as possible to meet the specified percentage according to the respective regions and states so that the governments formed through elections in their regions will emerge. The necessary security procedures are being implemented by regions and states from now on.
When moving towards a multiparty democratic system, we understand and accept that there are differences of opinion with each other. Because no country and society will accept the demand made by violence and armed, they must only demand according to the law. While the law has not yet been promulgated before the Parliament, the Union will issue decrees and directives that are in effect as law and will be implemented for the regions and states. The construction of a union based on democracy and federal sys[1]tem must be requested only in accordance with the law and must be implemented only in accordance with the procedure.
Strengthening the multiparty democratic system The ultimate goal of the State Administration Council is to hold a free and fair multi-party democratic general election. In order for them to hold an election successfully, it is necessary to obtain valid basic voting lists. Due to the mistakes in the balloting in the 2020 general election, which was a very bad stigma in the history of the country, the balloting must be corrected as much as possible to prevent it from happening again. Necessary preparations are being made to ensure the correctness of the voting lists, and the population and household census will be conducted in October. Preparations are being made in advance to be able to successfully collect and solve the difficulties that may be encountered in the collection.
We will collect the lists on the ground nationwide as a priority, and for those areas where it is difficult to conduct field surveys, the records on the ground should be used as much as possible until the closest match is found. The towns and villages that can be polled will be polled first, and the related townships will be polled with security. The election will be held in accordance with the 2008 Constitution and election laws. Depending on the regional security situation, the event will be held first in the areas that can be held, and in the areas that have not been able to be held due to the recent security situation, security measures will be taken to improve and continue to be held. Only with stability and peace will we be able to strengthen the multiparty democratic system and quickly implement the correct reform process. Therefore, we will continue to speed up what should be done in terms of security.
The Union Election Commission has approved the registration of 50 political parties out of the 67 political parties that applied for re-registration and newly established registration, and 2 political parties have been canceled in accordance with the law, so there are currently 48 existing political parties.
The Union Election Commission was giving clarifications and practical demonstration test voting to 107,299 local residents in a total of 121 townships in 5 regions and states, including Nay Pyi Taw, regarding the Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine, in order to make voting convenient and transparent for voters.
The State Administration Council has already guaranteed that it will continue to walk on the path of multi-party democracy and strengthen the multi-party democratic system. At present, the so-called terrorist groups NUG and PDF are increasing their terrorist attacks by receiving support from countries that do not want the benefit of Myanmar.
It is obvious that some armed groups who do not want peace and democratic culture are increasing illegal actions and territorial expansion activities. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to improve the peace and security conditions of the entire country, to continue the ongoing national development activities without slowing down, and to successfully implement the preparatory activities necessary to hold a multi-party democratic general election, and the processes to be carried out continuously. Therefore, in order to carry out the work to be done as stated above in accordance with Article 425 of the Constitution, the State Administration Council is required to extend the term of office for another six months period.
After that, the members of the National Defence and Security Council discussed the presentations of the Pro Tem President (Duty) Commanderin-Chief of the Defence Services, Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw U T Khun Myat, said that he would like to discuss a little about the population and household contents census that will be conducted soon. The population and household census is an important task that must be carried out for our country. The main requirement for the successful holding of the multi-party democratic general election to be held in the future is that accurate and correct voting lists must be based on the national census data. Census work and basic voter registration work are re[1]lated activities. The population and household census will be conducted nationwide from October 1 to 15. According to the nature of the work, the census taking process has to be carried out step by step. Since it will take a certain amount of time to implement such a step-by[1]step process, he presented and discussed that he supported the extension of the period of the state of emergency declared for the entire country by another six months from August 1, 2024.
Then, the Vice-Senior General joined the discussions, saying first of all, he supported ass[1]umption of acting president (duty) by the Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defe[1]nce Services in accordance with Sections 412, 417, 419 and 425 of the constitution due to health reasons of acting presi[1]dent U Myint Swe. Second, he said security measures of the State have not been currently accomplished and conducting a population census is an important task. Therefore, he supported the extension of the state of emergency in the entire country for another six months to continue to carry out the tasks.
Then, Union Minister for De[1]fence Admiral Tin Aung San said the SAC government placed emphasis on stability of the State during the extended period of the state of emergency. Terrorists have been trying to undermine stability and the rule of law attacking not only security outposts but also towns and villages resided by the general public in Shan State (North), Mandalay Region and Rakhine State with rockets and drones since early July, 2024. The Tatmadaw has to assume the duties of the State inevitably and efforts are being made to hold a free and fair multi-party democracy general election without fail after stability and security of the State have been restored and to systematically transfer the State power to the government that will emerge in the future. It is necessary to extend the state of emergency to continue to carry out tasks to restore security and stability of the State to enable the public to cast their votes independently and freely in the multi-party general election. He said, therefore, he supported extension of the state of emergency in the entire country for another six months.
Then, Union Minister Home Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae said assorted weapons, ammunition and mines have so far been seized in respective regions and states in 2024. To restore security, the rule of law and local tranquility in certain townships in regions and states more effectively, measures are being taken by invoking martial law as well as Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Saying that armed violence erupted in 2024 and the situation of security, stability and community tranquility has not returned to normal, he supported the extension of the state of emergency in the entire country for another six months in accordance with Section 425 of the constitution.
Afterward, Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung said it can be seen that the SAC was able to implement tasks for security, the rule of law, prosperity and security of food, water and basic needs of the State during the previous six months period of extension of the state of emergency to a certain extent. However, there are tasks to be carried out including tasks for security, stability and conduct[1]ing population census to hold a free and fair multi-party general election successfully, one of the objectives of the Five-point Road Map to build a union based on democracy and federalism and to strengthen the multi-party democracy system and it can be seen that it will take a certain period of time to continue to carry out such tasks. He, therefore, said he supported the proposal of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services to allow the SAC to assume its duties of the State for another six months in accordance with Section 425 of the constitution.
Then, the Senior General made additional remarks, saying conducting a population and household census is not a process that can be accomplished within a short time. Under the current circumstances, it is necessary to carry out tasks and verification phase by phase. Voters’ lists must be compiled based on the resulting population census as comprehensively as possible. As there are security weaknesses in some regions and states, measures must be taken to improve security to conduct the population census. In connection with the election, mea[1]sures must be taken by setting priorities for respective areas based on the security situation. Efforts will be made for the emergence of respective Hluttaws and the government. It is important for the country to continue to take the correct democracy path successfully.
Then, in talking about the reports, the Senior General said he would like to express thanks to members of the National Defence and Security Council who attended the NDSC meeting today as they discussed current developments of the State in respective sectors including defence, security, economic, social and other general affairs comprehensively.
As the council is required to continue to take the democracy path aspired by the people without fail, a free and fair multiparty democracy general election must be certainly held successfully. In holding the general election, it is necessary to compile correct and valid voters’ lists so as not to repeat voting irregularities during the 2020 general election. Therefore, concerted efforts must be made by all to successfully conduct the population and household census in the upcoming October. Only when elections can be held in respective regions and states in the entire country comprehensively, will the union government, the Pyithu Hlut[1]taw, the Amyotha Hluttaw and state and regional Hluttaws and governments emerge. To enable them to emerge, measures must be taken to improve stability, the rule of law and security matters to ensure stability to hold elections. I agree with the proposals of members of the NDSC council to take sufficient time to be able to do so.
As the members of the NDSC have made a decision to extend the state of emergency for another six months based on current political developments in the country, I hereby declare the extension of the state of emergency in the entire country for another six months in accordance with Section 425 of the constitution. Then, the NDSC meeting (2/2024) concluded.
