Myanmar News : The New Light of Myanmar

Yangon, 6 Oct — A mass rally, organized by the Union Solidarity and Development Association, was held in support of the Prime Minister's clarification on seven stages of policies and programmes of the State (roadmap) at Magway District sports ground in Magway, Magway Division, on 5 October morning.

Present on the occasion were Central Executive Committee members of USDA, members of Magway Division USDA, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Working Committee for Women's Affairs, War Veterans Organization, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, nurses, departmental staff, students and local people totalling over 17,000.

Before the mass rally, the four columns comprising members of departmental staff, members of social organizations, USDAs and local people with flag bearers and the band troupe marched into the sports ground and took their designated places.

Rector of Magway Institute of Medicine Dr Than Myint presided over the mass rally together with Magway Division USDA executive U Han Maung, Magway Division Immigration and National Registration Department Director U Myo Khant Kyu, Magway University Law Department Prof Daw Khin Nyo and Magway Township Writers and Journalists Association Chairman U Kyaw Zaw Lin. Magway Township USDA executive Daw Zar Zar Nwe Yin acted as master of ceremonies and Magway District USDA executive Daw Thida Thein as co-master of ceremonies.

First, the master of ceremonies announced the commencement of the mass rally. Rector of Magway Institute of Medicine Dr Than Myint delivered an address.

In his address, he said that on 30 August 2003, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt clarified future policies and programmes to be implemented. In his first part of the clarifications he explained in detail about better conditions for peace and stability in the State, endeavours for emergence of a modern developed nation by officials of the State day and night, participation of the people and all-round development of the country accompanied by data in the respective sectors.

In the second part, the Prime Minister said that anarchism reigned over the nation and the Union was on the verge of disintegration during the 1988 disturbances. The people were confronted with untold hardships and difficulties. Therefore the Tatmadaw had to assume State responsibilities unavoidably because of the historical necessity. The Prime Minister reported on the political developments after the assumption of State responsibilities. The government engaged in efforts to win the trust and confidence of the armed groups so that they could return to the legal fold. As a result, 17 armed groups have returned to the legal fold. It is heartening to note that the groups have participated in building of infrastructures for regional and national development.

The government has laid down the four political objectives, the four economic objectives and the four social objectives for emergence of a modern developed nation and is systematically marching towards its goal. The manner in which the nation will be built can clearly be seen in these four political objectives. Therefore, the emergence of a new enduring State Constitution is the most important key in building a new nation. As the conditions for peace and stability improved in the country and as national unity had been built to a certain extent, the National Convention was held in 1993.

The National Convention is a forum which tries to find a solution through discussions and deliberations to obtain basic principles required in the drafting of the constitution that would shape the future democratic State. The Convention comprised representatives of the political parties, representatives-elect, representatives of the national races, national races leaders who had returned to the legal fold as well as representatives of intellectuals, public servants and people from various strata in the country.

However, in 1995, one political force decided to ignore the future of the country and placed the attitude and wishes of an individual and the interests of its own party above the national cause, and carried out a scheme aimed at destroying the National Convention. Consequently, efforts for political development have now faltered at half way point. At the same time, the transformation process was again retarded due to the pressure and embargos applied by some big nations as well as due to continuous political manipulations.

In the third part, the Prime Minister explained about the seven-point political roadmap for emergence of a modern developed democratic nation in the future in accord with the State’s present political, economic and social conditions based on history and culture and customs of the people.

They are — (1) - Reconvening of the National Convention that has been adjourned since 1996. (2) - After the successful holding of the National Convention, step by step implementation of the process necessary for the emergence of a genuine and discipline-flourishing democratic system. (3) - Drafting of a new constitution in accordance with basic principles and detailed basic principles laid down by the National Convention. (4) - Adoption of the constitution through national referendum. (5) - Holding of free and fair elections for Pyithu Hluttaws (Legislative Bodies) according to the new constitution. (6) - Convening of Hlut-taws attended by Hluttaw members in accordance with the new constitution. (7) - Building a modern, developed and democratic nation by the state leaders elected by the Hluttaw; and the government and other central organs formed by the Hluttaw.

These points are our own programme laid down by the State Peace and Development Council in the interest of the State and its people and the points are similar to the four political objectives in essence.

As the Union of Myanmar is home to over 100 nationalities that have lived together in unity and harmony for thousands of years, consolidation of the Union spirit is very important for national unity.

Regarding the Union Spirit, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe said Union Spirit is that of oneness and unity of nationals who have descended from kin who have lived together with affection, in weal or woe on the same land, drinking water from the some source for a long time. Therefore non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty have been laid down as national policy of the country based on Union Spirit.

Moreover, the Head of State has given guidance that whatever system the nation is practising, a firm constitution that serves constantly the interest of all the national races is required. Among the seven-point future political programmes, the key requirement is holding of the National Convention successfully and emergence of a firm constitution.

In conclusion, The most important factor in building a new, peaceful, modern, developed and democratic nation is the emergence of a discipline-flourishing democratic system that does not harm the historical traditions of the Union of the national races living in unison and harmony for thousands of years; that does not tarnish the national prestige and integrity of our people and nation; and that does not affect the national characteristics of our people.

He urged all national races to participate in the efforts for successful implementation of the seven-point future political programmes hand in hand with the government in unity with Union Spirit and patriotism in accord with the national policy of Our Three Main National Causes.

Next, Magway Division USDA Executive U Kyaw Thu Oo tabled a motion calling for active participation of the entire national people in realization of the seven-point political roadmap of the State by doing their bit with full Union Spirit.

He said Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar clarified the seven-point political roadmap of the State on 30 August 2003. There are three parts of the clarification. The Prime Minister presented the significant progress in all sectors of the State showing with firm figures in the three parts of the speech. He also elaborated strenuous efforts made by the government and the people for enabling the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder with the global nations, for strengthening the national economy, for improving the living standard of the entire national people, and for ensuring the emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation.

Due to the day and night efforts of the State level officials with the participation of the entire national people, progress has been made in the agriculture, meat and fish, forest, industry, roads and bridges, rail transportation, air and water transport, communications, electric power, education, health and border area sectors.

The Union was on the verge of disintegration as anarchy occurred under political instigation during the 1988 unrest, and the people had to live in fear in the face of troubles and difficulties. Under such unavoidable situation, the Tatmadaw assumed the State’s duties on 18 September 1988 and restored administrative machinery. At the same time, the government made efforts for the emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation. Political reforms were carried out step by step for the transformation to a genuine multiparty democracy system.

The government tried its best to ensure the best possible future after studying the weakness and strength of the democracy system that had been practiced in the past.

Democracy can only materialize after taking into account the historical background and objective conditions of the country concerned. It is also a truth that democratic practices differ from one country to another. There exist differences between the countries that practice democracy today and the historical background, geographical conditions as well as the culture and character of the people of our country. Because of these differences, we cannot directly copy a democratic system that is being practiced abroad.

Myanmar is home to various national races who reside in all parts of the nation. Due to poor transport in the past, Myanmar lagged behind in development. That is why the government has laid down projects for development of border areas and national races and implemented them to bring about harmonious development across the nation.

As the government managed to rebuild the national solidarity based on mutual trust and understanding, altogether 17 national race armed groups returned to the legal fold. The national race leaders who have returned to the legal fold are now making efforts together with the government for national and regional development.

Making efforts for regional development, improvement of the national economy, and raising of the living standard of the national people after firmly building the national solidarity is the prerequisite for the emergence of discipline-flourishing democratic nation.

In his clarification, the Prime Minister explained the seven-point political roadmap of the State to be implemented in a pragmatic manner for the emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation.

The seven-point political roadmap of the State is the democratic programme to ensure the national reconciliation. The constitution is to be drafted at the National Convention to shape a democracy that corresponds to the background history, geographical conditions, culture and characters of our country for national development.

The government has been making strenuous efforts after laying down the 12 political, economic and social objectives for the emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation in the future in accord with the national policy.

The national development is meeting with success as the government has been able to implement the economic objectives to a certain extent while striving to materialize the social objectives.

Out of the four political objectives, progress has been made in implementing the first and second objectives which call for stability of the State, community peace and prevalence of law and order, and national reconciliation. While implementing the third objective, one of the above-ground political forces, decided to ignore the future of the country and put the attitude and wishes of an individual and the interests of its own party above the national cause, and carried out a scheme aimed at destroying the National Convention. Consequently, efforts for political development have now faltered at half way point.

Only when the National Convention is held successfully could the fourth objective which calls for building of a new modern and developed nation in accord with the new State constitution out of four political objectives be materialized.

The future policies and programmes of the State clarified by the Prime Minister on 30 August are the national policies to be implemented step by step in the interests of the State and the people.

With regard to the emergence of an enduring State constitution, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe said at the USDA annual general meeting held on 15 September in 1996 that we are to build the national unity based on peace and tranquillity, and prevalence of law and order. He added that to ensure continued development of State coupled with peace and tranquillity, a constitution, which is to be adopted by the entire national races, is required. Thus, continued efforts are to be made for the emergence of the enduring State constitution. The successful holding of the National Convention is the prerequisite for the emergence of the State constitution.

In accord with the guidance, I seconded the motion calling for "active participation of the entire national people in successful realization of the seven-point political roadmap of the State by doing their bit with full Union Spirit" , urging those present at the rally to make concerted efforts for ensuring drafting the State constitution and emergence of a modern developed democratic nation.

Afterwards, Magway Township Women’s Affairs Work Committee member Daw Moe Thuza seconded the motion tabled by U Kyaw Thu Oo.

She quoted the Prime Minster as saying in his address on 30 August that the government has laid down and are vigourously implementing political, economic and social objectives that would not only yield positive results such as peace and stability, progress and development but will also strengthen national unity spirit and Union Spirit that constitute the main pillars for the perpetuation of the Union. Peace and stability of the State, economic development, national unity, and perpetuation of the Union are matters that are not only interlinked but are also mutually reinforcing. The nation will only be peaceful and tranquil if there is national unity. Likewise, it is only when there is a peaceful environment can there be development of the basic infrastructure for national development.

As said by the Prime Minister, the government, as regards the development of socio-economic life, has made a remarkable change in the sectors such as agriculture, fish and meat. Efforts have been made for harmonious development of all states and divisions in the country and the 24 development zones have been designated and implemented. The Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races was established to accelerate tasks for development of border areas and the socio-economic life of national races. In addition, the five rural area development tasks have been laid down and implemented for equitable development of the rural areas.

The government also succeeded in negotiating with the seventeen national groups to enter into the legal fold, she said and quoted the Prime Minister as saying that establishing the national reconsolidation and making efforts for regional development, economic development and upgrading of living standard are the foundation steps for the democracy system.

The government has laid down good foundations for emergence of a discipline-flourishing democratic nation. So, to be able to draw up the State Constitution, the National Convention was convened in 1993 to formulate the fundamental principles in 1992. Based on attitude of an individual, the NLD party, without acknowledging the proper and suitable arrangements of the State, turned its back on the National Convention of high level according to own decision, ignoring political cooperation, placing the attitudes and wishes of an individual and the interests of its own party above national cause. So, the efforts for political development of the State stopped half-way.

The State laying down the twelve political, economic and social objectives has systematically implemented for the country to be modern and developed. Having a look at the four political objectives will let everyone know the future policies and programmes for the State. Emergence of a State Constitution is the key to building future nation. So, the government will systematically implement the seven-point road-map in building a modern and developed democratic nation in line with Our Three Main National Causes which is the national policy.

The seven points in the Prime Minister’s speech is the political policy and programme in the interests of the State and its citizens.

In conclusion, she urged the entire mass of people of national races to do their every bit enthusiastically with a keen sense of Union Spirit, for the successful accomplishment of the seven-point future policy and programme of the State.

Next, Magway Division Education Officer U Aung Chain also seconded the motion tabled by Magway Division USDA Executive U Kyaw Thu Oo.

He said significant progress in every sector of the State was featured in the first part of the speech delivered by the Prime Minister on 30 August.

The government is implementing the tasks for strengthening the national economy and raising the living standard of the national people in the entire nation including rural and far-flung border regions of the State. Therefore, the entire nation is now enjoying the fruits of development.

The government, setting up 24 development zones, made progress in the economic, social, industrial and transportation sectors.

Magway and Pakokku of Magway Division are two of these development zones. The towns, witnessing development in all sectors, are now recognized as the city of Myaylatt Region (Magway) and city of western bank of the Ayeyawady River (Pakokku).

Conditions of the division before 1988 and at present are considerably different.

Thanks to rural water supply projects of the five rural development tasks implemented in accord with the guidance of the Head of State, irrigation facilities projects and river water pumping projects that provide water not only for agricultural purposes but also for drinking are being implemented all over the division.

During the period from 1988 to the present, 26 dams have been constructed while nine others are under construction. A total of 46 river water pumping projects were successfully implemented, and another one was now under construction in the division. Thanks to the irrigation projects, irrigated area of the division, which stood at 180,000 acres before 1988, rose to 240,000 acres now. In paddy cultivation, 300,000 acres of monsoon paddy alone were grown in the division in 1988. A total of 600,000 acres of monsoon and summer paddy could be grown in the division in 2002-2003. In accord with the saying "water is more precious than gold" , now that water for agricultural purpose is abundant and farmers can grow crops in all season and can most effectively utilize the land.

In the meat and fish sector, 54,000 tons of meat and 3,800 tons of fish and prawn were produced in the division in 2002-2003.

There are two industrial zones, 58 State-owned factories, over 2,000 private industries and seven State-owned factories under construction in the division. On completion of the two textile factories in Pakokku and Pwintbyu, new job opportunities for local people will emerge in the division. These two factories will contribute towards the development of the economy of the State. Motor vehicles assembled in Pakokku and Yenangyoung industrial zones become popular among the customers and meeting with the success.

The transportation and communication sectors dramatically developed in the division in the time of the Tatmadaw government. Thanks to the microwave link set up in the western bank area of the Ayeyawady, communication sector of the division developed, and local people can enjoy the fruit of it.

Roads, railroads, bridges, airports are the vital infrastructures needed for economic development of the nation. Networks of Union roads and bridges facilitated the transportation between the regions.

Number of bridges in the division rose from 20 in 1988 to 30 today. There were two famous river-crossing bridges in the division. One of which is Anawrahta Bridge (Chauk) linking Khauk and Pwintbyu and another one is Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) linking Magway and Minbu.

People of the division feel the gratitude they owe to the State whenever they pass through the bridges.

Similarly, Chindwin river-crossing Hsinbyushin road-cum-rail bridge linking Magway Division and Sagaing Division benefits not only the two divisions but also other divisions of the State. In the air transport sector, the government built a modern airport in Magway. As the tarmac of the airport was constructed with the use of modern technology, modern jet planes can land in Magway. New Pakokku airport was also under construction.

A total of 417 miles of motor roads and 334 miles of railroads including Magway-Taungdwin railroad, Taungdwin-Aunglan-Pyay railroad and Pakokku-Gangaw-Kale railroad were constructed in the division after 1988.

In the education sector, the number of basic education schools rose from 3,394 in 1988 to 3,865 now. That of teachers, which stood at 1,5661 then increased to 2,774 now. Instead of only three university, degree college and college, there are now 11 of them, including two technological colleges and two computer colleges.

In the health sector, 26 hospitals of division, district and township levels, 38 station hospitals, 3 local health centres, 6 school dispensaries, 33 maternal and child welfare health centres, 148 rural health centres, one traditional medicine hospital and 18 traditional medicine clinics have been opened in the division.

People of the division can learn medical science of international standard in the Institute of Medicine and the Basic Health University in Magway.

Magway division, contributing 11.1 per cent of the economy of the entire nation, is an important division in the country. Per capital income of the division reached over K 130,000. Thanks to the economic development, per capita income also increased.

The government is making efforts for the smooth transformation of the country into a genuine and discipline-flourishing democratic nation. Democracy of another country cannot be copied by other country’s. Democracy will be without essence if it contradicts with the culture and social system of the country concerned.

Culture, traditions, characters accepted by the west are completely different from ours. In marching towards a democratic new nation, it is required to be in accord with the national prestige, national fervour, national characters and traditions.

It is known to all that some powerful nations, fabricating news, are pressurizing the country in the interest of an individual in their favour, without considering the interest of over 52 million people of the nation.

I would like to urge all to bravely encounter and defeat the enemies who encroach on the nation with patriotism, Union spirit, and national strength.

Myanmar, an independent country, has its own right to shape its future. The State, hand in hand with the people, must strive for the future that is in accord with the objective conditions of the country and the people.

As far as unity prevails in the strong national force of the country, the country will be able to overcome crises of any kind.

Therefore, in order to build a democratic nation, the State Peace and Development Council, strengthening the national solidarity, laid down seven-point future policy of the State as its own political programme in the interest of the people.

Therefore, I, urging all the national people to actively participate in successful implementation of the seven-point future policy of the State under the leadership of the State in accord with the motto "Strength of the nation lies within", resolutely support the motion calling for "active participation of the entire national people in realization of the seven-point political roadmap of the State by doing their bit with full Union Spirit"presented by U Kyaw Thu Oo. The chairman of the mass rally said that Magway Township Working Committee for Women’s Affairs member Daw Moe Thuza and Magway Division Education Officer U Aung Chein seconded the motion tabled by Magway Division USDA Executive U Kyaw Thu Oo calling for "active participation of the entire national people in realization of the seven-point political roadmap of the State by doing their bit with full Union Spirit".

The approval of the mass rally concerning the motion for active participation of the entire national people by doing their bit for the successful implementation of the seven future policies and programmes was sought and the entire mass of people unanimously approved it.

Next, the master of ceremonies announced the resolution of the mass rally.

The mass rally concluded with chanting of the slogans.

Yangon, 7 Oct — Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Chairman Northern Command Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo, Col Myint Soe of Taungup Station and officials, inspected Kyaukkyipauk Bridge and gave instructions on 5 October morning.

On arrival at Sanepauk Bridge, they inspected stockpiling of steel frames and construction of Ma-ei-Kyaukpyu road section. They looked into the 300,-000-gallon fresh water lake for the work site.

Next, they inspected the road being built with the use of poly felt and geotextile methods. They inspected construction of the approach road and Londawpauk Bridge construction project. Officials reported on work progress and future tasks. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than called for meeting the set standard and timely completion of the project and fulfilled the requirements.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party looked into Deedokpauk Bridge Construction Project on Ma-ei-Kyaukpyu road section and attended to the needs. They inspected preliminary work for construction of Thanthamache, Thazinpauk and Wunphaik bridges.

They inspected construction of the main bridge of Mingyaung Creek-crossing bridge on Ma-ei bank in Yanbye Township, Kyaukpyu District. Officials reported on the project. The commander gave a supplementary report. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on minimizing loss and wastage, efficient use of fuel, ensuring work site safety and timely completion of the project. On completion of the project located on Yangon-Kyaukpyu, the 2,704 feet long reinforced concrete bridge will have a 24-foot-wide motor way and two three-foot pedestrian lanes on it. Its clearance is 38 feet high.

Officials reported on building of Sanekhomin Pagoda-Mingyaung section of Yangon-Kyaukpyu Road Construction Project and the 30,000-acre land reclamation project. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than left necessary instructions.

At the basic education primary school of the Mingyaung Creek Bridge Construction Project, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than presented exercise books to the students.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to Taungup.

Yangon, 7 Oct — Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, accompanied by officials, arrived at the guest house of Namatu mine on 4 October, where the General Manager of the mines reported on the test run of the new furnace for low grade concentrates with the help of charts.

After presenting cash awards to the staff who made efforts for success of the test run, the deputy minister and party inspected the charging system, hard lead and slag tapping system and newly-installed air-conditioners for the furnace. He met with Myanmar engineers, staff and Chinese engineers and fulfilled the requirements for successful test run.

In the evening, the deputy minister together with Chinese technicians met with staff at Namatu/Bawdwin and gave instructions. He thanked the Chinese technicians for the efforts made for the success of the test run and presented them a basket of fruits.

On 5 October morning, he met with the trainees of On-job Training Course No 14 in Namatu and made a speech. At Bawdwin region, he gave instructions on boosting production of minerals, extracting of more ore and extended running period of Bawdwin and Namtu ore concentration plants.

Yangon, 7 Oct — A lighting design seminar event, organized by the only professional lighting company, Krislite (Myanmar) Ltd will be held for over two days aiming at people involved in designing, engineering and planning lighting installations. Krislite has invited renowned lighting designer and consultant Martin Klaasen of Lighting Images International to present the seminars. The first seminar was held today and the title is ‘Lighting Design for Architectural Harmony’. The second seminar continues tomorrow and the title given is ‘Lighting for Urban and Exterior Spaces’.

Both seminars will highlight many facets of lighting and lighting design in their respective environment. The first Seminar concentrates more focus on the architectural environment and more general in its content. The second Seminar will look at our living environment and be more technical in its content. Besides the keynotes address by Martin Klaasen, the Krislite will display some of the latest lighting products such as fiber optic, street lighting, solar system and the lighting balloon.

The Head Office/ Service Centre of the Krislite (Myanmar) Ltd is No 3 Kanbe Road, Yankin Township, Yangon, and may contact Tel: 578930/665345/665068/707764 and its Showroom is No117, Dhamazedi Road, Kamayut Township, Yangon, and may contact Tel: 524677/373009.

Respects paid to University of Yangon’s Emeritus Professor

Yangon, 7 Oct — A ceremony to mark the 74th birthday of Dr Khin Maung Win, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy of the Department of Philosophy of the University of Yangon was held this morning at the university.

First, Associated Professor Dr Myat Mon Oo read out the biography of Dr Khin Maung Win. Next, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy Daw Kyi Kyi Hla, Professor Dr Tin Tin Tun and Writer Chit Oo Nyo spoke on the occasion.

Next, students paid homage to Dr Khin Maung Win.

Yangon, 7 Oct — Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing received Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs of India Mr N Gopalaswami who is attending the ninth State level Myanmar-India Border Civil Authorities Meeting and party at his office at 5 pm today.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi, Director-General of General Administration Department U Myat Ko and Head of Office U Aung Lwin Oo.

Yangon, 7 Oct — A seven-member delegation led by Secretary of Home Affairs of India Mr N Gopalaswami arrived here by air this morning to attend the ninth State level Myanmar-India Border Civil Authorities Meeting to be held in Myanmar.

They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia and embassy staff, Director-General of General Administration Department U Myat Ko and officials.

The ninth State level Myanmar-India Border Civil Authorities Meeting was held at the meeting hall of the Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Streets in Kamayut Township at 2 pm today.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Director-General of GAD U Myat Ko, officials of the offices and departments concerned on Myanmar side, and Secretary of Home Affairs of India Mr N Gopalaswami and members on Indian side.

In the evening, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Phone Swe hosted a dinner in honour of the Indian delegation at Karaweik Palace.

Yangon, 7 Oct — The visiting five-member delegation led by Deputy Minister of Trade of Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Do Nhu Dinh called on President of the Union of Myanmar Federation Chambers of Commence and Industry U Win Myint at the office of the UMFCCI on 3 October morning.

Also present on the occasion were UMFCCI General Secretary U Sein Win Hlaing and members of the Central Executive Committee.

They discussed matters related to investment, boosting of bilateral trade, exchange of delegations comprising business entrepreneurs, imports of Vietnam-made medicines and electrical goods, exports of Myanmar wood-based products and others.