YANGON (Myanmar Now) — When Myanmar’s current Parliament first convened in 2011 following a flawed general election, most observers and opposition members expected it to be a rubber stamp for the army and the newly installed civilian government of ex-generals.
As with so much of Myanmar’s democratic transition, its performance has been a surprise.
Lawmakers quickly began to actively debate, amend and pass numerous laws. When several dozen National League for Democracy (NLD) MPs, including Aung San Suu Kyi, joined parliament following by-elections in mid-2012, debate was further enlivened.
As Parliament enters its last two months in office, we asked lawmakers and political activists to weigh the legacy of its 2011-2016 term. Most said great strides had been taken in reforming and replacing junta-era laws governing economics, business and labour rights, along with a range of other issues.
Critics said, however, that some important new legislation, around land rights and education reform, falls short, while repressive laws remain on the books.
The passage of four nationalist “race and religion” laws, they added, remains a dark stain on the parliament’s record. (Courtesy of Mizzima)
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