In a modest dormitory in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw, novice MP Tin Thit recites a poem he has penned called "No Retreat", steeling himself to enter Myanmar's parliament carrying the dreams of a nation left traumatised by army rule.
A poet, editor, activist -- and now newly elected MP -- he is among hundreds of political newcomers poised to take their seats Monday in the country’s most democratic legislature in generations, following the huge November landslide win by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD).
"This is our era," the newly minted NLD lawmaker told AFP on Saturday as he prepared for a last-ditch round of parliamentary training organised by his party, brushing off concerns about his and his colleagues' lack of experience. (Courtesy of Daily Mail Online)
January 31, 2016
Transforming the Tatmadaw
The visit last week by Karen National Union chairman General Saw Mutu Say Poe to the Defence Services Academy at Pyin Oo Lwin was a significant development in Myanmar’s history.
It was the first time since Independence in 1948 that the leader of an armed ethnic group had visited the DSA, the most prestigious of the Tatmadaw’s officer training schools. That the visit involved the leader of the group that had launched its rebellion on January 31, 1949, one year after Independence, and been involved in the world’s longest civil conflict until it signed a ceasefire in January 2012, added to its significance.
At the Union Peace Conference that began in Nay Pyi Taw last week, Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said the military was being transformed into a “standard army” that armed ethnic groups were welcome to join if they wished to serve the country under the Tatmadaw. (Courtesy of Frontier Myanmar)
It was the first time since Independence in 1948 that the leader of an armed ethnic group had visited the DSA, the most prestigious of the Tatmadaw’s officer training schools. That the visit involved the leader of the group that had launched its rebellion on January 31, 1949, one year after Independence, and been involved in the world’s longest civil conflict until it signed a ceasefire in January 2012, added to its significance.
At the Union Peace Conference that began in Nay Pyi Taw last week, Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said the military was being transformed into a “standard army” that armed ethnic groups were welcome to join if they wished to serve the country under the Tatmadaw. (Courtesy of Frontier Myanmar)
Restive border town of Muse to be recast as commercial center
The winding road from Lashio to Muse, the main trade route from northeast Myanmar into China, was rendered almost impassable for two days in mid-January when a truck dropped its cargo of iron bars. Traders sat with armed police on top of the hazy hills drinking whisky and playing music on their mobile phones as they gazed down at hundreds of stranded lorries below.
The two-lane road is dangerous -- 22-wheeler trucks skid along hairpin turns through clouds of dust. With no streetlights, vehicles often come off the road, occasionally over the edge of the sheer mountain path. An overturned truck or spilled cargo can block this critical trade route for hours or even days. (Courtesy of Nikkei Asian Review)
The two-lane road is dangerous -- 22-wheeler trucks skid along hairpin turns through clouds of dust. With no streetlights, vehicles often come off the road, occasionally over the edge of the sheer mountain path. An overturned truck or spilled cargo can block this critical trade route for hours or even days. (Courtesy of Nikkei Asian Review)
Former top generals serenade lawmakers
Belting out the lyrics "dreams may come true" in a jaunty a cappella, a former top general serenaded lawmakers yesterday as Myanmar's long-dominant military elite marked their exit from Parliament with song and dance.
Parliament welcomed the historic handover of power in the country with a party yesterday afternoon, complete with a karaoke session, sing-a-long and energetic dance routines by ethnic- minority MPs.
"May you be healthy/May you be strong/ May you be joyful all your life long," crooned Parliament Speaker Shwe Mann, the junta's former No. 3, who has become an unlikely ally of Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi in the legislature despite his erstwhile position as leader of the rival ruling party. (Courtesy of The Straits Times)
Parliament welcomed the historic handover of power in the country with a party yesterday afternoon, complete with a karaoke session, sing-a-long and energetic dance routines by ethnic- minority MPs.
"May you be healthy/May you be strong/ May you be joyful all your life long," crooned Parliament Speaker Shwe Mann, the junta's former No. 3, who has become an unlikely ally of Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi in the legislature despite his erstwhile position as leader of the rival ruling party. (Courtesy of The Straits Times)
Heath ministry issues Zika warning
The Zika virus may be transmitted to countries where dengue fever exists and preparatory measures needed to be taken, according to Ministry of Health.
“Mosquitoes that carry dengue fever and the Zika virus are the same and so we need to take precautions across the country. People are used to dengue and they aren’t afraid of it. But another virus might come. We need to promote the importance of cleanliness in our surroundings. Pregnant woman can give birth to babies with a small brain or no brain at all. We have to take preparatory measures,” said Dr Khin Nan Lone of the Department of Health. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
“Mosquitoes that carry dengue fever and the Zika virus are the same and so we need to take precautions across the country. People are used to dengue and they aren’t afraid of it. But another virus might come. We need to promote the importance of cleanliness in our surroundings. Pregnant woman can give birth to babies with a small brain or no brain at all. We have to take preparatory measures,” said Dr Khin Nan Lone of the Department of Health. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
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