Victory for Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy party in 2015 holds the hope of a new beginning for a nation ruled for years under repressive junta reign.
But great challenges lie ahead for the country’s first civilian-led government. Aung San Suu Kyi is dealing with NLD election victory tactfully, not wanting to upset the USDP losers further which in turn could disrupt the status quo.
What 2016 may hold for the future of Myanmar remains to be seen. However, there are a few factors worth reflecting on, as these may provide indication on how well Myanmar's democracy will progress:
1) Who will lead?
This has been the primary question as according to Myanmar's constitution Chapter 3, No. 59(f), the president must be someone who “he himself, one of the parents, the spouse, one of the legitimate children or their spouses not owe allegiance to a foreign power”.
To circumvent this, Suu Kyi has said she will rule “above the president”, a legally uncertain position that she has not deliberated the details. (Courtesy of The Malaysian Insider)
January 1, 2016
UNA leaders to attend peace summit
Leaders of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) have decided to attend the Union Peace Summit scheduled for January 12 despite the absence of several members.
The meeting, chaired by Aye Thar Aung, executive council member of the Arakan National Party (ANP), sought approval for the nationwide ceasefire agreement and to attend the Union Peace Summit.
Aye Tha Aung said: “The summit will not be perfect as non-signatories to the ceasefire will have no chance to attend."
Political dialogue will start on January 12 and come to an end on January 22.
Only eight armed groups will attend the meetings. The remaining groups will be invited as "special guests". (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
The meeting, chaired by Aye Thar Aung, executive council member of the Arakan National Party (ANP), sought approval for the nationwide ceasefire agreement and to attend the Union Peace Summit.
Aye Tha Aung said: “The summit will not be perfect as non-signatories to the ceasefire will have no chance to attend."
Political dialogue will start on January 12 and come to an end on January 22.
Only eight armed groups will attend the meetings. The remaining groups will be invited as "special guests". (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Border trade unaffected by Tao protests
Thai border trade is flowing regularly, according to Nyunt Aung, director general of the directorate of trade under the Ministry of Commerce.
Protests at the death sentence for two Myanmar migrants in the Koh Tao murder case have spread across the nation, leading to rumours that the flow of commodities would cease.
“Trade is being carried out regularly. These rumours do not harm regular trade,” said Myint Kyaw at the Myawaddy border. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Protests at the death sentence for two Myanmar migrants in the Koh Tao murder case have spread across the nation, leading to rumours that the flow of commodities would cease.
“Trade is being carried out regularly. These rumours do not harm regular trade,” said Myint Kyaw at the Myawaddy border. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Interview: 'Government-owned Media Are Not Good For Democracy'
RFA: You said you will merge some ministries, but government employees need not worry.
ASSK: Yes, There are too many government employees in some ministries and too few in others. We have to move them from the ministries that have little work to do to others with a lot of work. We have to reorganize.
RFA: What is your opinion about having government-run media in the country?
ASSK: I think government-owned media are not good for democracy. We will not abolish them immediately, but yet don’t want to delay doing it as well. It would be better if we did everything according to democratic principles as soon as possible. There are government supported media in the United States and United Kingdom, such as the Voice of America and the British Broadcasting Corporation, but they have their freedom. They are working with their own channels. It is important to work freely even though we have government supported media.
RFA: What are your thoughts about issuing pensions to politicians?
ASSK: We, the members of parliament (MPs) from the NLD, all will have political pensions as will others, and everyone has agreed to donate what we receive to places in need. We have our salaries, so we don’t need the pensions. (Courtesy of RFA)
ASSK: Yes, There are too many government employees in some ministries and too few in others. We have to move them from the ministries that have little work to do to others with a lot of work. We have to reorganize.
RFA: What is your opinion about having government-run media in the country?
ASSK: I think government-owned media are not good for democracy. We will not abolish them immediately, but yet don’t want to delay doing it as well. It would be better if we did everything according to democratic principles as soon as possible. There are government supported media in the United States and United Kingdom, such as the Voice of America and the British Broadcasting Corporation, but they have their freedom. They are working with their own channels. It is important to work freely even though we have government supported media.
RFA: What are your thoughts about issuing pensions to politicians?
ASSK: We, the members of parliament (MPs) from the NLD, all will have political pensions as will others, and everyone has agreed to donate what we receive to places in need. We have our salaries, so we don’t need the pensions. (Courtesy of RFA)
Contractor cancels costly Nay Pyi Taw airport contract
The government has accepted to take back the management of Nay Pyi Taw International Airport from Asia World Company, the current contractor, which cited financial losses for the contract termination.
The airport handover contract will be made next week.
Since 2013, Pioneer Aerodrome Services Co Ltd, under Asia World, has looked to terminate the contract because so few airlines use the airport. A deputy director from the Department for Civil Aviation in November 2013 said the issue was still under discussion.
The decision to scrap the contract was reached on December 28.
Despite the airport handover, Pioneer Aerodrome will make a new contract to continue to provide services at the airport. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
The airport handover contract will be made next week.
Since 2013, Pioneer Aerodrome Services Co Ltd, under Asia World, has looked to terminate the contract because so few airlines use the airport. A deputy director from the Department for Civil Aviation in November 2013 said the issue was still under discussion.
The decision to scrap the contract was reached on December 28.
Despite the airport handover, Pioneer Aerodrome will make a new contract to continue to provide services at the airport. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Cartoonists celebrate 100 years of satire
The Myanmar cartoon industry started in 1915 and is planning to mark its centenary anniversary.
Ba Kalay, or Shwe Talay to use his cartoon name, drew a cartoon that was published in an English-language college magazine. It was about the college students who were dreaming about becoming the city administrator.
Famous cartoonists named Hein Sun, Ba Gyan, Kyaw San, Pe Thein and Ba Htwe followed, playing an important role in the fight for independence.
Activists claimed insightful political cartoons gave them courage. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Ba Kalay, or Shwe Talay to use his cartoon name, drew a cartoon that was published in an English-language college magazine. It was about the college students who were dreaming about becoming the city administrator.
Famous cartoonists named Hein Sun, Ba Gyan, Kyaw San, Pe Thein and Ba Htwe followed, playing an important role in the fight for independence.
Activists claimed insightful political cartoons gave them courage. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
MPs warn of money-laundering loophole
The joint committee on the 2016 tax bill has stated that the taxation of incomes that cannot show sources needs to be abolished since it can encourage money laundering.
MP Dr Myat Nyana Soe, the joint secretary of the committee, said: "Paragraph 24 of the bill says to tax the incomes that cannot show sources. We should think about it from multiple angles. It cannot be related to the money laundering, according to the Anti-Money Laundering Law. But institutions need to review whether this paragraph should be included in the tax bill. Paragraph 24 could support the money launderers, so institutions need to think this through again.”
He added that the 3-per-cent taxation on Ks100 million (US$76,900) incomes that cannot show sources was a very small amount for the money launderers, and the taxation on incomes without sources ought to be removed. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
MP Dr Myat Nyana Soe, the joint secretary of the committee, said: "Paragraph 24 of the bill says to tax the incomes that cannot show sources. We should think about it from multiple angles. It cannot be related to the money laundering, according to the Anti-Money Laundering Law. But institutions need to review whether this paragraph should be included in the tax bill. Paragraph 24 could support the money launderers, so institutions need to think this through again.”
He added that the 3-per-cent taxation on Ks100 million (US$76,900) incomes that cannot show sources was a very small amount for the money launderers, and the taxation on incomes without sources ought to be removed. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
NLD asks about govt projects
The victorious National League for Democracy has asked for the government’s supporting committee for the handover of the president’s power to explain ongoing projects, policies and staff strength of all government ministries, according to Win Htein, a leader of the NLD’s transitional team.
The first meeting in November focused on the proposals to hold the handing over ceremony at the presidential residence and the systematic transfer of the ministries’ duties.
Win Htein said: “We urged the government side to explain the work being undertaken by its ministries after the first meeting. For instance, it includes policies, staff strength, budget, current projects, laws and directives of ministries. We always have contact with them via the phone. Now the ministries start working on it. But I have not heard yet if they are ready.” (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
The first meeting in November focused on the proposals to hold the handing over ceremony at the presidential residence and the systematic transfer of the ministries’ duties.
Win Htein said: “We urged the government side to explain the work being undertaken by its ministries after the first meeting. For instance, it includes policies, staff strength, budget, current projects, laws and directives of ministries. We always have contact with them via the phone. Now the ministries start working on it. But I have not heard yet if they are ready.” (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
US Renews Support for Myanmar's Reforms as Country Turns to China
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States renewed its support for Myanmar’s reforming rulers in a message to celebrate the country’s Independence Day, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement released on Thursday.
"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I would like to convey my best wishes to the people of Myanmar on your independence day this January 4," Kerry stated.
The US secretary of state also congratulated Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, on holding successful parliamentary elections on November 8. (Courtesy of sputniknews.com)
"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I would like to convey my best wishes to the people of Myanmar on your independence day this January 4," Kerry stated.
The US secretary of state also congratulated Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, on holding successful parliamentary elections on November 8. (Courtesy of sputniknews.com)
Koh Tao murders: Thai Law Society talks possible appeal with Myanmar envoy
Myanmar's ambassador to Thailand, U Win Maung, yesterday met with Law Society president Dej-Udom Krairit to discuss an appeal in the Koh Tao double-murder case. Two workers from Myanmar were sentenced to death last week for the murder two British tourists on the island last year. Dej-Udom said the Law Society had set up a committee to scrutinise the court's verdict, but the association might not be able to file an appeal within 30 days after the sentence was handed down. The lawyers might seek the court's permission to extend the time frame in order to help them understand the verdict, he said.
Thousands of Myanmar people staged rallies in their homeland after the Samui Provincial Court handed the death penalty to Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun for the killing of David Miller, 24, and the rape and murder of Hannah Witheridge, 23.
Key officials in the Thai government - notably Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan - have said they believe the protests in Myanmar and other countries such as Sri Lanka and Malaysia were manipulated by Thai people who dislike this country's military-led regime and its junta. (Courtesy of AsiaOne Asia News)
Thousands of Myanmar people staged rallies in their homeland after the Samui Provincial Court handed the death penalty to Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun for the killing of David Miller, 24, and the rape and murder of Hannah Witheridge, 23.
Key officials in the Thai government - notably Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan - have said they believe the protests in Myanmar and other countries such as Sri Lanka and Malaysia were manipulated by Thai people who dislike this country's military-led regime and its junta. (Courtesy of AsiaOne Asia News)
Koh Tao debacle: Shoddy work from beginning to end
Thailand’s ludicrous official response to the outcry at the verdict
The investigation into the murder of two British backpackers on Koh Tao was, from the very start, a muddled affair. Yet, despite public revelations of mishandling of the case by the police and widespread doubt about the guilt of the accused, the authorities were caught by surprise at the international outcry that greeted last week's court ruling.
The sentencing to death of the accused, two Myanmar migrant workers, provoked a raucous street protest in Yangon and grumbling in Nay Pyi Taw. Irked government officials claimed the reaction was all a conspiracy to discredit the Royal Thai Police. It would be wonderful if it could be so easily imagined away.
The inescapable fact is that the controversy surrounding the Koh Tao case is only the latest global outcry directed at the Thai police force, whose reputation and credibility now seem irrevocably tainted in the eyes of most outsiders and indeed many citizens.
The Koh Tao investigation was compromised from the beginning, when police failed to properly seal off the crime scene. A rumour that the attack was carried out by someone linked to influential figures on the island was summarily dismissed and investigators quickly focused on the migrant community, refusing to even contemplate the possibility that Thais might have been involved. The police gave no explanation for this shift in focus, which saw Myanmar migrants Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun arrested and charged with the despicable crime. (Courtesy of The Nation)
The investigation into the murder of two British backpackers on Koh Tao was, from the very start, a muddled affair. Yet, despite public revelations of mishandling of the case by the police and widespread doubt about the guilt of the accused, the authorities were caught by surprise at the international outcry that greeted last week's court ruling.
The sentencing to death of the accused, two Myanmar migrant workers, provoked a raucous street protest in Yangon and grumbling in Nay Pyi Taw. Irked government officials claimed the reaction was all a conspiracy to discredit the Royal Thai Police. It would be wonderful if it could be so easily imagined away.
The inescapable fact is that the controversy surrounding the Koh Tao case is only the latest global outcry directed at the Thai police force, whose reputation and credibility now seem irrevocably tainted in the eyes of most outsiders and indeed many citizens.
The Koh Tao investigation was compromised from the beginning, when police failed to properly seal off the crime scene. A rumour that the attack was carried out by someone linked to influential figures on the island was summarily dismissed and investigators quickly focused on the migrant community, refusing to even contemplate the possibility that Thais might have been involved. The police gave no explanation for this shift in focus, which saw Myanmar migrants Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun arrested and charged with the despicable crime. (Courtesy of The Nation)
Myanmar's Independence Day
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I would like to convey my best wishes to the people of Myanmar on your independence day this January 4.
This 68th anniversary of Myanmar’s independence follows your country’s historic parliamentary elections on November 8. On that day, millions of people around the country, many voting for the first time, seized the opportunity to move Myanmar one step closer to a more democratic, peaceful, and prosperous future. (Courtesy of state.gov)
This 68th anniversary of Myanmar’s independence follows your country’s historic parliamentary elections on November 8. On that day, millions of people around the country, many voting for the first time, seized the opportunity to move Myanmar one step closer to a more democratic, peaceful, and prosperous future. (Courtesy of state.gov)
Taiwan Cooperative Bank opens representative office in Yangon
Taipei, Dec. 31 (CNA) Taiwan Cooperative Bank (合庫銀), the banking arm of Taiwan Cooperative Financial Holding Co. (合庫金), opened a representative office in Yangon, Myanmar Thursday, making the office the fifth foothold of the bank in the fast-growing Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market.
The four other outlets in the ASEAN market consist of one branch located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, two sub-branches located in Tuek Thla and Pur Senchey, also in Cambodia, and another branch located in Manila, the Philippines.
The bank said that the office in Yangon is expected to help the bank to extend its reach in the ASEAN market and take advantage of the market's great growth potential. According to the bank, collectively, ASEAN is likely to become the fourth largest economy in the world by 2030, up from its current position in seventh place. (Courtesy of Focus Taiwan)
The four other outlets in the ASEAN market consist of one branch located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, two sub-branches located in Tuek Thla and Pur Senchey, also in Cambodia, and another branch located in Manila, the Philippines.
The bank said that the office in Yangon is expected to help the bank to extend its reach in the ASEAN market and take advantage of the market's great growth potential. According to the bank, collectively, ASEAN is likely to become the fourth largest economy in the world by 2030, up from its current position in seventh place. (Courtesy of Focus Taiwan)
Chinese Company Wins Contract for Deep Sea Port in Myanmar
China’s CITIC Group Corporation has won two contracts related to a special economic zone in western Myanmar, Reuters reports, including building a deep sea port on the Bay of Bengal. CITIC’s consortia (including China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd., China Merchants Holdings, TEDA Investment Holding, and Yunnan Construction Engineering Group) will lead projects to build the port as well as an industrial area at the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone in western Myanmar’s Rakhine State, which borders Bangladesh to the north and the Bay of Bengal to the west.
The contracts give yet another Chinese company a pivotal role in developing maritime infrastructure on the Indian Ocean, adding to China’s involvement in a number of regional ports (Chittagong in Bangladesh, Gwadar in Pakistan, and Colombo in Sri Lanka). Taken together, those ports are sometimes referred to as China’s “string of pearls” — a concept that assumes they will be of military as well as civilian use.
Kyaukpyu is of particular interest to China because overland links between Myanmar and southern China can reduce reliance on the potential chokepoint of the Strait of Malacca. By eliminating the need to travel via the Strait of Malacca, Kyaukpyu Port would save about 5,000 kilometers in sailing distance for shipments traveling to China from India and points beyond. The drive to diversify its shipping routes – and to increase economic clout in neighboring countries – is a major impetus behind the new “Belt and Road” initiative, which envisions infrastructure and trade networks linking China with every part of the Eurasian continent. (Courtesy of The Diplomat)
The contracts give yet another Chinese company a pivotal role in developing maritime infrastructure on the Indian Ocean, adding to China’s involvement in a number of regional ports (Chittagong in Bangladesh, Gwadar in Pakistan, and Colombo in Sri Lanka). Taken together, those ports are sometimes referred to as China’s “string of pearls” — a concept that assumes they will be of military as well as civilian use.
Kyaukpyu is of particular interest to China because overland links between Myanmar and southern China can reduce reliance on the potential chokepoint of the Strait of Malacca. By eliminating the need to travel via the Strait of Malacca, Kyaukpyu Port would save about 5,000 kilometers in sailing distance for shipments traveling to China from India and points beyond. The drive to diversify its shipping routes – and to increase economic clout in neighboring countries – is a major impetus behind the new “Belt and Road” initiative, which envisions infrastructure and trade networks linking China with every part of the Eurasian continent. (Courtesy of The Diplomat)
These were the most dangerous viral images to share in 2015
It hasn’t been a great year for internet freedom.
In 2015, citizens everywhere from Paris to Myanmar were accused and sentenced for sharing jokes and opinions on social media. Now, a Thai factory worker faces up to 32 years in prison for having “liked” and shared a doctored photo of the nation’s king, and for sharing an infographic that denounced corruption in the construction of a tourist attraction.
Worldwide, internet freedom has declined for the fifth consecutive year, according to US watchdog organization Freedom House, which counts factors like content removal, censorship, surveillance and intimidation practices. According to the same report (pdf), nearly seven of every ten of global internet users are either not free or only partly free today, with internet use particularly limited in China, Iran, Syria, Ethiopia, and Cuba. (Courtesy of Quartz)
In 2015, citizens everywhere from Paris to Myanmar were accused and sentenced for sharing jokes and opinions on social media. Now, a Thai factory worker faces up to 32 years in prison for having “liked” and shared a doctored photo of the nation’s king, and for sharing an infographic that denounced corruption in the construction of a tourist attraction.
Worldwide, internet freedom has declined for the fifth consecutive year, according to US watchdog organization Freedom House, which counts factors like content removal, censorship, surveillance and intimidation practices. According to the same report (pdf), nearly seven of every ten of global internet users are either not free or only partly free today, with internet use particularly limited in China, Iran, Syria, Ethiopia, and Cuba. (Courtesy of Quartz)
Myanmar authorities block anti-Rohingya semina
Myanmar authorities have denied an application for a planned seminar on the ethnic identity of Rohingya Muslims – not officially recognized by the state -- living in the troubled western state of Rakhine, according to an official Thursday.
Rohingya -- whom the United Nations consider to be the world’s most persecuted ethnic minority -- have been fleeing Myanmar in droves since 2012, in fear of violence that some human rights groups consider to be state sponsored.
An invitation for the seminar planned for Friday said, “internationally claimed historical and cultural evidence is to be presented and discuss to reaffirm that the so-called Rohingyas have never been a part of Rakhine in terms of religion or culture.”
A senior official confirmed to Anadolu Agency on Thursday that Yangon’s regional government had decided Wednesday to block the seminar, expressing concern that it could have sparked anger among the public. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
Rohingya -- whom the United Nations consider to be the world’s most persecuted ethnic minority -- have been fleeing Myanmar in droves since 2012, in fear of violence that some human rights groups consider to be state sponsored.
An invitation for the seminar planned for Friday said, “internationally claimed historical and cultural evidence is to be presented and discuss to reaffirm that the so-called Rohingyas have never been a part of Rakhine in terms of religion or culture.”
A senior official confirmed to Anadolu Agency on Thursday that Yangon’s regional government had decided Wednesday to block the seminar, expressing concern that it could have sparked anger among the public. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
Nationalist monks rally over double-murder verdict
YANGON, Myanmar -- One of Myanmar's leading Buddhist nationalist monks, U Pamaukka, made a startling vow before several hundred protesters gathered in a sports field on Dec. 29.
He would leave the monkhood and join the army if that was what it would take to defend the lives of two Burmese migrant workers who had just been sentenced to death in Thailand, he said.
"I can bravely say from here that I can disrobe and [I] dare to pick up the gun," he told the cheering crowd in Yangon's Tamwe district.
After Myanmar's Nov. 8 national elections left the country's radical Buddhists in the cold, the conviction in Thai courts of migrant workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun for the 2014 murder of two British backpackers on the Thai island of Koh Tao has given the Buddhist groups an opportunity to stir up nationalist sentiments and try to revive support for their cause. (Courtesy of Nikkei Asian Review)
He would leave the monkhood and join the army if that was what it would take to defend the lives of two Burmese migrant workers who had just been sentenced to death in Thailand, he said.
"I can bravely say from here that I can disrobe and [I] dare to pick up the gun," he told the cheering crowd in Yangon's Tamwe district.
After Myanmar's Nov. 8 national elections left the country's radical Buddhists in the cold, the conviction in Thai courts of migrant workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun for the 2014 murder of two British backpackers on the Thai island of Koh Tao has given the Buddhist groups an opportunity to stir up nationalist sentiments and try to revive support for their cause. (Courtesy of Nikkei Asian Review)
Burma’s Muslims Pin Hopes on NLD Government, Says Campaigner
RANGOON — Former political prisoner Yan Naing is a politician and activist from the Irrawaddy Delta. A member of Burma’s Muslim minority, he was a second generation supporter of the National League for Democracy.
As a campaign manager for an NLD candidate in the 2012 elections, he faced some resistance from inside the party. He left the NLD before the 2015 elections, in which the party failed to field a single Muslim candidate amid rising anti-Muslim and nationalistic rhetoric in Burma.
Yan Naing, a lawyer by profession, joined the United National Congress (UNC), a historically Muslim party, and ran in Thingangyun constituency for a Lower House seat. Like all his fellow UNC candidates, as well as many other non-NLD candidates, he lost.
He spoke again to Myanmar Now about his thoughts on the future of Muslims in Burma as the new NLD government prepares to take office. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)
As a campaign manager for an NLD candidate in the 2012 elections, he faced some resistance from inside the party. He left the NLD before the 2015 elections, in which the party failed to field a single Muslim candidate amid rising anti-Muslim and nationalistic rhetoric in Burma.
Yan Naing, a lawyer by profession, joined the United National Congress (UNC), a historically Muslim party, and ran in Thingangyun constituency for a Lower House seat. Like all his fellow UNC candidates, as well as many other non-NLD candidates, he lost.
He spoke again to Myanmar Now about his thoughts on the future of Muslims in Burma as the new NLD government prepares to take office. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)
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