Pyidaungsu Hluttaw ends debate on Former Presidents? Security Bill: "THE 13th regular session of the first Pyidaungsu Hluttaw concluded its discussions on two bills, including the Former Presidents? Security Bill, which Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) and Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) debated yesterday. Yesterday?s session documented an event in which President U Thein Sein addressed the parliament regarding activities carried out during the Union government?s five-year term. Next, U Thein Tun Oo of Amarapura Constituency read out the Joint Bill Committee?s report on the Condominium Law, which was sent back by the president with remarks. Then, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann sought parliamentary approval on the bill and approved it in accordance with the laws and regulations of the parliament. On the president?s proposal to merge the Ministry for Immigration and Population and the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Joint Bill Committee voted against the move, deciding such a move would be more appropriately carried out by the next government. Next, MPs held discussions on the Former Presidents? Security Bill in an effort to end the debate between the two Hluttaws on the bill. The bill was subsequently approved in accordance with the laws and regulations of the parliament. Then, Deputy Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker U Nanda Kyaw Swa elaborated on the activities of the first Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. The first Pyidaungsu Hluttaw?s 41st session continues today."...Pyithu Hluttaw: Pyithu Hluttaw concludes final session: "THE first Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) concluded its 13th session in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday, with lawmakers exchanging farewell statements. Deputy Speaker U Nanda Kyaw Swar called on lawmakers to carry on their contributions to the development of the country by making the best use of their knowledge and experiences gained during their fiveyear term in the outgoing parliament. Lawmakers from ethnic parties and representatives of the Tatmadaw also extended greetings at yesterday?s parliament session. In his concluding remarks, Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann hailed the achievements in the five-term of the Pyithu Hluttaw, referring to discussions on national reconciliation, the rule of law and peace. He also expressed thanks to the lawmakers, acknowledging that they were able to exchange views on different issues, including the unity of all people in Myanmar."...Amyotha Hluttaw: First Amyotha Hluttaw session concludes: "THE first Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) session concluded yesterday with a Q&A session in which members of Union-level organisations answered questions raised by parliamentarians. U Khin Maung Aye, a member of the Union Civil Service Board (UCSB), replied to a question raised by MP Daw Khin Wyne Kyi of Yangon Region Constituency 1 on whether there is a plan to allow civil servants to receive cash instead of leave they have earned but not taken. The UCSB member said regulation 80, which once allowed civil servants to enjoy cash rewards for their earned leave if they do not take it, was suspended as after civil servants received four pay raises under the current government due to the country?s financial situation. Likewise, Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Win Myint responded to a question raised by MP U Tin Maung Win of Mandalay Region Constituency 3 on whether there are plans to conduct a census on the Lisu population in Mandalay Region. The deputy minister replied that data on the Lisu population in Mandalay Region will be announced when approval is given after coordination between the departments and organisations concerned. He also said the data would come from the 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census. There are no new plans to conduct a census on the Lisu population in the region, he added. Next, Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Aung Myint explained the implementation of tasks during the period of the first Amyotha Hluttaw. According to the Hluttaw, the second Amyotha Hluttaw?s first regular session is scheduled to be held on 1 February."