Economist:Another Odd Thing About M

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Subject: Economist:Another Odd Thing About Myanmar

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The Economist
March 12-18 issue

ANOTHER ODD THING ABOUT MYANMAR

One of the world's most eccentric currencies is about to be
reformed.  When counting their money, the people of Myanmar have
had to learn to think in nines.  The two most common large-
denomination banknotes in Myanmar are for 45 and 90 kyats.  But the
Finance Ministry has announced that later this month it will issue
new denominations of 500, 100, 50 and 20 kyats.  The ministry says
this is intended to make counting money easier.

Many Burmese are fond of the number nine--and among the keenest is
said to be General Ne Win, the country's president.  The general's
astrologers are reported to have told him that nine is his lucky
number.

Certainly, important government decisions tend to be taken on days
divisible by nine.  The State Law and Order Restoration Council,
the military junta which rules Myanmar, was formed on Sept. 18,
1988.  It announced its decision to change the country's name from
Burma to Myanmar on May 27th 1989.  It held elections on May 27th
1990.  The country's armed forces day falls on March 27th. 
Connoisseurs of Myanmar state television clam that reception is
clearest on 999.99MHZ.

This superstition is liable to strike outsiders as odd.  As Myanmar
strives to attract foreign investors, its rulers may have decided
that a currency that excites less comment is a good investment in 
 itself.  Some observers, searching desperately for sign in the
obscure tea leaves of Myanmar's politics, suggest that the change
of banknotes may also be a sign of waning influence on the part of
General Ne Win.  He is know to be in poor health.  The general
recently left the country for medical treatment in Singapore, and
diplomats believe his illness may be terminal

But, as always in secretive Myanmar, nobody can be sure.  Those who
believe that nine still exerts a certain spell among Myanmar's
leaders point out that the new notes are being issued on March
27th.