HLUTTAW SESSIONS:- Pyidaungsu Hluttaw: Parliament plans to hold referendum simultaneously with election: "Nay Pyi Taw, 1 July— To save time and money, a referendum on amendment Article 59 (D) is scheduled to be held along with the general election, after informing the chairman of Union Election Commission, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker told the parliament on Wednesday. The amendment of the article was passed with 556 votes, or more than 75 percent of members, in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on 25 June, and must now be but to a referendum. Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann said he would ask the chairman of UEC to hold the referendum together with the upcoming general election. Dr Banya Aung Soe, MP of Mon state constituency 7, voiced his support for the amendment, which seeks to allow representatives of states and region parliaments select their respective chief ministers. Defence Services representative Lieutenant Colonel Kyaw San Oo said the president can select experienced experts for government ministries in accordance with democratic norms. He also said ministers should prioritize the ministerial affairs rather than their parties? activities. U Thein Swe, MP of Ayeyawady region constituency 10, said committees of parliament should have the rank of Union level, adding that the military should consider amendment of the constitution to promote good relations between the military and the people. MPs from ethnic areas also suggested the amendment would help establishment of national reconciliation and ceasefire agreement."..... OTHER DOMESTIC NEWS: IMF warns of downside risks despite strong economic growth...Tax stamp policy successful, Yangon IRD chief says...Hours-long queues subside at Yangon?s new KFC outlet...Thilawa SEZ job vacancies to be posted online...Negotiation, Stability and Peace Party applies for registration as political party...Information for Public Remonstration...Daw Nan Shwe Hmon, wife of Singapore?s Dy PM visit Myanma Gems Emporium...Floating hotel lets travellers view scenic Ayeyawady River...Kalay Township gets new bodybuilding gym, weightlifting hall...Speakers share knowledge about MERS, dengue fever with students...Drains dredged for proper flow of water...Casting of King Athinkhaya Saw Yun bronze statue complete...Hockey federatoin honours bronze medallists, well-wishers...Kyaukdaga Township trains midwives, public health workers...Minbu Township to hold sports competitions at new buildings...Kyaukdaga Township trains midwives, public health workers...CONCEPT ON CULTURE AS AN INSTRUMENT OF DIALOGUE AMONG PEOPLES..... EXTERNAL RELATIONS: Myanmar, Singapore pledge strengthening of ties President receives Singaporean Dy Prime Minister...Hours-long queues subside at Yangon?s new KFC outlet...Myanmar, Singapore pledge strengthening of ties...Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister calls on Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker...Union Home Affairs receives Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister...New rural road improves border trade between Myanmar and India...CONCEPT ON CULTURE AS AN INSTRUMENT OF DIALOGUE AMONG PEOPLES... POEM: MWAF (2) (Myanmar Women?s Affairs Federation)..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Start revving up engine of socioeconomic growth for peace, stability" by Kyaw Thura..... ARTICLE:"Is it the right time for a minimum wage?" by U Aye Chan