BURMA PRESS SUMMARY
From the Rangoon "The New Light of Myanmar"
Compiled for the Burma Studies Group by Hugh C. MacDougall
Published by the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies, University of
Illinois
Volume IX, No. 3, March 1995
NATIONAL
CONVENTION
National Convention Working Sessions
Plenary Session
Proposal Papers Read
NATIONAL
CONVENTION
National
Convention Working Sessions
[News stories sometimes list speakers, and
often note when the next meetings are due, but very little of substance is
included.]
Feb. 28: Two groups met. Political parties:
papers on Judiciary were presented. Representatives-elect: papers on Judiciary
were presented. (NLM 3/1)
Mar. 1: Two groups met. Political parties:
the Panel of Chairmen scrutinized proposal papers on Judiciary.
Representatives-elect: the Panel of Chairmen scrutinized proposal papers on
Judiciary. (NLM 3/2)
Mar. 3: Two groups met. Political parties:
papers on Judiciary were presented. Representatives-elect: papers on Judiciary
were presented. (NLM 3/4)
Mar. 6: One group met. Political parties: the
Panel of Chairmen scrutinized various papers on Judiciary. (NLM 3/7)
Mar. 7: One group met. Representatives-elect:
the Panel of Chairmen scrutinized proposal papers on Judiciary. (NLM 3/8)
Mar. 8: Two groups met. Political parties:
papers on Judiciary were presented. Representatives-elect: papers on Judiciary
were presented. (NLM 3/9)
Mar. 17: It is announced that National
Convention delegates who have returned home on leave are to return to attend
the National Convention Plenary Session not later than
Plenary Session
Mar. 29: The National Convention Plenary
Session commenced at 9 am in the Central Conference Hall of the President's
Residence Compound on Ahlon Road, attended by Chairman of the National
Convention Convening Commission Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt, Vice Chairmen Lt-Gen. Maung Thint
and Brig-Gen. Myo Thant, Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work
Committee U Aung Toe, Vice-Chairman U That Tun, and others.
633 of the 683 delegates were present. [see below for proposal papers read]
Opening Remarks
Alternate Chairman Dr. Thaung Myint opened
the session with the following remarks [full text]:
"Esteemed Chairman of National
Convention Convening Commission and members, Chairman of the Work Committee and
members and delegates,
"I would like first of all wish all
those present at the Plenary Session of the National Convention to be blessed
with auspiciousness.
"The National Convention is being held
to lay down fundamental principles for drafting of an enduring State
Constitution. Accordingly, the National Convention delegates of the respective
delegate groups have frankly and thoroughly discussed and compiled proposal
papers on prescribing self-administered divisions or self-administered zones in
order to lay down detailed fundamental principles on the
"The various delegate groups will now
begin presenting their respective proposal papers at the Plenary Session. The
proposal papers on prescribing self-administered divisions and
self-administered zones in the
Mar. 30: The Plenary Session continued, with
639 of the 683 delegates present [see below for proposal papers read]. (NLM
3/31)
Proposal Papers Read
Mar. 29 [full text]: The following is a
translation of salient points from proposal papers on fundamental principles to
form as base in the chapter heading State Structure submitted by delegates
groups to the Plenary Session of the National Convention today:
Paper by Peasants Delegates Group
Esteemed Chairman and members of the Panel of
Chairmen, Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission and members,
Chairman of the Work Committee and members and delegates.
I am U Mya Thaung, member of peasants delegates group. I would like to first of all
express my pleasure at having the opportunity to submit the proposal paper
compiled by the peasants delegates group.
Esteemed Chairman,
It is the time when the need of a
Constitution based on national solidarity will enable our country to exist
perpetually and which will serve the interest of the State and the citizenry.
Only when a Constitution, which can really serve the interest of the national
races and the entire people, emerges will there be unity and peace in the
country and will enable an affluent democratic State to come into being.
Therefore, we must seriously consider the six
objectives of the National Convention and submit suggestions which are in
accord with the 104 fundamental principles and take care not to undermine the
good foundation of unity which exists between the national races and submit the
proposals accordingly.
[Kokang Zone Recommended]
Esteemed Chairman,
Three Shan national delegates and one from
Shan State (North) Special Region 7 have suggested that the Palaung villages in
Namkham Township, Kutkai Township, Namtu Township, Namhsan Township, Kyaukme
Township, western and northern sectors of Hsipaw Township, Mongton Myothit,
Mongngaw Myothit and Mongmit Township in Shan State and Mogok Township in
Mandalay Division should be organized and designated as a self-administered
zone.
Esteemed Chairman,
A delegate from Shan State (North) Special
Region 1 has suggested that Kunlong, Konkyan, Kutkai and
A delegate from Shan State Kokang Democratic
Party suggested that Kunlong and Konkyan Townships should be organized, two
national races delegates from Shan State and one delegate of Kokang Democracy
and Unity Party have suggested that the townships in Shan State (North) Special
Region 1 should be organized together and designated as self-administered division
for Kokang nationals.
Of the townships in
[Wa Division
Recommended]
Esteemed Chairman,
One delegate of national races of Shan State
has suggested that Mongmao Township, Pangwaing Township, Hopang Township,
Panyang Township, Narphan Township, Manphant Township, Tangyang Township,
Mongyang Township, Monghsu Township, Mongpyin Township, Monghkat Township,
Kengtung Township, Mongyawng Township, Mongphyat Township, Tachilek Township,
Mongton Township, Monghsat Township and Mongkyet and Mongyaw village-tracts in
Lashio Township in Shan State should be organized together and designated as
self-administered division for Wa nationals. One delegate from Shan State
(North) Special Region 2 and one delegate on behalf of the Wa National
Development Party have suggested that a Wa State or self-administered division
should be designated.
Of the townships in Shan State where the
majority of the people in each township are Wa nationals and the townships
where more than half the total population is made up of Wa nationals, there are
only Hopang, Mongmao, Pangwaing, Narphan, Manphant and Panyang Townships.
These townships are in a same stretch,
therefore, Hopang, Mongmao, Pangwaing, Narphan, Manphant and Panyang Townships
have the condition to be designated as self-administered area for Wa nationals. It is to be suggested that as these townships
have two districts they should be designated as self-administered division.
Esteemed Chairman,
I have submitted the first part of the
proposal paper presented by the Peasants delegates group. The remaining part of
the proposal paper will be submitted by U Tin Shein, peasant delegates
group member.
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
I am U Tin Shein, peasants
delegates group member of Chaungzon Township of Mon State. I will now submit
the second part of the proposal paper.
[Kayah Zone Rejected]
Esteemed Chairman,
It is seen that delegates from some of the
delegates groups have suggested that Pekhon Township, the extreme northern
sector of Pinlaung Township in Shan State, Loikaw Township in the north-western
sector of Kayah State, Dimawhso Township, northern sector of Thandaung Township
in Kayin State and hill regions in the eastern sector of Pyinmana Township in
Mandalay Division should be organized together and designated as
self-administered zone for Kayan nationals.
According to the basic principles laid down,
the existing seven divisions are designated seven regions and the existing
seven states are designated seven states. Self-administered divisions and
self-administered zones should be in one of the regions or one of the states.
It is seen that according to the suggestion
made a self-administered zone is to be designated for Kayan nationals in three
states and one division. Of the townships with Kayan nationals as the majority
in population it is seen that there are only one township in Shan State and one
in Kayah State and there is no condition to organize together the areas in Shan
State, Kayah State and Mandalay Division and designated as the
self-administered zone for Kayan nationals.
However, the population of Kayah nationals in
[Akha Zone Rejected]
It is found that the population of Akha
nationals is not in the majority in any townships in
However, the population of Akha townships in
[Shan Zone in Kachin Rejected]
Esteemed Chairman,
Similarly, in
[Putao Zone Rejected]
Esteemed Chairman,
It is seen that some delegates of one
delegates group have suggested that Putao should be designated as
self-administered zone for Lisu, Rawang and Tai Hktamti nationals in
[Paletwa Hill Region Rejected]
It is found that a delegate from a delegates
group has suggested that
Esteemed Chairman,
I will now present a summary of the
suggestions made by our Peasants delegates group as follows: --
[Naga,
(a) self-administered
zones should be designated as follows --
--
--
--
--
--
[Wa Division
Recommended]
(b) self-administered
divisions should be designated as follows --
--
[Other Groups]
(c) It is to be suggested that for national
races which have no self-administered divisions or self-administered zones and
their population is not sufficient enough to get self-administered division or
self-administered zone but sufficient enough to participate in judiciary and
administration they should be given the right for representative of the
national races to be included in the national races affairs in the judiciary
and administration of the regions or states.
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
I will now conclude by mentioning that the
delegates of our peasants delegates group have put
forward our suggestions with a pure heart, without any regionalism or racism
but based on Union spirit and by holding in high esteem the national duty and
with a view for national races to live together in unity and harmony for ever.
Paper by Workers Delegates Group
Esteemed Chairman, members of the Panel of
Chairmen, Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission and members,
Chairman of the Work Committee and members and delegates,
I am U Thein Aung, member of the Workers
delegate group of
I will discuss and give suggestions on the
proposals made in connection with the designating self-administered division or
self-administered zone on behalf of workers delegates group.
Esteemed Chairman,
Our workers delegates group seriously accepts
that the matter of designating self-administered division or self-administered
zone is of vital importance for the national races as well as for the
establishing of peaceful, prosperous and modern democratic State. It is to be
proposed that self-administered division or self-administered zone should be
designated in Chapter 6 of the State Structure as follows: --
[Naga,
1. In Sagaing
Division
The following townships should be organized
together for the Naga nationals and designated as self-administered zone of
Naga nationals --
(a)
(b)
(c)
2. In
The following townships should be organized
together for Danu nationals and designated as self-administered zone of Danu
nationals --
(a)
(b)
3. In
The following townships should be organized
together for Pa-O nationals and designated as self-administered zone of Pa-O
nationals --
(a)
(b)
(c)
4. In
The following townships should be organized
together for Palaung nationals and designated as self-administered zone of
Palaung nationals --
(a)
(b)
5. In
The following townships should be organized
together for Kokang nationals and designated as self-administered zone of
Kokang nationals --
(a)
(b)
6. In
The following townships should be organized
together for Wa nationals and designated as
self-administered division for Wa nationals --
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
and I, on behalf of the workers delegates group propose
that detailed basic principles on self-administered division or
self-administered zones for national races should be laid down.
[No Areas for National Groups Already Having
States or Regions]
Esteemed Chairman,
On behalf of Union Kayin League U Saw Than
Aung has proposed that out of the seven fundamental principles to be taken as
base for the State Structure, in the No. 5 fundamental principle -- "in
regions or states, self-administered areas are to be prescribed for national
races, other than national races who have already got regions or states"
the following should be added -- "exclusive of Kayin State and prescribing
self-administered areas for Pa-O, Palaung, Danu, Lahu, Akha, Wa, Kokang, Mro or
Khami, Naga and Lisu national races and other national races who are entitled.
As the No. 5 fundamental principal is connected with all the national races,
exceptions cannot be added. In connection with the matter of designating
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones for national races who are entitled have already been discussed by the national
races concerned and therefore, this matter need not be submitted again.
[Proposals for Participation by National
Races]
Esteemed Chairman,
What I would like to propose in connection
with self-administered divisions or self-administered zones is as follows: --
1. for national
races who have got self-administered zones of their own, if their population is
0.1 per cent of the total population of the respective region or state then
they are to participate in legislature and administration as representatives of
the national races to carry out affairs of the respective national races.
2. If in the self-administered areas of a
particular national race, the population of another national race is not less
than 10,000, representatives of this national race should be entitled to become
members of the leading bodies of the self-administered zones.
3. Hence, for national races who have submitted proposals to get self-administered
divisions or self-administered zones but could not get as they do not meet the
requirements, self-administered divisions or self-administered zones should be
designated at a time later on when the situation is such that they are able to
meet the requirements.
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
In connection with laying down of basic
principles on designating of self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones, the representatives of workers delegation group have submitted proposals
on designating of self-administered divisions or self-administered zones, the
participation of national races as representatives of the national races
affairs in judiciary and administration and for enjoying the rights by national
races at a time later on when they come to meet the requirements, in accordance
with suggestions made by the Chairman of the Work Committee, the findings of
the representatives of the workers delegates group, the six objectives of the
National Convention and the fundamental principles which have been laid down,
I, on behalf of the workers delegates group, would also like to wish the
national brethren to live together in unity and friendship and work together
for the perpetuation of the Union and for the emergence of a peaceful,
prosperous and modern nation.
Paper Jointly Submitted by Two Workers
Delegates of Myitkyina and Mindat
Esteemed Chairman,
I wish the Esteemed Chairman, members of the
Panel of Chairmen and delegates health and happiness.
I am, U Gei Khui Shing, workers delegates group member
of
[Need for Accurate Population Data]
Esteemed Chairman,
In connection with the sixth point of the
seven points to be taken as base on
Esteemed Chairman,
Whether the prescribing of self-administered
divisions or self-administered zones is done by forming commissions or at once
by the National Convention for the national races to enjoy the right quickly,
it is necessary to take measures for them to enjoy the rights they are entitled
to. Then only will the national races be pleased and become happy. Moreover,
fruits of politics such as further strengthening of national solidarity,
flourishing of the three worldly values of justice, liberty and equality and
consolidation of unity among the national races will be enjoyed.
Esteemed Chairman,
In conclusion, I would like to mention that
--
(a) steps should be taken first to practically
implement the policy of prescribing self-administered area which has been
approved by the National Convention and defined by the National Convention
Convening Work Committee and for the Plenary Session to unanimously approve it.
(b) steps should first
be taken to get the correct population figures of the respective national
races. This should be done by forming population scrutinization groups with
suitable personnel of the respective national races at the National Convention
in progress now.
(c) the National
Convention is then to give appropriate decisions based on findings and
appraisals made and reports submitted by the population scrutinization groups.
Paper by Intellectuals and Intelligentsia
Delegates Group
Esteemed Convention
Convening Commission Chairman and members, Work Committee Chairmen and members
and delegates.
I am Dr. May Win Aung Khin, Professor of
Pharmacology,
First of all I would like to extend greetings
with best wishes for well-being of the delegates to the National Convention.
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
In our Myanmar Naing-Ngan, there are many
brethren national races and they have their own distinct cultures. As Myanmar
Naing-Ngan is like a garden of different kinds of flora, it gives immense pride
to all of us and it also gives rise to a great responsibility to endeavour for
the flourishing of all the flowers forever.
From the clarification given by the Chairman
of the Work Committee, it has been learnt that a self-administered zone is
prescribed even if there are only two townships and that a self-administered
division is prescribed even if there are only two districts, each having at
least two townships. This is because of prescribing only two as the barest
minimum to meet the lowest requirement of plural terms "districts"
and "townships" contained in the basic principle on constituting
self-administered areas. It is seen as a move to give self-administered areas
to nationals as much as they deserve to get as much as possible.
Another requirement to qualify to get a
self-administered area of nationals is "appropriate size of
population". To get a self-administered area, the population of nationals
in each township must be higher than that of other nationals. It is stated in
the clarification of Chairman of the Work Committee that there must at least be
more than half the total population of townships where there are the highest
populations of nationals seeking a self-administered area. It means that
consideration is given to nationals whose population may not exceed 50 per cent
of the total population in each township but is higher than the populations of
other nationals. However the population of nationals seeking self-administered
areas has to exceed 50 per cent of the total population of townships to be
included in the self-administered area. Thus, the clarification of the Chairman
of the Work Committee for laying down detailed basic principles in connection
with the term "appropriate size of population" is understood and
appreciated as a point that shows utmost consideration is given to the interest
of the national races.
It is stated in the clarification of the
Chairman of the Work Commission that, in cases where the population of
nationals seeking a self-administered area is quite large but there is some
non-conformity with principles laid down to prescribe a self-administered area,
the size of population should serve as basis in deciding to grant permission to
participate in the legislature and the executive of the region or the state. It
is also stated in the clarification that it should be permitted for a national
representative to participate in affairs of the nationals, if there is an
appropriate size of population.
That is a special right that has never been
given before for nationals. Also for national brethren who do not have the
minimum required population, they will still have the right to present their
affairs through Hluttaw representatives they will have elected.
Esteemed Chairman,
We the delegates in the intellectuals and
intelligentsia group have discussed the affairs of the national brethren of the
So I would like to conclude, stating the
intellectuals and intelligentsia delegates group recommends that the points
included in the clarification of the Chairman of the Work Committee in
connection with matters of prescribing self-administered areas for national
brethren and enabling participation of national races affairs representatives
should be laid down as basic principles.
Paper by State Service Personnel Delegates
Group
Esteemed Chairman, members
of the Panel of Chairmen and National Convention delegates.
I am Col. Sein Win, a delegate from the State
service personnel delegates group. On behalf of the group, I would like to
discuss the matter of prescribing self-administered division or
self-administered zone, which was left to be discussed in the chapter on State
Structure.
It has been proposed for the Convention
delegates to prescribe self-administered divisions or self-administered zones forthwith, so that our national brethren may enjoy the
rights they deserve promptly without delay, instead of going about it by
forming a commission to prescribe self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones.
[Existing Population Figures Accurate and
Unbiased; No Need to Collect New Ones]
With reference to the presentation on
Moreover, it will take very long to go about
it forming a commission. If it is done while the Convention is still going on,
the Convention will be prolonged more than it is necessary. If it is to be done
only when the Convention is over, nationals who have not yet attained
self-administered areas will remain unable to enjoy the essential opportunities
given by the Constitution for sometime, while some nationals will be able to do
so ahead of them. In our country there had already been past instance of
assigning an inquiry commission for prescribing local self-administration. A
local self-administration inquiry commission was formed in 1948 but it was only
in 1952 that it could submit its report. It had taken more than four years.
If it is to be done with formation of a
commission only after the convention is over, it will take long as explained
above, and in the meantime, instigation by ill-willing elements inside and
outside the country could harm national solidarity and there could also come
about unforeseeable undesirable consequences. We all know that ill-willing
elements are endeavouring to disrupt national solidarity of our nation whenever
they could.
[Wa Division and
Naga, Danu, Pa-O, Palaung, and Kokang Zones Recommended]
To sum it all, the following are recommended
to be added as detailed basic principles, in connection with self-administered
areas:
(1) Prescribing self-administered division:
In Shan State,
(2) Prescribing self-administered zones:
(a) In Sagaing Division,
(b) In
(c) In
Administered Zone.
(d) In
(e) In
(3) Self-Administered Division and
Self-Administered Zone are of equal status.
(4) In a Region or a State, national races
who have not got any self-administered division or self-administered zone have
the right of participation as national race affairs representative in that
Region or State Legislature and Executive, provided their population is 0.1 per
cent or above that, of the entire population of the country.
(5) In a self-administered division or a
self-administered zone, if there is a national race with a population of ten
thousand or above, it has the right of participation as a national race
representative member of the leading bodies of the self-administered division
or the self-administered zone.
Esteemed Chairman,
In conclusion, I would like to state the
group's recommendation of these five points as detailed basic principles, as
they are in keeping with Myanmar's objective conditions, Myanmar's historical
reality of Our Three Main National Causes and the Six Objectives of the
National Convention.
(NLM 3/30)
Mar. 30 [full text]: The following is a
continuation of a translation of salient points from proposal papers on
fundamental principles to form as base in the chapter heading State Structure
submitted by delegates groups to the Plenary Session of the National
Convention.
Paper by Other Invited Delegates Group
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
I would like to express my best wishes for
well-being of all in body and mind.
I am Daw Kyan, member of the Myanmar Language
Commission, a delegate to the National Convention, in the other invited
delegates group.
This paper is compiled on the basis of
guidance given by Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt, Chairman of the National Convention
Convening Commission, and the clarification given by U Aung Toe, Chairman of
the Work Committee at the Plenary Session of the National Convention held on 2
September 1994.
First I would like to say our Union of
Myanmar has a specific characteristic. It is the unique fact that, in our Union
of Myanmar, national races have been living unitedly together through weal and
woe, as eggs in a nest unbroken, since time immemorial right up to the present
times.
Throughout the history of Myanmar, too, there
have been instances when the national races had striven together for
perpetuation of national sovereignty and independent nationhood. When the
nation fell under servitude, the national races unitedly fought together to get
free from servitude and won back national independence, regaining global
recognition as a sovereign, independent nation. From then on, all our national
races have been endeavouring with the objectives of non-disintegration of the
Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of
sovereignty.
All national races living in the Union of
Myanmar need to be loyal to the State. It is also vital for them to be able to
live together in equality among all national races. It is also essential for
them to endeavour in their own roles to continue to safeguard independence of
the nation.
Moreover, it is necessary to have an enduring
and firm Constitution, the most vital organ of the State. Emergence of such an
enduring and firm Constitution is a great responsibility of every citizen.
We have already obtained in coordination 104
basic principles necessary for formulating and enduring State Constitution. We
are carrying on with our coordination today to find answers in the matter of
prescribing self-administered division or self-administered zone. We believe
that this matter is of great importance for the national races. Accordingly, we
have taken time and held thorough coordination and discussion.
National races living in this Union need to
have specific self-administered divisions or self-administered zones in their
areas. When it is so, we deeply believe, national races will feel satisfied and
joyous and carry on with the Three Main National Causes of the Union with all
might and main.
So it is recommended that the following basic
principles be laid down in connection with the matter of prescribing
self-administered areas:
1. For prescribing self-administered zone in
a Region or State, there must be at least two townships where people of the
national race concerned live and moreover those two townships must be
territorially contiguous, with conditions to be in one stretch.
2. For prescribing self-administered zones,
people of the national race concerned must live closely together in those
townships, they must be the most populous in each township, and they must make
up more than half of the total population of those townships.
3. For prescribing self-administered division
in Region or State, there must be at least two districts where people of the
national race concerned live, and moreover those districts must be
territorially contiguous with conditions to be in one stretch.
4. For prescribing self-administered
division, people of the national race concerned must live closely together in
those districts, they must be the most populous in each district, and they must
make up more than half of the total population of those districts.
5. In prescribing self-administered division
in Region or State, a minimum of two townships where people of the national
race concerned live closely together, with territorial contiguity and
conditions to be in one stretch, may be formed as a district.
6. In Region or State, a minimum of two
districts where people of the national race concerned live, with territorial
contiguity and conditions to be in one stretch, may be grouped together and
formed as self-administered division.
[Naga,
On the basis of the above basic principles
and population figures compiled by Immigration and Manpower Department in the
list dated
1. In Sagaing Region, Namyun Township, Lahe
Township, Leshi Township together as Naga Nationals Self-Administered Zone.
2. In Shan State,
3. In Shan State, Hopong Township, Hsihseng
Township and Pinlaung Township together as Pa-O Nationals Self-Administered
Zone.
4. In Shan State,
5. In Shan State,
6. In Shan State, Hopang Township, Mongmao
Township, Pangwaing Township, Narphan Township, Manphant Township and Pangyang
Township -- six townships to be formed into two districts, together as Wa
Nationals Self-Administered Division.
Esteemed Chairman,
It is proposed a basic principle to be laid
down for people of national races not in a position to get a self-administered
zone to have the right to participate as national race affairs representatives
in the local legislature and executive concerned, provided they have appropriate
populations, so that they do not lose rights.
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
In the first part, I have presented points
agreed on by all delegates in the group in connection with the matter of
prescribing self-administered division or self-administered zone under the
chapter heading "State Structure". In the second part are original
versions of proposals of seven delegates with particularities. Papers of the
remaining four out of the nine special area groups will be read out to the
plenary session of the National Convention. With this I conclude.
Paper by U Gabriel Byan
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
I would like to present the matter of Kayan
nationals which is still unfinished and misunderstood in the chapter on State
Structure in drafting the State Constitution. I am U Gabriel Byan, of the other
invited delegates group, speaking on behalf of the Kayan Region Development
Organization.
Generally we welcome and support the
clarification of the Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work
Committee in connection with the matter of prescribing self-administered
divisions or self-administered zones in the chapter on State Structure as
presented at the Plenary Session of the National Convention held on 2 September
1994. It was very encouraging as the work of the Work Committee Chairman's
clarification was an appraisal of all presentations of the national brethren delegates and a statement of the most possible and
the best for the future. After having appraised the Work Committee Chairman's
presentation, that was most complete and most possible, I would like to discuss
again a still misunderstood matter of vital importance to Kayan nationals,
although it may be trivial for the whole country.
[Plea for Enlarged Kayah State]
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
It is only our weakness that we have not been
able to get the national brethren delegates to clearly understand the wishes of
Kayan nationals -- whether it is mainly to get a self-administered area of our
own or whether it is merely to have all Kayan nationals closely together in
Kayah State. Now again, I will try and present it the best I could.
In prescribing self-administered division or
self-administered zone for suitable national brethren, we feel happy for the
national brethren to have it decided after thorough coordination at the
Convention rather than to have it handled through formation of a commission.
Likewise, we Kayan nationals would feel most joyous if the delegates all
discuss, coordinate and decide to integrate the truly objective grouping of
Kayan nationals -- who have been closely together and contiguous from the very
outset -- with Kayah State -- that is the closest and the most convenient to
get in touch -- for establishment under the new State Constitution.
If I am to present my view on the matter of
changing the boundaries of some Divisions and States, as will be necessary to
constitutionally establish the already closely linked Kayan nationals,
(1) these boundaries
are not in conjunction with the border of any foreign country; so there is
absolutely nothing to be settled with any other country;
(2) these boundaries
are only in the interior of the country and it can so be settled completely
through coordination and resolution of our citizens by themselves;
(3) to have this matter -- which can be
settled by decisions of our citizens -- coordinated and settled at this
Convention, the most comprehensive and most representative of all national
brethren, all classes and strata of people and organizations and departments
from all over the country, is the sole aspiration of our Kayan nationals.
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
If it is not decided by this Convention to
integrate areas of Kayan nationals in other Divisions and States into Kayah
State for the sake of the entire future of the life of Kayan nationals who have
all along been closely and contiguously together, I believe, from our bitter
past experiences, that, no matter how it is provided to permit changing of
boundaries of divisions and states in the new emerging Constitution, it will be
extremely difficult in reality to transfer a township or an area of a division
or state into another.
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
Asking for integration of the area we live in
into
After having renounced the line of armed
resistance and come into the legal fold, we are carrying out development works
hand in hand with the Tatmadaw. We are working under the supervision and
guidance of Regional Control Command at Loikaw,
Of all capitals of divisions and states,
Loikaw is the nearest, the most accessible, for us. For development of our
area, close supervision and guidance of the Regional Control Command at Loikaw
is so convenient for us.
The State Law and Order Restoration
Council's, in other words, the Tatmadaw's placing of our area under the
administration of Loikaw, Kayah State, is conducive to convenience all round
and expeditious effectiveness in implementation of regional development works.
To make it permanent, and official in the new
Constitution to be drawn now, we would like to have it resolved unanimously by
the national brethren delegates.
As the nation marches on into the future with
the new Constitution, we Kayan nationals want it to be peaceful and smooth.
Under the administration of the State Law and Order Restoration Council
(Tatmadaw), control of the Regional Control Command, Loikaw, can reach our
Kayan area. It is close. It is convenient. If no change is made even at some
little places on boundaries of divisions and states, some of our Kayan areas
will get far away from administrative centre, with resultant ineffectiveness
and inconveniences, once the administrative power is transferred from the
Tatmadaw to civil side.
So, for us, it would be the best and the most
convenient to impose a sort of perpetual emergency situation in Kayan nationals'
areas outside Kayah State, for the Tatmadaw to carry on supervision and
administration, rather than having the same boundaries and civil
administration. It is because Tatmadaw's administration functions with its base
in Loikaw and therefore can know our situation, good or bad, in time and reach
out to do what is best.
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
Through this Convention, I ask openly:
1. Integrate Kayan areas outside
2. Make changes to division and state
boundaries as necessary for such integration.
3. If it is too difficult administratively to
change all boundaries concerned, at least integrate into Kayah State Pekhon
Township of Shan State where there is a large number of Kayan nationals.
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
-- We would like to be free of a life where
we have always been left behind.
-- To get a self-administered area is not
primary for us.
-- Our wish is to live in such an area as is
within reach of administration.
-- We would like to be placed as convenient
for us in
-- We will always further the Three Main
National causes namely:
-- non-disintegration
of the
-- non-disintegration
of national solidarity
-- perpetuation of
sovereignty.
With this I conclude.
Paper by
Esteemed Chairman and members of the Panel of
Chairmen, Delegates to the National Convention and observer guests,
I am specially
delighted at having an opportunity to meet all the delegates in good health on
this auspicious occasion. I would also like to wish you perpetual peace of mind
and pleasure.
I am U Yang Kyar Kwe, a Kokang national
delegate of Shan State North Special Administrative Region 1. On behalf of U
Yang Moe An, leader of the Kokang national delegates, I will submit the group's
proposals on designation of the self-administered area.
[Plea for Enlarged Kokang Zone]
Esteemed Chairman,
When chapter headings to be included in
writing the new Constitution were discussed, the Shan State North Special
Administrative Region 1 put forward three points of standing of the nationals
in the region with a request for emphasis with special consideration of them.
The No. 2 point was "Designation as a self-administered zone of all the
areas delineated at present as Shan State North Special Administrative Region
1". If the Kokang nationals' self-administered zone is designated
according to the clarification of the Work Committee Chairman, it is in such a
situation that Kunlong, significant as the capital of Kokang region in
successive eras, would be in complete separation from its mother region of
Kokang. When discussions on designation of self-administered areas were held,
our group proposed Muse, Kutkai, Kunlong and Konkyan Townships be collectively
designated as Kokang self-administered zone.
We submitted our proposal based on national
races living together in a community in the region, their populations and
geographical conditions and in accordance with the six objectives of the
National Convention. By
Esteemed Chairman,
Our assemblage here is for the emergence of
an enduring Constitution. We are to put forward the best of ideas and opinions
from our own points of view and experience for the welfare of our future
The present National Convention should
straighten out differences that arose among national races in the past on
territorial delineation, by making appropriate redesignations. Similarly, it
would be appropriate not to redesignate areas which cause no differences in
idea at present and leave them as they were formerly delineated.
On this auspicious occasion when we are
winning resounding victories in further strengthening of national solidarity
and national reconciliation, magnanimous and just decision on the designation
of self-administered areas and affairs of national races would be what all the
nationals have been earnestly looking forward to with trust and reliance.
Papers by
Esteemed Chairman and members of the Panel of
Chairmen, Delegates to the National Convention and observer guests,
I would like to wish all the delegates good
health and happiness and also that all your wishes be fulfilled.
I am U Aung Myint, a Wa
national delegate of Shan State North Special Region 2. On behalf of U Kyauk
Nyi Lai, Wa national leader, I will submit the
proposal on designation of self-administered areas to be included in the
Constitution.
[Plea for Self-Administered Areas]
Esteemed Chairman, Esteemed Delegates,
We have widely studied and seriously
discussed designation of the self-administered area. Designation of
self-administered areas should be the granting of appropriate rights that
should be enjoyed by the national races in their growing political, economic
and social awareness and that are appreciated by the National Convention in
conformity with the tendency of the present era. This would be the first step
towards solving the racial conflicts that have long existed in the nation and
should be put on record as a progressive revolution in the nation's history. We
also accept that this would also be a demonstration of pure goodwill and
magnanimity by the leaders of the State and the esteemed delegates to the
National Convention.
Esteemed Chairman, Esteemed delegates,
We would like to discuss designation of
self-administered areas. As you know, the national races for which the National
Convention has designated self-administered areas are only those of border
areas and hills and not of the plains. In designating self-administered areas
for the national races of border areas and hills, the following points should
be taken into consideration:
Due to various objective situations, national
races resident in border areas and on hills lagged in social standard and
regional development behind nationals of other developing areas. With
development of areas of other nationals set as norms, we will be striving
earnestly for the progress of the nationals and border areas and hill regions.
In designating so, areas which will be contributory or important or beneficial
to the development of an entire region should be viewed highly and not be
excluded from being part of a self-administered area. We have noticed that
designating such areas in a self-administered area will bring about welfare of
the State and the respective region and long-term interest to the national
races.
Esteemed Chairman, Esteemed delegates,
We will go on to put forward our view on
designation of self-administered areas. As discussed above, designation of
self-administered areas in writing a new Constitution is not a casual matter at
this National Convention. Current of the present era, rich knowledge and high
political and national awareness of the national leaders and noble goodwill of
the National Convention delegates, a new Constitution will be emerging for our
motherland. As it will be a new Constitution, some persons are spreading
propaganda with inappropriate comparisons and this has spawned suspicions and
doubts among some persons and groups who are suffering a kind of illness. We
would like to reiterate that our proposal at this National Convention for
extended formation of a state is not demanding for secession from the nation.
Esteemed Chairman, Esteemed delegates,
We would be frank in expressing our support
to the proposal by the Shan State North Special Region 7 for designation of
Palaung self-administered division including five townships and to proposals of
other national races for designation of self-administered areas.
Esteemed Chairman, Esteemed delegates,
We would like to request with respect for
discussion by the National Convention of our proposals. If the National
Convention cannot reach a decision, we would like to honestly and candidly
propose that a commission including national leaders of respective region as
members be formed and wishes of the nationals in the respective region be ascertained
on field tours, in accordance with the motto "The National Convention is
the people's forum".
Paper by Shan State East Special Region 4 of
Other Invited Delegates Group
Esteemed Chairman and members of the Panel of
Chairmen, Delegates to the National Convention and observer guests,
First of all, I would like to wish that all
be blessed with physical and spiritual wellbeing and all kinds of
auspiciousness.
I am U Min Ein, a National Convention
delegate of Shan State East Special Region 4.
On assignment of U Sai Lin, leader of the
delegate group of the Shan State East Special Region 4, I will submit the
proposal of Shan, Akha and Lwe nationals of the Special Region 4.
[Plea for a Wa
State]
Esteemed Chairman,
In submitting our proposal, we have thoroughly
studied historical changes of the national races and their present situations.
Especially, Wa State has existed beforehand
in history. In addition, it is said in history that Wa
nationals established a city in the place known as Kengtung.
So, we are proposing with sources and
evidence for designation of a state including national races we have nominated.
In practical situation, most of the area is
occupied by armed groups who have made peace. Included as one
condition in peace-making is for the groups to continue to protect the area.
Tatmadaw member delegates nominated by the
Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services will also take part in the
administration of the proposed self-administered state jointly with the
national races.
Designation of the self-administered state
proposed by the peace groups and the national races they represent is in
essence stretching one step forward and portrays progress and positive nature.
Esteemed Chairman,
Matters such as designation or reorganization
of administrative units or areas and extended organization of Regions or States
are usually included in writing or amending a new Constitution.
At this time too, extended organization of
new States that reflects history and practical life is a motivation for
national reconciliation and national solidarity. This will eventually
contribute towards bringing about national equality. This will also contribute
to appropriate, peaceful, stable and fair solving of subsequent problems left
from periods of armed strife.
Esteemed Chairman,
What we would like to emphasize is the
proposed, self-administered state in which national races will include is a
part inseparable from the Union of Myanmar. It will be a member of the Myanmar
household.
The new state will respect, adhere to and
safeguard the new Constitution.
It will obey the united leadership of the
Central Government.
It will exercise the executive power vested
in it under the Constitution.
It will assume as a noble duty to strive for
the causes of unity of the motherland, perpetuation of sovereignty and
territorial integrity.
It will adhere to the principle of peaceful
co-existence among nations and the foreign policy. Under the united leadership
of the Central Government, it will maintain friendly relations and cooperate
with contiguous neighbouring countries in economy and technology for mutual
benefit.
In brief, organization of a new state
including national races will contribute to promotion of internal peace,
national equality, solidarity of the Union and
practice of democracy politics.
Esteemed Chairman,
Our Shan State East Special Region 4 will
include in the new state as a special administrative region (in short, special
region).
To be included in our special region are
Mongla, Hsilu and Nampan Townships and the special region will exercise the
executive power granted in it under law.
We in all seriousness believe that the
emerging self-administered state will set an example in solving internal racial
problems and striving for the unity of the nation and perpetuation of peace.
Paper by Union Pa-O National Organization
First I would like to express my regards for
the chairman of the session, members of the Panel of Chairmen, National
Convention Convening Commission Chairman and members, National Convention
Convening Work Committee Chairman and members and National Convention
delegates. I am U Aung Khin, a delegate from Union Pa-O National Organization.
I feel honoured and pleased to have this opportunity to make my presentation
here.
Making all-round appraisal of the objective
conditions in the Union of Myanmar, the conditions of the racial groups,
geographical situation, road links and communication situation and
administrative conditions and making provisions for enjoyment of the right of
equality in status and opportunities is so well. Maintaining relations of
equality and mutual respect among racial groups and helping to provide
necessary features to racial groups that do not have them serves to further
strengthen solidarity.
We heartily welcome and endorse the National
Convention coordinating and striving to achieve the most possible best, with
goodwill, loving kindness and compassion, free of bias for or against any
group, but on the basis of the situation of each township and racial groupwise
population figures.
[Plea for Expanded Pa-O Area]
We are fully convinced that the aim is to
promote the interests of the majority of national races concerned in
prescribing self-administered division and self-administered zones. I would
like to emphatically propose for all to reconsider a situation in which only
the minority of 180,000 out of a total of 450,000 Pa-O nationals is getting the
right of self-administration while the remaining majority is outside the
self-administered area.
Esteemed Chairman,
At the plenary session on 2-9-94 National
Convention Convening Commission Chairman had said "a point to be specially
heeded is that it is necessary to discuss matters with care not to harm the
good foundations of national solidarity that have been the results of the
endeavours of the State Law and Order Restoration Council.
Kyauktalone area in Taunggyi Township is a
pivotal area of Pa-O nationals and is also a true vital peace area to be built
up by the State and Pa-O National Organization (PNO) forever together. Growing
from a village of non-entity to an area fully endowed with features of a town,
Kyauktalone should specially be prescribed as a new town, a new township, I would like to propose.
Pa-O National Organization (PNO) based in
Loilem area, Taunggyi area, was one of the organizations that started and came
into the fold of law, appreciating the true goodwill and the true objectives of
the State, thanks to magnanimous and patient organizational endeavours of the
State Law and Order Restoration Council. We, the Union Pa-O National
Organization, are only presenting ideas and views that are consistent with the
six objectives of the National Convention. We are presenting the objective
truth that is truly desirable, consistent and compatible with the real area situation.
The summary of what we delegates from Union
Pa-O National Organization would like to specially propose in connection with
self-administered division and self-administered zone is
(1) To include Loilem Township and Taunggyi
Township in Pa-Oo Self-Administered Area.
(2) If it cannot be done for various reasons,
(a) to take 17
village tracts except Loilem Township together and newly form Pinlon Township.
(b) to take 20
villages of Taunggyi Township except Taunggyi Myoma and eight village tracts,
together with six village-tracts of east sector, Inlay area, Nyaungshwe
Township, to form a new Kyauktalone Township.
Esteemed Chairman,
If the National Convention would coordinate
and proceed on our presentation which is complete in respect of geographical conditions
and inhabited population, all Pa-O nationals would feel most joyous. It has
been learnt from experiences in the history of man that solidarity alone could
bring good or bad to the destiny of a nation and a people. In conclusion, I
would like to say it is necessary to build a new State of solidarity and
burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of worldly values namely justice,
liberty and equality for all national races in the Union of Myanmar.
Paper by Shan State Kokang Democratic Party
Esteemed Chairman and
members of the Panel of Chairmen, National Convention Convening Commission
Chairman and members, delegates from the various groups.
On this day of auspiciousness, I would like
to extend on behalf of Shan State Kokang Democratic Party good wishes for
well-being in body and mind of all.
I am, U Anthony Su (a) U La Yaung, delegate
from Shan State Kokang Democratic Party.
[Plea for Expanded Kokang Zone]
In the clarification on 2-9-94 of the
Chairman of the Work Committee, it is explained there is a situation to allow
prescribing of a self-administered zone for Kokang nationals, with the grouping
of Konkyan Township and Laukkai Township (not in existence before). As Kokang
nationals, we are joyous and specially thankful for
prescribing a self-administered zone for Kokang nationals. If the original
Kokang areas along the northern bank of Namting River, namely, Kunlong, Kon
Mee, Kon Kye, Kon Thaung, Sanpya, Nam Hu and Chin Shwe Haw villages are not
included in the prescribed self-administered zone, I believe the zone would be
faced with difficulties. If Kunlong ferry point, Chin Shwe Haw ferry point and
Takyumkhup ferry point that could reach Hopang side are to be taken away from
the original Kokang area and placed in any other area, the self-administered area
to be prescribed for us can have difficulty in having links with the outside
world. Thus, problems may arise in the life of the people and it may also come
to harm peace, tranquillity and security of the area.
If there arises
insurgency in any area of the Union, it can also harm the security of the
entire Union as well. I would like to say it is even more important especially
in areas close to the border like our Kokang area. So, on behalf of the Party,
I would like to submit that the following points be considered in connection
with the matter of prescribing self-administered division and self-administered
zone.
(1) If there arises a situation to change the
boundary of States, townships within States, or areas of racial groups of
traditional inhabitation and administration from the very beginning in the
States (for example, areas like the original area of Kokang nationals), the
wishes of the majority of the entire people living in those States, the wishes
of the majority of the entire people living in those townships, and the wishes
of the majority of the entire people living in those areas must be sought
without fail.
(2) In changing of any boundary it should be
done in a democratic way with aims at non-disintegration of the Union,
non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.
(3) It should be effected
on principles of democracy and human rights.
(4) Konkyan Township, Laukkai Township and
Kunlong Township should be grouped together and prescribed as Kokang
Self-Administered Zone. The area so grouped as Kokang Self-Administered Zone
should continue to be as it was during the time of the Lanzin Party government.
(5) In view of the fact that towns, villages
and village-tracts south to north -- from areas on the north bank of Namting
River from Kunlong to Chin Shwe Haw right up to Hon Aik and Monghtai in the
north -- and west to east -- from the west bank of Thanlwin River to Yunnan
border in the east -- are all territorially contiguous and the fact that the
population of Kokang nationals living in that area is more than half of the
total population, it is found the situation is such no area could be separated
from the entirety of Kokang area. So, in conclusion, I would like to ask for
careful consideration and study in prescribing the Kokang Self-Administered
Zone.
(NLM 3/31)