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. 4, April 1995
NATIONAL
CONVENTION
Plenary Session
Proposal Papers Read
Panel of Chairmen Findings
U Aung Toe's Clarification
Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt's Closing Speech
NATIONAL
CONVENTION
Plenary
Session
Mar. 31: The Plenary Session resumed, with
642 of the 683 delegates present, and heard further proposal papers on
self-administered areas.
Then, following presentation of all the
proposal papers [full texts below], Alternate Chairman U Maung Gyi adjourned
the Plenary Session to approximately April 5, saying as follows:
"Respective delegate groups have already
submitted their compiled papers in connection with prescribing in detail
principles for designation of the self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones under the
Apr. 1: The Panel of Alternate Chairmen
scrutinized papers on self-administered areas, for submission to the Plenary
Session. (NLM 4/2)
Apr. 3: The Plenary Session will resume Apr.
5, when it will consider the work of the Panel of Chairmen. (NLM 4/4)
Apr. 5: The Plenary Session resumed, with 637
of 683 delegates present. Members of the Panel of Chairmen "appraised and
clarified" and presented "findings" on the proposal papers
concerning self-administered areas [see below]. (NLM 4/6)
Apr. 6: Plenary Session (of April 6)
*Apr. 6: The Plenary Session met, with 635 of
683 delegates present, and heard clarifications from members of the Panel of
Chairmen. (NLM 4/7)
Apr. 6 [full text except for repeated
quotations]: The following is a translation of the salient points of the
findings of the members of the Panel of Chairmen on the proposal papers in
connection with prescribing self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones submitted to the Plenary Session by the delegates on 29, 30 and 31 March:
[Kokang self-administered zone]
U Tin Maung Kyaw
It is found in proposal papers submitted by
the representatives-elect delegates of the political parties that they comply
with the opinions of the parties concerned.
The independent representative-elect of
Namhsan Constituency,
The independent representative-elect of Tamu
Constituency, Sagaing Division, proposed: [one paragraph endorsing Naga,
The nationalities delegates group proposed:
[one paragraph calling for Kokang self-administered zone].
Two Kokang national delegates from Shan State
North of the group proposed: [one paragraph calling for Kokang
self-administered zone including
The delegates have already heard the
discussions and proposals of various delegate groups and some delegates in
connection with laying down fundamental principles for prescribing Kokang
Self-Administered Zone. It is found that there are similar proposals of many
delegates as well as those submitted individually.
Many delegates proposed a detailed
fundamental principle to be laid down for prescribing Kokang Self-Administered
Zone organizing Konkyan and Laukkai townships.
[Wa self-administered division]
U Maung Gyi
It is found in the proposal papers submitted
by the representatives-elect delegates of the political parties that they
comply with the opinions of the parties concerned.
The independent representative-elect delegate
of Namhsan Constituency,
The independent representative-elect delegate
of Tamu Constituency, Sagaing Division, proposed: [one paragraph endorsing
Naga,
The nationalities delegates group proposed:
[one paragraph proposing Wa self-administered division].
[Lahu representation]
U Ko
The intelligentsia and intellectuals
delegates group proposed: [one paragraph endorsing participation of Lahu,
Inntha, Kayan, Akha, and Kachin nationals in the
The intelligentsia and intellectuals
delegates group proposes to lay down the Work Committee Chairman's
clarifications in connection with prescribing self-administered divisions and
self-administered zones for the national brethren, and the matter of the
national race representatives as fundamental principles.
The State-service personnel delegates group
proposed: [one paragraph endorsing Lahu participation in the
Other invited delegates group proposed: [two
paragraphs endorsing Lahu participation in the
[Inntha representation]
Dr. Thaung Myint
At the National Convention Plenary Session on
Regarding this clarification, the National
Convention peasants delegates group proposed: [one paragraph endorsing Inntha
participation in the
[Kayan representation in
U Arnt Maung
Intellectuals and intelligentsia delegates
group proposed: [two paragraphs endorsing Lahu, Inntha, Kayan, Akha, and Kachin
participation in the
State service personnel delegates group
proposed: [one paragraph endorsing Kayan participation in the
Other invited delegates group proposed: [two
paragraphs endorsing Kayan participation in the
A delegate of
[Akha representation]
U Bo Myint
Other invited delegates proposed: [two
paragraphs endorsing Akha participation in the
A delegate of Shan State East Special Region
4 of the group proposed: [five paragraphs proposing a Wa-Akha-Shan-Lahu
Self-Administered State].
[Mro or Khami representation]
U Kyi Nyunt
When we study the proposal papers, we can see
that peasants delegates group, workers delegates group, intellectuals and
intelligentsia delegates group, State service personnel delegates group, other
invited delegates group and nationalities delegates group had suggested
participation of Akha national affairs representatives.
A delegate of Shan State East Special Region
4 of the group individually proposed to establish the new Wa-Akha-Shan-Lahu
Self-Administered State.
A delegate of nationalities delegates group
also separately suggested that a basic principle to prescribe a
self-administered area with approval of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, should be added as
there is possibility that more national groups who, in accord with basic
principles, are entitled to prescribe self-administered areas may come out.
Workers delegates group proposed: [one
paragraph citing proposal for a Mro or Khami self-administered area, suggested
by U San Tha Aung].
The proposal presented by the Mro or Khami
National Solidarity Organizations do [sic] not meet the specific points of the
basic principle as it is suggested to group together townships in Rakhine and
Chin states to prescribe a self-administered division.
To be designated as self-administered
division it is necessary to have at least four townships and the basic
principle also requires to have major population in all single townships.
Thus, I have found out that there is no
proper condition to designate a self-administered division for Mro or Khami
nationals.
[Tai-Lai self-administered division]
U Hla Myint
U Sai Soe Nyunt, on behalf of Shan
Nationalities League for Democracy, proposed that all plains of Bhamo, Momauk,
Mansi and Shwegu townships in Bhamo District, Myitkyina, Waingmaw, Mogaung,
Monyin, Karmaing and Tanai of Myitkyina District, Katha, Inndaw, Htigyaint,
Bamauk, Kawlin, Wuntho and Pinlebu townships of Katha District, Kalay,
Phaungpyin, Tamu, Kalaywa, Mawlaik and Maintan townships of Kalay District, and
Hkamti, Homalin and Nanyun townships in Hkamti District, be groups together and
prescribed as Tai Lai Self-Administered Division.
No new division or new state is allowed to
designate as basic principle has already been laid down to prescribe original
seven divisions as seven regions and original seven states as seven states
regarding State Structure.
As partition off from or to form a new region
or a new state is not permitted, there is no position to designate the
self-administered division as proposed by Shan Nationalities League for
Democracy.
Similarly, basic principles have been laid
down only to prescribe self-administered areas for nationals who have not got
any region or state of their own, there is no position to prescribe
self-administered area for Shan nationals as proposed by some delegates of the
Shan Nationalities League for Democracy.
However, there is possibility for Shan
national race affairs representatives to participate in the legislature and the
executive of the Kachin State and Sagaing Division, if Shan populations of over
260,000 and over 200,000 residing respectively in the former and the latter and
meet the required figures which may enable them to take part in the legislature
and the executive of a region or a state.
A summary of proposals submitted by various
National Convention delegates in connection with prescribing self-administered
divisions right away instead of forming a commission to do so, the national
races who should get self-administered divisions or self-administered zones and
areas to be prescribed as self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones has already been submitted.
[National race affairs representation]
Some of the delegates submitted proposals for
national races affairs representatives. As this matter is connected with the
chapter Executive, after a fundamental principle has laid down for prescribing
percentage of national races affairs representatives, nationals who conform to
the principle will be vested with rights to participate as national race
affairs representatives in the legislature and executive of the region or state
concerned.
Therefore, proposals on this matter should be
submitted when discussions are held in connection with the chapter Executive,
and I hereby conclude the summary of the findings on the proposals in
connection with prescribing self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones. (NLM 4/7)
Apr. 7: The Plenary Session resumed, with 636 of the 683 delegates present.
Work Committee Chairman U Aung Toe "explained prescribing of
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones under the
1. Naga Self-Administered Zone: Leshi, Lahe,
and
2. Danu Self-Administered Zone: Ywangan and
3. Pa-O Self-Administered Zone: Hopong,
Hsihseng, and
4. Palaung Self-Administered Zone: Namhsan
and
5. Kokang Self-Administered Zone: Konkyan and
Laukkai Townships in
6. Wa Self-Administered Division; Hopang,
Mongamo, Panwaing, Naphan, Manphant, and
The Plenary Session then adjourned until
Proposal
Papers Read
Mar. 31 [full text--printed over three days]:
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 delegate groups to the Plenary Session of the National Convention:
Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization
First of all I would like to express my
regards to the chairman of the session and members of the Panel of Chairmen,
National Convention Convening Commission Chairmen and members, National
Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman and members and National
Convention delegates.
I am U Maung Pain (a) U Khin Maung Thein, a
delegate of Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization. I wish the best for
well-being in body and mind of all National Convention delegates.
I would first present matters regarding
self-administered areas in the Chapter on State Structure at this plenary
session of the National Convention.
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
Present-day political, economic and social
systems of Myanmar Naing-Ngan are changing and advancing with momentum. It is a
time when good foundations are laid for the nation to stand proudly as a modern
State among world nations and the people of the country are marching onward
unitedly and actively. Economic, social and administrative systems have changed
over from the old to the new. Emergence of the future modern democratic State
is the hope of all the national people and a new Constitution is a pre-requisite
for the new State. Emergence of the new State Constitution is the cause of
every
It was very apt. The new Constitution must
not be one based on racial, regional or ideological bias. It must be one based
on the six objectives of the National Convention, one based on the needs of the
changing and advancing political, economic and administrative norms, and one
that can truly serve the interests of the entire people inclusive of national
racial groups. We deeply believe so.
[Representation for Mro or Khami Nationals]
The total population of Mro or Khami
nationals spread all over
If the over 48,000 Kayan nationals and the
over 50,000 Lisu nationals in Shan State, the over 66,000 Pa-O nationals in Mon
State are considered as having appropriate sizes of population to qualify to
participate as national race affairs representatives in the legislature and the
executive of the State concerned, the population of Mro or Khami nationals is
over 58,000 and so it is submitted that they too should qualify to participate
as national race representatives in the legislature and executive of Rakhine
State.
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
At the plenary session on
"As we are architects of the new State,
we must have great foresight and we need to get basic principles that will
practically serve the fundamental interests of respective national races in our
country.
"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."
We emphatically believe in Our Three Main
National Causes of the State, namely non-disintegration of the
Only then will the Pyidaungsu Thamada Myanmar
Naing-Ngan-Daw become a solid and strong State and be more enduring and
everlasting. With this I conclude.
Lahu National Development Party
Esteemed Chairman, members of the Panel of
Chairmen, National Convention delegates,
I would like to express my pleasure at seeing
again all the delegates in good health and happiness. I express my best wishes
for all the delegates to be so forever.
I am U Kya Shee, a delegate from Lahu
National Development Party. I will present the views of Lahu National
Development Party on the matter of prescribing self-administered division or
self-administered zone.
[Call for Commission]
Esteemed Chairman,
A commission should be formed to deal with
the matter of prescribing self-administered division or self-administered zone
for national races. In forming so,
(1) the commission should include leaders of
racial groups living in the division or zone, representatives from political
parties and proficient government officers.
(2) wishes of national races living in the
division or zone must be sought and carried out accordingly.
(3) census should [be] taken to get accurate
population figures showing the objective situation of nationals.
It is submitted that national races not in a
position to get self-administered division or self-administered zone should
have the right to participate as national race affairs representatives in the
legislature and the executive of Region or State concerned if they have
appropriate sizes of population.
[National Race Affairs Committee Proposed]
Esteemed Chairman,
For participation by national races in the
legislature and the executive of the Region or State concerned it is submitted
as follows:
Provisions regarding national races affairs
(a) Nationals who have the right to vote in
the State concerned shall elect the necessary number in forming the national
race affairs committee.
(b) It must have authority to manage and
decide affairs concerning national races.
(c) It must have the right to manage, decide
and approve matters concerning national races.
(d) The chairman of the national race affairs
committee shall be elected by members of the committee.
(e) National race affairs committee chairman
or a representative shall have the right to participate in the organization of
the government of the Union of Myanmar.
(f) In connection with national races
affairs, it must have
-- legislative power
-- executive power
-- judicial power
-- power to safeguard minority rights.
(g) It must have authority to appoint State
national races staff and remove the same at fault.
(h) If a no-confidence motion is tabled
against one of all members of the national race affairs committee or if a
petition signed by two thirds of the electorate is submitted to the President
and it is found guilty, the President shall notify in the Government gazette terminating
the membership of the guilty in the national race affairs committee.
(i) The tenure of the national races affairs
committee is five years. If the situation in the country becomes unstable and
it is not possible to hold elections, the committee has the right to extend the
tenure by its decision.
(j) Contributions to and expenses of the
national race affairs committee shall be borne by the State.
(k) A member of the national race affairs
committee shall have right to participate in the Chamber of the Union and the
Chamber of Nationalities.
In the Shan State Chamber of Nationalities,
participation shall be based on populations of the following national races:
(1) Danu nationals
(2) Pa-O nationals
(3) Palaung nationals
(4) Kokang nationals
(5) Wa nationals
(6) Shan nationals
(7) Bamar nationals
(8) Lahu nationals
(9) Intha nationals
(10) Kachin nationals
(11) Kayan nationals
(12) Akha nationals.
[Persecution of Lahu Nationals]
Esteemed Chairman,
Some nationals with appropriate sizes of
populations and contiguous inhabited areas will get self-administered division
and self-administered zones. Area peace and tranquillity, rule of law, security
of life and property of national races, unhindered freedom of movement in
pursuit of livelihood are full essence of self-administered areas. If there is
no area peace and tranquillity and the rule of law, even if there is a right of
self-administration, I feel apprehensive there may be persecutions, like those
on Lahu nationals in
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
Insurgency has been in the country for over
40 years up to now. The State Law and Order Restoration Council has been
endeavouring to put an end to insurgency. It is time to join hands with the
Tatmadaw and work together for peace and prosperity in the country, rule of
law, security of life and property, freedom to earn one's livelihood. The
Tatmadaw is doing its very best to strengthen peace in the country. In
conclusion, I would like to urge all to contribute their best to make the
emerging State Constitution one that can effectively serve the fundamental
interests of the respective national races in the
Proposal paper by Mahn Tin Maung (a) Mahn Myo
Nyunt of Union Kayin League
I, Mahn Tin Maung (a) Mahn Myo Nyunt, on
behalf of the Union Kayin League, with goodwill would like to wish the Chairman
and members of Panel of Chairmen and delegates good health and happiness in
body and mind.
[Kayin National Affairs Council Proposed]
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
Whenever our Union Kayin League submits a
proposal paper we have always suggested the inclusion of "Kayin
Affairs" in the Constitution. Moreover, we also suggested on the affairs
of the national races. Hence, in the address of the Chairman of the Work
Committee, it is mentioned that Kayin national representatives are permitted to
be included in executive and legislature in accordance with the prescribed
principles and we believe that we will be able to carry out Kayin national
affairs and therefore, we are happy about it.
The word "national races affairs"
has a deep and wide meaning. National races affairs and the country's affairs
are closely linked. Hence, it is to be proposed that the Kayin National Affairs
Council should be formed with Kayin representatives throughout the country who
will be permitted to be included in the legislature and executive in accordance
with the principles.
We national races are the citizens of the
country. We are not those who have come into the motherland to live with the
sole purpose of seeking selfish economic gains. National Convention delegates
know from their own experience that we are discharging duties of the State
whatever we are assigned. Therefore, we nationals who are the citizens have
lived in the country since the times of our ancestors and have served the
interest of the State faithfully in whatever role we are given to play and we
have also sacrificed many lives, blood and sweat to safeguard and serve the
interest of the State. Hence, it is to be suggested that in structuring a new
State the affairs of all the Union national races should no longer be placed in
an ordinary position. I would like to repeat that as measures have been taken
in connection with the affairs of the national races for national
consolidation, our League is very pleased about this.
[Kayin Affairs Committee Proposed]
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
As regards the Kayin affairs which our Union
Kayin League has always proposed, it is of our opinion that it is necessary to
present this matter for all to know and so I will submit it. I presume that
only then will the proposal be complete.
The matter of Kayin affairs is being
presented not because we have got the idea only now, but the provisions on the
Kayin Affairs Committee submitted by Kayin National League Leader Arzani Mahn
Ba Khaing which is being mentioned beginning with Page 479 in the "Affairs
of National Races and the 1974 State Constitution, Volume II", compiled by
U Kyaw Win, U Mya Han and U Thein Hlaing and scrutinized by the Committee for
Compiling Authentic Facts on the History of Myanmar and the facts relating to
them will be presented. They are:
(1) the Kayin Affairs Committee shall have
the sole right in managing and giving decision in matters relating to Kayin
nationals;
(2) the managing and making of decisions in
the matters connected with Kayin nationals by Kayin Affairs Committee only are
to be final;
(3) there shall be 30 members in the Kayin
Affairs Committee and are to be elected with persons who are eligible to cast
votes in the Myanmar Union in accordance with prescribed election procedures;
(4) the Chairman of Kayin Affairs Committee
shall be elected from within its members;
(5) the Chairman or one member of the Kayin
Affairs Committee is to be included in the Union of Myanmar Cabinet;
(6) The Kayin Affairs Committee shall --
(a) have legislative power over Kayin
nationals;
(b) have executive power over Kayin
nationals;
(c) have judicial power over the Kayin
nationals;
(d) have the power to govern
(e) have the power to protect minority rights
of Kayin nationals who live amidst other national races;
(f) have the right to appoint and transfer
Kayin nationals who are service personnel;
(7) if there arises a situation in which
there is no confidence vote against one or all members of the Kayin Affairs
Committee and to make them resign, then two-thirds of the electorate must sign
and put up the application to the President and the President must announce to
the gazette that the duties of member or members have been terminated;
(8) the term of office of the Kayin Affairs
Committee shall begin on the day the first meeting his held after election and
normally lasts four years. However, if there arises disturbances in the country
and election cannot be held, the term of office of the member can be extended
by the decision of its members;
(9) if bills relating to Kayin nationals are
to be submitted at Chamber of Nationalities or Chamber of Deputies then
approval should be first sought from the Kayin Affairs Committee;
(10) cash provisions and allowances for
members of Kayin Affairs Committee are to be decided by the Kayin Affairs
Committee;
They are mentioned up to Page 481.
The affairs of our Kayin nationals are very
wide and deep and hence in drawing up the 1947 State Constitution, the
It is to be suggested that the Kayin affairs
committee should be formed as mentioned above although it may not be identical
with the provisions on Kayin affairs as compiled by Kayin National Leader Mahn
Ba Khaing so that the Kayin nationals residing outside of
It is vital to have a firm Constitution in
establishing a new State and I conclude by wishing that a firm Constitution
will emerge.
Proposal paper submitted by Kokang Democracy
and Unity Party
I wish the Esteemed Chairman and members of
Panel of Chairmen, Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission and
members, Chairman of the Work Committee and members, National Convention
delegates of all Subcommittees and guests be blessed with auspiciousness and
may all enjoy good health and happiness.
I am U Law Hsin Kwan of Kokang Democracy and
Unity Party.
Esteemed Chairman,
I would like to mention that the findings
made by the Work Committee as contained in the address delivered by Chairman of
the National Convention Convening Work Committee U Aung Toe in connection with
self-administered areas are supported.
However, I would like to say a little about
Kokang Self-Administered Area.
I would like to admit that by submitting our
affairs only and neglecting the affairs of other national races is not because
we are being selfish, but only to present our affairs from our own point of
view and the situation in which we are in and based on family spirit and with
sincerity and frankness.
[Include Kunlong in Kokang Area]
Esteemed Chairman,
-- being in the same stretch of land;
-- having a significant geographical
condition;
-- majority of the people accept and use
Kokang language which is not the same as
Moreover,
Esteemed Chairman,
Prescribing self-administered area does not
mean prescribing a separate freedom but the right to carry out the affairs of
the respective region which include regional development, economic, administration
and judicial affairs, and it is regarded that Kunlong Township should be
included in the Kokang Self-Administered Area.
In connection with affairs of the national
races, the findings made and the suggestions given by the Work Committee that
national races with the prescribed size in population have the right to
participate in the affairs of the region, is to be supported with pleasure.
[Need for New Population Studies]
Esteemed Chairman,
The significant characteristic of the Union
of Myanmar is that different national races reside together in all parts of the
country. I would like to say a little about this significant characteristics in
connection with the excerpts and suggestions given by the Work Committee as
regards the national races.
We seriously accept that the six objectives
of the National Convention are vital for emergence of a new democratic State.
All the six objectives are also inter-related.
For the second objective --
non-disintegration of national solidarity -- to be fully realized, the
prescribing of the right for the respective national races to take part in the
appropriate sector of the future State, makes the essence of the National
Convention complete.
As this right to be given to the national
races will be based on the population of the respective national races, the
rights to be enjoyed by the national races with a varied population list can be
delayed.
Such variations are caused due to national
races in the respective regions having very little knowledge in legal affairs
and also due to the fact that they have to struggle very hard to earn their
livelihood and so can concentrate very little on the tasks carried out by the
officials concerned, due to misunderstandings and not being able to understand
its importance.
Therefore I will sincerely present that if
the population of the national races can be scrutinized again, then the
provisions regarding the national races (self-administered areas/the rights for
national to participate in the affairs of the respective regions based on the
size of the population) can be promulgated more precisely and effectively.
Proposal paper submitted by Wa National
Development Party
Esteemed Chairman and members of the Panel of
Chairmen and delegates,
I wish all National Convention delegates and
personnel responsible for discharging duties in convening the National
Convention good health and happiness in body and mind and may all achieve
success in all undertakings.
I am U Nyi Pa Loke of the Wa National
Development Party.
Esteemed Chairman,
As the eras and systems are changing in all
parts of the world, our country is improving and changing. The national races
residing in the country are also achieving improvement with the changing of
times and their political outlook and experiences, general knowledge and
concepts and ideas are changing and developing. Wa national races are also
achieving development in step with the Myanmar Naing-Ngan which is achieving
progress and development and becoming modern. We have a fervent desire to
cooperate with the Government in developing our own regions by making efforts
and administering and creating situation with the rights bestowed on us and
thus assist in bringing about partly [sic] development to the country and
eventually bring about development to the entire country.
As the strength of the country lies within,
in order to be able to utilize the strength of the national races effectively
in the interest of the State, the arrangements made in keeping abreast with the
times and in a natural manner to give self-administered areas to the national
races which are entitled are to be heartily welcomed and supported. By making
such arrangements it will further consolidate national unity and strengthen
mutual love and respect and the new State which we are establishing today will
surely obtain perpetual unity and peace.
[Call for Establishment of a Wa State]
Esteemed Chairman and members of the Panel of
Chairmen and delegates,
In the address delivered by Chairman of the
National Convention Convening Work Committee U Aung Toe at Plenary Session of
the National Convention held on 7 June 1993, it is mentioned, "In order to
be able to direct towards the objective of direct unity and solidarity in building
up a nation, it is essential to endeavour to narrow down the development gap
which may exist between the regions into which the territory of the nation is
divided. Indeed, the State itself must, with serious intent, attempt to bring
about development among the national races who are lacking in
development." Thus, it is seen that the importance of national unity was
vividly pointed out.
Thus, in summing up the points of discussions
which I have mentioned above, the matter of prescribing self-administered areas
as contained in chapter State Structure it is to be suggested with loving
kindness and true goodwill and with sincerity to be proceeded as follows:--
(1) the existing seven divisions are to be
designated as seven regions and the existing seven states are to be designated
as seven states. These seven regions and seven states are to be of equal
status;
(2) in accordance with the changes taking
place in the State and in accordance with the conditions of the national races
which are achieving progress and awareness, new states within the
(3) instead of the Self-Administered Division
of Wa nationals, it should be prescribed as State within the
(4) the regions and states and
self-administered divisions and self-administered zones should be given the
right to practise self administration and self determination;
(5) with the exception of the national races
which have got their own region or states, if there is cause for extending new
states, self-administered divisions or self-administered zones in the region or
states due to development achieved in the areas and the conditions of the
national races which have achieved development and obtained more awareness, the
commission should be formed with persons of the State who are experts and have
dignity and with leaders of the national races who are well-loved and respected
and accepted by the national races and these commission are to be studied and
scrutinized and approved.
In making such suggestions, it is not done to
oppose and discuss the fundamental principles which have been obtained or to
say black when someone says white or with an ulterior motive, but to be
constructive and with spirit of unity of our Wa National Development Party and
as far as our mind can perceive and with this I conclude my presentation.
Proposal Paper by National League for
Democracy
Esteemed Chairman,
Esteemed chairman, members of the Panel of
Chairmen, the National Convention Convening Commission, chairmen of committees
and the esteemed delegates,
I wish all the delegates physical and
spiritual wellbeing.
I am U Khin Maung (Panglong), member of the
Central Leading Committee of the National League for Democracy.
Esteemed Chairman,
I will submit opinion and proposals of
National League for Democracy on designation of self-administered areas.
[National Convention Cannot Properly
Designate Self-Administered Areas]
Esteemed Chairman,
Several nations of the world usually have
their constitutions written by the Taingpyipyu Hluttaw (Constituent Assembly)
made up of people's representatives elected by democratic means. We have
studied it is a common procedure in writing a constitution in these nations.
They are the persons in whom mandate of the voters is vested for managing
affairs of the people on behalf of the people. There were examples of such a
procedure in our nation, too. As the present National Convention is not like
the Taingpyipyu Hluttaw and owing to the above discussions, National League for
Democracy cannot agree to the designation of self-administered areas completed
through discussions of the National Convention delegates.
[Special Commission Needed]
As discussed previously, National League for
Democracy would like to suggest emphatically again formation of a commission by
the State and ascertaining wishes of the people in the respective regions. It
is a very subtle task to be implemented by the persons concerned going on field
tours.
As the commission so formed has to go on
field tours, it will have the opportunity to meet nationals of the respective
region and learn their true opinions. It is proposed that the commission be
formed with leaders of the State, State- or Division-level authorities,
national leaders recognized by the national races resident in the respective
region and experts. It is further proposed that persons of the respective
States and Divisions who took part in the Panglong Conference in 1947 and
Hluttaw representatives elected from the respective regions in multi-party
democracy general election held independently and fairly on
Esteemed Chairman,
We would like to submit further discussions.
It is a matter of great subtlety for some areas proposed for such designation
are overlapped and some fall within areas strategic for the nation's security
and defence. Moreover, there still remain armed groups on some areas, I would
like to reiterate that designation of self-administered areas,
non-disintegration of the
Esteemed Chairman,
Collecting what have been discussed on
designation of self-administered areas, National League for Democracy proposes
as follows:
1. (a) This National Convention is held only
to be able to lay down fundamental principles.
(b) Designation of self-administered areas is
a subtle matter and any defect may affect non-disintegration of the
(c) Wishes of the people resident in
respective areas have not been ascertained and so we do not agree with the fact
that the National Convention is to complete the designation of
self-administered areas.
2. It is proposed that the National
Convention should discuss principles to serve as reference in discussion
designation of self-administered areas.
3. It is proposed that the State is to form a
commission which is to make enquiries as to:
(a) Having clear boundary topographically;
(b) Having a language not like
(c) Having only a single culture;
(d) Being a group belonging to the same
history;
(e) Being a group enjoying economic welfare
and having economic sufficiency;
(f) Having a fair size of population;
(g) Having wish to stand as separate Union
region in accord with one's identity;
4. When the proposed commission is formed,
the following persons should include in it:
(a) High-ranking officials of the State;
(b) State- or Division-level authorities;
(c) National leaders accepted by the majority
of the people of the respective region;
(d) Persons of respective States or Divisions
who took part in the Panglong Convention in 1947;
(e) Hluttaw representatives elected from the
respective region in the Multiparty Democracy General Election;
(f) Experts from related service
organizations; and,
(g) Independent observers of other regions.
5. The commission is to go on field tours, as
necessary, of respective areas, hold discussions and talks and make assessment
and scrutiny.
6. To be able to do so, "terms of reference"
of the commission are to be prescribed, as follows, generally:
(a) When prescribing rights of a national
race is proposed, to scrutinize how these rights bear effects on remaining
races in the area;
(b) To study how rights of remaining races
will be protected;
(c) To discuss problems of sharing resources,
forests, paddyfields and use of water and rivers, creeks and ponds when
boundaries are delineated; and,
(d) To collect an estimation of population
data in the respective areas.
7. On receipt of the commission's report, the
State is to hold referendum areas-wise. Holding such is to be in accord with
democratic means. The referendum is to be held as independently and fairly as in
the 1990 Multiparty Democracy General Election.
8. After ascertaining wishes of the people,
the State is to proceed with what is necessary to be carried out. With these
proposals, I gratefully conclude.
(NLM 4/1)
Apr. 1 [full text]: The following is continuation
of a translation of salient points from proposal papers on fundamental
principles to form as base in the
Proposal paper by Shan Nationalities League
for Democracy
First of all, I would like to wish the
Esteemed Chairman, members of the Panel of Chairmen and the delegates good
health and happiness. I would like to further say that I am greatly delighted
to speak on behalf of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy.
I am Sai Aik Paung of Shan Nationalities
League for Democracy.
Esteemed Chairman,
Proposals I will submit have been discussed,
based on the following:
-- being compatible with nature;
-- bringing about unity and understanding
among the people of respective areas;
-- being practicable in life;
-- being supportive to the consolidation of
the Union;
-- enabling to obtain good foundation for the
Union.
Esteemed Chairman,
As the matter of designating
self-administered areas is to be contained in the chapter State Structure, it
is concerned with legislature by the word "self-administration" and
with the executive by the word "administration". It is a wide and
serious matter. Any inconvenience in tackling it may cause complications. So,
we will put forward what should be proposed in view of perpetuation of the
Union and solidarity of the nationals. I would like to say beforehand that
there is no intention in our proposals for a particular person or persons to
suffer losses or to enjoy special rights.
[Call for "Political Autonomy" for
National Races]
Esteemed Chairman,
Our Shan Nationalities League for Democracy
proposes that the Union be organized with states in equal status which are to
be granted "political autonomy". Secondly, our party has previously
proposed that a national race, having a geographically clear boundary, a
language other than Myanmar and a wish for standing as a member of the Union in
its own identity should be granted autonomous region, together with
administrative autonomy. Thirdly, if there is an area having a separate
language, fairly most commonly spoken, and a wish to stay in its own identity,
it should be formed as "national area" and granted "cultural
autonomy." Actually, these matters are affairs of members of a family
within the bounds of the right to self-promulgation of states. What is the most
important of all is to have equality in status and self-promulgation in
organizing states into a Union. We believe that if there is no equality in
status and the right to self-promulgation in the organization at the primary
level of states, there will be no meaning in designating self-administered
division, zone or area. We have appreciation for the Union more on its essence
than its name.
[Call for Enquiry Commission, Census, and
Referendum]
Esteemed Chairman,
In fact, designation of self-administered
areas reeks of political ideology in the past, of communism and socialism. If
genuine multiparty democracy system can be justly brought about and if the
people are made to enjoy full democratic rights, we believe there is no need
for us to designate such areas as ours or theirs. If it is accepted there
should be self-administered areas, we emphatically propose that states should
have the right to autonomy and wishes of the people residing in the respective
regions be respected. We would like to propose that the principle on
designation of self-administered zones should be carried out after forming an
enquiry commission.
Esteemed Chairman,
If wishes and opinions of Shan Nationalities
League for Democracy regarding designation of self-administered areas to be
included in the
1. The
2. States, members of the
3. "Autonomous regions" or
"national areas" be designated as necessary for the respective
national races in states;
4. Autonomous regions should have the right
to administrative autonomy and national areas shall have the right to cultural
autonomy;
5. The matter of autonomous regions should
not completely be decided at the National Convention;
6. To be able to reach right decisions, the
following should be carried out in the respective regions: --
(a) to declare that special census will be
enumerated;
(b) to systematically enumerate the census
after forming census-enumerating groups with persons of the central, state and
region as members;
(c) to study and assess after formation of a
commission with respectable persons;
(d) to hold a referendum only after the
right, satisfactory census is announced;;
7. Referendum on designation of autonomous
regions should be held under secret ballot;
8. Principles to be laid down for the
Constitution should be based on a single basis. There should not be any
exception such as "...apart from the national race which has got State or
Region."
9. It is to be clearly and precisely stated
which national race gets which State, Region, self-administered division or
self-administered zone.
Esteemed Chairman,
Proposals of Shan Nationalities League for
Democracy are based not only on non-disintegration of the
Proposal paper by National Unity Party
Esteemed Chairman, members of the Panel of
Chairmen and the delegates,
I am U Tun Yi of National Unity Party. I
extend my greetings to members of the National Convention Convening Commission,
members of the Work Committee, Panel of Chairmen and all the delegates for
their physical and spiritual wellbeing.
As we have heard of an noted clarification by
the Work Committee Chairman at the previous National Convention Plenary Session
on 2 September, we have studied and assessed details in the clarification.
According to the clarification, the State
Structure and presidential governmental machinery which will be emerging under
the new Constitution have come into shape.
[Danu Area Opposed]
The Work Committee Chairman has clarified
that:
-- Naga nationals in Sagaing Divisions;
-- Danu nationals in
-- Pa-O nationals in
-- Palaung nationals in
-- Kokang nationals in
-- Wa nationals in
Esteemed Chairman,
I would like to submit our opinions and
beliefs in discussing the State Structure, separation and distribution of the
three powers and prescribing functions.
We have unanimously accepted the principle
"Sovereign power of the nation derives from the citizens and resides in
the entire nation". As it has been accepted so, discussions on the
sovereign power of all citizens should be based on objective situation and it
would be suitable and right to say that exercise of sovereign power is in a way
collective seeking, on behalf of the citizens, of answers for what should be
brought about and there should be no giver or taker.
We believe that the Work Committee presented
what it had found and assessed, based on its correct standing. Accordingly, the
Work Committee has presented that a national race having a population of more
than 10,000 and has not got a self-administered area of its own should have the
right to represent in legislature and administration in the respective area and
a national race having a population of more than 44,000 should have the right
to represent in legislature and administration of the respective state or
division. These points are found to be compatible with the basic principles
that national races shall have the right to manage their own affairs.
It has been found that the Work Committee
presented with the points -- having and appropriate size of population and
living in a community on the same stretch of land -- the matters of
collectively seeking answers to designation of self-administered areas.
Requirements for the self-administered areas such as capability in
administration, being able to stand economically and to carry out township and
village development services are to be fulfilled. Only then would they be
strong self-administered areas with development in all sectors.
Esteemed Chairman,
Designation of self-administered areas is a
delicate matter as it is related to the ethnic affairs and has to be carried
out with great care. Social problems currently occurring in some parts of the
world are evident lessons. This is concerned not only with the nationalities
who will get self-administered areas but also other nationalities groups
residing in those areas. Besides, it is also related to the nationalities of
the States or Regions which will have self-administered areas.
Moreover, designation of self-administered
areas is the part of the task for structuring the State. Therefore, to ensure
firm basis for the matter relating to self-administered areas, it is essential
to discuss comprehensively at the National Convention and there should be
agreement, as structuring a strong and firm State and emergence of an enduring
Constitution are the tasks for building a new State. If there is comprehensive
discussion and agreement, self-administered areas, which are a foundation for
State Structure, will be firm and strong.
In presenting our party's stand and opinions,
it is aimed at national reconciliation and emergence of an enduring
Constitution with emphasis on keeping political, racial, social, legal and
constitutional balance. With this I conclude.
Proposal paper submitted by Shan State Kokang
Democratic Party
Esteemed chairman, members of the Panel of
Chairmen and Convention delegates,
At the request of U Yang Kyin Maw, a delegate
from Shan State Kokang Democratic Party, and with the permission of the
chairman of the session, I, U Tun Myaing, a delegate from the
Representatives-elect group, will now read out the proposal paper of Shan State
Kokang Democratic Party on the matter of prescribing self-administered division
or self-administered zone in the chapter on State Structure.
[Plea for Expanded Kokang Zone]
A study of the map of Kokang original area
prepared by our Party will show that all areas from the northern bank of
Namting River up to Hon Aik and Mo Htai towns in the north and from the west
bank of the Thanlwin River up to the border with Yunnan Province are Kokang
original areas, as evidenced by Kokang administrative history. Likewise, it is
also found that Kunlong town, Kon Mee, Kon Kye, Kon Nyaung, Nam Hu, Sanpya and
Chin Shwe Haw villages are all Kokang original area according to Kokang
administrative history.
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 Lauk Kai 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
Hopan 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 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 affected [sic] on principles
of democracy and human rights.
(4) Kon Kyan Township, Lawk Kai 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 Mongkung 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.
Proposal Paper by Mro or Khami National
Solidarity Organization
First, I would like to express my regards for
the Chairman and members of the Panel of Chairmen, Chairman and members of the
National Convention Convening Commission, Chairman and members of the National
Convention Convening Work Committee and delegates to the National Convention.
I am U San Tha Aung from Mro or Khami
National Solidarity Organization, a representative-elect from Kyauktaw
Constituency 2, Rakhine State. I express my best wishes for well-being in body
and mind of all delegates.
The total population of Mro or Khami
nationals spread all over Rakhine State is given as over 58,000, according to
figures of Immigration and Manpower Department, according to figures of the
National Convention and according to figures in Our Three Main National Causes
by Minye Kaungbon. Although unable to firmly say in figures how the areawise
density is, Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization estimates that there
are altogether over a hundred thousand Mro or Khami nationals spread in Rakhine
State and Paletwa Township in Chin State.
[Call for Mro/Khami Representation; and for
Two New Townships]
Esteemed Chairman,
If the over 48,000 Kayan nationals and the
over 50,000 Lisu nationals in Shan State, the over 66,000 Pa-O nationals in Mon
State are considered as having appropriate sizes of population to qualify to
participate as national race representatives in the legislature and the
executive of the State concerned, the population of Mro or Khami nationals is
over 58,000 and so it is submitted that they too should qualify to participate
as national race representatives in the legislature and executive of Rakhine
State.
I would also submit a request that, in
Rakhine State, the contiguous Maungdaw town northern sector, Buthidaung town
northern sector and eastern sector, Rathedaung township northern sector be
linked up and Kahtila Village being built under border area development
programme by the State Law and Order Restoration Council be designated a town;
and that Ponnagyun township northern areas of Tawpya Chaung, Dhammati Chaung,
Kyain Chaung and Kyauktaw town western and northern sectors are territorially
contiguous and inhabited by a majority of Mro or Khami nationals and a town
should be built at Yo Chaung Shwe Pan Khaing Village.
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
At the plenary session on 2-9-94 National
Convention Convening Commission Chairman Lieutenant-General Myo Nyunt said:
"As we are architects of the new State,
we must have great foresight and we need to get basic principles that will
practically serve the fundamental interests of respective national races in our
country.
"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."
We emphatically believe in Our Three Main
National Causes of the State, namely non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration
of national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty. As ours is a
democratic state, vitally necessary are manifestations of essence of democracy
such as racial equality, the right to prescribe for oneselves to determine
ones' own destiny, the right of weak national races to continue to exist and
flourish, and having strong safeguards and arrangements to promote development
of those national races left behind the times.
Only then will the Pyidaungsu Thamada Myanmar
Naing-Ngan-Daw become a solid and strong State and be more enduring and
everlasting. With this I conclude.
Proposal paper by National League for
Democracy
Esteemed Chairman,
I would like to express my best wishes for
well-being in body and mind of Chairman and members of the Panel of Chairmen,
Chairman and members of the National Convention Convening Commission and
Committees, and Convention delegates.
I am Daw Sein Tin from the National League
for Democracy, a representative-elect from Shwegu Constituency, Kachin State.
[Call for Commission to Detail
Self-Administered Areas]
The National League for Democracy would like
to submit that the ongoing Convention should only lay down the main principles
on the matter of prescribing self-administered areas, and on the basis of these
principles, a commission should be formed in accord with its terms of
reference. It is a specially important matter calling for great care for
non-disintegration of the Union and non-disintegration of national solidarity.
Sovereignty of the State too would be destroyed if the Union disintegrates and
national solidarity disintegrates.
The National League for Democracy has laid
down a policy to prescribe self-administered areas for deserving national races
since more than four years ago.
In the election manifesto presented before
the people for participation of the National League for Democracy in the
general elections held on 27 May 1990, it is declared:
"...respective national races shall
enjoy equality in respect of rights and responsibilities...."
"...In accord with the Constitution, we
will move toward the right of all national races to have the right to prescribe
for themselves in political, administrative, economic and other various
spheres...."
The electorate had studied these points in
the election manifesto and expressed their true wishes. So points laid down in
the manifesto cannot be changed easily. They may be changed only after seeking
the wishes of the people in the light of conditions that may arise in future.
However great care must be taken lest
motherland Myanmar Naing-Ngan falls into the same fate of balkanization like
Yugoslavia and former Soviet Union in 1991. As it is a matter of national
importance concerning the entire nation, it is the responsibility of all
citizens to prevent such a situation. As those countries and Myanmar have
different geo-political conditions, greater care must be taken to prevent
disintegration of the country.
Esteemed Chairman,
Prescribing self-administered areas is a very
delicate matter. In the demands of some delegates, some areas are overlapping.
Some areas are in strategic areas of security and defence of the nation.
Moreover, in some of the said areas, there are still underground armed elements
up to this day. So I would like to reiterate that prescribing of
self-administered areas is a matter of great importance, bearing in mind the
objectives of non-disintegration of the Union and non-disintegration of
national solidarity.
Esteemed Chairman,
So, in a summary, the National League for
Democracy proposes as follows:
(1) (a) This National Convention is only to
lay down basic principles.
(b) Prescribing of self-administered areas is
a very delicate matter and if there is any error or flaw, it could even harm
the causes of non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national
solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.
(c) As the wishes of the local people have
not been ascertained, it is not appropriate for the National Convention to
prescribe self-administered areas forthwith, so we do not agree to it.
(2) The National Convention should only lay
down principles to be based on in prescribing self-administered areas.
(3) The government of the State should set up
a commission to prescribe self-administered areas and assign it to enquire the
following:
(a) if there is a distinct boundary
geographically
(b) if there is a common language different
from Myanmar
(c) if there is a common culture
(d) if there is a grouping with the same
historical tradition
(e) if there is a grouping with economic
interests and economic sufficiency
(f) if there is a considerable size of
population
(g) if there is desire to live with their own
distinct characteristics as a separate Union territory.
(4) The commission should be set up with the
following:
(a) leaders of the State
(b) leaders of state or division level
(c) leaders of national races of areas
concerned acceptable to majority
(d) personalities of states or divisions
concerned who had taken part in Panlong Conference
(e) Hluttaw representatives elected from
areas concerned in the multi-party democracy general elections
(f) experts from necessary Service
organizations
(g) persons from other areas who can conduct
observations independently.
(5) The commission is to conduct field work
as necessary, studying, coordinating and discussing, giving talks etc.
(6) For it to do so, terms of reference must
be laid down, general as follows:
(a) to scrutinise how it will or will not
affect other racial groups when it is recommended to give rights to one racial
group
(b) to study how to protect the interests of
those remaining racial groups
(c) to coordinate and discuss problems of
natural resources, forests, farmlands, rivers, creeks, lakes, drinking water
distribution etc. that will emerge with the re-demarcation of boundaries
(d) to estimate and compile the population
figures of the areas concerned as accurately as possible.
(7) When it receives the report of the
commission, the government is to hold referendums in areas concerned in accord
with democratic practices. In doing so, it must be free and fair as in the
multi-party democracy general elections of 1990.
(8) After seeking the wishes of the people,
the government is to proceed as necessary.
With this, I conclude with expression of my
appreciation.
Proposal Paper by Shan Nationalities League
for Democracy
First of all I would like to express my best
wishes for well-being of the Chairman and members of the Panel of Chairmen and
the delegates to the National Convention. I am honoured and pleased to have the
opportunity to speak on behalf of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy.
I am U Hkun Tun Oo of Shan Nationalities
League for Democracy, a representative-elect from Hsipaw Constituency 1.
First I would like to say that our
discussions are
-- in conformity with the principles of
nature
-- conducive to unity and understanding among
the people concerned in the area
-- applicable in practical life
-- contributory to solidarity of the
-- conducive to getting good bases for the
[Call for Tai Lai Self-Administered Area]
In connection with the matter of prescribing
self-administered division or self-administered zone, our Shan Nationalities
League for Democracy would like to submit the matter of due rights for Tai Lai
national racial group. It is for Tai Lai group affiliated Shan national groups
such as Tai Nay, Tai Mau, Tai Hkamti, Tai Sa, Tai Hpun, Tai Kadu and Tai Ganan
etc. They are original nationals who have lived with good traditions of history
even since before the emergence of this
As such, Tai Lai nationals would be expecting
an implementation of the objective to get due rights expeditiously like their
brethren nationals, as explained by the Chairman of the Work Committee. All
nationals of Tai Lai grouping would feel joyous like others if the way is open
towards self-administration that is being awaited in all these years of
Esteemed Chairman,
A summary of the views of Shan Nationalities
League for Democracy on the matter of prescribing self-administered areas in
the chapter on State Structure is as follows:
(1) the State shall be constituted with
states on equal footing
(2) the states constituting the
(3) Self-administered areas and racial group
areas shall be prescribed as necessary in respect of various racial groups in
states
(4) Self-administered areas shall have rights
to prescribe for themselves in administrative affairs and racial group areas
shall have rights to prescribe for themselves in cultural affairs
(5) The matter of self-administered areas
shall not be prescribed forthwith at the Convention
(6) To decide correctly in the matter of
prescribing self-administered areas, the following are to be carried out in the
area concerned:
(a) it is to be declared that a special
census is to be taken
(b) census teams comprising persons from the
centre, state and area are to be formed and census taken systematically
(c) Inquiry commission is to be formed with
persons of integrity to conduct inquiries and studies
(d) When an accurate and satisfactory census
can be announced, a referendum is to be held.
(7) The referendum concerning
self-administered areas shall be one conducted with secret ballot.
(8) Basic principles laid down for the
Constitution should be based on a single footing. There should be no qualifying
clauses such as "except national races who have already obtained regions
or states".
(9) It is to be specifically stated which
national race gets which state, which region, which self-administered division
or which self-administered zone.
Esteemed Chairman,
In conclusion I would like to stress that our
presentation is based on the Three Main National Causes of non-disintegration
of the
Proposal paper by National Unity Party
Esteemed Chairman, members of the Panel of
Chairmen and delegates,
I am U Thein Tun, representative-elect
delegate of the National Unity Party from Ingapu Township Constituency-2, Ayeyarwady
Division. I will present the proposal paper compiled by representatives-elect
delegates of the National Unity Party.
We have taken note of the clarification given
by the Chairman of the Work Committee at the Plenary Session of the National
Convention on 2 September. Moreover, we have made a detailed study of the
clarification in our party.
According to the clarification of the
Chairman of the Work Committee, it can be said that the shape of the State
Structure and that of the Presidential Government machinery in accordance with
the Constitution are coming into shape.
Esteemed Chairman,
Our party will first of all present matters
in connection with prescribing of self-administered areas which comes under the
The desire for self-administration and
self-administered areas is to be found to be related to experiences in history
as well as the changing events at home and abroad. It is also found that such a
desire is in reality not a cause, but just an effect.
The desire for self-administration and
self-administered areas is related to structuring of the State as well as
separation and exercising of the three powers.
Therefore our party, since 1991, has laid
down our stand to accept the Pyidaungsu (
-- non-disintegration of the Union,
consolidation of national solidarity, racial equality, the right to prescribe
for oneselves to determine one's own destiny, the right of weak national races
to continue to exist and having strong safeguards and arrangements to promote
development of those national races;
-- laying down necessary laws and making
arrangements to exercise democratic executive machinery at township, ward and
village levels so as to be able to prescribe for oneselves to determine one's
own destiny in respective regions;
-- in designating self-administered areas
based on the national races residing together in a Union territory, if
necessary, ascertaining the wishes of the people residing in the respective
regions and designate so in accordance with the Constitution;
-- bringing into shape the democratic
regional executive machinery in self-administered areas; etc.
In accordance with these views, our party's
stand and views in connection with the self-administered areas were submitted
to the previous Plenary Session. Our proposal and the Work Committee's findings
are identical in essence.
Esteemed Chairman,
As designation of self-administered areas is
related to ethnic affairs, it is a delicate matter and must be carried out with
great care. Social problems currently occurring in some parts of the world are
very evident lessons. This is concerned not only with the nationalities who
will get self-administered areas but also other nationalities groups residing
in those areas. Besides, it is also related to the nationalities of the States
or Regions which will have self-administered areas.
Moreover, designation of self-administered
areas is the part of the task for structuring the State. Therefore, to ensure
firm basis for the matter relating to self-administered areas, it is essential
to discuss comprehensively at the National Convention and there should be
agreement, as structuring a strong and firm State and emergence of an enduring
Constitution are the tasks for building a new State. If there is comprehensive
discussion and agreement, self-administered areas, which are a foundation for
State Structure, will be firm and strong.
In presenting our party's stand and opinions,
it is aimed at national reconciliation and emergence of an enduring
Constitution with emphasis on keeping political, racial, social, legal and
constitutional balance. I hereby conclude.
(NLM 4/2)
Apr. 2: The following is 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:
Proposal paper by independent
representative-elect U Hla Maung
Esteemed Chairman and National Convention
delegates,
I extend my greetings to all of you wishing
you good health and happiness.
I am Hla Maung, independent
representative-elect of Kyainseikkyi Township Constituency 1,
Esteemed Chairman,
It is not sufficient to designate new regions
and change administrative systems based on the size of the national race being
over half of the population inhabited in the area and residing close together
on the same stretch of land. As all know, there are civil wars among ethnic
groups in Soviet Russia and
Other important factors to be taken into
consideration are:
(1) effect upon other ethnic groups residing
in the same area if the rights of a particular race are prescribed separately;
(2) change of relationship among national
races in the same area;
(3) arrangements to safeguard the rights of
minority groups;
(4) separation of boundaries with
neighbouring areas and regions;
(5) the need to make coordination with those
residing in the region or in the neighbouring regions for sharing and
distributing natural forests, plots yielding natural resources, farms, rivers,
creeks, ponds and drinking water.
[Call for Commission]
Therefore, rather than designating based on
the two factors, one on appropriate size of population and another on being
residing in contiguous regions, the National Convention should lay down the
fundamental principles as follows:
(1) Every national has equal rights and
responsibilities.
(2) Regarding the self-administration in
political, economic and administrative spheres, it is aimed at prescribing for
oneself in accordance with the State Constitution.
In accordance with this Constitution, the
government should give approval depending on the reports submitted by the commission
and sub-commissions to be set up by the Pyidaungsu Government. Before the
approval of the Pyidaungsu Government, it is also necessary to ascertain the
wishes of the nationals residing in respective regions as regards the
designation of the self-administered division or self-administered zone.
(Ascertaining the wishes of the public means seeking approval of all who have
the right to vote by holding referendum under secret ballot.)
Only if it is designated by the President by
order after ascertaining the wishes of the public, investigation by the enquiry
commission and approval by the respective Regions or States, will it exist for
long and avoid split of unity of national races.
Esteemed Chairman,
What I have submitted so far is the part
related to designation of self-administered division or self-administered zone.
Hence, with Our Three Main National Causes:
(a) non-disintegration of the
(b) non-disintegration of national
solidarity;
(c) perpetuation of sovereignty;
and the important factors in connection with
prescribing self-administered areas:
(1) effect upon other ethnic groups residing
in the same region if the rights of a particular group are determined
separately;
(2) change of relationship among national
races in the same region;
(3) arrangements to safeguard the rights of
minority groups;
(4) separation of the neighbouring areas and
regions;
(5) the need to make coordination with those
residing in the region or in the neighbouring regions for sharing and
distributing natural forests, plots yielding natural resources, farms, rivers,
creeks, ponds and drinking water;
as well as the following factors:
(1) Every national has equal rights and
responsibilities.
(2) Regarding the self-administration in political,
economic and administrative spheres, it is aimed at prescribing for oneselves
in accordance with the State Constitution.
should be laid down as fundamental
principles.
It should be approved depending on the
reports submitted by the commission and sub-commissions to be set up by the
Pyidaungsu Government. With this, I conclude.
Proposal paper submitted by independent
representative-elect Dr. Hmu Thang
Esteemed Chairman and National Convention
delegates,
First of all, I wish your physical and mental
wellbeing.
I am Dr. Hmu Thang, independent
representative-elect of Thangtlang Township Constituency,
The subject matter of the proposal paper as
all know is designation of self-administered areas under the
Esteemed Chairman,
A fundamental principle has already been laid
down as:
"The Naing-Ngan-Daw is a nation
collectively inhabited by various national races."
It is evident in this fundamental principle
that Myanmar Naing-Ngan is the land of various national races with different
languages, traditions and customs residing in different topographical
conditions. It is due to the fact that the nation is collectively inhabited by
the various national races which has resulted in demanding self-administered
areas and required conditions to designate self-administered areas.
It is natural that man desires progress of oneself
or relatives or one's race and communities and for development of one's
village, ward, town, township, Region, State and self-administered area.
National races are therefore submitting
proposals for self-administered areas so as to manage by themselves for
political, social, economic and regional development affairs and promotion of
one's language, literature and culture by getting self-administered areas in
their Regions and States. At this point, it should not be like the matter of
giver and taker and is essential to be evident that designation is done through
coordination. Only then will the essence of the
Esteemed Chairman,
I believe that data of the population
residing on the same stretches of every township clarified by the Work
Committee Chairman at the National Convention Plenary Session on 2 September
1994 is correct and complete. It can be assumed that the Work Committee, in
designating self-administered divisions and self-administered zones, has laid
down necessary basic facts, investigating the required conditions and the real
desire of the public in respective regions.
In designating self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones, it must be aimed at perpetuation of the Union and
non-disintegration of national solidarity and evident [sic] of the Pyidaungsu
system.
Being too high in centralized system is one
of the causes for disintegration of national solidarity. As One Union system
reveals the centralized system, it is important for not flourishing of One
Union system in our Union of Myanmar. Thus the situation is demanding to
practice the Pyidaungsu system with full essence for perpetuation and
flourishing of the Union.
The right to prescribe Regions, States,
self-administered divisions and self-administered zones must not be the
practice of the One Union system as in "it is prescribed by the Pyidaungsu
Government or Centralized Government and if necessary, it shall be prescribed
again", but must specifically and exactly be prescribed by the
Constitution.
Esteemed Chairman,
As long as the worldly values, namely
justice, liberty and equality have not flourished, the right to prescribe for
oneself will not be effective. Therefore, after burgeoning of the worldly
values such as justice in social relationship, economy and politics, freedom of
thought, expression, belief, faith, livelihood and organization, equality in
status, rights and judicial affairs and if the government and the public
respect and practice them, the essence of designation of self-administered
areas will be more complete. Besides, it is also essential to specifically and
exactly prescribe separation of powers and assigning of duties in the
Constitution by democratic means and to safeguard them effectively by law. As long
as there is no safeguard by law, there can be no basic human rights, and thus
prescribing designation of self-administered areas in the Constitution will be
meaningless. It must be safeguarded by law.
It is specially important not to come to
futile situation like Chin State, Rakhine State and Mon State which had to be
formed as states in accordance with the 1974 Constitution and exist just by
name but not in essence and status of states. I hereby conclude my proposal on
designation of self-administered areas.
Proposal paper by independent
representative-elect U Htawng Kho Thang
Esteemed Chairman, members of the Panel of
Chairmen and National Convention delegates,
I extend my best wishes to you for your
wellbeing both in mind and body.
I am U Htawng Kho Thang, a Chin national
independent representative-elect of Tamu Township, Sagaing Division.
First of all, I would like to request you to
excuse me with magnanimity for my weakness in Myanmar language and political
concepts as I am a Chin national independent representative-elect.
Fifteen chapter headings and fundamental
principles to be incorporated into the State Constitution were laid down in
accord with the six objectives of the National Convention --
(1) Non-disintegration of the Union;
(2) Non-disintegration of national
solidarity;
(3) Perpetuation of sovereignty;
(4) For a genuine multi-party democracy
system to flourish;
(5) For the further burgeoning of the noblest
and worthiest and worldly values such as justice, liberty and equality; and
(6) For the Tatmadaw to be able to
participate in the national political leadership role of the future State.
[Call for Commission]
Esteemed Chairman,
In connection with designation of the self-administered
division or self-administered zone, the National Convention Convening Work
Committee Chairman on 9 April 1994 clarified:
"In regions or states, self-administered
areas are to be prescribed for national races who reside together in
communities on the same common stretches of land in appropriate sizes of
population, other than national races who have already got regions or
states."
"Depending on size of population and
inhabited area, they are to be prescribed as self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones as suitable" and "a commission responsible for prescribing so
is to be formed by the State."
It is encouraging for Naga, Danu, Pa-O,
Palaung, Kokang and Wa nationals who will get self-administered divisions and
self-administered zones for being consistent with the fundamental principle. It
is a pity for the national brethren who will not get self-administered division
or self-administered zone, though suitable, for being inconsistent with the
fundamental principles but participate as national race affairs representatives
in the legislatures and the executives of the State or the Region concerned,
and for the national races who will not be able to participate as national race
affairs representatives in the legislature and the executive of the State or
the Region concerned for being inconsistent with the fundamental principles.
Esteemed Chairman,
In connection with designation of
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones, the data on the size of
population compiled by the Immigration and Manpower Department and residing
close together on the same stretches of land should not be based in designating
self-administered areas.
In conclusion, I would like to suggest that
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones should be designated in
accordance with the desire of the national race who should get the
self-administered division or self-administered zone after "the State's
setting up of a commission to do so".
Proposal paper submitted by independent
representative-elect U Tun Kyaw
Esteemed Chairman, members of the Panel of
Chairmen and delegates,
First of all, I would like to extend my best
regards to you all. I am U Tun Kyaw, independent representative-elect of
Namhsan Township Constituency, northern Shan State.
Esteemed Chairman,
Shan State has the largest area of land in
Myanmar and is inhabited by most national races. Due to various reasons, there
were differing ideas and opinions among the national brethren resulting in
resorting to armed struggle. Separation of the regions and desire to shape
one's destiny were major causes for differing of opinions. Looking forward to
the results of this National Convention, they made internal peace. Based on
national unity, an outcome of the National Convention, perpetual peace will be
maintained.
Thus, eternal peace maintained at present
will last perpetually if regions are deservingly designated to the national
brethren residing on the same stretches of land based on the actual data of the
population. It is also an important factor to practise the right to prescribe
for themselves after getting the self-administered area. It is essential to
make necessary steps for being able to practically exercise the laws laid down
within the boundary of the Constitution. It is also essential to specifically
delineate the laws to be prescribed by the Central Government, Region and State
and self-administered areas.
[Call for Commission; Provision for Future
New Self-Administered Areas]
If there is not enough time to investigate
the matter at present, a commission should be formed and a time fixed for
investigation. And the commission should be formed with persons respected by
all national races and representatives of respective national races. After
considering the root of the problem and when the original cause is remedied, it
can be cured completely.
Furthermore, if there arises the condition
caused due to various reasons at present to organize the national race to be
prescribed for the self-administered division or self-administered zone or not
to unite the national races concerned in the self-administered division or
self-administered zone, the right to organize and unite them in future after
ascertaining the wishes of the nationals should specifically be prescribed in
the Constitution.
[Call for Ta-Arn (Palaung) Self-Administered
Division]
Esteemed Chairman,
Based on the above-mentioned suggestions, it
is proposed in connection with designation of self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones as follows:
(1) a fundamental principle be laid down to
separate villages inhabited by respective nationals from the neighbouring
townships of the designated self-administered area of the national race and
organize them to be prescribed under the designated self-administered area;
(2) to transfer the six Ta-Arn (Palaung)
village-tracts namely Yebon, Tongyi, Lweyar, Pangthang, Molo and Khuhsa which
are under Momeik Township to Mongtong Township;
(3) to transfer the seven Ta-Arn (Palaung)
village-tracts namely Panlon, Mongmu, Mongsan, Pangsok, Namtaunggon, Lwepye and
Lwekyu which are under Namtu Township to Namhsan Township;
(4) to organize 35 village-tracts -- the 32
Ta-Arn village-tracts namely Hehkan, Lwekyu, Mongngok, Konkok, Tawhsan,
Lwehkan, Kaungkalaw, Kwansalam, Palai, Chon, Ponghu, Monghkauk, Konkaw, Ponlon,
Husun, Hukwet, Kyushaw, Nongpit, Lwekon, Ponglin, Pongsan, Santhein, Lwe-an
(Monglon), Lwehsa (Mingon), Pazi, Pongwo, Kawpong, Peinhsint, Pongkwan, Lwe-an
(Mongting), Namhkun and Mongmaw encircling Mongngok village-tract in Kyaukme Township
and the three Ta-Arn (Palaung) village-tracts namely Hkunhauk, Panhkan and
Mongpit of Hsipaw Township -- as Mongngok new town;
(5) to organize the 19 Ta-Arn (Palaung)
village-tracts namely Lwehwan, Loknaw, Mongwun, Sene, Mongwe, Lwechet, Mongpan,
Panyok, Tonhok, Hotan, Tinlon, Mongpu, Mongsat, Kongkat and Pamadeinhsa
encircling Mongwe village-tract in Namhkan Township and the seven Ta-Arn
village-tracts namely Mongyu, Mongneim-awng, Mongpu, Kyeinpun (Peinbun),
Homawlokhwan and Homawmongneim in Kutkai Township as Mongwe new town; and
(6) to designate Namhsan Township and
Mongngok Township as one district and Mongton Township and Mongwe Township as
one district and to prescribe them Ta-Arn Self-Administered Division.
With this I conclude.
Proposal paper by independent
representative-elect U Aung Thein
Esteemed Chairman, members of the Panel of
Chairmen and delegates,
I am Aung Thein, independent
representative-elect of Ywangan Township Constituency, southern Shan State. I
extend my best wishes to you for wellbeing both in mind and body.
[Don't Count Civil Servants in National
Races]
If, in accordance with the clarification of
the Work Committee Chairman, the National Convention in session designates
right away the self-administered areas and respective national race affairs
representatives based on the data on regional population, it is specially
essential to acquire the correct and accurate data on the sizes of populations
of the national races residing in these regions. In collecting data on the
population, it is also essential that the data must be of the national races
who settled in respective regions formerly. It is inappropriate to include the
staff of governmental organizations and departments. Service personnel have to
stay in a certain region on State's duty and transfer to another place at any
time.
[Call for Commission]
In compiling data on regional populations,
the strength of population, especially the strength of the State service
personnel, must be left out, and only the strength of the national races
settling in the region formerly must be taken into account. For acquiring the
accurate population data, it must not solely rely on the data compiled by the
Immigration and Manpower Department, and a commission should be formed with
appropriate personnel and assigned duties to scrutinize it as accurate and
thorough as possible. If this is not conducted by means of the commission and
self-administered areas be designated, there will be numerous problems among
national races in future.
[Problems of Contiguity]
I would like to propose the point in
connection with "being contigious" [sic]. In accordance with the Work
Committee Chairman's clarification, the townships of the self-administered
areas must be contigious or must be in a position to be contigious. Though
there cannot be any difficulty for the townships on the same stretches of land,
it may encounter many problems in a situation to combine the regions to form
self-administered area. I emphatically propose that proper and correct ways
must be sought so as not to encounter problems in combining the regions and
carried out thoroughly and accurately.
Esteemed Chairman,
In connection with the Work Committee
Chairman's clarification on designation of self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones, though there is no reason to object to it in
principle, it is connected to ethnic affairs and must be carried out with great
care. Moreover, self-administration is related not only to the national race
who will get self-administration but also in one way or another to other
national races who settle in the region. It is essential for the national
races, who will get self-administration, to bear Union spirit and help along
with other nationals regarding them as their kinsmen. Social problems occurring
in some parts of the world due to ethnic affairs are very evident lessons for
us. For not occurring such social problems in the future history of our nation,
ethnic affairs must be handled with great care at the National Convention which
is now in session. Furthermore, the matter of self-administered areas is not
only the foundation of the State Structure but also the taproot of the new
nation. For the Constitution to be durable and ever-lasting and for the State
to be strong, the foundation must be firm.
The National Convention in session must
necessarily carry out the matter of the self-administered areas which form
foundations for the State. If appropriate, comprehensive discussions must be
held during the session to carry out this matter thoroughly. With this I
conclude my proposal.
Proposal paper by nationalities delegates
group
Esteemed Chairman, members of Panel of
Chairmen, the Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission and members,
the chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee and members,
the chairman of the National Convention Convening Management Committee and
members and National Convention delegates,
May all of you be blessed.
I am Maj. Mya Thaung (Rtd), a nationalities
delegate from North-West Township, Mandalay Division. I will submit the first
part of the proposal paper compiled by the nationalities delegates in
connection with fundamental principles to be laid down for designation of
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones to be incorporated into
the State Constitution. The remaining parts will be submitted by U Aung Hsa of
Kutkai Township, Shan State, and U Hkun Win Naung of Hpa-an Township, Kayin
State.
Esteemed Chairman,
In connection with this matter, the
delegates, individually or in political parties or in groups, have already
submitted proposal papers to the National Convention Plenary Session held from
23 March to 9 April 1994. As National Convention Work Committee Chairman U Aung
Toe clarified at the Plenary Session on 9 April 1994, this matter was put off
as it was necessary for the Work Committee to take time to scrutinize whether
or not the proposals in connection with prescribing self-administered divisions
or self-administered zones were consistent with the fundamental principles already
laid down, for there were many national races who proposed to prescribe
self-administered divisions or self-administered areas; some areas proposed to
be prescribed as self-administered divisions or self-administered zones overlap
one another; some proposed that in prescribing self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones, they should be under direct administration of the
President or the Central Government; some proposed to prescribe
self-administered division or self-administered zones not depending on the race
but on the inhabited area; some proposed to carry out this matter after forming
a commission while the National Convention is in session; and some suggested
matters for national race affairs relating to prescribing self-administered divisions
or self-administered zones.
Chairman of the National Convention Convening
Commission Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt also urged the delegates to make the most of
opportunity available, during the recess of the National Convention, to conduct
studies so as to offer good advice and suggestions in connection with the
chapter headings on legislative, executive and judicial matters along with the
matter of designating self-administered divisions and self-administered zones.
[Call For Immediate Designation of Areas]
As for the nationalities delegates group, we
have submitted proposal at the National Convention Plenary Session on 23 March
1994. We also made suggestions on how self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones should be designated. We proposed that if a commission
be formed in designating so, it might take time and there might be various
accusations upon the commission; as all National Convention delegates are
responsible for our national brethren to get deserving right for
administration, the delegates should discuss and designate which national races
should get self-administered divisions and which ones should get
self-administered zones right away instead of carrying out the matter in
connection with the national races who are deserving to get self-administered
divisions or self-administered zones after setting up a commission.
[Definitions]
In connection with prescribing
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones, the nationalities
delegates group proposes for laying down detailed fundamental principles as
follows:
-- In organizing the Union it is laid down
that --
"in a self-administered zone, townships
therein are organized into the self-administered zone."
"In a self-administered division,
townships therein are organized into districts and districts are organized into
the self-administered division."
and it should be laid down that --
"townships" means at least two
townships and "districts" means at least two districts.
-- In connection with prescribing
self-administered areas it should be laid down that --
"in regions or states, self-administered
areas are to be prescribed for national races who reside together in
communities on the same common stretches of land in appropriate sizes of
population, other than national races who have already got regions or
states."
It should also be laid down that --
"'Appropriate size of population' means
that the population of the national race concerned must form majority in each
of the townships of the self-administered area and must be over half of the total
population in those townships."
It should be laid down that --
"'Common stretches of land' means that
the townships concerned are contigious [sic] and are in a position to be
rendered as contigious."
[Specific Proposals for Self-Administered
Areas]
-- After clarifying the meaning of
"townships", "districts", "appropriate sizes of
population" and "common stretches of land" as mentioned above, I
accordingly propose that --
-- self-administered zone should be
prescribed for Naga nationals organizing Namyun, Lahe and Leshe townships in
Sagaing Division;
-- self-administered zone should be
prescribed for Danu nationals organizing Ywangan and Pindaya townships in Shan
State;
-- self-administered zone should be
prescribed for Pa-O nationals organizing Hopong, Hsehseng and Pinalung
townships in Shan State;
-- self-administered zone should be
prescribed for Palaung nationals organizing Namhsan and Mongton townships in
Shan State;
-- self-administered zone should be
prescribed for Kokang nationals organizing Kongyan and Laukkai townships in
Shan State;
-- self-administered zone should be
prescribed for Wa nationals organizing Hopang, Mongmaw, Pangwai, Naphan,
Monghpat and Pangyang townships in Shan State, and in so doing, the six
townships should be organized into two districts and prescribed as
self-administered division;
-- though being not in position to prescribe
self-administered division or self-administered zone, the population of a
national race form appropriate size to qualify to participate in the
legislature and the executive of the Region or State concerned, it should be
laid down that national race affairs representatives should qualify to
participate in one's national race affairs in the legislature and the executive
of the Region or State concerned.
Esteemed Chairman,
In connection with prescribing
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones as submitted on 23 March
1994, there were individual proposals of our group.
Regarding these proposals, U Aung Hsa,
delegate from Kutkai Township, Shan State, will continue to discuss.
Esteemed Chairman, members of Panel of
Chairmen and delegates,
I am Aung Hsa, delegate from Kutkai Township,
Shan State. I will continue to submit the second part of the proposal paper of
the nationalities delegates group.
Esteemed Chairman,
In connection with prescribing
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones, delegates of our group
submitted proposal individually to the National Convention Plenary Session on
23 March 1994. I will now submit further proposals by respective delegates.
[Provisions for Future; Direct Administration
of Cocogyun and Paletwa Townships; Self-Administered Division for Pa-Os]
First of all, I would like to submit salient
points from U Saw Nwe Tun, delegate from Mogaung Township, Kachin State. He
proposes that --
"As the State Constitution being written
now has given rights on the basis of the size of population of the national
races, it is essential to compile accurate data on the names of national races
and each of their population so as to ensure long-term benefit."
"In future, there may arise national
races with appropriate sizes of population to qualify to prescribe
self-administered areas, it should be added one more fundamental principle that
if there arise national races for whom it is appropriate to prescribe
self-administered areas, it can be done so after seeking approval of the
Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and that all national races enjoy this right equally."
He also proposed that as Cocogyun Township
which has a special situation is designated Union territory and placed under
direct administration of the President of the Union, Paletwa Township should be
under direct administration of the President of the Union.
The two special points to be added to the
proposal are:
1. differences in population data; and
2. living situation of Pa-O nationals at
present
It is a pity that the population of Pa-O
nationals compiled by the Immigration and Manpower Department on 31 March 1992
is found to be about 60,000 less than the data compiled by IMPD on 15 August
1994 after a two years' period, and it is therefore found that Pa-O nationals
who are really residing have to give up some rights as prescribing of
self-administered areas is based on the size of population.
In short, due to various difficulties, there
are differences in population data and as a result, in some townships,
respective nationals have to give up their basic rights, getting
self-administered zones instead of self-administered divisions; and so as to
consolidate national unity, self-administered areas should be determined
organizing village-tracts inhabited by the nationals on the same stretches of
land instead of prescribing them on the base of the size of population.
Therefore, he proposes that self-administered division should be prescribed for
Pa-O nationals organizing village-tracts in various areas and townships
inhabited by Pa-O nationals on the same stretches of land.
On behalf of the entire Pa-O nationals, he
proposes that if the National Convention decide to agree to their proposal in
principle or procedure, they will accept the decision of the National
Convention.
Esteemed Chairman,
Now, the third part of the proposal paper
will be submitted by delegate U Hkun Win Naung of Hpa-an Township, Kayin State.
Esteemed Chairman, members of Panel of
Chairmen and delegates,
I am Hkun Win Naung, delegate from Hpa-an
Township, Kayin State. I will continue to submit the third part of the proposal
paper.
Esteemed Chairman,
On behalf of Palaung national delegates U Shwe
Maung, U Aung Hsa and U Nyunt Maung of norther Shan State, Ta-Arn (Palaung)
national U Nyunt Maung of Namhsan Township submitted proposal.
[Call for Palaung Self-Administered Division]
For Ta-Arn (Palaung) national race, it is
proposed to prescribe self-administered division as follows:
(1) to organize Palaung village-tracts in
Kyaukme Township which are contigious [sic] with Namhsan Township and those
between Mongngok and Namhsan into Mongngok Township;
(2) to organize Palaung village contigious
with Namhkan Township and Mongtong Township and the village-tract contigious
with Mongtong Township and Kutkai Township into Mongwe Township and after that
(a) to organize Mongngok and Namhsan
Townships into a district;
(b) Mongwe and Mongton Townships into a
district;
(3) to prescribe the two districts having
four townships as Ta-Arn (Palaung) Self-Administered Division.
[Call For Kayan Self-Administered Zones]
Esteemed Chairman,
For Kayan family, Kayan national delegate U
Hla Moe of Pehkon Township, southern Shan State, also proposed to organize
areas in Shan State, Kayah State, Kayin State and Mandalay Division and
prescribe self-administered zones in respective Region or State; and in
accordance with the Work Committee Chairman's clarification, there is no
favourable condition to prescribe self-administered zone for Kayan nationals.
He proposed that in view of family unity, a
law should be laid down for exception for Kayan nationals family to be
organized; if necessary, respective boundaries should be changed to be able to
organize Kayan national family; these matters have to be carried out as long
term plan and therefore cannot be completed right away at the National
Convention; the Kayan family will be overjoyed if Kayan areas are to be
organized and formed under a Region or a State.
Esteemed Chairman,
The National Convention has been in session
for over two years.
We must pay serious attention to what
National Convention Convening Commission Chairman Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt, at the
Plenary Session on 9 April 1994, said: "We all have worked in all
seriousness for obtaining such headings and basic principles, expending a great
deal of time and efforts and incurring monetary expense to the nation. So with
due regard of time, we need to carry on, stage by stage, for achieving steady
progress."
We all have desire for the nation to emerge
developed and modern as soon as possible with worthy worldly values namely
justice, equality and liberty. The future of the State depends on reaching
consensus upon the detailed fundamental principles to be incorporated into a
durable State Constitution. There also remain many detailed fundamentals to be
laid down chapterwise. Therefore, I would like to urge all National Convention
delegates to discern the emergence of a durable State Constitution as our
primary task. With this I conclude.
(NLM 4/3)
Panel of Chairmen Findings
Apr. 5 [full text except for repeated
matter]: The following is a translation of the findings of the members of the
Panel of Chairmen on the proposal papers in connection with prescribing
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones submitted to the Plenary
Session by the delegates on 29, 30 and 31 March:
U Kyi Nyunt [national races delegates group]:
"In connection with prescribing self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones, the nationalities delegates group proposed:...[five
paragraphs from proposal paper quoted: National Convention should determine
self-administered areas.]"
U Hla Myint [intellectuals and intelligentsia
delegates group]: "In connection with the matter of laying down
fundamental principle for prescribing self-administered division or
self-administered zones, other invited delegates group proposed: [three
paragraphs quoted: immediate designation of self-administered areas by the
National Convention]. The delegate from Kachin State Special Region 1 of the
group proposed: [paragraph quoted: immediate designation]. The delegate from
Shan State North Special Region 1 of the group proposed: [paragraph quoted: boundary
commission to establish boundaries of the Kokang area].
U Tin Maung Kyaw [peasant delegates group]:
"Regarding the matter of prescribing self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones, the State service personnel delegates group proposed:
[three paragraphs quoted: National Convention to designate self-administered
areas immediately.] The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy proposed: [two
paragraphs quoted: inquiry commission to study proposed self-administered
areas]. The National Unity Party proposed: [paragraph quoted: National
Convention should discuss and agree on self-administered areas]."
U Maung Gyi [Union Pa-O National
Organization]: "The nationalities delegates group proposed: [paragraph
quoted: National Convention should establish self-administered areas]. However,
the two Wa national delegates proposed that Wa self-administered area should be
prescribed for Wa nationals depending on the size of population of Wa nationals
and contiguity of stretches of inhabited land and that it is important for
ascertaining the wishes of regional people which will contribute towards
burgeoning of worldly values -- justice, equality and liberty -- in building a
new democratic state and therefore inquiry commission should be formed with
nationalities delegates to seek the desire of regional people."
U Ko [other invited delegates group]:
"In connection with prescribing self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones, the Union Kayin League of the political parties
delegates group proposed: [paragraph quoted: self-administered areas should be
prescribed immediately for groups with 100,000-500,000 people, even if all data
is not available]. The Kokang Democracy and Unity Party proposed: [paragraph
quoted: clarifications of the Work Committee Chairman endorsed]. The National
Unity Party proposed: [paragraph quoted: self-administered areas for Nagas,
Pa-Os, Palaungs, Kokangs, and Was endorsed; population data for Danus
inadequate, but willing to go along with Work Committee Chairman's
recommendation]."
Dr. Thaung Myint [member of National
Convention Work Committee]: "Intellectuals and intelligentsia delegates
group proposed: [paragraph quoted: Ywangan and Pindaya Townships should become
Danu self-Administered region]. State service personnel delegates group
proposed: [two paragraphs quoted: Ywangan and Pindaya Townships should become
Danu self-administered zone]. Other invited delegates group proposed:
[paragraph quoted: Ywangan and Pindaya Townships should become Danu
self-administered zone]. Union Kayin League proposed: [paragraph quoted:
self-administered areas should be prescribed immediately for groups with
100,000-500,000 people, even if all data is not available]. Kokang Democracy
and Unity Party proposed: [paragraph quoted: clarifications of the Work
Committee Chairman endorsed]."
U Arnt Maung [service personnel delegates
group]: "Union Pa-O National Organization proposed: [four paragraphs
quoted: proposed Pa-O self-administered area defined]."
U Bo Myint [workers delegates group]:
"Union Kayin League proposed: [paragraph quoted: self-administered areas
should be prescribed immediately for groups with 100,000-500,000 people, even
if all data is not available]. Kokang Democracy and Unity Party proposed:
[paragraph quoted: clarifications of the Work Committee Chairman endorsed].
National Unity Party proposed: [paragraph quoted: self-administered areas for
Nagas, Pa-Os, Palaungs, Kokangs, and Was endorsed; population data inadequate
for Danus, but willing to accept Work Committee Chairman recommendation]."
(NLM 4/6)
U Aung Toe's Clarification
Apr. 7 [full text, except for material
directly quoted from proposal papers]: Chairman of the National Convention
Convening Work Committee U Aung Toe clarified the matter of laying down
detailed basic principles for prescribing self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones to be included in the new Constitution at the Plenary
Session of the National Convention at the Central Conference Hall in the
President's Residence compound on Ahlon Road today. The following is a
translation:
Esteemed Chairman and National Convention
delegates,
I would like to extend greetings with best
wishes for well-being and all auspiciousness for all the delegates to the
National Convention.
Among the delegates are persons most learned
in arts and sciences and rich in life experiences. It is also found that, on
the basis of their knowledge and wisdom and experiences, they have held
discussions to their heart's content for laying down principles to serve as
basis in framing the enduring State Constitution, presenting their views and
proposals. I have explained at the plenary session of the National Convention
held on 11 January 1993 that there was no fixing of a time limit in order that
the delegates could hold discussions to their satisfaction in the delegate
groups.
After the delegates have held discussions to
their satisfaction, the delegate groups have submitted proposal papers to the
National Convention Convening Work Committee on the part concerning detailed
basic principles for prescribing self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones, on the part concerning formation of the chapter on
legislature, on the part concerning formation in the chapter on the executive,
and on the part concerning formation in the chapter on the judiciary.
These papers have all been received since
March 8. So, first of all, I will clarify the matter of laying down detailed
principles to form basis in prescribing self-administered divisions or zones.
Esteemed Chairman,
In connection with this matter, I will
present again some points I have clarified on 18 January 1994 to refresh the
memory of the delegates.
At the plenary session of the National
Convention held on that day, I explained that, among the principles to serve as
basis regarding the State Structure, the following principles to serve as basis
for self-administered areas were laid down:
(a) in regions or states, self-administered
areas are to be prescribed for national races who reside in communities on the
same common stretches of land in appropriate sizes of population, other than
national races who have already got regions or states;
(b) depending on size of population and
inhabited area, they are to be prescribed as self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones as suitable;
(c) a commission responsible for prescribing
so is to be formed by the State;
I explained that, as basic principles had
been so laid down to prescribe self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones as necessary depending on sizes of population of respective nationals and
contiguity of stretches of inhabited land, there would arise situations for
prescribing self-administered divisions or self-administered zones.
I explained that, in Regions or States, in
addition to national races who had got their own Regions or States, there were
other national races as well; some national races had appropriate populations
and were found to be residing close together on the same stretches of land; the
Convention had laid down the basic principle to prescribe self-administered
division or self-administered zone as suitable on the basis of size of
population and area of land of these nationals.
I explained that the delegates were to
discuss and propose how it should be differentiated between self-administered
divisions and self-administered zones; as the self-administered division would
have legislative powers, executive powers and judicial powers as prescribed by
the State Co would have legislative powers, executive powers and judicial
powers as prescribed by the State Co, there should be districts and townships
in the self-administered division, though the self-administered division was
not as high in status as Region or State, it would be higher in status than the
districts in the Region or State.
Status
I explained that self-administered zones,
though not as high as self-administered divisions, would not be lower in status
than districts; it was found that such an area should be prescribed for the
national race residing close together in that area.
I explained that, in connection with
prescribing of self-administered divisions or self-administered zones, a basic
principle had been laid down that if there arose occasion to prescribe a
self-administered division or a self-administered zone, the State was to set up
a commission to proceed as necessary.
Due rights
I explained that the State's setting up of a
commission for prescribing self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones was a procedural matter; the will to act for the national brethren to get
their due rights expeditiously was bound to be unanimous in all the delegates
to the National Convention.
I explained that, accordingly, if the
National Convention delegates themselves discussed and prescribed right away as
to which national races should get self-administered divisions and which should
get self-administered zones, which areas should be designated for which
national races, in connection with national races who deserved
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones, instead of having the
State to set up a commission to do so, the nationals concerned would be pleased
and it would further consolidate national unity; so, we would like the
delegates to discuss and give their suggestions whether or not it would be
appropriate to determine right away where self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones should be prescribed in which Regions or States, for
the national races who conformed to the basic principles already laid down,
from among national races other than those who had already got Regions or
States.
Thorough discussions
Esteemed Chairman,
After I had explained so, the Convention
delegates had discussed the matter thoroughly and presented their views and
suggestions. Proposals of delegate groups and some delegates were studied by
the Panel of Chairmen at the plenary session of the National Convention that
began on 5 April 1994, it submitted that proposals on the matter of prescribing
self-administered division or self-administered zone were numerous and broad in
scope and some time should be taken to scrutinize whether or not they were in
accord with the principles already laid down.
At the plenary session of the National
Convention held on 9 April 1994, I explained in my clarification that it was
seen that national races who had submitted proposals for prescribing
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones were considerably
numerous.
Over lapping
I explained that some areas submitted to be
prescribed as self-administered divisions or self-administered zones of various
national races were overlapping one another; some had proposed that these
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones be placed under direct
administration of the President of the Union or the central government; some
submitted for prescribing self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones not on the basis of national race but on the basis of inhabitation; some
submitted proposal for formation of commission and conducting studies while the
Convention was still in progress; some submitted proposal for formation of
commission to proceed with the work; moreover, some submitted proposal for
making arrangements about affairs of national races in relation with the matter
of prescribing self-administered divisions or self-administered zones.
To take time
I explained that the proposals made by the
delegates as they spoke out their minds openly along with clarifications of
reasons were, as appraised by the Panel of Chairmen, so numerous and extensive
it was necessary to take time to deal with them; it was also appraised that it
was still necessary to take time and scrutinize the proposals on prescribing
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones to see if they were in
accord with the already adopted principles or not.
I explained that, so, I would like to submit
that it was not yet appropriate to lay down principles to form basis in
connection with prescribing self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones at that current plenary session of the National Convention and in view of
explanations given there the matter under discussion of laying down principles
thereon would be discussed and coordinated in continuation at the National
Convention session to be convened next time.
For good ideas
Esteemed Chairman,
After that, the National Convention went into
recess from 10 April 1994 to 1 September 1994. During the recess, just as the
delegates made studies to submit good ideas for laying down principles to serve
as basis in prescribing self-administered divisions or self-administered zones,
the National Convention Convening Work Committee too made studies. I have
clarified our findings at the plenary session of the National Convention held
on 2 September 1994.
Main points
You have heard the roundup by the Panel of
Chairmen of the main points from the views expressed by the delegates for
laying down detailed principles to serve as basis in prescribing
self-administered division or self-administered zone, and you have also heard
the findings of the Panel of Chairmen.
Esteemed Chairman,
On the basis of the discussions and proposals
of the delegates and the findings of the Panel of Chairmen in connection with
detailed principles to serve as basis in prescribing self-administered
divisions or self-administered zones, within the framework of the six
objectives of the National Convention and already adopted basic principles, the
National Convention Convening Work Committee submitted detailed principles that
should be adopted to the National Convention Convening Commission. The
Commission approved them. So I will now clarify the detailed principles laid
down for prescribing self-administered division and self-administered zone.
Esteemed Chairman,
In connection with the laying down of
detailed basic principles on prescribing self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones, first of all I will select and present relevant points
from the proposal papers presented at the National Convention held from 18
January 1994 to 9 April 1994 and then those presented at the current session of
the National Convention.
Solidarity
The peasant delegates group proposed that --
[two paragraphs quoted: National Convention should prescribe self-administered
areas, rather than a commission, and national races should get
self-administered areas if in accord with stipulations].
Qualifications
The worker delegates group proposed --
[paragraph quoted: National Convention should prescribe self-administered
areas, and provisions should be made for additional self-administered areas for
groups that may become entitled to them].
Population scrutiny
National Convention delegates have already
heard that two worker delegates from that group suggested that a population
scrutiny group should be formed to scrutinize the population.
The intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group proposed to consider whether or not to adopt this way: [paragraph quoted:
Convening Work Committee and Panel of Chairmen should propose self-administered
areas, and the National Convention approve them].
Essence
Another paper said that -- [paragraph quoted:
basic principles should not "permit a national race by the strength of
population to exert pressure on another national race to extend their
territory;" and more populous national races should work with smaller
ones] and it also mentioned areas which should be prescribed as
self-administered division or self-administered zone.
The State service personnel delegates group
said that -- [two paragraphs quoted: National Convention should prescribe
self-administered areas right away].
Another proposal paper submitted by State
service personnel delegates group said that -- [four long paragraphs quoted:
National Convention should specify self-administered areas, to avoid disrupting
quarrels].
A delegate group to the National Convention,
other invited persons group, proposed -- [paragraph quoted: self-administered
areas should be prescribed right away].
The delegate of Kachin State Special Region 1
and the delegate of Shan State (South) Special Region 6, who are of the other
invited persons group, proposed that the National Convention should right away
lay down basic principles on prescribing self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones; the delegate of Shan State (North) Special Region 1,
that of Shan State (North) Special Region 3, that of Shan State (North) Special
Region 5 and that of Shan State (North) Special Region 7 and another delegate
in that group proposed a commission be formed for the matter; and the delegate
of Shan State (North) Special Region 2 and that of Shan State (East) Special
Region 4 proposed a self-administered state be formed with Kengtung as the
centre for Wa nationals, Akha nationals, Lahu nationals and Shan nationals, as
all the delegates have heard.
Full characteristics
Esteemed Chairman,
Union Pa-O National Organization, of the
political parties delegates group, has proposed -- [paragraph quoted: Pa-O's
should have self-administered division including Taunggyi and Loilem
districts].
In another proposal paper, it is proposed --
[paragraph quoted: work of National Convention endorsed].
Shan State Kokang Democratic Party, included
in the same group, has proposed -- [paragraph quoted: self-administered areas
proposed for Kokang, Wa, Pa-O, Mro or Khami, Palaung, Lisu, Naga, Lahu, Akha,
and other national races who "believe they deserve it"].
Joy
Mro or Khami National Solidarity
Organization, of the same group, said -- [paragraph quoted: National Convention
should prescribe self-administered areas immediately, to give joy to the
national races].
Lahu National Development Party, included in
the delegates group, proposed -- [paragraph quoted: commission should decide
self-administered areas].
In another proposal paper, it was proposed --
[paragraph quoted: commission should be formed, with details for formation.]
(NLM 4/8)
National Unity Party in that group said --
[two paragraphs quoted: self-administered areas should be prescribed right
away.]
Strong foundation
In another paper, it said -- [paragraph
quoted: should be discussion and consensus in National Convention on self-administered
areas].
Esteemed Chairman,
Representatives of political parties in the
Representatives-elect group have made proposals reflecting the views of their
political parties in connection with the matter of prescribing
self-administered division or self-administered zone.
Independent Representatives-elect, namely
that of Thangtlan, Tamu, Namhsan, Kya-in Seikkyi (1), Ywangan constituencies,
proposed that the matter of prescribing self-administered division or
self-administered zone should be carried out through formation of a commission.
To secure due rights
The national races delegates group said --
[two paragraphs quoted: National Convention should prescribe self-administered
areas].
Of some delegates in that group who presented
altogether 13 papers, Naga, Danu and Pa-O national leaders proposed that the
Convention should right away lay down detailed principles for prescribing
self-administered division or self-administered zone. Although there were no proposals
in some papers in this connection, some proposed as follows:
-- The State should form a commission to work
even as the Convention is in progress, so that the Convention could decide
which areas should be prescribed as self-administered division or self-administered
zone.
-- A commission should be formed to conduct
studies even as the Convention is in session, so that the Convention could
ascertain the expanses of areas as necessary in prescribing self-administered
division or self-administered zone.
-- A body comprising pure nationals should be
formed to scrutinise and proceed accordingly in the matter of changing the
boundary of a Region or State.
Field study
The national race delegates group in a
further proposal paper proposed as before that self-administered divisions and
self-administered zones should be prescribed right away. However two Wa
national delegates proposed forming a field study team comprising
representatives of nationals as appropriate.
Esteemed Chairman,
Of the proposals presented by Convention
delegates, the following groups proposed that detailed proposals be laid down
for the Convention to prescribe right away, instead of the State forming a
commission to prescribe, self-administered division or self-administered zone:
-- peasant delegates group
-- worker delegates group
-- intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group
-- State service personnel delegates group
-- other invited persons group
-- national race delegates group.
Population figures
Two delegates from worker delegates group
proposed formation of a team to scrutinize population figures; Kachin State
Special Region 1 delegate and Shan State (South) Special Region 6 delegate
proposed that the Convention lay down right away detailed basic principles for
prescribing self-administered division or self-administered zone; Shan State
(North) Special Region 1 delegate, Shan State (North) Special Region 5 delegate
and Shan State (North) Special Region 7 delegate and another delegate from that
group proposed formation of a commission; Shan State (North) Special Region 2
delegate and Shan State (East) Special Region 4 delegate proposed forming Wa,
Akha, Lahu and Shan nationals self-administered state with Kengtung as centre,
as all the delegates have heard.
Union Pa-O National Organization, Shan State
Kokang Democratic Party and Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization of
the political parties delegates group proposed that the Convention should
prescribe right away, instead of the State forming a commission to prescribe,
self-administered division or self-administered zone.
Formation of commission
However, Lahu National Development Party, Wa
National Development Party, National League for Democracy and Shan
Nationalities League for Democracy proposed it should be done through formation
of a commission.
Esteemed Chairman,
Kokang Democracy and Unity Party of the
political parties delegates group proposed at the plenary session of the
National Convention held from 18 January 1994 to 9 April 1994 that the matter
of prescribing self-administered division or self-administered zone should be
carried out right away by the National Convention, instead of the State forming
a commission.
Precise provisions
However, at the current plenary session of
the National Convention, it said that it would be possible to make more
appropriate and precise provisions (the right of national races, based on
self-administered area/proportion of populations, to participate in the
respective area) if the list of populations of national races can be
re-ascertained.
Consensus
National Unity Party of political parties
delegates group proposed that in Regions or States, suitable areas should be
prescribed right away as self-administered division or self-administered zone,
and that it was necessary to coordinate thoroughly and get consensus in the
National Convention on matters concerning self-administered areas.
Delegates of Union Pa-O National
Organization, Shan State Kokang Democratic Party, Mro or Khami National
Solidarity Organization, National League for Democracy, Shan Nationalities
League for Democracy and National Unity Party of the Representatives-elect
group presented proposals of the same nature as their political parties.
Independent representatives-elect of
Thangtlan Constituency, Tamu Constituency, Namhsan Constituency, Kya-in Seikkyi
Constituency and Ywangan Constituency proposed that instead of the National
Convention prescribing right away self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones, it should be done with the forming of a commission.
Esteemed Chairman,
Many delegates have proposed that basic
principles should be laid down for the National Convention to prescribe right
away self-administered divisions or self-administered zones instead of doing so
by forming a commission.
Detailed study
During the period the National Convention was
in recess, the National Convention Convening Work Committee made a detailed
study of the discussion of the Convention delegates at the National Convention
held from 18 January to 9 April 1994. It also studied procedures of collecting
population figures, in other words, enumeration of census and compiling and
upkeeping population figures in accord with the proposals presented by
Convention delegates in connection with population. The department which is
responsible for enumeration of census in our country, compiling and upkeeping
data, is the Immigration and Manpower Department. This department also has to
calculate data on the total population of the country on the basis of the rate
of growth of population of the country. The population figures I have presented
at the plenary session of the National Convention held on 2 September 1994 are
those compiled by the Immigration and Manpower Department up to 15 August 1994.
Population growth rate
Population figures of a country have to be
collected through enumeration of census at a fixed time and date. After the
enumeration of the population census, it is natural that there will be births
and deaths and hence, the yearly population is calculated on the basis of the
yearly population growth rate, so as to get the total population of the
country. The United Nations Fund for Population Activities provides assistance
in doing so. Moreover, experts on population sent by this Fund themselves
devote their time in cooperating and participating in the work; and based on
the population census collected by the Immigration and Manpower Department, the
yearly population growth rate is calculated and fixed in accord with internationally
accepted methods. The population figures have been compiled in a way I have
just clarified, in accord with calculated and accepted yearly population growth
rate of our country.
Close to real situation
The population figures were those derived from
the population census enumeration work carried out by the Immigration and
Manpower Department in 1983, long before the arising of matters of practising
multiparty democracy system in the country, convening of the National
Convention for laying down basic principles for drafting of the enduring
Constitution and laying down detailed basic principles for prescribing
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones. As those population
figures are those collected from honest statements of the people free of
personal bias or influences, they are population figures as close to the real
situation as possible.
The delegates have heard delegate groups and
some delegates' separate proposals in connection with formation of commission.
In our country, in 1948, a local self-administration inquiry commission was
formed and put to work but it was only in 1952 that it could submit its report,
thus taking four years, it was found from records. Even though it took four
years, work was finished only respect of Kayin national races alone. For
Rakhine and Mon national races, it was only after 22 years when the 1974
constitution had been promulgated that they attained statehood, it was found.
Sure right
Esteemed Chairman,
I have clarified our findings in connection
with laying down of detailed principles to be taken as basis for the National
Convention to prescribe self-administered divisions or self-administered zones
right away instead of going about it by forming a commission. As contained in
my clarification, since the townships which have the conditions to be
prescribed self-administered divisions or self-administered zones, are found to
be in the same common stretch of land and it is quite obvious that the
particular national race is the most populous living close together, the
particular national race will surely get self-administered division or
self-administered zone in these areas whether it is prescribed through the
procedural method of forming a commission or right away by the Convention.
Therefore, among the basic principles laid
down for prescribing self-administered divisions or self-administered zones, it
was stated --
-- in regions or states, self-administered
areas are to be prescribed for national races who reside together in
communities on the same common stretches of land in appropriate sizes of
population, other than national races who have already got regions or states;
-- depending on size of population and
inhabited area, they are to be prescribed as self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones as suitable;
-- a commission responsible for prescribing
so is to be formed by the State.
Now, instead of the principle "A
commission responsible for prescribing so is to be formed by the State",
the basic principle "They are to be prescribed by the National Convention
right away" is hereby laid down.
Wordings
Esteemed Chairman,
In connection with the wordings
"townships", "districts", appropriate sizes of
population" and "same common stretches of land" in the basic
principles for prescribing self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones, I will clarify matters relating to suggestions of the National
Convention delegates.
I explained at the plenary session of the
National Convention on 2 September 1994 that in giving suggestions at the
plenary session before, some National Convention delegates, political parties
and delegate groups had deliberated and proposed the terms -- townships,
districts and appropriate size of population included in the principles already
laid down to form as base. I explained that as suggestions and proposals thus
made had been of much help in prescribing self-administered divisions and
self-administered zones, I would continue to clarify matters in connection with
the terms -- townships, districts, appropriate size of population and
contiguous areas.
I said that in constituting the Union,
principles had been laid down to form base as:
-- in a self-administered zone, townships
therein are organized into the self-administered zone;
-- in a self-administered division, townships
therein are organized into districts and districts are organized into the
self-administered divisions.
I explained that in the principles to form
base, there would be at least two townships as it was stated
"townships" and there would be at least two districts as it was
stated "districts".
I explained that in prescribing
self-administered areas, a principle had been laid down to form base as:
-- in regions or states, self-administered
areas are to be prescribed for national races who reside together in
communities on the same common stretches of land in appropriate sizes of
population, other than national races who have already got regions or states.
Contiguity
I explained that the "appropriate sizes
of population" in the basic principle became so when the population of the
nationalities concerned in the townships to be included in the
self-administered area was the highest in each township, and was more than half
of the total population in the townships concerned. I also explained that
"contiguous area" signified that territories of the townships
concerned were contiguous and there existed conditions to be contiguous.
Plural terms
Esteemed Chairman,
Among these terms there are plural terms and
therefore the term "townships" obviously means more than one township
and must be at least two townships. Similarly, "districts" obviously
means more than one district and must be at least two districts.
"Appropriate size of population" means that the respective national
race must be most populous in a township and its population in the
self-administered division or self-administered zone must be more than half the
total population and therefore, there cannot be any controversy over the term
"appropriate size of population". Moreover, "having contiguous
area" means the townships in self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones must be in the same stretch of land and there must also
be conditions to be in the same stretch of land so that townships will have
easy access to one another.
All have already heard the discussions by
National Convention delegates in connection with these terms. In connection
with the discussions on constituting the State many of the National Convention
delegates have proposed that, in accord with the basic principles laid down as
-- "in self-administered zone, the townships therein must be organized
into self-administered zone, the townships in the self-administered division
are to be organized into districts and these districts are to be organized into
self-administered division", 'townships' means at least two townships and
'districts' means at least two districts;
and that, in the basic principle laid down
for prescribing self-administered areas, "In regions or states,
self-administered areas are to be prescribed for national races who reside
together in communities in the same stretches of land in appropriate sizes of
population, other than national races who have already got regions or state",
'appropriate sizes of population' means that it must be highest in each of the
townships to be included in self-administered divisions or self-administered
zones and it must be more than half of the total population of these townships;
and that, 'contiguous area' means that territories of townships concerned are
contiguous and there exists conditions to be contiguous.
For accuracy
In accord with the suggestions given by
National Convention delegates, the Panel of Chairmen have also clarified these
terms contained in the basic principles for accuracy, as follows:
-- "townships" means there must be
at least two townships;
-- "districts" means there must be
at least two districts;
-- "appropriate size of population"
means the population of the national race concerned in the self-administered
area is the highest in teach township and must be more than half of the total
population in these townships;
-- "the same common stretches of
land" means that territories of the townships in the self-administered
area are contiguous and there exist conditions to be contiguous.
The findings of the Panel of Chairmen are
appropriate. It is seen that it would be appropriate to include explanations,
as is usually done under articles in some State Constitutions, so that there would
no be arguments about some terms in future.
Explanations
So, it is hereby laid down as a detailed
principle to include explanations under relevant basic principles, as follows:
Under the basic principle "In
constituting the Union,
-- in self-administered zone, townships
therein are organized into the self-administered zone;
-- in self-administered division, townships
therein are organized into the districts and these districts are organized into
the self-administered division."
the following explanations shall be inserted:
Explanation (1): 'townships' means at least
two townships.
Explanation (2): 'districts' means at least
two districts.
and under the basic principle "For
prescribing self-administered area,
-- in regions or states, self-administered
areas are to be prescribed for national races who reside in communities on the
same common stretches of land in appropriate sizes of population, other than
national races who have already got Regions or States"; the following
explanations shall be inserted:
Explanation (1): 'appropriate size of
population' means population of a national race must be highest in each of the
townships in self-administered area concerned and must be more than half of the
total population of those townships.
Explanation (2): 'same common stretches of
land' means that territories of the townships concerned are contiguous and
there exist conditions to be contiguous.
Esteemed Chairman,
At the plenary session of the National
Convention held on 2 September 1994, I clarified the findings of our National
Convention Convening Work Committee so as to bring out in which area which
self-administered division or self-administered zone should be prescribed.
For flourishing of cultures
The essence of objectives of prescribing
self-administered division or self-administered zone includes an aim to
effectively promote flourishing of cultures and customs of majority nationals
and other nationals in that area and expedite development of the area to get
abreast of development in other areas.
Nationals of each nation have their own
culture and customs. So do have our nationals there cherished cultures and
customs. We all must do all we can to prevent any fading of these cultures and
customs. As may be seen by all, the State too is striving to protect and
promote cultures and customs of national races to keep them flourishing
forever. (NLM 4/9)
It is to implement this objective that the
National Convention Convening Work Committee have made studies from all aspects
about inhabitants of national races and the situation of those townships. Our
findings are presented only of prominent areas.
I will continue to appraise proposals of
delegate groups and some delegates in connection with the detailed principles
for prescribing self-administered division or self-administered zone.
For Naga nationals
Esteemed Chairman,
At the last plenary session of the National
Convention, two national races delegates from Sagaing Division made proposals
for taking together Sagaing Division Hkamti District's Hkamti township, Homalin
township, Leshi township, Lahe township and Namyun township and prescribing
Naga self-administered division or self-administered zone.
Suitable condition
I explained that, in studying the population
figures compiled by Immigration and Manpower Department, it was found that, of
the townships in Sagaing Division, the highest townshipwise population of Naga
nationals was found only in Namyun township, Lahe township and Leshi township;
the population of Naga nationals in these townships was more than half of the
total population in those townships; and those townships were contiguous; so
there was a situation for taking the three townships of Namyun, Lahe and Leshi
together and prescribing Naga self-administered zone.
The National Convention delegates have
discussed and coordinated matters in connection with laying down a detailed
basic principle for prescribing a Naga Self-Administered Zone. The following
groups proposed for laying down a detailed basic principle to organize together
Sagaing Division's Leshi, Lahe and Namyun Townships and prescribing them into
the Naga Self-Administered Zone:
-- peasant delegates group;
-- worker delegates group;
-- intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group;
-- State service personnel delegates group;
-- other invited persons group;
-- the following from political parties
delegates group
-- Union Kayin League
-- Kokang Democracy and Unity Party
-- National Unity Party
-- the following from Representatives-elect
group
-- Representative-elect from National Unity
Party
-- Independent Representative-elect of Tamu
Constituency, Sagaing Division
-- Independent Representative-elect of
Namhsan Constituency, Shan State; and
-- national races delegates group.
It is seen that two Naga national delegates
of the national races delegates group proposed that in addition to Leshi, Lahe
and Namyun Townships, seven village-tracts on the western bank of Chindwin
River, in Hkamti and Homalin Townships be integrated in Naga Self-Administered
Zone. However, it is found not in accord with the detailed basic principle
which has been laid down.
For the Danu
Esteemed Chairman,
Two national races delegates from Shan State
proposed at the previous plenary session of the National Convention that
Ywangan, Pindaya, Kalaw, Lawksawk, Nawnghkio Townships, Taunglaylon, Kyaukni
and Bankan village-tracts of Taunggyi Township, Monglon area of Kyaukme
Township, six villages in Kyaungsogon village-tract and four villages in
Laikhaung village-tract in Thazi Township in Mandalay Division be organized
together and prescribed Danu Self-Administered Division or Self-Administered
Zone.
I explained that, in studying population
figure compiled by the Immigration and Manpower Department, it was found that,
of the townships in Shan State, the highest townshipwise population of Danu
nationals was found only in Nawnghkio, Ywangan and Pindaya Townships. Out of
these three townships, it was seen that only Ywangan and Pindaya were contiguous;
Nawnghkio is neither contiguous with Ywangan Township nor with Pindaya
Township; moreover, there are no conditions for them to be contiguous; out of
these three townships, Ywangan and Pindaya Townships were contiguous and it was
found that, the population of Danu national was more than half of the total
population of the two townships; so there was a situation for organizing
Ywangan and Pindaya Townships in Shan State together and prescribing it Danu
Self-Administered Zone.
The delegates have discussed and coordinated
matters in connection with laying down a detailed basic principle for
prescribing the Danu Self-Administered Zone. The following groups proposed for
laying down a detailed basic principle for grouping Ywangan and Pindaya
Townships in Shan State together and prescribing it Danu Self-Administered Zone
--
-- peasant delegates group;
-- worker delegates group;
-- intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group;
-- State service personnel delegates group;
-- other invited persons group;
-- the following from political parties
delegates group
-- Union Kayin League
-- Kokang Democracy and Unity Party
-- National Unity Party;
-- the following from Representatives-elect
group
-- Representative-elect from National Unity
Party
-- Independent Representative-elect of Tamu
Constituency, Sagaing Division
-- Independent Representative-elect of
Namhsan Constituency, Shan State; and
-- national races delegates group.
Two Danu national delegates of the national
races delegates group proposed that in addition to these two townships other
townships should be added, but it is not in conformity with the detailed
principles already laid down.
Pa-O
Esteemed Chairman,
At the previous plenary session of the
National Convention, three national races delegates from Shan State, a national
race delegate from Kayin State, a delegate from Shan State (South) Special
Region 6 and a delegate of Union Pa-O National Organization presented proposals
to group Taunggyi, Hopong, Hsiseng, Nawnghkio, Kalaw, Pindaya, Ywangan, Pekhon,
Pinlaung, Lawksawk, Loilem Namhsan, Mongmai, Maukmai, Langkho, Mongpan, Laikha
and Mongkung Townships in Shan State and prescribe them as Pa-O
Self-Administered Zone.
I explained that, in studying the population
figure compiled by Immigration and Manpower Department, it is found that, of
the townships in Shan State, the highest townshipwise population of Pa-O
nationals was only in Hopong, Hsihseng and Pinlaung townships; the population
of Pa-O nationals there was more than half the population of these townships;
these townships were contiguous and there were conditions for these townships
to be contiguous; so there was a situation to group Hopong, Township, Hsihseng
Township, and Pinlaung Township and prescribe it as Pa-O Self-Administered
Zone.
The delegates discussed the matter of laying
down a detailed principle to prescribe Pa-O Self-Administered Zone and the
following submitted proposals for laying down a detailed principle to group
Hopong, Hsihseng and Pinlaung Townships in Shan State together and prescribe it
Pa-O Self-Administered Zone --
-- peasant delegates group;
-- worker delegates group;
-- intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group;
-- State service personnel delegates group;
-- other invited persons group;
-- the following from political parties
delegates group
-- Union Kayin League
-- Kokang Democracy and Unity Party
-- National Unity Party;
-- the following from Representatives-elect
group
-- Representative-elect from National Unity
Party
-- Independent Representative-elect of Tamu
Constituency, Sagaing Division
-- Independent Representative-elect of
Namhsan Constituency, Shan State; and
-- national races delegates group.
However, Shan State (South) Special Region 6
delegate of other invited persons group, Union Pa-O National Organization
delegate of the political parties delegates group and four Pa-O national
delegates of national races delegates group proposed separately the areas of
land which should be included in prescribing Pa-O Self-Administered Zone; they
also said they would accept the decision of the National Convention according
to already adopted principles and procedures.
Palaung
Esteemed Chairman,
At the previous plenary session of the
National Convention, three national race delegates of Shan State from the
national races delegates group and Shan State (North) Special Region 7 delegate
from the other invited persons group proposed that Namhkam, Kutkai, Namtu,
Namhsan, Kyaukme, western and northern sectors of Hsipaw Township, Manton
Myothit, Mongngaw Myothit and Mongmit Townships in Shan State and Palaung
village-tracts in Mogok Township in Mandalay Division be grouped together and
prescribed a self-administered zone for Palaung nationals.
Highest population
I explained that in studying population
figures compiled by Immigration and Manpower Department, it was found that, of
townships in Shan State, the highest townshipwise population of Palaung
nationals was only in Namhsan and Manton Townships; these townships have the
highest population of Palaung nationals and the population of the Palaung
nationals in these two townships was more than half of the total population of
the two townships; moreover, the townships were contiguous; so there was
situation to group Namhsan Township and Manton Township together and prescribe
it as Palaung Self-Administered Zone.
The Convention delegates discussed the matter
of laying down a detailed principle for prescribing the Palaung
Self-Administered Zone and the following submitted proposals to lay down a
detailed principle to group Namhsan and Manton Townships in Shan State and
prescribe it Palaung Self-Administered Zone --
-- peasant delegates group;
-- worker delegates group;
-- intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group;
-- State service personnel delegates group;
-- other invited persons group;
-- the following from political parties
delegates group
-- Union Kayin League
-- Kokang Democracy and Unity Party
-- National Unity Party;
-- the following from Representatives-elect
group
-- Representative-elect from National Unity
Party
-- Independent Representative-elect of Tamu
Constituency, Sagaing Division; and
-- national races delegates group.
Shan State (North) Special Region 7 delegate
of the other invited persons group, Independent Representative-elect of Namhsan
Constituency, Shan State, from the Representatives-elect group and the three
Palaung national delegates of the national races delegates group proposed that
other townships should be added to the two townships, but it is not in
conformity with the detailed principles already laid down.
Kokang
Esteemed Chairman,
At the previous plenary session of the
National Convention, Shan State (North) Special Region 1 delegate of the other
invited persons group proposed that Shan State's northern sector's Kunlong,
Konkyan, Kutkai, and Muse townships be grouped together and prescribed
self-administered zone for Kokang nationals; Shan State Kokang Democratic Party
delegate of political parties delegates group proposed that Kunlong and Konkyan
townships be grouped together and prescribed Kokang self-administered zone; two
Kokang national delegates of national races delegates group and Kokang
Democracy and Unity Party delegate of political parties delegates group
proposed that Shan State (North) Special Region 1 be prescribed Kokang
self-administered division.
I explained that, in studying the population
figures compiled by Immigration and Manpower Department, and in studying the
townships in Shan State, Kokang nationals were found to be the most populous in
each township of Kongkyan and Laukkai townships; the population of Kokang
nationals in those townships was more than half of the total population of the
two townships; and the two townships were contiguous as well; so there was a
situation for grouping Konkyan and Kaukkai townships together and prescribing
them as Self-Administered Zone for Kokang nationals.
The Convention delegates discussed the matter
of laying down a detailed principle to prescribe Kokang Self-Administered Zone,
and the following submitted proposals for laying down a detailed principle to
group Konkyan township and Laukkai township together and prescribe it Kokang
Self-Administered Zone:
-- peasant delegates group;
-- worker delegates group;
-- intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group;
-- State service personnel delegates group;
-- other invited persons group;
-- the following from political parties
delegates group
-- Union Kayin League
-- National Unity Party;
-- the following from Representatives-elect
group
-- Representative-elect from National Unity
Party
-- Independent Representative-elect of Tamu
Constituency, Sagaing Division
-- Independent Representative-elect of
Namhsan Constituency, Shan State; and
-- national races delegates group.
Shan State (North) Special Region 1 delegate
of the other invited persons group, Shan State Kokang Democratic Party delegate
and Kokang Democracy and Unity Party delegate of the political parties
delegates group, and two Kokang national delegates of Shan State (North) from national
races delegates group proposed some other townships be added to the two
townships in Kokang Self-Administered Zone, but it is not in accord with the
detailed principles already laid down.
Wa nationals
Esteemed Chairman,
At the previous plenary session of the
National Convention, a national race delegate from Shan State of the national
races delegates group proposed that Shan State's Mongmao township, Panwaing
township, Hopang township, Panyang township, Naphan township, Manphant
township, Tanyang township, Mongyang township, Monghsu township, Mongping
township, Monghkak township, Kengtung township, Mongyawng township, Mongphyak
township, Tachilek township, Mongtung township, Monghsat township, and Lashio
township's Mongkyak village-tract and Mongyaw village-tract be grouped together
and prescribed self-administered division for Wa nationals; Shan State (North)
Special Region 2 delegate of the other invited persons group and Wa National
Development Party delegate of political parties delegates group proposed to
prescribe Wa state or self-administered division.
Findings
I explained that, in studying the population
figures compiled by Immigration and Manpower Department, it was found that, of
the townships in Shan State, the highest townshipwise population of Wa
nationals was found only in Hopang, Mongmao, Panwaing, Naphan, Manphant and
Panyang townships; that the population of Wa nationals there was more than half
of the total population in these townships; that those townships were
contiguous; so there was a situation for grouping Hopang, Mongmao, Panwaing,
Naphan, Manphant and Panyang townships together and prescribing it
self-administered division for Wa nationals, according to the findings of the
National Convention Convening Work Committee.
The Convention delegates discussed the matter
of laying down a detailed principle to prescribe Wa self-administered division
and the following submitted proposals for laying down a detailed principle to
group Hopang, Mongmao, Panwaing, Naphan, Manphant and Panyang townships
together and prescribe Wa self-administered area and in so doing, to form the
six townships into two districts, and prescribe it Wa self-administered
division --
-- peasant delegates group;
-- worker delegates group;
-- intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group;
-- State service personnel delegates group;
-- other invited persons group;
-- the following from political parties
delegates group
-- Union Kayin League
-- Kokang Democracy and Unity Party
-- National Unity Party;
-- the following from Representatives-elect
group
-- Representative-elect from National Unity
Party
-- Independent Representative-elect of Tamu
Constituency, Sagaing Division
-- Independent Representative-elect of
Namhsan Constituency, Shan State; and
-- national races delegates group.
As the delegates have already heard, Shan
State (North) Special Region 2 delegate and Shan State (East) Special Region 4
delegate from other invited persons group, Wa National Development Party
delegate from political parties delegates group and two Wa national delegates
from national races delegates group proposed formation of a new
self-administered state for Wa, Akha, Lahu and Shan nationals with Kengtung as
centre, naming townships that should be included therein, but it is not in
conformity with the detailed principle already laid down.
Principles laid down
Esteemed Chairman,
All the National Convention delegate have
already heard the proposals given by National Convention delegates groups and
separate proposals by some of the National Convention delegates in connection
with laying down of detailed proposals for prescribing self-administered
divisions or self-administered zones. So, in accord with the already adopted
basic principles, it is hereby laid down as a detailed principle:
1. to group together Leshi, Lahe and Namyun
Townships in Sagaing Division and prescribe it Naga Self-Administered Zone;
2. to group together Ywangan and Panyang
Townships in Shan State and prescribe it Danu Self-Administered Zone;
3. to group together Hopong, Hsihseng and
Pinlaung Townships in Shan State and prescribe it Pa-O Self-Administered Zone;
4. to group together Namhsan and Manton
Townships in Shan State and prescribe it Palaung Self-Administered Zone;
5. to group together Konkyan and Laukkai
Townships in Shan State and prescribe it Kokang Self-Administered Zone; and
6. to group together Hopang, Mongmao,
Panwaing, Naphan, Manphant and Panyang Townships -- six townships in Shan State
into districts and prescribe it Wa Self-Administered Division.
Kayan
Esteemed Chairman,
A delegate from Shan State and a delegate of
Kayan group proposed that the area from Pekhon Township to extreme south-west
end of Pinlaung Township in Shan State, Loikaw and Dimawhso Townships in
northwestern sector of Kayah State, the northern sector in Thandaung Township
in Kayin State and the eastern hill areas in Pyinmana Township in Mandalay
Division be grouped together and prescribed self-administered zone for Kayan
nationals.
I explained that, in studying the population
figures compiled by Immigration and Manpower Department, it was found that, of
the townships in Shan State, and Kayah State, the highest townshipwise
population of Kayan nationals was in Pekhon township in Shan State and in
Dimawhso township in Kayah State. The total population of the two townships and
the population Kayan nationals are:
-- out of the total population of 58,639 in
Pekhon Township in Shan State, the Kayan population is 40,005.
-- out of the total population of 56,408 in
Dimawhso Township in Kayah State, the population of Kayan nationals is 17,975.
It was found there was no township in Kayin
State and Mandalay Division in which the Kayan population was the highest; it
is stated in the already adopted basic principles that the existing seven divisions
are designated seven regions and the existing seven states, seven states.
self-administered divisions or self-administered zones are to be prescribed
within each of the regions or states; the delegates had proposed to group
townships in three states and one division and prescribe it self-administered
zones; there was only one township in Shan State and one township in Kayah
State where the population of Kayan nationals was the highest; so I explained,
it was found that there was not condition to group areas in Shan, Kayah and
Kayin States and Mandalay Division and prescribe it self-administered zone.
Representation
However, I clarified, as the Kayin population
in Shan State was found to be over 48,000 and if it was an appropriate size for
participation in the Shan State legislature and executive, there was a
situation of Kayan national affairs representatives to have the right to
participate in the legislature and the executive of Shan State as
representative of Kayan national affairs to manage the affairs of their
national race.
In connection with this clarification --
-- peasant delegates group;
-- worker delegates group;
-- intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group;
-- State service personnel delegates group;
-- other invited persons group;
-- Union Kayin League of the political
parties group; and
-- national races delegates group
stated that they found on studying that there
was no situation to prescribe self-administered zone for Kayan nationals;
however, they proposed, the Kayan nationals should be given the right to
participate as Kayan national affairs representatives in the legislature and
the executive of Shan State.
A delegate of Chaung-U Township, Sagaing
Division, in the other invited persons group proposed that the areas inhabited
by Kayan nationals be grouped together and merged into Kayah State; and as it
was a matter difficult to effect later, it should be prescribed right away.
Objective study
A delegate from Kayan regional development
group of this delegates group said: [five paragraphs quoted: need for an
enlarged Kayah State; Pekhon Township (formerly Mongpai State in the Federated
Shan States) was authorized to transfer to Kayah State by referendum under Section
182 of the 1947 Constitution, and voted to do so in 1960, but it was never
implemented].
A Kayan national delegate from Pekhon
Township, Shan State southern sector, of the national races delegates group
said: [paragraph quoted: Kayan community divided by British; list of Kayan
inhabited areas].
Esteemed Chairman,
In connection with the matter of laying down
basic principles to prescribe self-administered zone for Kayan nationals, the
delegates have heard separate proposals of the delegate groups and some
delegates.
Living scattered
It is found that, as Kayan nationals live
spread out all over in some areas of Shan State, Kayah State, Kayin State and
Mandalay Division, there is not situation to group these areas together and
prescribe it self-administered zone, according to basic principles already laid
down. But in Shan State, if they have appropriate size of population, Kayan
nationals will have the right to participate as Kayan national affairs
representatives in the legislature and the executive of Shan State to take part
in Kayan national race affairs.
Lahu
Esteemed Chairman,
At the previous plenary session of the
National Convention, Lahu National Development Party delegate proposed
Mongping, Monghsat and Mongtung Townships in Shan State be grouped together and
prescribed self-administered zone for Lahu nationals.
I explained that, in studying the population
figures compiled by Immigration and Manpower Department, it was found that, of
the townships in Shan State, the highest townshipwise population of Lahu
nationals was found only in Monghsat Township:
-- population of Monghsat was 65,446
-- population of Lahu nationals was 25,156;
A self-administered zone requires at least
two townships; the population of the nationals concerned must be the highest in
each township and must also be more than half of the total population of those
townships; in this case, there was only one township where the Lahu nationals
were the most populous and Lahu nationals were not living closely together in
any contiguous township, but spread all over, so there was no situation to
prescribe self-administered zone for Lahu nationals.
However, in Shan State, the population of
Lahu nationals totalled over 170,000; so there was a situation for Lahu
nationals to have the right to participate as Lahu national affairs
representatives to undertake Lahu national race affairs in the legislature and
the executive of Shan State, if it was considered appropriate size of
population to do so.
In connection with the clarification, the
view that Lahu nationals did not have the situation to have self-administered
zone but that they should have the right of participation as representatives in
the legislature and the executive of Shan State was submitted by the following:
-- peasant delegates group;
-- worker delegates group;
-- intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group;
-- State service personnel delegates group;
-- other invited persons group; and
-- national races delegates group.
Sizeable population
Lahu National Development Party and Wa
National Development Party of the political parties delegates group said Lahu
nationals who had no situation to get self-administered zone were indeed living
spread all over in eastern sector of Shan State but they had quite sizeable
population in Mongping, Monghsat and Mongtung Townships with contiguity of
inhabited land and so should be considered for prescribing self-administered
zone but it was not in conformity with the detailed principle already laid
down.
Intha nationals
Esteemed Chairman,
Two national race delegates from Shan State
proposed that Shan State's Yawnghwe Township Inlay area be grouped and
prescribed self-administered zone for Intha nationals.
I explained that, in studying the population
figures compiled by Immigration and Manpower Department, it was found that, of
the townships in Shan State, the highest townshipwise population of Intha
nationals was found only in Yawnghwe Township:
The population of Yawnghwe Township was
137,243 and the population of Intha nationals was 96,032; a self-administered
zone required at least two townships; the population in each of the nationals
in each of the townships must be the highest, and the population of the
nationals must be more than half of the total population of those townships;
there was only one township with the majority of Intha nationals; in the
contiguous townships, Inthas were not living closely together but were spread
all over, so there was no situation to prescribe self-administered zone for
Intha nationals.
Participation
However, as the population of Intha nationals
in Shan State was over 110,000 there was a situation for Intha national race
affairs representative to participate to take care of Intha national race
affairs in the legislature and the executive of Shan State, if that size of
population was appropriate to do so.
In connection with this clarification,
-- peasant delegates group;
-- workers delegates group;
-- intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group;
-- State service personnel delegates group;
-- other invited persons group; and
-- national races delegates group.
concurred that there was no situation to
prescribe self-administered zone for Intha nationals but Intha national race
representative should be permitted to participate in the legislature and the
executive of Shan State, for the sake of Intha nationals. They will indeed have
that right if their population is considered appropriate in accord with the
already adopted basic principle.
[Akhas]
Esteemed Chairman,
Shan State Special Region 4 delegate
submitted a proposal to prescribe Shan State Special Region 4 as special
self-administered division and to form Akha self-administered district, Shan
self-administered district and Lwela self-administered district in it.
Only two kinds
It was explained that, according to already
adopted basic principle, there were only two kinds, self-administered division
and self-administered zone, the latter must have at least two townships and a
national race to get it must have the highest townshipwise population in these
townships and its total population but be more than half of the total
population of these townships; Akha nationals were never found to have the
highest townshipwise population in any township in Shan State, so there was no
situation to prescribe self-administered zone for Akha nationals.
However, as the Akha nationals had a
population of over 100,000 in Shan State, I explained, there was a situation to
permit Akha national race affairs representative to participate and handle Akha
national race affairs in the legislature and the executive of Shan State if
that was considered appropriate size of population for that purpose.
In connection with this clarification,
-- peasant delegates group;
-- workers delegates group;
-- intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group;
-- State service personnel delegates group;
-- other invited persons group; and
-- national races delegates group.
said, although there was no situation to
prescribe Akha self-administered zone, Akha national affairs representatives
should be permitted to handle Akha national race affairs in the legislature and
the executive of Shan State.
[Putao]
Esteemed Chairman,
Four delegates from Kachin State in national
race delegates group proposed that Putao, Machanbaw, Naungmun, Khawbude and
Sumprabum Townships of Kachin State be grouped together and prescribed Putao
self-administered zone for Lisu, Rawan and Tai Hkamti national races. (NLM
4/10)
I explained that self-administered division
or self-administered zone, according to the basic principle already laid down,
was to prescribed for each national race, not for three -- four national races
combined; so there was not situation to prescribe the said area as
self-administered zone.
In connection with that, peasant delegates
group and worker delegates group concurred that self-administered division or
self-administered zone, according to the basic principle already laid down, was
to be prescribed for each national race, not for three-four national races
combined and so there was not situation to prescribe any for Lisu, Rawan and
Tai Hkamti national races.
In connection with the matter, I had
explained matters earlier too. The proposal of the four delegates of Kachin
State was not in conformity with the already adopted basic principles.
So there was no situation to lay down a
principle to prescribe Putao self-administered zone for Lisu, Rawan and Tai
Hkamti nationals as proposed by four national delegates of Kachin State.
[Paletwa hill-tract]
Esteemed Chairman,
A national race delegate for Chin State
proposed that Paletwa Township be formed anew as five townships namely
Shinletwa Township, Trun Ai Township, Paletwa Township, Sami Township and
Thandaung Township and grouped together and prescribed Paletwa hill-tract
self-administered division, for Khumi national race.
At least two townships
I explained that a self-administered zone
must have at least two townships; the population of the national race must be
the highest in each township and must also be more than half of the total
population of those townships; a self-administered division must have at least
four townships; in studying the population figures compiled by Immigration and
Manpower Department it was found there was no township in Chin State that had
the highest townshipwise population of Khumi nationals; so there was no
situation to prescribe Paletwa hill-tract self-administered division for Khumi
nationals.
In connection with the clarification, peasant
delegates group and worker delegates group concurred that self-administered
division must have at least four townships; there was no township in Chin State
with the highest townshipwise population of Khumi nationals; and so there was
no situation to prescribe Paletwa hill-tract self-administered division for
Khumi nationals.
Basic principles
The delegates have heard the discussions by
the delegates groups and have known the already adopted basic principles. So
the proposal to prescribe Paletwa hill-tract self-administered division is not
in conformity with the basic principles laid down for prescribing
self-administered division or self-administered zone.
[Mro or Khami Division]
Esteemed Chairman,
The delegate from Mro or Khami National
Solidarity Organization proposed that Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Buthitaung,
Maungtaw, Rathedaung and Kyauktaw Townships in Rakhine State and Paletwa
Township in Chin State be grouped together and prescribed self-administered
division for Mro or Khami nationals. I explained that self-administered
division or self-administered zone was on basic principle prescribed in Region
or State; the proposal of Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization was not
in conformity with the basic principle as it was to group together townships in
Rakhine State and Chin State.
I explained that, for prescribing
self-administered division with townships of Rakhine State or Chin State,
self-administered division must have at least four townships and the population
of the national race must be the highest in each of them, and must also be more
than half of the total population of those townships.
Population figures
In studying the population figures compiled
by Immigration and Manpower Department, it was found that in Rakhine State or
Chin State, there was no township with the highest population of Mro or Khami
nationals; and so there was no situation to prescribe self-administered
division for Mro or Khami nationals.
In connection with that clarification,
peasant delegates group and worker delegates group concurred that the proposal
of Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization being to prescribe
self-administered division with townships of Rakhine State or Chin State was
not in conformity with the basic principle laid down; self-administered
division must have at least two townships, with the nationals population
highest in each township; so there was no situation to prescribe
self-administered division for Mro or Khami nationals, as it was not in
conformity with the principle.
In an additional proposal paper submitted by
Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization of the political parties
delegates group, it was submitted that if it was considered as appropriate size
of population to get right to participate as national race affairs
representatives in the legislature and the executive of the State concerned,
the population of Mro or Khami nationals in Rakhine State was over 58,000 and
the nationals should be permitted to participate as national race affairs
representatives in the legislature and the executive of Rakhine State.
Conformity
I would like to say that if the proposals
made by Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization are in conformity with
the adopted basic principles, they can have the right of participation as
national race affairs representatives in the legislature and the executive of Rakhine
State.
[Shan lineage nationals]
Esteemed Chairman,
Four national race delegates from Kachin
State proposed that Mohnyin, Mogaung, Kamaing, Bhamo, Shwegu and Mansi
Townships in Kachin State be grouped together and prescribed self-administered
zone for Shan lineage nationals namely Tai Lon, Tai Lian, Tai Lay and Tai
Hkamti if the situation permits.
A delegate of Shan State (North) Special
Region 3 proposed that, if requested, an appropriate self-administered division
or self-administered zone be prescribed for Shan lineage nationals namely Tai
Lian, Tai Nay, Tai Sa, Tai Hkamti, Tai Kadu, Tai Ganan, Tai Khwam etc. who live
together in communities in southern Kachin State and upper Sagaing Division.
A delegate of the Shan Nationalities League
for Democracy proposed that all areas in the plains in Bhamo, Momauk, Mansi and
Shwegu Townships in Bhamo District, all areas in the plains in Myitkyina,
Waingmaw, Mogaung, Mohnyin, Kamaing, Tanai Townships in Myitkyina District,
Katha, Indaw, Htigyaint, Banmauk, Kawlin, Wuntho, Pinlebu Townships in Katha
District and Kalay, Phaungpyin, Tamu, Kalewa, Mawlaik Townships and Meinkan
areas in Kalay District and Hkamti, Homalin, Namyun Townships in Hkamti
District be grouped together and prescribed as Tai Lai State or Tai Lai
Self-Administered Zone.
Regions and States
I explained that, in connection with the
State Structure, the basic principle that the existing seven Divisions are
designated seven Regions and the existing seven States are designated seven
States have been adopted, there is no right to additionally prescribe any
Region or State; so there was no situation to prescribe any as proposed by Shan
Nationalities League for Democracy.
Similarly, a basic principle has been laid
down for prescribing self-administered area only for national races who have
not got Region or State; so there was no situation to prescribe a
self-administered zone for Shan lineage national races as proposed by delegates
of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy and some delegates.
However, I explained, it was found that the
population of Shan nationals in Kachin State is over 260,000 and in Sagaing
Division is over 200,000 and I have explained that if these populations are
appropriate sizes to have the right to participate in legislature and the
executive in the Region or State, then there is a situation for Shan national
races to participate in legislature and the executive in Kachin State and
Sagaing Region.
In connection with this clarification, the
peasant delegates group said that although there was no situation to prescribe
a self-administered zone for Shan lineage national races in Kachin State, it
was found that the population of Shan nationals in Kachin State is over 260,000
and in Sagaing Division is over 200,000; as these populations are appropriate
sizes to participate in legislature and the executive of Region or State, it
was proposed Shan national affairs representatives should participate in the
legislature and the executive of Kachin State and Sagaing Region to carry out
Shan national race affairs.
Worker delegate group said that in connection
with State structure, basic principle had been laid down -- the existing seven
Divisions are designated seven Regions and the existing seven States are
designated seven States -- and therefore, there is no right to additionally
prescribe Region and State and as the proposal made by the Shan Nationalities
League for Democracy is to prescribe a new state, there was no situation to do
so; in prescribing self-administered area it is to be done only for national
races which have not got a Region or State, as a basic principle had been laid
down; as the proposal of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy and some other
delegates was to prescribe a self-administered zone for Shan lineage national
races, it was found that there was no situation to do so.
As the basic principles for prescribing
self-administered division or self-administered zone are not for prescribing
any for three or four national races together as in the proposal but only for
each national race, it was submitted that there was not situation to prescribe
a self-administered zone, it was found.
The intellectual and intelligentsia delegates
group said that if the Shan nationals residing in Kachin State and Sagaing
Division had an appropriate size of population, they would be able to
participate as representatives of national race affairs.
Delegates of the Shan Nationalities League
for Democracy included in the political parties delegates group and in
representatives-elect delegates group made a proposal to seek the wishes of the
national people in Shwegu, Mansi, Momauk, Bhamo, Myitkyina, Waingmaw, Kamaing,
Tanai, Mohnyin, Mogaung, Hkamti, Homalin, Tamu, Phaungpyin, Mawlaik, Pinlebu,
Indaw, Banmauk, Katha, Kawlin, Wuntho and Htigyaint Townships in Kachin State
and Sagaing Division and prescribe a Tai Lai self-administered division or
self-administered zone.
Tai Lai
All the National Convention delegates have
already heard the proposals made in connection with prescribing a Tai Lai State
or Tai Lai Self-Administered Zone. The areas proposed to be prescribed as
self-administered division or self-administered zone are found to be not in
accord with the detailed principles laid down for prescribing self-administered
division or self-administered zone. However, it is found that if the national
races have an appropriate size of population, Shan national race affairs
representatives can participate in legislature and the executive of Kachin
State and Sagaing Region.
[Basic principles]
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
The basic principles for prescribing
self-administered division or self-administered zone included in the chapter
State Structure laid down at the plenary session of the National Convention
held on 16 September 1993, and at the plenary session of the National
Convention held on 9 April 1994 and the detailed principles laid down at the
current plenary session of the National Convention are collected together and
presented below to enable the National Convention delegates to know easily:
(a) In regions or states, self-administered
areas are to be prescribed for national races who reside in communities on the
same common stretches of land in appropriate sizes of population, other than
national races who have already got Regions or States.
Explanation (1): 'appropriate size of
population' means population of a national race must be highest in each of the
townships in self-administered area concerned and must be more than half of the
total population of those townships.
Explanation (2): 'same common stretches of
land' means that territories of townships concerned are contiguous and there
exist conditions to be contiguous.
(b) depending on size of population and
inhabited area, they are to be prescribed as self-administered divisions or
self-administered zones as suitable;
(c) they are to be prescribed by the National
Convention right away;
(d) in a self-administered zone, townships
therein are organized into the self-administered zone; in a self-administered
division, townships therein are organized into districts and districts are
organized into the self-administered division.
Explanation (1): 'townships' means at least
two townships.
Explanation (2): 'districts' means at least
two districts.
Detailed principles
Esteemed Chairman and delegates,
In connection with prescribing of
self-administered division or self-administered zone in accord with these basic
principles, the following detailed principles are laid down:
1. to group together Leshi, Lahe and Namyun
Townships in Sagaing Division and prescribe it Naga Self-Administered Zone;
2. to group together Ywangan and Pindaya
Townships in Shan State and prescribe it Danu Self-Administered Zone;
3. to group together Hopong, Hsiseng and
Pinlaung Townships in Shan State and prescribe it Pa-O Self-Administered Zone;
4. to group together Namhsan and Manton
Townships in Shan State and prescribe it Palaung Self-Administered Zone.
5. to group together Konkyan and Laukkai
Townships in Shan State and prescribe it Kokang Self-Administered Zone;
6. to group together Hopang, Mongmao,
Panwaing, Naphan, Manphant and Panyang Townships -- six townships in Shan State
-- into two districts and prescribe it Wa Self-Administered Division.
With this I conclude my clarification.
(NLM 4/11)
Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt's Closing Speech
Apr. 7 [full text]: Chairman of the National
Convention Convening Commission Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt addressed the Plenary Session
of the National Convention held at the Central Conference Hall in the
President's Residence compound on Ahlon Road today. The following is a
translation of the address:
Esteemed delegates to the National
Convention,
At this National Convention, the delegates
have held discussions and coordination for a long period of time from 2
September 1994 up to this day to get detailed principles to serve as basis in
connection with formations under the chapter headings of the Legislature, the
Executive and the Judiciary, and the matter of prescribing self-administered
areas under the chapter on State Structure, and have submitted proposal papers
group-wise as well as individually. I would first of all like to express
profound esteem and appreciation of the National Convention Convening
Commission for the fact that they have patiently and earnestly held discussions
and presented proposals with aims at getting principles to serve as basis in
drafting an enduring State Constitution that is vitally needed by the country.
Esteemed delegates,
As the delegates, the National Convention Convening
Commission, the National Convention Convening Work Committee, the National
Convention Convening Management Committee and subcommittees have all worked
hand in hand, like travellers on the same boat on the same journey, in pursuit
of the national political task for emergence of an enduring State Constitution
for the motherland we cherish like our very own life, we have made progress in
carrying on with our tasks with the passage of time.
If we make a review, as is opportune, of the
progress made from stage to stage in endeavours made by all hand in hand, we
will find successive stages of progress made to satisfaction.
If we look back at the beginning of our
endeavours, we will remember the round of coordination and discussions starting
from 23 June 1992 for the holding of the National Convention. This round of
coordination and discussions was held systematically and necessary preparations
were made stage by stage. After that the National Convention was convened to
begin from 9 January 1993.
In the course of the term traversed by the
National Convention,
-- procedures for holding the National
Convention were laid down;
-- Panels of Chairmen from respective groups
of National Convention were systematically selected and the Panel of Chairmen
formed.
As it went on from 9 January 1993 to 7 April
1993, it was able to lay down 15 chapter headings. As it progressed from 7 June
1993 to 16 September 1993, it was able to systematically lay down 104 basic
principles to serve as basis in drafting the State Constitution.
As it went on from 18 January 1994 to 9 April
1994, it was able to systematically lay down detailed principles to serve as
basis on the chapter headings of the State, the State Structure and the Head of
State.
As the current session from 2 September 1994
to 7 April 1995, it has laid down detailed principles in connection with
self-administered areas for the chapter on State Structure.
Heartening
Making good progress through systematic
coordination and discussions like this and getting basic principles and
detailed principles, from stage to state, is most heartening. In continuation,
there still remains the matter of presenting to the plenary session of the
National Convention proposal papers in connection with formations under the
chapter headings of the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary.
After that, discussions and coordination have
to be held systematically and fully on the distribution of powers and on
functions in connection with the chapter headings of the Legislature, the
Executive and the Judiciary.
Heavy price
Esteemed delegates,
We are firmly determined to open a new
chapter in the history of the nation and realize the objective of expeditiously
attaining a stable, peaceful, prosperous, advanced modern State for a straight
and smooth course for the future of the State and the people. In striving to
realize these objectives, we must appraise and take lessons from past events
that had entailed a heavy price in the history of the nation.
To avoid recurrence
We must especially be mindful and avoid
recurrence of such weaknesses and defects as one saying black when the other
says white, one breaking the big drum if one cannot play the main princely
role, one looking to the east, or looking to the west without relying on the
strength within the country, like one skipping over the mother and yearning for
the aunt, as has been wont to happen in Myanmar political sphere.
A final curtain must be dropped on conflicts
with animosities of one group and one national race finding fault with another
owing to colonialist and imperialist influence in the past, and endeavours must
be made unwaveringly for the entire national reconsolidation in accord with Our
Three Main National Causes that constitute the basic attitude, in other words,
the national policy, of the State Law and Order Restoration Council today.
As all know, there has been a situation of
marred unity and peace for about half a century in Myanmar Naing-Ngan.
Peace door open
However, our State Law and Order Restoration
Council has striven for peace, and as a result, 14 from among armed
organizations of nationals who had gone underground in the past have come to
want peace and come into the legal fold. And as all know, while unilaterally
suspending offensives in Kayin State, the Tatmadaw has kept the peace door
open.
Although it has done so and waited
magnanimously and patiently, the KNUs continued to turn their backs on peace
and kept causing hardship to deepen the misery of the people, as they were
under various evil influences and as their leaders were getting assistance from
evil elements from outside the country and incomes from smuggling activities.
Esteemed delegates,
Our Myanmar Naing-Ngan which has experienced
a situation of marred peace and unity for half a century has achieved
reconciliation among nationals, with all of them joining hands and building the
nation.
Basic attitude
The basic attitude of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council is very clear and explicit.
That is non-disintegration of the Union,
non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. As
all know, thee have been laid down as the first, second and third ones in the
six objectives of the National Convention.
Six objectives
Each of us is responsible for the National
Convention to unwaveringly strive to realize the objective for flourishing of a
genuine multiparty democracy system, the objective for further burgeoning of
the noblest and worthiest of worldly values such as justice, liberty and equality
and the sixth objective for the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the
national political leadership role of the future State among the six objectives
of the National Convention. It is necessary to make efforts to implement the
six objectives more fully than ever. It is necessary for us to avoid all
thoughts, expressions and writings deviating from these six objectives.
Esteemed delegates,
In accord with the basic attitudes I have
explained earlier, the detailed basic principles on prescribing self-administered
areas in the chapter on State Structure have been brought out and laid down
successfully.
It is seen that two groups and some
separately submitted proposal papers proposed the matter of prescribing
self-administered areas to be carried out by forming a commission, suggesting
who should be included in the commission etc.
We appreciate the goodwill shown by the
groups and other delegates which submitted the proposals and I would like to
explain in brief the reasons why a commission should not be formed to carry it
out.
Undesirable problems
To be short and to the point, forming a
commission for prescribing self-administered areas will take a long time and at
the same time it feared that undesirable problems may crop up. That is why it
is not done through formation of a commission. Moreover, it is because the
State Law and Order Restoration Council, the Tatmadaw, does not want to keep
the State power for long and has genuine goodwill to hand it over expeditiously
to the Government which will emerge according to the new State Constitution.
Four years' inquiry
It is evident from records that about 48
years ago an inquiry commission on local self-administration was formed and set
to task in Myanmar Naing-Ngandaw. This commission carried out work in connection
with Kayin nationals, Rakhine nationals and Mon nationals and it took nearly
four years from 5 October 1948 to 10 July 1952. Although it took about four
years, it could complete only for Kayin national race. Only after 22 years, in
1974, did the Rakhine nationals and Mon nationals get their states.
After working out in accord with official
statistics and records, the results obtained for Wa, Pa-O, Palaung, Kokang,
Danu and Naga nationals are logical and as they should be.
If the National Convention does not
immediately proceed on the basis of records at hand in considering for the
various national races but go about it by forming a commission and conducting
field work, it is doubtful if it will be completed even with the passage of a
decade.
Moreover, it is to be pondered if the
commission will be able to work free of interference and impediments, and even
if so, how it will have repercussions in the spheres of national races on
account of it doing field work.
Figures and records
That is why, instead of doing it by forming a
commission, the National Convention proceeded on the basis of figures and
records with all uprightness and pure goodwill. In this way, the stable and
peaceful situation can be maintained as there is no change for ill-willing elements
from inside and outside the country to capitalise with their instigations and
machinations.
All our brethren national races, whether they
get self-administered areas or not, shall enjoy equality of status and
opportunities and ownership of the entire Union, to be enjoyed by all nationals
of Myanmar Naing-Ngan irrespective of race or religion, as well as equity
before law in accord with the noblest and worthiest of worldly values namely
justice, liberty and equality and they shall also discharge their duties and
responsibilities as all citizens.
Esteemed delegates,
I do not think in necessary to specially
define and expound the importance of the National Convention and its primacy in
implementing national politics. We are the architects for emergence of a new
State. As all know, the State Law and Order Restoration Council, with
confidence and reliance on each of the National Convention delegates groups and
each of the delegates, have made arrangements allround to enable them to
discuss, coordinate and put forward suggestions for obtaining basic principles
of crucial importance.
The State Law and Order Restoration Council,
in forming and assigning duties to our National Convention Convening
Commission, clearly stated in its order No. 13/92:
Duties of the National Convention Convening
Commission are as follows:
(a) shall convene the National Convention
with the objective of laying down principles to be based upon in drafting a
firm Constitution of the State;
(b) shall, in laying down the basic
principles for the drafting of the Constitution of the State at the National
Convention, supervise in order to coordinate with the framework of the
following objectives: --
(1) non-disintegration of the Union;
(2) non-disintegration of national
solidarity;
(3) perpetuation of sovereignty;
(4) emergence of a genuine multiparty
democracy system;
(5) for further burgeoning of the noblest and
worthiest of worldly values such as justice, liberty and equality;
(6) for the Tatmadaw to be able to participate
in the national political leadership role of the future State.
(c) shall make arrangements to enable the
delegates attending the National Convention to submit systematically the
wishes, suggestions and proposals at the National Convention.
New State
As it is to build the new State, right from
its base, completely anew to a highly advanced state, our National Convention
has full rights to implement the six objectives for the well-being of the State
and the national peoples.
Having laid down principles for a matter of
the greatest importance that is the State Structure, we have systematically and
fittingly also carried through the matter of prescribing self-administered
areas in the country.
In the functioning of the National
Convention, it is the practice for the National Convention Convening Work
Committee to collect proposals of the National Convention delegates, appraise
them and submit them to the National Convention Convening Commission to seek
its approval.
The National Convention Convening Commission
too has to submit them to the State Law and Order Restoration Council, which
has assigned duties to it, for approval. The State Law and Order Restoration
Council taking responsibility and leadership of the State will proceed as
necessary for the principles to serve as basis to be included in writing the
State Constitution if they are in conformity with policies. So, I would like to
explain that it is a question not necessary to ask whether the National
Convention has rights or not.
Esteemed delegates,
As it has been in session continuously for
some months, as the occasion of Maha Thingyan Festival, marking the New Year,
on which every Myanmar national lays special emphasis, is drawing near, and as
preparations have to be made in agriculture with the onset of the rainy season,
the National Convention will go into recess from 8 April 1995. I express my
wishes for all the esteemed delegates to return here smoothly in time to resume
the National Convention on 24 October 1995 for continued discussions on the three
important headings the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary and I
conclude with my best wishes for you to enjoy yourselves at the New Year Water
Festival.
(NLM 4/8)
* [This section was included in BPS Volume
IX, No. 6, June 1995 as NLM for 7 April 1996 was received late –DA]