We believe we must give
shape for emergence of democratic State that corresponds with our country and
our people
Some big nations are siding with interests of the individual which they desire
and believe in one-sided false news, are unjustly pressuring our country,
causing all kinds of difficulties to 52 million Myanmar people
Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt clarifies future policies and programmes of
State
YANGON, 30 Aug (The New Light
of Myanmar 31 Aug) - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt
met with officials of the ministries and representatives of non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) at Pyithu Hluttaw building at 9.30 am today and clarified
future policies and programmes of the State.
Also present were Secretary-1
of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen
Thein Sein, commanders, ministers, deputy ministers, the chief justice, the
deputy chief justice, Supreme Court justices, the attorney-general, the deputy
attorney-generals, the auditor-general, the deputy auditor-general, the
chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board and members, the Yangon
mayor and the vice-mayor, the Mandalay mayor and the secretary of Mandalay City
Development Committee, members of the National Convention Convening Commission
and the working committee for the NCCC, members of the State and Division Peace
and Development Councils and the public relations and information work
committee, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council
Office and departmental heads, chairmen and secretaries of academies of various
fields in Myanmar, and chairmen, secretaries and officials of NGOs.
Director-General of the State
Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein acted as master of
ceremonies.
The Prime Minister clarified
the future policies and programmes of the State.
The following is the
clarifications made by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt concerning the
policies and programmes of the State at the Pyithu Hluttaw here today:
I would like to first of all
wish all the responsible members of the State, Heads of Department and
specially invited guests health and happiness.
In my address today, I shall
be explaining about important matters of the State that responsible members of
the State and the general public should be aware. The address will be in three
parts.
The three parts
In the first part, I would be
explaining about the all round development achieved in the country from the
time of the assumption of responsibilities by our government, an achievement
made possible through day and night efforts of responsible persons and the
cooperation of the entire people in keeping with the objective for the
emergence of modern and developed State.
In the second part, I shall be
briefly touching on the political developments in the country.
In the third part, I shall be
speaking about the various steps of the political program which will be
implemented for the emergence of a modern, developed and democratic State that
corresponds to the political, economic and social conditions of the country and
is based on Myanmar's historical background and experiences as well as the
culture and civilization of the people.
On the right path for
development
If I may now turn to the first
part of my address-
Today, the State Peace and Development Council is endeavoring in all aspects
for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed State with the aim of
transforming our nation into one where the level of development of the country
is comparable to those in the international community; where our national
economy will be strong; and where the people will enjoy a high standard of
living.
In marching towards this
national goal of a peaceful, modern and developed State, we have laid down and
are vigorously implementing political, economic and social objectives that
would not only yield positive results such as peace and stability, progress and
development but will also strengthen national unity spirit and Union spirit
that constitute the main pillars for the perpetuation of the Union.
Peace and stability, economic
development, national unity, and perpetuation of the
The nation will only be
peaceful and tranquil if there is national unity. Likewise, it is only when
there is a peaceful environment can there be development of the basic
infrastructure for national development. Moreover, it is only through these
developments that the national economy will grow with momentum.
Similarly, sound economic
foundation strengthens national unity and perpetuation of the
Therefore, since the time of
the assumption of responsibilities by the Tatmadaw Government, it has been
systematically striving for national reconsolidation, peace and tranquility and
prevalence of law and order as first priority task. It is also simultaneously
implementing national projects that would strengthen national economic life and
the economic, social and development infrastructure necessary for the emergence
of a modern and developed State.
The national projects for
development are being implemented on a pragmatic manner based on the strength
of our natural resources; on the strength of our intellectuals, technicians and
people; and on the strength of the economic and development infrastructure that
are being built or are in the process of being built.
It can be seen that today, due
to the efforts of the government based on the strength and capabilities of its
own national resources and the participation of the entire people, the Union of
Myanmar is on the right path for development. Moreover, sound foundation and
fruitful results are being attained in respect of the fundamentals for national
unity, basic infrastructures for national economic progress, for national
development, for social development, as well as in technology.
I believe everybody will
remember that at the time of our assumption of State responsibilities, the
economy was in recession and, because of the destruction and looting by
destructionists, almost all the basic infrastructure necessary for development,
such as factories and workshops were in ruins. Moreover, communication and
transportation system in the entire country had broken down and all activities
in the country had grounded to a halt.
Starting from 1986, the
economy of the country had declined and in the 1988-89 financial year, the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country was at
its lowest at (47141) million kyats.
After the assumption of
responsibilities, the market oriented economic system that encourages the
private sector was introduced and the national economic projects that were
being implemented were also changed to correspond with the new economic policy.
At the same time, even while
the factories, workshops and the economic infrastructure that had been
destroyed or damaged were being repaired and reconstructed, development
infrastructures such as roads, river-crossing bridges, dams and reservoirs,
universities and colleges as well as hospitals were built throughout the
nation.
Due to the day and night
efforts of the government, the GDP of the nation, which stood at only over
(47000) million kyats in fiscal year 1988-89, recovered from its decline and by
the 1990-91 financial year reached (50260) million kyats. In the three years
period from 1989-90 to 1991-92, the GDP of the nation achieved an average
annual growth rate of (5.9) percent.
29 million work force
At the end of 1992-93 to
1995-96 Short Term Four Year Plan, the GDP of the country grew by an average
annual rate of (7.5) percent.
Next, from 1996-97 to
2000-2001, the Second Short Term Five Year Plan was laid down and implemented.
During this Second Short Term
Five Year Plan, systematic implementation was carried out to ensure that the
present sound economic foundations would be further consolidated and that
The present 2003-2004 fiscal
year represents the third year of the current 2001-2002 to 2005-2006 Short Term
Five Year Plan. During this Five Year Plan, the planned target is to realize an
average yearly GDP growth of (10.7) percent. During the 2002-2003 fiscal year
i.e. the second year of the Plan, (11.1) percent GDP growth was achieved.
Moreover, at the end of the 2002-2003 fiscal year, per capital GDP had
increased to (105940) kyats.
In addition, in order to
diminish unemployment in the country, our Government created employment
opportunities by using various methods and means. Consequently, we were able to
find employment for nearly 10 million workers and the work force increased from
(19) million in 1988 to the present (29) million.
Agricultural Sector
Let me now turn to the
Agricultural Sector-
In trying to achieve growth and development with momentum in national economic
life, the government pays special attention for all round development of the
country based on an economic policy which calls for taking of agriculture as
the basis and development of other economic sectors as well.
In the initial stage, taking
paddy which is the main crop in the country as the basis, the government
focused its attention on measures to increase sown acreage, to utilize modern
agricultural techniques and high yield seed varieties as well as to use various
methods to ensure the availability of adequate water for agricultural purposes.
At the time, when we first
assumed responsibilities, paddy production in the nation was only (654) million
baskets a year. Therefore, the government encouraged the farmers to grow paddy
not only during the rainy season but also during summer as double cropping and
set the target of reaching an annual production of (1000) million baskets a
year. Consequently, paddy production reached over (800) million baskets from
1995-96 to 1997-98 and increased to (965) million baskets in the 1999-2000
fiscal year. The original target of (1000) million tons had been realized since
the 2000-2001 fiscal year.
As availability of water for
agricultural purposes is a main requirement for development of the agricultural
sector, the government has constructed dams, reservoirs, sluice gates and
implemented water pumping and underground water tapping projects across the
country.
In order to obtain necessary
water for agricultural purposes, a network of dams including small and medium
size projects, some coupled with power generation facilities, were constructed
across the country. Since 1988, during the time of our government, (150) dams
and reservoirs as well as (265) river water pumping projects in areas where
water is scare had been constructed. Due to the projects
undertaken for obtaining water, agricultural land increased by more than (2)
million acres.
More than (63494) million
kyats were used from government funds to construct the (150) dams, reservoirs
and weirs. Presently, 39 irrigation projects are in the process of being built
and there are plans to construct (84) more.
Livestock and Fisheries
Sector
With regard to the Livestock
and Fisheries Sector-
Together with the agricultural sector, the government is also focusing on the
development of the livestock and fisheries sector as
Since both the government as
well as the private sector have expanded with great momentum livestock breeding
and marine industries, the livestock and fisheries sector achieved an average
annual growth rate of (4.6) percent during 1992-93 to 1995-96 First Short Term
Economic Plan and (12.7) percent during the 1996-97 to 2000-2001 Economic Plan.
In the 2001-2002 fiscal year the sector grew by (12.6) percent and in 2002-2003
by (12.0) percent.
The production of fresh water
and salt water fish and prawns in 1987-88 was only (681,000) tons. However,
this has increased to (1,579,000) tons in 2002-2003.
Forestry Sector
With respect to the Forestry
Sector-
Together with the agricultural and livestock and fisheries sector, another
great natural resource of our country is the forestry sector. (52.28) percent
of our total land area is still covered with forests containing diverse
valuable wood and bamboo resources including the internationally renowned
teakwood.
In 1988-89, reserved and
protected public forest accounted for (24.8) million acres and protected area
system amounted to (1.35) million acres. Due to the preservation and
reforestation efforts, by the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the reserved and protected
public forest area has increased to (35.05) million acres and protected area
system acreage amounted to (3.36) million acres.
Moreover, between 1998-99 and
2002-2003 fiscal years, forest plantation including special teak plantations,
has been implemented in nearly (1.1) million acres.
Due to the progress in the
forestry sector, wood-based industries have been established and value added
wood products are on the increase.
Industrial Sector
With regard to the Industrial
Sector-
In order to achieve economic growth based on modern industrial production
during the time of our government, we are endeavouring to increase the
capabilities of the state own large industrial enterprises as well as to
increase industrial production on the whole. Moreover, to increase the
industrial capabilities of the regions and to be able to offer more jobs
opportunities, the private sector had set up (18) industrial zones and
additional expanded industrial zones in various States and Divisions. At the
moment, the private industrial zones are now capable of producing motor
vehicles, agricultural machinery and equipment, electronic goods, spare parts
needed for large factories. Moreover, there are also small factories such as
factories that produced soap and detergents.
With a view to increase
industrial production, to improve the quality of the products as well as to
produce import substitution goods, (257) new large, medium and small sized
factories have been established in the state sector. On the other hand, the private
sector also constructed (24,293) new factories. Therefore, the number of state
and private owned factories increased from (27,430) in 1988 to (51,980) at
present. These efforts and achievements show the endeavours by both state and
private sectors to develop the industrial sector in order to realize the goal
of the emergence of the modern industrial country.
Roads and Bridges Sector
Regarding the developments in
the Roads and Bridges Sector-
What is contributing effectively to significant achievement in building sound
foundations for economic development is the dynamic growth of the
transportation infrastructure including roads and river-crossing bridges that
is being constructed by the government all over the country.
During the time of our government,
river-crossing bridges and major roads have been constructed so that now there
is a network linking east and west and south and north of the nation. Thus, all
parts of the country including regions like
In 1988, there were only (461)
roads in the country with a total length of (13600) road miles. In the time of
our government, we were able to construct (55) new roads measuring nearly
(2000) road miles.
If we look at the bridges,
before 1988, there were only (2) major bridges namely the
Presently, (35) new bridges
including the Thanlwin bridge (Mawlamyine) which will be the longest bridge in
Myanmar and Ayeyawady bridge (Yadanabon) are under construction. Moreover,
plans are underway to construct another (23) bridges.
Rail Transport Sector
As for the Rail Transport
Sector-
New rail lines that would link the important centres of the country have been
constructed. These include Nyaungshwe - Yatsauk rail line, Aungban - Pinlong -
Loikaw rail line, Namhsan - Mognai rail line, Shwenyaung - Namhsan rail line in
the
In 1988, the rail systems in
Aviation and Maritime
Transport Sector
As for Aviation and Maritime
Transport Sector-
With the increased momentum in various economic and development sectors, the
government has systematically implemented measures so that international
aviation and maritime transportation as well as internal aviation and inland
water transportation would also develop in tandem.
Due to these efforts to upgrade
the air transportation sector, the number of airports in the country has
increased to (27) from (21) airports in 1988. Moreover, at that time, there
were only (6) airports in the nation where a Fokker F-28 jet aircraft can land.
Today, there are (18) such airports.
Moreover, the runways of the
various airports are being lengthened so that larger aircrafts can land. In
addition to the upgrading of airports, (7) new airports are under construction.
Similarly, with regard to
maritime transportation, international terminals such as International Thilawa
Terminal, Thakayta Terminal, Alon Terminal and Myanmar Industrial Terminal as
well as modern cargo handling systems and equipment, international standard
container terminals testify to the achievements in this sector.
One development which deserves
a special mention in the aviation and maritime transportation sector is the
establishment for the first time ever in
Communication Sector
In the Communication Sector-
Efforts to upgrade the communication sector with momentum have
been implemented in order to facilitate contacts between the people living in
different parts of the nation. Furthermore, it can be seen that there has been
a dramatic increase in linkages with the international telecommunication
network by using rapidly changing information and communication technology.
In addition to establishing
cellular, CDMA and GSM phone systems in the country, Data Communication,
E-Mail, Internet, Intranet facilities are now available through the use of
Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
As Packet Switching System has
been installed in both
Electricity Sector
Regarding the Electricity
Sector-
With the advancement of the nation and the raising of the standard of living
and quality of life of the people, there has been a significant increased in
the consumption of electricity. The government is therefore implementing
systematic measures to meet the increased demand for electricity.
In 1988, the consumption of
electricity amounted to (2226.45) million units. However, due to the systematic
implementation of electricity projects, people are now using up to (5064.20)
million units of electricity. In other words, electricity consumption has increased
2.27 times.
To increase the generation of
electricity, the government has built hydroelectric plants, steam turbine
plants, natural gas plants, as well as electricity plants using diesel oil. As
a result, the installed capacity increased nearly (2) times to (1219.81)
megawatts as compared to (706.82) megawatts in 1988.
This increase in production of
electricity is made possible because the government constructed (28) Hydropower
Projects and (6) natural gas plants.
(11) new
Electric Power Projects including Paunglaung Hydroelectric Project that would
produce (280) megawatts and Yeywa Hydroelectric Project that would produce
(780) megawatts are also under construction. When these (11) projects are
completed, additional (1960) megawatts of electricity will become available to
the public.
Education Sector
Turning to the Education
Sector-
The national task of the education sector is to nurture and develop human
resources in all fields in order to maintain and promote for the future the
benefits accrued from the advancement of the nation. It must also
systematically implement measures so that the rapidly progressing science and
technology in international arena will reach and spread in the country.
The Four Year Special Plan to
raise the national education level involves not only the Education Ministry but
also Health, Science and Technology and other Ministries concerned with Higher
Education.
In order to provide
opportunities for education, basic education schools, universities and colleges
have been opened across the country.
As a result, in 1988 the
number of basic education schools amounted to (33,747) schools. However in
2003, this has increased to (40,049) including branch schools and affiliated
schools.
With a view to providing the rural
areas with the opportunities to get basic middle school education, (3,800) post
primary schools have been opened in the country.
As the increase in basic
education schools requires additional teaching staff, the number of teachers
has been increased to (222,000) in 2003 from (173,000) in 1988. In 1988, the
number of students attending basic education was over (5.2) million
(5,239,878). This has now increased to over (7.5) million (7,550,896).
There were many illiterate
people in our country because of the colonial legacy and the weaknesses of the
succeeding periods. Therefore, after we assumed responsibility, adult literacy
classes were arranged throughout the nation including the remote border areas
in order to decrease the number of illiterates with the eventual aim of totally
eliminating illiteracy in the country. Because of these classes, today
(500,963) adults are now able to read and write. The literacy rate also
increased from (78) percent to (92.2) percent.
With regard to higher
education, universities and colleges have been opened in the (24) special
development zones established in (14) States and Divisions with the aim of
providing all parts of the nation with opportunities for higher education as
well as for human resource development of the region.
Due to the opening of new
universities and colleges, the number of universities and colleges has
increased from (32) in 1988 to (154) at present.
The expanded opening of
universities and colleges have provided the people with greater educational
opportunities and as a result, the number of students studying at colleges and
universities increased from (130,000) to over (890,000) in 2003.
Similarly, the teaching
faculties have also seen great increase. Previously, there were only (5,600) university
teachers, ranging from professors to tutors and demonstrators. Today, the
number stands at (16,600).
Moreover, in 1988, it was only
possible to study up to a Master Degree. However, in 2003, various universities
and colleges under the Education Ministry are providing (150) different
post-graduate diploma and degree courses including (18) kinds of Master Researcher
Degree, (40) kinds of Master Courses and (20) kinds of Doctorate Courses.
If we include the (90)
different kinds of Master and Doctorate Courses opened by Universities of
Medicine, (73) kinds of Master and Doctorate Courses opened by Technological
Universities and Universities of Computer Studies, then the number of post
graduate diploma and degree Courses being arranged by Universities and Colleges
in Myanmar amounts up to (313).
In 1988, only (266) students
obtained the Master Degree. As the government has greatly expanded
post-graduate Master and Doctorate Courses, in a period of (3) years between
2001 and 2003, (9,474) students obtained the Master Degree and (206) received
their Doctorates.
Technical Education Sector
With respect to the Technical
Education Sector-
In the time of our government, Science and
In previous days, the
Technological Universities could only offer Master Classes. Indeed, in 1988,
there were only (22) students who received the Master Degree. However, in the
time of our Government, it is now possible for students to study in (73)
different kinds of post-graduate degree and diploma courses including (19)
Doctorate Courses and (27) Master Courses. Consequently, from 2000-2001 to
2002-2003, within a space of (3) academic years, (1,424) students obtained
their Master Degrees and (128) students received their Ph.Ds.
Health Sector
Turning to the Health Sector-
In endeavoruring for the development of the nation, it is necessary for our
people not only to have higher standards of education, but also to be healthy
and strong. The greatly increased availability of health care and a higher
standard of health care reflect the rising social standards of the nation.
If we look at the progress
made in health infrastructure, it can be seen that while in 1988, there were
only (617) hospitals including specialist hospitals and general hospitals, in
2003 this has increased to (757) hospitals. Similarly, (84) local dispensaries
and (1,414) rural health centres have been established in all parts of the
country.
In addition to (140) new
hospitals, existing hospitals are being upgraded. The 25-bed hospitals have
been upgraded to 50-bed ones. 100-bed hospitals to 200-bed
hospitals and even up to 300-bed hospitals. Altogether (114) hospitals
were upgraded.
In 1988, there were only (4)
Universities of Medicine. Today, there are (14) Universities of Medicine under
the Ministry of Health. In previous times, only (10) Diploma Classes and (13)
Master Classes were available. Today, the Universities of Medicine are offering
(28) different Diploma Courses, (26) Master Courses, (7) Dr. Med. Sc. Courses
and (29) Ph.D Courses.
Border Areas Sector
With regard to development of
Border Areas Sector-
During the time of our government, we were able to build up unity among our
national races; and to restore peace and stability to the border areas. As a
result, we are now able to implement, in a systematic manner, projects for the
development of border areas and national races. To provide more momentum to
border area development works a separate Ministry for Borders was established.
Thus, the development of border areas and national races and the raising of the
standard of living are being implemented with greater impetus.
Although, in the initial
stage, border area development programmes were carried out only in areas where
peace had returned, it has now been extended to cover all the areas in the country
that have lagged behind the development.
Presently, border area
development programmes are being carried out in (18) different areas of the
country covering (68) Townships in (7) States and (2) Divisions covering
(83,415.34) square miles. The population in these areas is over (5.3) million
and the government is providing wide ranging humanitarian assistance to them.
The sectors in which
development activities are being carried out for border area development are
ones that directly impact on the backwardness of the region and include roads
and bridges, education, health, agriculture, livestock breeding, electricity,
communication, mineral exploration etc. and therefore are of great benefit to
the people.
Border area development
projects were implemented phase by phase starting from the 1993-94 to 1995-96
First Short Term 3-Year Plan, 1996-97 to 2000-2001 First Five-Year Plan and
2001-2002 to 2005-2006 Second Five-Year Plan. These plans also correspond with
the overall national plans.
As border areas and national
races development programmes are being undertaken with momentum, the government
has already spent (45,762.87) million kyats and over US $ (506) million from
the time when border area development programmes started in 1989 to the
present. Due to these efforts, it can be seen that there have been significant
all-round development in the border areas.
In previous times, border
areas such as Panwa in
True facts
In the Second Part, I will be
informing the responsible persons and the people the true facts about the
reasons why our government had to assume responsibilities as well as the
political developments after our assumption of responsibilities.
It is because of the
historical necessity that we were compelled to assume State responsibilities on
Some unscrupulous persons
distorted the undeniable historical fact and tried to term the unrest and
demonstrations that happened during 1988 as a movement for democracy. However
much they try to persuade with sweet words, a careful analysis of the events of
1988 will show that people who tried to get political gain, people who were
swayed by instigations and encouragement of western countries and people with
leftist views who had donned the cloak of democracy united to deliberately
create anarchism among the demonstrators and protestors who had grievances
against the previous government. As the group who were making demonstrations
and launching struggles and demands with the aim of getting political gain and
the group of people who were waiting for an opportunity to loot and destroy
combined to form the majority, anarchism reigned over the nation and the Union
was on the verge of disintegration. The people were facing untold hardship and
difficulties and the Tatmadaw which has the responsibility for national defense
and security of the nation had to unavoidably assume State responsibilities.
From the time of the
assumption of duties of the entire country, the historical task of restoring
peace and tranquility to a nation where unrest and instability had spread to
the entire nation as well as to transform the future Union of Myanmar into the
peaceful modern and developed State was thrust onto our government. It is our
belief that in keeping with the changing political and economic conditions in
the world, we should systematically lay down and
implement national policy and programmes in keeping with democratic practices
so that the Union of Myanmar will become a peaceful, modern, and developed
State. In other words, we believe that we must give shape for the emergence of
a democratic State that corresponds with our country and our people.
Therefore, as you all are
aware, at the time of the assumption of responsibilities it was declared that
elections will be held and that multi-party system will be introduced.
Political reforms were carried out step by step for the transformation to a
genuine multi-party democracy system. Our endeavours were not done in a
haphazard way but to ensure the best possible future after studying the
weaknesses and strength of the democracy system that had been practiced in the
past as well as to treat the historical wounds that have not been healed yet.
Democratic practices differ
from one country to another
Democracy can only materialize
after taking into account the historical background and objective conditions of
the country concerned. It is also a truth that democratic practices differ from
one country to another. There exist differences between the countries that
practice democracy today and the historical background, geographical conditions
as well as the culture and character of the people of our country.
It is an undeniable fact that
because of these differences, we cannot directly copy or import a democratic
system that is being practiced abroad. Neither can such a change be affected
overnight.
Because of the nature of our
geography, there are many fast flowing creeks and rivers in the Union of
Myanmar. There also exists steeped mountains and dense
forests. Therefore, transportation connections between one place and another
are inadequate and communication is difficult. Many national races live in the
Union of Myanmar. There are slight differences in language and culture between
them and they live in all the regions. Because of the transportation and
communication difficulties, some regions lagged behind in development.
Moreover, since the time of
the regaining of independence, armed insurrection emerged across the country
due to the differences in ideology and thinking, thus greatly hindering
internal peace and stability as well as development and progress. This is a
reason why we lagged behind in development. Even today, in some parts of the
border areas there still exists armed opposition from some national brethren.
Because of these conditions,
because of these difficulties, the border regions and the remote areas where
the national races live lagged behind in education, health, social and economic
conditions.
Moreover, it also resulted in
the weakening of national unity in the country. Because of the lack of peace
and stability in the country, it has to face great difficulties in trying to
make the country modern and advanced. As such, it is not surprising that even
after fifty years of independence, when compared to other countries
Therefore, from the time that
we assumed the responsibilities, we have given priority to the development of
the border areas and the national races. It is known to all that if one looks
at the first declaration (1/88) issued after the assumption of responsibilities
it is clearly stated that we would strive for the restoration of smooth
transportation as well as for economic development to meet the food, clothing
and shelter needs of the people.
It is also our belief that
consolidation of national unity in the country and emergence of economic
foundations for regional development, together with the raising of the
standards of living of the people are basic foundations of the democratic
system.
Even as the government lays down and rapidly implement the projects for the
development of border areas and national races for the sake of reconsolidating
national unity, it simultaneously engaged in efforts to restore trust and
confidence with the armed groups so that they could return to the legal fold.
As a result, 17 armed groups have now returned to the legal fold. Even a casual
look can reveal that the task of persuading the armed groups to return to the
legal fold represents a very difficult change. It was definitely not easy to
overcome from difficult conditions created by more than four decades of
national brethren fighting against each other with loss of life on both sides
while the people face all kinds of difficulties and sufferings. Our government
has to achieve what had not been possible for the previous successive
governments. This success was due to the fact that there was mutual respect,
understanding, confidence and sincerity on both sides. It is heartening to note
that the national leaders from these groups are actively participating in the
construction of basic infrastructure not only in their regions but for national
development as well.
As the conditions for peace
and stability improved in the country and as national unity had been built to a
certain extent, efforts were initiated in 1992 for the convening of the
National Convention. The National Convention is a convention which tries to
find a solution by discussion and deliberation for basic principles required in
the drafting of the constitution that would shape the future democratic State.
The Convention was not only composed of representatives from the political
parties, representatives-elect, representatives from the national races,
national races leaders that had returned to the legal fold but also from
representatives of intellectuals, public servants and people from various
strata in the country.
Emergence of a modern,
developed and democratic State
In the National Convention,
political parties and politicians have the right to take part in official
deliberations and to make known their views and wishes. The National
Convention, which people from the political field had longed for so long, was
convened in a manner that allows all the political forces to participate in the
process. The convening of the National Convention is also for the emergence of
a modern, developed and democratic State in accordance with the aspirations of
all strata of people.
However, in 1995, one of the
above-ground political forces, namely the NLD, decided to ignore the future of
the country and placed the attitude and wishes of an individual and the
interests of its own party above the national cause, and carried out a plan
aimed at destroying the National Convention. Consequently, efforts for
political development have now faltered at half way point.
Instead of systematically
participating and cooperating in a political program that needs to be
implemented step by step, the NLD continued to intransigently hold on to the
results of an election that was held 13 years ago and launched a political
attack based on the convening of the Hluttaw and holding a dialogue for its own
political ends. It was they themselves and according to their own decisions
that they decided to pay heed to the interests of an individual and a political
party and turn their backs on the National Convention that was providing an
opportunity for political parties, national races and people from all strata to
hold political discussions at the highest level. However, believing that the
establishment of mutual understanding and mutual confidence can contribute
towards national unity, the Head of State himself with magnanimity met with Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi and tried to find ways to smooth out the differences.
However, it did not develop as
we have hoped for. Due to the pressure and embargos placed by some big nations
as well as due to continuous political manipulations in order to bring down the
present government, the transformation process was again retarded. As long as a
political force in the country is acting in harmony with the efforts of the
collaborators of neo-colonialism from abroad who are trying to find ways to
bring down the existing government and as long as this political force
continues to maintain a negative attitude or refuses to change its methods, it
will result in a situation where the golden land that we all hope for will
remain in the distance.
On our part, we consider as a strength all national forces that hold true to our own
country and our own national interests. Without entertaining prejudice against
any person or any faction, we tried to work hand and hand with the NLD and
guide it toward political change. However, the NLD turned away from the
national political path and took the attitude that it would do whatever it
liked. Because of this, democracy, which was almost at hand, has become distant
again.
It is known to all that at the
moment some big nations are siding with the interests of the individual which they desire and believing in one-sided false news, are
unjustly pressuring our country without taking into account the interests of
the 52 millions people in
In the sphere of the United
Nations and international affairs, it has always respected international law
and agreements. Because
Basically, in building a
genuine democratic State,
(1) Human Resource
(2) Natural Resource
(3) Capital
(4) Technology
(5) Stable Work Environment
are the main requirements. A stable work environment means political stability.
Presently, because we have worked day and night, the positive developments
taking place in all the sectors of the country can be clearly seen. This
progress was achieved due to the united efforts of the people and the national
races, responsible persons from various departments, national economic forces
and non-governmental organizations. Our country had to pass through very rough
times in our history. We have already encountered experiences which are worse
than the sanctions that are now imposed from abroad. If the unity among the
national forces in the country is strong, we will be able to overcome any kind
of situation. Therefore, we are striving to consolidate our national unity and
to do what is necessary for building a genuine democratic State.
The facts that I have
presented are true representations of the actual work done by the government.
We are constantly endeavouring for correct work and positive efforts in the
interests of our country and its people. However, some big nations, acting on false
and incorrect information and misled by the fabrications of their
collaborators, have adopted a negative approach and are giving all sorts of
pressures. Such actions will not contribute towards democracy and will only
cause it to become further and further away. The more one pressures, the
further it will become. However, as we already have the correct objective, we
will work together with the people so that there will be no deviation from the
path that we have chosen.
What I have presented are the
true conditions under which the government has to work as well as true events
and developments.
Political program
In the third part-
I shall now continue to present the political programme that will be undertaken
step by step by our government.
As the Union of Myanmar is
composed of over 100 nationalities that have lived together in unity and
harmony for thousands of years, it is a nation that is striving with highest
priority to build national unity. Therefore, non-disintegration of the
In accordance with this
national policy, we are systematically advancing towards the goal of the State
by laying down four political objectives, four economic objectives and four
social objectives for the emergence of a modern and developed nation.
At this junction, I would like
to reiterate the most important four political objectives, which are:
(1) Stability of the State, community peace and tranquility, prevalence of law
and order;
(2) National reconsolidation;
(3) Emergence of a new enduring State Constitution;
(4) Building of a new modern developed nation in accord with the new State
Constitution.
The manner in which the nation
will be built can clearly be seen in these four political objectives.
Therefore, the emergence of a new enduring State Constitution is the most
important key in building a new nation.
Therefore, the government will
be implementing in a step-by-step and systematic manner the following political
program for building the nation.
(1) - Reconvening of the
National Convention that has been adjourned since 1996.
(2) - After the successful holding of the National Convention, step by step
implementation of the
process necessary for the emergence of a
genuine and disciplined democratic system.
(3) - Drafting of a new constitution in accordance with basic principles and
detailed basic principles
laid down by the National Convention.
(4) - Adoption of the constitution through national referendum.
(5) - Holding of free and fair elections for Pyithu Hluttaws (Legislative
bodies) according to the new
constitution.
(6) - Convening of Hluttaws attended by Hluttaw members in accordance with the
new constitution.
(7) - Building a modern, developed and democratic nation by the state leaders
elected by the
Hluttaw; and the government and other
central organs formed by the Hluttaw.
This is the Road Map of
Myanmar.
In concluding, I would like to
summarize that:
The most important factor in
building a new, peaceful, modern, developed and democratic nation is the
emergence of a disciplined democratic system that does not effect the
historical traditions of the Union of the national races living in unison and
harmony for thousands of years; that does not effect the national prestige and
integrity of our people and nation; and that does not effect the national
characteristics of our people. Therefore, I would like to urge all the national
races to work together with the Government in unity, and the local authorities
and the responsible Government departmental personnel to actively render
necessary assistance, for the realization of the seven steps in the political
programme mentioned above which the Government will continue to implement for
the emergence of a new enduring State Constitution and building of a new modern
developed nation in accordance with the national policy of Our Three Main
National Causes as well as twelve political, economic and social objectives.
In addition to this, it is
very important to advance along the national path without deviation by firmly
embracing patriotism, national spirit, spirit of national unity and Union
spirit for the perpetuation of the Union in its march towards the national goal
of a new peaceful, modern, developed and democratic state for the long term
interest of the state and all the people.
As the goal of the emergence
of a peaceful, modern and developed nation means the strengthening of national
economic life and firm establishment of economic infrastructures, we must
strive forward by utilizing the natural resources inside the country together
with the resources of intellectuals, technicians and the united strength of the
people.
Therefore, in concluding, I
would like to urge the government and all the national races to unitedly work
together, for responsible personnel of the government departments, local
authorities and non-governmental organizations to endeavour diligently and for
all to march on the correct national path in order to reach the goal of a new
modern, developed and democratic nation which the Union of Myanmar is aspiring
for.
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