Tuesday, July 19, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Martyrs’ Day Openly Commemorated by Thousands Nationwide

Posted: 19 Jul 2016 06:50 AM PDT

1. Rangoon_Secretariat

Martyrs' Day Commemoration at Rangoon's Secretariat. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy)

RANGOON — Burma Army Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing's attendance at the annual commemoration of Martyrs' Day in Rangoon on Tuesday generated hope for restoring relationships in the war-torn country, said representatives from the country's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD).

"It's a good sign for national reconciliation," said Nyan Win, one of the party's central executive committee members.

Army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and parliament speakers pay respect to Gen Aung San and his eight colleagues at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy)

Army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and parliament speakers pay respect to Gen Aung San and his eight colleagues at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy)

Min Aung Hlaing was the first army chief to join the annual Martyrs' Day ceremony since after the student-led uprisings of 1988. Proceedings were held at the Martyrs' Mausoleum to honor independence hero Gen Aung San and his eight colleagues, all of whom were assassinated 69 years ago on July 19.

The senior-general's presence at the event coincides with efforts by NLD party head and national de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi to coax Burma's powerful military to cooperate within a renewed peace process; the Burmese army has been engaged in conflict with ethnic and other non-state armed groups since shortly after the country's independence from Britain in 1948.

State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the daughter of Gen Aung San, pays respect to the fallen national heroes. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy)

State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the daughter of Gen Aung San, pays respect to the fallen national heroes. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy)

Aside from his appearance at the mausoleum, the army chief also visited Suu Kyi's residence on Tuesday to join a Buddhist merit-making ceremony for the martyrs, reportedly becoming the first-ever army chief to attend an event hosted by Suu Kyi, who is the late Aung San's daughter. Also in attendance were former parliamentary speaker Shwe Mann, NLD patron Tin Oo, and the country's vice president Myint Swe, and Cabinet members.

State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the daughter of Gen Aung San, pays respect to the fallen national heroes. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy)

State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the daughter of Gen Aung San, pays respect to the fallen national heroes. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy)

Tin Oo described the army chief's appearance at Suu Kyi's residence as "strange," yet said it signified "a possible good sign for Burmese politics."

Some saw Min Aung Hlaing's attendance at the Martyrs' Day ceremony as a sign that top leaders within the Burmese military are shifting away from the tendency of their predecessors to understate and even ignore Aung San's role in history. Even though he founded the army in which they serve, military leaders have been known to downplay the importance of Martyrs' Day, but with an Aung San Suu Kyi-led government now in power, it appears this practice has come to an end.

Members of the Rangoon Students Union pay respect to Aung San and his fallen colleagues at Rangoon's Secretariat on July 19, Martyrs' Day. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy)

Members of the Rangoon Students Union pay respect to Aung San and his fallen colleagues at Rangoon's Secretariat on July 19, Martyrs' Day. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy)

The Secretariat: A Piece of History

For the first time in several years, downtown Rangoon's Secretariat building—the site of Aung San and his colleagues' assassination—hosted an official commemorative ceremony as part of Tuesday's proceedings. Rangoon Mayor Maung Maung Soe and executive members of the city's development committee bowed in silence to honor the nine fallen men.

"Gen Aung San and the martyrs sacrificed many things for the sake of this country without taking anything back," said Than Myint Aung, one of the members of the Yangon City Development Committee's executive board and the co-founder of the civil society group Free Funeral Service Society (FFSS).

"We all are now benefiting from what they have done, and the public and our future generations need to be aware of that," she added.

Visitors are seen at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon on July 19, Martyrs Day. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy)

Visitors are seen at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon on July 19, Martyrs Day. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy)

On Tuesday, thousands of people crowded the Secretariat to mark the mournful occasion. Hnin Oo Wai, a 28-year-old mother of two, was among them.

She told The Irrawaddy that she brought her children—aged eight and five—to explain the significance of the day and to teach them about the martyrs, whose work and memory she felt had been neglected for decades.

"My kids have known who Gen Aung San is and who Amay [mother] Suu is since they learned how to speak," Hnin Oo Wai said. "But this building is one of the pieces of historical evidence which can prove that Gen Aung San is our independence hero," she added.

As the clock approached 10:37 a.m. on Tuesday, the moment when the martyrs were gunned down, the morning's sunny weather disappeared and the sky cracked open to release a flood of rain.

Under the downpour, visitors bowed in silence in the Secretariat's courtyard. The activities of the city were halted for one minute as sirens blared and vehicles honked their horns to acknowledge the anniversary of the tragedy.

Visitors seen at Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon on July 19, Martyrs' Day. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy)

Visitors seen at Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon on July 19, Martyrs' Day. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy)

Official Commemorations Held Nationwide

A separate state-level Martyrs' Day ceremony was held at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon's Bahan Township. Joining the commemoration were State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, vice president Myint Swe, speakers of the Parliament, Cabinet members, and surviving family members of Aung San's eight assassinated colleagues.

Visitors are seen at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon on July 19, Martyrs' Day. (Photo: Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy)

Visitors are seen at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon on July 19, Martyrs' Day. (Photo: Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy)

Thousands of visitors gathered at the mausoleum to pay their respects at the location where the martyrs are interred. Authorities demanded that the crowds queue systematically in order to enter the site, while civil society groups and members of the Red Cross Society stood by in case of an emergency.

Visitors are seen at Rangoon's Bogyoke Aung San statue on July 19, Martyrs' Day. (Photo: Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy)

Visitors are seen at Rangoon's Bogyoke Aung San statue on July 19, Martyrs' Day. (Photo: Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy)

Events were also held throughout Rangoon, at Bogyoke Aung San Museum and Bogyoke Park, where thousands more visitors showed up at the venues to participate in the proceedings.

Martyrs' Day was commemorated in Burma's capital of Naypyidaw and in other cities across the country's 14 states and divisions.

Mandalay's chief minister Zaw Myint Maung is seen at the Martyrs' Day commemoration in Mandalay. (Photo: Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy)

Mandalay’s chief minister Zaw Myint Maung is seen at the Martyrs' Day commemoration in Mandalay. (Photo: Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy)

In Mandalay, an official ceremony was led by Chief Minister Zaw Myint Maung and other military and government officials, including representatives from the Chinese and Indian consular offices.

"This ceremony is not only to show our respect to the late martyrs, but to tell our [younger] generations about the spirit of the martyrs, and to take examples from those who worked hard for the good of the country without taking any profit or personal benefits," the Chief Minister told reporters before the ceremony.

On the streets of Mandalay, people carrying national flags at half-mast, as well as wreaths and flower arrangements, headed toward the commemorative grounds to honor Aung San and his fallen colleagues.

"It was a touching scene to see that we can now commemorate our late leaders more freely than before. We need to keep in mind that only commemorating them today is not enough to show how much we love them," said Hsu Ngat, well-known local author in Mandalay.

President Htin Kyaw, who was not present at the ceremony in Rangoon's mausoleum, made offerings to monks in Naypyidaw, along with the first lady Su Su Lwin and other government senior figures, partaking in the Buddhist practice of sharing merit with those who have passed away.

(Reporting by Zarni Mann in Mandalay and Tin Htet Paing and Tun Tun in Rangoon)

The post Martyrs' Day Openly Commemorated by Thousands Nationwide appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week (July 19)

Posted: 18 Jul 2016 09:59 PM PDT

tenThe Irrawaddy picks 10 interesting events happening in Rangoon this week.

Monsoon Poetry FestivalMonsoon Poetry Festival

The inaugural Monsoon Poetry Festival features readings and performances by 26 poets and performance artists from all over Burma plus a number of poetry chapbooks. Maung Sangkha, a poet who was imprisoned for defamation against the former president, organized the festival. The admission fee is 3,000 kyats.

Where: Yangon Diocesan Office [Anglican Church], near Pegu Club bus stop, between the Russian Embassy & Sein Gay Har Shopping Mall

When: Saturday, July 22, 5pm to 9pm


Opp Journal Job FairJob Fair

The 9th job fair organized the weekly job advertising medium Opportunity Journal will be held at Tatmadaw Hall in conjunction with talks from scholars and HR consultants about entrepreneurship and management.

Where: Tatmadaw Hall, U Wisara Road, Tel: 09-777277978, 09-73121754

When: Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24, 9am to 5pm


MicrofilmMicro Film Contest Promotion Show

The second annual Myanmar Youth Micro Film Contest will be held at Myanmar Plaza. Shows run between 1pm and 7pm.

Where: Myanmar Plaza, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road

When: Saturday, July 23, 1pm to 7pm


Trivia NightTrivia Night at Father’s Office

These bi-monthly trivia nights are held on the first and third Wednesday of every month. With changing categories that include historical places, pop culture, geography and more, there is sure to be a topic for everyone. Test your skills against Rangoon's most nerdy residents as you and your team compete for trivia glory and a 30,000 kyats prize. Call to secure your seats.

Where: Father’s Office, 291 Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Botahtaung Tsp., Tel: 09-450218080

When: Wednesday July 20, 7:30pm to 10pm


13706313_1620009158328883_2039522415_n'Scion' Exhibition

A group exhibition showcases more than 70 paintings by approximately 20 artists, with prices for work ranging between US$100 and $1,000.

Where: Lokanat Gallery, 62 Pansodan Street, 1st Floor, Kyauktada Tsp., Tel. 095-1382-269

When: Thursday, July 21 to Monday, July 25


13669784_627370224089771_4114359207634162355_nCloud 31 Gallery Show

In commemoration of the 69th Martyrs' Day anniversary, three artists stage an exhibition entitled 'Unforgotten,' featuring 27 paintings and an installation. All paintings are priced at $150.

Where: Cloud 31 Art Gallery, No.49/51, First floor, 31st street, between Merchant Street and Mahabandoola Street

When: Tuesday, July 19 to Thursday, July 21


sketch304123132'Story of the Memo' Showcase

Artist Ohn Khine Zin will display 20 of his works at his third solo show at Cloud 31 Gallery. Prices range from $150 to $500.

Where: Cloud 31 Art Gallery, No.49/51, First floor, 31st Street between Merchant Street and Mahabandoola Street.

When: Saturday, July 23 to Wednesday, July 27


13626604_1404304022916944_8638647472297538320_n'Rain' Exhibition in Golden Valley

A group exhibition, featuring 40 artists and more than 200 paintings, will be held at Golden Valley Gallery.

Where: Golden Valley Art Center, No. 54/D, Golden Valley, Bahan Tsp., Tel: 01-513621

When: Saturday, July 23 to Saturday, July 30  


hfaArtists and Artisans Exhibition

A group showcase of more than 18 artists will be held at Bogyoke Market, featuring over 50 paintings priced between $300 and $2,000. Twenty percent of the revenue raised will be donated to See Sar Yeik Home for Aged and Ailing Persons.

Where: Myanmar Artists and Artisans Association, Bogyoke Market

When: Thursday, July 21 to Sunday, July 24


13647068_1204200096271105_1484777003_oDramatic Performance Troop

In recognition of Martyrs' Day on July 19, a dramatic performance troop, led by Po Chit and other artists, will stage a drama titled 'I am Aung San' at the National Museum. Ticket prices range from 5,000 to 20,000 kyats with a 50 percent discount for students.

Where: National Theater, Myoma Kyaung Street

When: Monday, July 18 and Tuesday, July 19, 7:30pm


 

The post Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week (July 19) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

National News

National News


Myanmar wades in to South China Sea ruling with a balancing act

Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT

Breaking its traditional silence on the South China Sea dispute, Myanmar released its first public statement about the spat on July 13, following an international tribunal's ruling in the Philippines' favour.

Draft law on work permits for foreigners heads to attorney general

Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT

Foreigners working in Myanmar will soon need work permits, the labour ministry has announced, in a move that has been welcomed by businesses. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population will submit a draft law to the attorney general later this month, deputy director general U Nyunt Win told The Myanmar Times yesterday.

Press conference reveals friction after state counsellor, UNFC meet

Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT

The state counsellor called this week's landmark meetings with ethnic armed group leaders "family-like", but a press conference with a United Nationalities Federal Council delegation yesterday revealed a different picture: At least one of the armed groups' leaders left the talks dissatisfied.

China woos Myanmar, tries to massage its public image

Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT

In what seems likely to be a concerted and protracted charm offensive, China has been inviting hundreds of Myanmar opinion-formers to "improve understanding" on their part of China's intentions. China is telling Myanmar that it knows Myanmar has changed, and that China's attitude has changed too.

Political prisoners group pushes NLD to do more

Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) has blamed the government for the continued arrest and detention of activists under undemocratic legislation that threatens freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Garment workers receive partial severance compensation

Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT

After drawn out negotiations, 85 workers from a recently shuttered garment factory in Yangon's Hlaing Tharyar township received part of their severance compensation yesterday, following their second protest staged over the weekend.

Two killed in express bus accident on Yangon-Mandalay highway

Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT

Two people were killed and at least 25 others injured when an express bus veered off the Yangon-Mandalay highway en route to Taungoo on July 15. The accident took place at about 10pm in Kyauktaga township, Bago Region.

NLD government asks for ‘more time’ as public and pundits take stock

Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT

After its first 100 days, what does the government intend to do, and how much has it already done?

Aung San statue in Pyinmana gets Martyrs’ Day makeover

Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT

Pyinmana township elders have donated K13 million (US$11,000) to have a statue of independence hero Bogyoke Aung San refurbished in time for Martyrs' Day this week, U Than Soe Aung, a Pyithu Hluttaw representative for the township, told The Myanmar Times.

Farmers protest land taken for prison

Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT

Fruit farmers whose land was seized more than 35 years ago to build a prison say it's time they got their property back.

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News


Research Project: Understanding “Buddhist nationalism” in Myanmar

Posted: 19 Jul 2016 07:48 AM PDT

The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) at the University of Oxford is looking for an academic consultant providing research support to the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-funded project "Understanding 'Buddhist nationalism' in Myanmar: Religion, Gender, Identity and Conflict in a Political Transition." The project is directed by Dr Matthew J Walton and the Oxford-based research team includes Dr Ma Khin Mar Mar Kyi. The consultant will be expected to support the research team's activities in Myanmar in various ways.

The work will be undertaken outside the UK and will consist of collecting, organizing and sharing data with the research team (including books, journals, DVDs, and other media); completing transcriptions and rough translations of collected data; supporting the research team in planning and organizing field research; occasionally conducting interviews for the project; leading in organizing regular consultation and dissemination meetings; occasionally contributing to the research team's scholarly and media outputs; and submitting quarterly progress reports to the Director.

The successful candidate will have professional competency in both English and Burmese (written and spoken) and be able to complete rough translations of material from Burmese to English.  S/he will have experience supporting research projects and ideally some experience in conducting research. The candidate will be organized and responsive, with a high level of attention to detail and an ability to engage delicately with sensitive topics. S/he must be comfortable interacting with government officials and high-ranking religious figures.

The works will be undertaken outside the UK and, ideally the consultant will be based in Yangon (Myanmar), although candidates based in other major cities in Myanmar will be considered. The successful applicant will be required to provide the University with a copy of an adequate professional indemnity insurance policy on request.

This contract will be full time commencing as soon as possible and ending on 31 July 2018.

Further duties and skills required are described below.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  1. To collect data (including books, journals, DVDs, and other media) as required for the project, organizing it and sharing with the research team
  2. To complete transcriptions or rough translations of collected materials
  3. To conduct preliminary analysis of collected materials
  4. To support the research team in planning and organizing field work
  5. To occasionally undertake research which might include preparing, setting up, conducting and recording interviews or other field work
  6. To lead in organizing the research team's regular consultation/dissemination meetings
  7. To prepare quarterly progress reports for the project director
  8. To contribute to the research team's scholarly and media writings, as appropriate
  9. To contribute to the planning process of the research team as appropriate
  10. To comply with University policies relating to health and safety, ethics, equality of opportunity and data management

Any other duties as maybe assigned from time to time commensurate with the project.

Selection Criteria

Essential
• Professional competency in English and Burmese (written and spoken);
• Experience supporting research projects, including planning interviews and consultation meetings, managing small budgets, and writing reports;
• Experience collecting, organizing, and analysing data;
• Ability to engage delicately and effectively with sensitive topics;
• Excellent administrative skills and capability, including problem solving, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Comfortable working with people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Desirable
• Experience in transcription and translation;
• Familiarity with media in Myanmar, including social media;
• Experience in event organisation;
• Experience in independently managing a discrete area of a research project;
• Experience working in areas related to religion, politics, gender, or conflict;
• Experience conducting research, including conducting interviews.

To apply for this assignment, please send a cover letter and CV (including references) to: matthew.walton@sant.ox.ac.uk.

 Closing date for applications is Monday noon (UK time) 8th August 2016. Applications received after the closing date cannot be considered.

Download PDF file:Consultant ADVERT_ESRC

Khu Oo Reh's response on Suu Kyi's urging of “give” more than “take”

Posted: 19 Jul 2016 07:37 AM PDT

Khu Oo Reh, spokesperson for the United Nationalities Federal Council's (UNFC) Delegation for Political Negotiation (DPN), press conference on 18 July, at Chatrium Hotel in Rangoon, pin-pointed the much publicized Aung San Suu Kyi's, time and again, urging of all political stakeholders to think more about "give" than "take".

The phrase actually comes from John F Kennedy's famous "Inaugural Address" in Washington, D.C., on 20 January 1961. In his speech President Kennedy urges American citizens to participate in public service and "ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country."

Suu Kyi was said to have told the UNFC delegation during the meeting on 17 July that it would be hard to implement the demand of the ethnic nationalities one hundred percent; and that they should also think what they could give from their side.

In response to Suu Kyi's urging, Khu Oo Reh said: "Go and look at the non-Bamar ethnic states. Mountains have turned flattened, flat lands (plains) become desert, river, stream and ponds dried. Our villages were being destroyed and our population have fled to jungles and mountains. Our mineral resources have been depleted and no trees and bamboos (forest) exist any more. Now, what do you want more from us? What should we give more?"

He added: "We understood that we achieved this country's independence together hand-in-hand. That is why we are co-owner of this country. This is the kind of equality we are talking about. Because of this we don't need to ask (anyone) and also don't need to give."

The most important thing he stressed was that on how peaceful, harmonious co-existence with development could be achieved. "Everyone has the duty (to do this)," he said.

Khu Oo Reh's frustration regarding Suu Kyi's urging is understandable, for the militarization and oppression, coupled with economic exploitation, of the Burmese military have left a permanent scar physically and physiologically on the non-Bamar ethnic population. But this plea of Suu Kyi to consider more on "giving" to the ethnic nationalities is being interpreted as "to kowtow or give in to the Bamar domination without question", which the ethnic nationalities fervently have been resisting all these years. In other words, the ethnic nationalities should be happy with some handout in form of minimum power devolution, anchored in Bamar-dominated unitary form of governance.

Suu Kyi should now think hard, if she wants to be in the same ideological boat with the military, which openly cater to ethnocentrism or Bamar racial supremacy thinking over all non-Bamar ethnic nationalities.