Wednesday, November 9, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Media Experts Push for Right-to-Know Law

Posted: 09 Nov 2016 07:37 AM PST

Media experts urge the government to enact a 'Right to Information Law' in order to make government data more transparent to the public.

The post Media Experts Push for Right-to-Know Law appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Wave Money to Expand Network

Posted: 09 Nov 2016 06:54 AM PST

The country's first mobile financial service announces it will expand its business network from 4,000 to 6,000 shops by the end of 2016.

The post Wave Money to Expand Network appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Rangoon Police Investigate Child Rape

Posted: 09 Nov 2016 06:44 AM PST

After failing to investigate for six days, police are questioning suspects in an East Dagon child rape case.

The post Rangoon Police Investigate Child Rape appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Army Chief Says Military Representation in Parliament Still Necessary

Posted: 09 Nov 2016 06:35 AM PST

The army chief says military representation in Parliament is still needed because of the delicate multiparty democracy in the country.

The post Army Chief Says Military Representation in Parliament Still Necessary appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Govt Allows Food Aid Delivery to Northern Arakan

Posted: 09 Nov 2016 04:24 AM PST

After one month under military lockdown, four villages in Maungdaw Township set to receive WFP aid.

The post Govt Allows Food Aid Delivery to Northern Arakan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

KNU Signs Forestry Memorandum with WWF

Posted: 09 Nov 2016 03:50 AM PST

'The objective is to protect and restore forests and wildlife in KNU areas' says KNU forestry department.

The post KNU Signs Forestry Memorandum with WWF appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

World in Shock as Trump Surges to Victory in US

Posted: 09 Nov 2016 01:14 AM PST

Prominent historian Simon Schama describes Trump victory and Republican control of both the Senate and the House a 'genuinely frightening prospect.'

The post World in Shock as Trump Surges to Victory in US appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Midi Z: ‘A Film Is Not Just a Film—It Can Be Everything’

Posted: 08 Nov 2016 10:32 PM PST

The Irrawaddy sits down with Burmese-born Taiwanese filmmaker Midi Z to talk about filmmaking and what inspires him.

The post Midi Z: 'A Film Is Not Just a Film—It Can Be Everything' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

National News

National News


Legal commission to review Telecoms Law as push to amend gathers steam

Posted: 09 Nov 2016 12:27 AM PST

The parliamentary Commission for the Assessment of Legal Affairs and Special Issues is planning to review the controversial Telecommunications Law in light of growing public questioning of the legislation, which has been used to imprison several people for defaming state leaders, according to a commission member.

Sailors protest raft of abuses in front of Yangon’s city hall

Posted: 09 Nov 2016 12:11 AM PST

Over 100 Myanmar sailors staged a demonstration in front of Yangon City Hall yesterday, outlining a litany of grievances for the Department of Marine Administration. Crew members from other countries have an easier time getting promoted through the ranks, the demonstrators said, while the marine department's cumbersome training obligations and policies hold them back.

UNFC’s demands increase as DPN, peace commission meet

Posted: 09 Nov 2016 12:05 AM PST

As the government ramps up preparations for the first political dialogue scheduled for later this month, Nay Pyi Taw's peace negotiators are scheduled today to meet with representatives from a powerful ethnic armed bloc.

Election anniversary sound-off: ‘Change’ you can believe in?

Posted: 09 Nov 2016 12:04 AM PST

Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of Myanmar's historic general election, which saw the National League for Democracy and its leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi swept into power. Sky-high expectations and the legacy of decades of military rule awaited when the NLD cabinet was sworn in to office in late March. Seven months into the new government's tenure, The Myanmar Times asked several members of the public for their thoughts on the state of the nation one year after voters overwhelmingly voted for "change".

Tatmadaw calls for release of conscripted Shan villagers

Posted: 08 Nov 2016 11:40 PM PST

The Tatmadaw is demanding the release of 19 villagers they say have been involuntarily detained by the Shan State Progressive Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA).

Man charged over online slander of state counsellor

Posted: 08 Nov 2016 11:39 PM PST

A man who allegedly made disparaging remarks about State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is to face court in North Okkalapa township on November 18, charged under Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law for defamation.

Fourth estate must abide by ‘code of ethics’: minister for information

Posted: 08 Nov 2016 11:39 PM PST

It is important for journalists to verify information and steer clear of opinions, assumptions and comments, Union Minister for Information U Pe Myint told a media summit on November 7.

Mandalay affordable housing units to be sold through lottery system next year

Posted: 08 Nov 2016 11:36 PM PST

More than 500 apartments for low-income families, government staff, pensioners and others will go on sale in January in Chan Mya Tharsi township, Mandalay Region. Buyers will be selected by drawing lots, local authorities say.

Magwe Region labour minister intervenes in oilfield dispute

Posted: 08 Nov 2016 11:28 PM PST

Labour laws in Magwe Region could be changed to support oil workers' claims against their employers over hazardous conditions, the local authorities say. Regional Labour, Immigration and Population Minister U Nay Myo Kyaw said the disputes would be solved through negotiations based on workers' rights enshrined in Union-level law.

Budget surplus to benefit Magwe roads, bridges: ministers

Posted: 08 Nov 2016 11:26 PM PST

A surplus of billions of kyats from previous road and bridge construction allocations in Magwe Region will be used to fund additional roadworks in its 25 townships, lawmakers in the regional legislature were told yesterday.