Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Commentary “Panglong peace negotiations and constitutional reform”

Posted: 06 Jun 2017 11:59 PM PDT

An important point that the creation of Burma Proper or Ministerial Burma into "Pyi Ma" first during the period of short-live parliamentary era of some 10 years, later was diversified into "7 Divisions" and recently changed into "7 Regions", could be said as the handiwork of General Ne Win, during BSPP reign.



This has been done without the consent of the people and later thrust down the throat of the people, as taken for granted. Now the Tatmadaw and the NLD government also cater to it, as if there has been there for eternity.

This has to be resolved first, as the federal union envisaged in Panglong Agreement of 1947, Union of Burma Constitution of 1947 and Federal amendment proposal of the ethnic nationalities of 1961 were based on ethnic-based federalism and not territorial federalism.

Thus, two points have to be first considered, frankly speaking.

1. The Burma Proper/Ministerial Burma creation into 7 Divisions or Regions
2. Whether Burma or Myanmar is to be a territorial or ethnic-based federalism.

Going ahead with the peace process, as if taken for granted and white-washing historical treaties and documents that were legal basis for the formation of the Union of Burma in 1948 won't do to resolve the ethnic conflict, much less reconciliation and political settlement.

Link to the story: http://frontiermyanmar.net/en/panglong-peace-negotiations-and-constitutional-reform

Commentary on “ Accord or discord at Panglong?”

Posted: 06 Jun 2017 11:57 PM PDT

Excellent piece that also pinpoints the 8 disagreement between the government-military and its counterparts, the ethnic nationalities political parties and the ethnic armed organizations.

The 3 disagreements have to do with democratic value, rights of self-determination and adopting the ethnic states's constitutions. It said in the 3 points that all must adhere to the military-drafted 2008 constitution and be in line with it.


As all know that the military-drawn constitution is neither democratic nor federal in any sense, besides allowing the military to be sitting at the helm of all political decision-making, the ethnic nationalities are not about to scam to the government-military demand. After all, they are struggling all along to regain their birthright self-determination, democracy, equality within the mold of a genuine federalism, and would be hard to give in to the military demand.

Again, what the State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi claimed to be a major step forward, on 37 principles that would be included in the future Union Peace Accord, is also questionable, as it was not taken in line with the Framework for Political Dialogue (FPD).

If one looks at the following guidelines from FPD on how the Union Accord should be promulgated, it was not taken in accordance with the procedure.

To negotiate and decide in good faith any issues that may arise between and among the dialogue partners in order to achieve lasting and sustainable peace, the following will be undertaken in accordance with paragraph 1 subparagraph (h) of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement.

6.1. All matters shall be resolutely discussed at the Working Committee level.

6.2. Important matters submitted to the Union Peace Conference by the Working Committees including those related to the establishment of a Union based on federal principles, national security, and security reintegration must be approved by at least 75 percent of the attendees from each group, and by at least 75 percent of all the attendees.

6.3. Except for the matters of subparagraph 6.2, all other matters submitted to the Union Peace Conference by the Working Committees must be approved by at least 50 percent of the attendees from each group, and by at least 65 percent of all the attendees.

Thus, it is more of a discord than accord, if one is to answer to Nyan Hlaing Lynn correctly posed question.

Link to the story: http://frontiermyanmar.net/en/accord-or-discord-at-panglong

By-election winners sworn in at Shan State parliament

Posted: 06 Jun 2017 07:57 AM PDT

Six newly elected MPs – four representing the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), one from the National League for Democracy (NLD), and one from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) – joined three appointed military MPs in swearing oaths as they took their seats at the Shan State parliament for the first time on Tuesday.


Speaking to Shan Herald after the assembly session today, Nang Kong Kham, an MP from SNLD representing Mong Hsu Township Constituency No 2, said that there were some points she did not agree with.

"In the oath, there were some points that I didn't like; however for our nation to heal we must accept them," she said. "I found out that there may be rules and laws that do no good to the general public. They should be disbanded in favour of regulations that work for the people."

Sai Linn Myat, the new SNLD MP representing Mong Hsu Township Constituency No 1, said that as this was his first parliamentary meeting he listened and observed how the parliament works.

During the by-election on April 1, the SNLD won all six seats in the state parliament by-elections, including two in Kehsi Township, giving it a landslide victory in Shan State. The ruling NLD won only one state parliament seat, that was in Naungshwe Township. The USDP won one seat in Kengtung Township.

The SNLD, also known as Tiger Head Party, won a total of 40 seats in the 2015 election nationwide. It won 25 seats in the Shan State parliament, second only to the USDP with 33 seats. The NLD came in third with 23 seats. Another 34 seats were automatically reserved for military representatives.

By Shan Herald Agency for News
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