Thursday, January 31, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

KNU Leaders Call for Continued Struggle on 70th Anniversary

Posted: 31 Jan 2019 07:22 AM PST

PAAN District, Karen State—70 years on, the spirit of the Karen national revolutionary movement remains strong among the young, adults and the elderly, even after more than seven years of peace talks between the government and the Karen National Union.

Unlike in past years, the KNU carefully planned this year's event near their headquarters in Paan District of Karen State, close to the Thai border. It included an exhibition showcasing the history of the KNU, generations of Karen revolutionary leaders and the KNU's ongoing peace talks with the government. It is the biggest such commemoration ever held by the KNU, a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

On Wednesday night, events were held to entertain those in attendance, who included Karen from the area, from across Karen State and Myanmar, and even from abroad. These included a music concert, traditional Done dancing and other festivities.

Thursday marked the 70th anniversary of the day in 1949 when the KNU began its resistance following the central government's denunciation of the group as an unlawful organization after months of protests demanding equality for the Karen people. At the anniversary event, ethnic leaders urged all Karen to continue to support the struggle for basic rights and equality.

Addressing the Karen attendees in their native language, KNU chairman Saw Mutu Sae Poe said, "At this time, though we have not reached our political goal of freedom, equality, autonomy and peace in the country—[and] the establishment of a democratic federal union for the Karen people and for all ethnic nationalities—we still can stand up firmly in our movement."

He said the Karen people had made an enormous sacrifice over the past seven decades, and not only on the battlefield. He reminded the audience that many civilians had been forced to become IDPs and refugees. He said that because of this hardship, "hatred, bitterness and distrust have arisen among them."

Echoing the chairman's speech, Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung, a KNU executive committee member who is in his 70s and has been part of the revolutionary movement for 50 years, told The Irrawaddy, "Although it has been more than 70 years since the beginning of the Karen's struggle for equal rights, we have not reached our goal."

He told The Irrawaddy on Thursday, "Our path and our history of Karen revolutionary effort has been hard. There has been so much sacrifice and loss." He urged young people to keep up their resistance activities until equality can be achieved between the majority Bamar and the minority ethnic groups like the Karen.

"The young must continue to take responsibility, and must not forget about the Karen revolutionary leaders, as well as the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives," he said.

The leaders' messages appeared to have been taken to heart by the younger members of the community in attendance. The Irrawaddy talked to few young people who were keen to show their strong spirit and their pride in the resistance movement.

Saw Kae Doh from Hlaine Bwe Township in Karen State was attending his first KNU anniversary event. He said young people such as himself "need to keep on following the path laid out by the Karen leaders until [the community's goal] is achieved."

But he hoped the Karen leaders would be able to achieve genuine peace.

Padoh Saw Tadoh Moo, the current secretary general of the KNU, said the 70th anniversary commemoration was an opportunity to highlight the group's struggles and its latest peace efforts.

"Genuine peace is needed to attain our rights, which have long been denied us, and also to restore democracy, which we lack," he told The Irrawaddy. He added that informal talks would be held soon between the KNU and the government and Myanmar military (or Tatmadaw) leaders to resolve the latest deadlock in peace talks.

Karen State Chief Minister Daw Nang Khin Htwe Myint joined the event and delivered a speech urging everyone to support peace negotiators in order to achieve peace for future generations.

"Everyone here knows that our state has been underdeveloped for decades due to a lack of peace," she said, urging people to work together so that Karen State could make progress.

Padoh Saw Tha Mein Tun, another KNU leader, echoed that sentiment, urging the people to keep working to achieve peace, adding that the revolutionary movement had kept the Karen people strong for 70 years.

He said, "It has been both good and bad, [and we have seen] success and failure [during this resistance journey], but we keep our flag raised high; that is the Karen spirit."

The Karen people must continue in the same spirit because "we Karen people are determined to keep resisting," he said.

The post KNU Leaders Call for Continued Struggle on 70th Anniversary appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Activists Stage Protest as Statue of Gen. Aung San Goes up in Loikaw

Posted: 31 Jan 2019 06:51 AM PST

The Kayah State government put up a statue of slain independence hero General Aung San in the state capital Loikaw on Thursday as dozens of local ethnic rights activists staged a protest nearby.

The activists began their peaceful protest at 2 p.m., sitting inside the park where government workers were erecting the statue. The state government deployed a heavy security presence at the park, where a line of police clad in riot gear stood between the protesters and the workers.

The protesters eventually moved to a camp they set up outside the park.

Throughout the day, the activists used loudspeakers and made a series of speeches directed at members of the public, who largely remained outside the park. The activists said the state government was wrong to put up the statue, as the majority of Loikaw residents opposed it. A number of ethnic communities around Myanmar have staged protests against statues of General Aung San in their states, viewing them as an attempt by the central government to impose control from outside and assimilate them.

If the National League for Democracy-led government felt obliged to put up a statue in Loikaw, the activists said, they should put it in front of the NLD's office in the town, not in a public place.

The government's actions disrespected the feelings of local people, they said, adding that the government used its power to do whatever it wanted while ignoring the wishes of indigenous people.

The rights activists also said the NLD government had a political purpose for putting up the statue. "This isn't fair. Their actions are an insult to we indigenous people," one of them said.

After protesting inside the park for about two hours, the activists moved from the park to another site where opponents of the statue have set up a camp as an ongoing protest.

Khun Thomas, a member of the Kayan New Generation Youth organization, told The Irrawaddy that the group set up the camp near the park to make the government aware of its opposition to the statue.

"We have opened the 'strike' camp. We do not know how long this strike will last, but we will stay at the camp. If police crack down on the protesters at the camp, it will be the responsibility of the state government," Khun Thomas said.

The activists asked the government to negotiate with them at the camp as soon as possible.

Some police officers arrived at the camp and ordered the activists there to remove it, saying it was established without permission. "They told us it was a restricted area. They threatened to take action if we refused to withdraw," Khun Thomas said. The activists ignored the police warning, but no arrests were made.

A group of activists met with Kayah State Minister of Planning and Finance U Maw Maw on Thursday at his office. U Maw Maw told them it was State government project, and he was powerless to stop it.

Kyaw Htin Aung, one of the activists who met with U Maw Maw, asked to be allowed to meet with the leaders of the project, but was told the project team refused to meet protesters.

Kyaw Htin Aung then demanded the government disclose the cost of putting up the statue, but U Maw Maw refused.

The statue of Gen. Aung San arrived in Loikaw on Tuesday, against the wishes of many local residents.

The post Activists Stage Protest as Statue of Gen. Aung San Goes up in Loikaw appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Military ‘Never Said’ it Opposes Amending Constitution: Commander-in-Chief

Posted: 31 Jan 2019 04:44 AM PST

NAYPYITAW — Commander-in-Chief Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing on Thursday insisted that the military has never said it would not amend the country’s Constitution, responding to media questions about his views on changing the charter.

"[I] have already agreed to amend [the Constitution]. [I] never said the Constitution would not be amended," he said at a military exercise in Mandalay Region.

"[I] have said [that I agree] many years ago, since the time of the first [civilian] government. But it is important that [the Constitution] is amended systematically. And I have nothing to say about anything else. [The Constitution] will be amended when it is necessary," he added.

Upper House lawmaker U Aung Kyi Nyunt, a central executive committee member of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), submitted a proposal to Parliament on Tuesday to form a joint committee comprising fellow lawmakers to draft amendments to the Constitution.

Military lawmaker Brig. Gen. Maung Maung complained during the session that the formation of such a committee was not in line with established procedures, adding that legislators should not resort to deceit or craftiness.

When the speaker rejected his complaint, all the  military lawmakers took to their feet — their customary method of displaying their displeasure with NLD motions they disapprove of. Their defiance prompted the speaker to ask sarcastically, "What does it mean?"

The speaker explained that the proposal to form a committee represented an all-inclusive approach to constitutional reform and that it allowed for debate. Parliament subsequently voted to discuss the proposal at a later date.

On Thursday, U Aung Kyi Nyunt told reporters in Naypyitaw that his proposal to form a committee was not intended to serve the interests of a particular person or party, but of the country. He said the proposed amendments have not been predetermined and would be discussed by the committee, which would be inclusive.

"What we are saying is simple. It is time [to changed the Constitution] for the future of our country. I don't say what should be and what shouldn't be. The point is what kind of country you want to leave future generations. Let's think about it together. This is the objective,” he said.

"As the military representative said, his proposal is not even an urgent proposal. But the fact that such a proposal even had to be put to a vote damages the dignity of the Union Parliament or the legislative branch," Lower House lawmaker U Thaung Aye told The Irrawaddy.

Brig. Gen. Maung Maung, who leads the military’s lawmakers in the Union Parliament, questioned the NLD's motives in moving to amend the Constitution only one year before the 2020 elections when it could have started sooner.

"There is not much time left, and they are not transparent with their intentions. We view their efforts to amend the Constitution to be hasty. And [the NLD] overstepped the procedures. Such acts are not democratic," he told reporters.

The NLD holds 59 percent of the seats in Parliament, ethnic parties 11 percent, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party 5 percent, and the military itself — as per the Constitution, which it wrote — 25 percent. The Constitution also states that the charter cannot be amended without approval from more than 75 percent of lawmakers.

While military leaders do not explicitly object to seeing the Constitution amended in public, they often say it needs to be protected and that it holds the key to holding the country together.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

The post Military ‘Never Said’ it Opposes Amending Constitution: Commander-in-Chief appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

KBZ Brings ‘Loving-Kindness’ to Myanmar Banking

Posted: 31 Jan 2019 04:18 AM PST

YANGON — It all started with a poll, when an overwhelming 85 percent of the employees of Kanbawza, Myanmar’s largest bank, picked “banking with Metta,” or loving-kindness, to be the company’s core value. Emboldened by the results, the bank decided to address the current state of Myanmar’s banking sector — inconvenient, inefficient and bare bones — by making 2019 “the year of Metta” to transform the industry’s culture from the inside out. KBZ Deputy CEO Daw Nang Lang Kham tells you more here about the bank’s motives, why it is placing loving-kindness at the heart of its efforts to see Myanmar reach full financial inclusion, and its hopes that others will also be guided in the choices they make by Metta, compassion and a deeper understanding of themselves and their communities.

What is your motive to make 2019 the year of Metta for KBZ?

At KBZ Bank, we have a bold vision…to improve the quality of life through banking and achieve 100 percent financial inclusion in Myanmar. We believe that upholding Metta, or loving-kindness, as a universal value is critical to achieving this. From the way our teams work everyday to how we develop products and serve our customers better, we want to hold ourselves to a commitment of being good to others and always doing the right thing.

What inspired you to embark on The Year of Metta movement?

As the largest privately owned bank, our journey to banking with Metta began with recognizing the critical role thousands of us play as change agents in society. In a poll we conducted, 85 percent of employees at KBZ Bank responded in support of banking with Metta as our most critical value. As this was the direction we collectively wanted to pursue, we put this to action and embarked on a bold transformation from the inside out, led by our CEO, Mike DeNoma, to bring loving-kindness to our communities and society.

We recognized that the banking sector is still evolving and has yet to win the hearts and minds of everyday people in Myanmar. In a recent study, we found that banking services in Myanmar today are not as convenient, simple, time-saving and value-adding as they need to be. Reflecting on this, we made a commitment to address this gap by transforming our culture from the inside out to better care for the community we serve.

Why is it important that Metta be your company’s core value?

Being good to people and doing the right thing might seem like a simple principle, but this is rare and revolutionary for a bank. It is a transformation that requires a clear commitment from all. As 85 percent of our employees voted for Metta to be the most critical value we uphold, we were moved and compelled to act on this.

Today, KBZ Bank stands as the only financial institution in the world guided by loving-kindness. As a force of thousands of employees situated across the country, we want to internalize this value and set the example for those around us in having compassion and a deeper understanding of self and those we serve.

Apart from Metta, are there any other values the company wants to uphold?

Along with Metta, we are guided by the principles of Thet Ti, or courage, and Virya, or perseverance. Metta, Thet Ti and Virya are interlinked. One cannot exist without the other two, and all are key to realizing our ambitious goal of reaching 100 percent financial inclusion in Myanmar.

You have to be courageous to make bold decisions and take risks, but also have compassion and loving-kindness to make sure these bold decisions are for the betterment of the community and society. We combine these with Virya as the journey to financial inclusion [is a] long road and you need perseverance to reach your destination and accomplish the ultimate goal.

What impact will making Metta a core value of KBZ have on the company and its customers?

Loving-kindness is a powerful and transformative value and we have this running throughout the entire organization. From the way our teams work every day in pursuit of a common goal, to the way we manage our differences, we encourage everyone to build a thriving community with Metta, loving-kindness, ingrained in its foundation. Whether through verbal or written communication with one another or through our interactions on social networks, we are pursuing a culture of mindfulness in our actions and reactions.

We are also embracing Metta in the way we operate, develop products and serve our customers better. Loving-kindness gives each [person] in our team a powerful ability to empathize with customers and their communities and to respond decisively with genuine care and commitment to serving them.

What are your plans to spread Metta in your company and in Myanmar as a whole?

We have reorganized our entire business on banking with Metta, beginning with presenting CEO Awards to recognize employees who live and…exemplify these values, and factoring this achievement in career development.

Our products and services are also conceived from loving-kindness. For example, KBZPay, our mobile wallet, was developed as a way to offer more convenient, flexible and simple financial services to millions of customers who may not have a bank account. With fund transfers, mobile airtime top-ups, QR code payments and other essential financial services at the tap of a finger, millions of people no longer need to spend hours and thousands of kyat travelling to our branches to transact. There are many more Metta-based features coming onto KBZPay and we are excited to introduce these to our customers.

We have also made our services more accessible by moving beyond the doors of the branch. We implemented a territory model where over 500 of our branch teams reach out to their townships and surrounding communities across the country to introduce innovative banking services like KBZPay, our mobile wallet, to millions, and help understand how financial services can improve their lives. Through these innovative products and services, we want to create a sustainable future for people in Myanmar.

We believe that upholding Metta is more important than ever when the world is full of hate speech even on social media. How do you think loving-kindness can reduce the hate speech we see and heard in our everyday lives?

Loving-kindness embraces a culture of empathy. It does not respond to anger with anger, but instead brings patience and a will to understand how the other might feel, the underlying circumstances they might be facing, and ultimately offer to resolve the problem. This is a powerful force of positivity that I and many friends, family and colleagues aim to encourage in each other's interactions daily.

It gives each of us the powerful ability to guard our speech and actions, especially when managing our differences. By empathizing with others and their circumstances, we are able to reflect calmly and respond decisively with genuine care. From verbal or written communication with one another to our interactions on social networks, we want to encourage everyone to pursue a culture of mindfulness in our actions and reactions.

Your message to others on loving-kindness is…?

Embracing Metta is not about having unlimited generosity and giving into what others please. Instead, I see it as a strength that one has in encouraging positivity in the way you go about your everyday lives. Whether you are in school, at work or at home, take each and every opportunity to be concerned for one another and have the courage and perseverance to help each other succeed. This is what will have a profound impact on our country and its future.

To what extent do you believe the Metta movement will succeed? Have you received any positive feedbacks so far?

Banking with Metta is not our ultimate mission, but the DNA and values-driven culture that will enable us to accomplish our goal — improving the quality of life through banking and achieving 100 percent financial inclusion in Myanmar.

Beyond KBZ Bank, my hope is for Metta to be a positive movement among all in society. We may not be able to determine how others act or react, but we can each do our part and raise awareness on the need for loving-kindness, and encourage a deeper sense of care for one another.

What kind of working environment do you want to see in society?

A society that prioritizes mutual respect, maturity in action, taking responsibility and having a sense of accountability. One filled with individuals who have a deep understanding of self, their immediate surrounding, and the wider community.

People should recognize their inner gifts and talents, the impact they have as a person…and the difference they can make.

Our ultimate aim is to improve the quality of life through banking and realize 100 percent financial inclusion in Myanmar. This means creating more access to financial services that provide the freedom and security for all to pursue what matters most in life.

As we work towards this, our hope is that others too will be guided in their decision-making by loving-kindness, compassion and a deeper understanding of themselves and their communities as a whole, and work to create a sustainable future for one another.

The post KBZ Brings ‘Loving-Kindness’ to Myanmar Banking appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Central Bank Allows Yen, Yuan Transactions

Posted: 31 Jan 2019 03:13 AM PST

YANGON — The Central Bank of Myanmar on Wednesday announced that it will now allow the Japanese yen and Chinese yuan to be used as a settlement currency for international payments and transfers.

The move came after Chinese investors urged the Ministry for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations to reform Myanmar’s foreign currency exchange policies during the Invest Myanmar Summit 2019 in Naypyitaw on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Central Bank said the policy change aims to facilitate international payments and settlements and border trade.

It said banks authorized for foreign exchange can now open yen and yuan accounts and settle trades in those currencies. But opening personal accounts or registering legal entities in yen or yuan is still prohibited.

Since the National League for Democracy took power in early 2016, the government has moved slowly to reform the banking sector.

Since August, however, the Central Bank has made some major reforms, including dropping exchange rate limits on private banks and exchange counters in a bid to prevent currency manipulation and settle recent fluctuations in the Myanmar kyat. In November it allowed foreign banks to lend and provide other services to domestic companies in order to help exporters being limited by the services of local lenders.

"The move is only the first step in making official transitions for trading and any payments with internationally" currencies, said Saw Bo Bo, a former Citibank officer.

"If you want to transfer Chinese currency to China, you have to go to the bank and exchange it [kyat] with yuan. Then the bank will transfer the money to the receivers. Further reforms should let the people open personal accounts" in yen and yuan as well, he said.

The post Central Bank Allows Yen, Yuan Transactions appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Former General to Form New Party to ‘Support State Counselor’

Posted: 31 Jan 2019 02:37 AM PST

NAYPYITAW—The aim of the political party to be established by ex-general and former Lower House Speaker U Shwe Mann, is to support State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, according to the sources close to him.

U Shwe Mann, who has close ties to Daw Aung San Su Kyi, will continue to support her through his party by reinforcing the civilian government in Myanmar, according to U Win Oo, former Lower House lawmaker and member of U Shwe Mann's party.

"We have extended our help since Daw Aung San Suu Kyi entered [the Parliament] through the [2012] by-election. Though we lost and stepped down, [U Shwe Mann] has been helping with the [Legal Affairs and Special Cases Assessment Commission]. This is because we want to strengthen the civilian government. We want [the civilian government) to last for a long time. We are helping with this good intention in mind," U Win Oo told The Irrawaddy.

U Shwe Mann was once considered the third most powerful man in the military regime and graduated from the Defense Services Academy in 1965. He rose through the ranks to become a general in 2010 and was appointed chief of general staff which gave him authority over the army, navy and air force.

He contested for the 2010 elections as a member of the Union Solidarity Development Party (USDP) and was elected to the position of Lower House Speaker.

U Shwe Mann was purged from the USDP's top position in August 2015 in a power struggle with former president U Thein Sein.

He contested for the 2015 general elections as a USDP member, but lost to a National League for Democracy (NLD) candidate.

However, in 2016, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi appointed him head of the Legal Affairs and Special Cases Assessment Commission of Myanmar's Parliament.

His move to ally with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi before the 2015 polls earned him the title of a turncoat among USDP supporters.

According to U Win Oo, U Shwe Mann has not yet chosen a name for his party, and therefore has not submitted an application to the Union Election Commission for registration as a political party.

Tentative names for the party include Union Party, People's Affairs Party, National Interest Party, and Citizens' Affairs Party, he said.

U Shwe Mann will be the chairperson of the party, and there will be 19 members on the central executive board, he added.

Sources close to U Shwe Mann said ex-military officers are also on the party's executive board. Around four current members of the Legal Affairs and Special Cases Assessment Commission will also join the party which will be funded by the founders themselves.

"Some people have shown support and some people have criticized it. Despite this, we have a clear conscience. We will help where we are needed. We are establishing the party just because the law necessitates it. We won't in fact engage in politics. We will only work for the interest of the country," U Win Oo told The Irrawaddy.

U Shwe Mann has informed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi about his plan to establish a party, according to sources close to him.

USDP spokesperson U Nanda Hla Myint acknowledged that U Shwe Mann's party would have a certain impact on his party, but that they are not worried about the 2020 general elections under the leadership of the USDP's new chairperson U Than Htay.

"Anyone who took top positions in the [USDP] worked for the interests of the country and citizens. We are sorry to see that someone who helped build and lead the party has done this," he said.

Though U Shwe Mann's party can win some support, it would not win many seats in the 2020 election, according to former Lower House lawmaker and political analyst U Ye Htun.

"NLD supporters will not vote for U Shwe Mann's party in the election. Only those who are frustrated with the USDP, ex-members of the USDP and U Shwe Mann's supporters in the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Military) will vote for his party. This will surely help the NLD," said U Ye Htun.

The post Former General to Form New Party to 'Support State Counselor' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Villagers Issue Plea for Help over Huge RCSS Tax Demand

Posted: 31 Jan 2019 01:37 AM PST

NAMTU—Residents of Shan State's Namtu Township are having trouble coming up with a nearly 10-million-kyat payment demanded by the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army-South (RCSS/SSA-S).

According to local residents, 361 households in several villages in the Pan Long village tract were asked to pay a tax of 25,000 kyats per household.

The RCSS summoned village administrators on Jan. 19 and asked for the tax, said local residents, who sent a petition objecting to the demand to government departments, civil society organizations, local lawmakers, political parties and the RCSS.

"It is hard for us to find 25,000 kyats. So, I have been working for others, earning 1,000 kyats per day to save up the money. We have submitted a petition because we are really having difficulties," said a local resident of Panlong village who asked not to be named.

While farming is the major livelihood for local villagers, frequent clashes in the area often force them to flee their homes, leaving them in financial hardship, he said, adding that locals also have to pay an annual tax to the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), the political wing of the Shan State Army-North.

In a letter to the RCSS, a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), the local residents asked the group to reconsider the amount, saying they are suffering genuine hardship due to the clashes in the area.

They also cited Chapter 3 of the NCA, which bars armed groups from demanding money, property, food or labor.

"Some six days ago, the RCSS asked for 27 gallons of rice from each household. Though they said they wanted rice, they in fact asked for the equivalent amount of money, charging 30,000 kyats for nine gallons. Six of my neighbors paid them. They also asked the entire village to pay a tax of 540,000 kyats," said a resident of Pan Thabye village on condition of anonymity.

The villagers promised that they would pay the money on Feb. 15, he said. This is the first time they have been asked to pay this tax.

RCSS spokespersons did not answer the phone when contacted by The Irrawaddy for comment.

Pan Thabyay village / Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint / The Irrawaddy

Daw Nan Seng Huang, a regional lawmaker from Namtu Township, said she had received the local residents' petition.

"I have to consult with my party [on how to respond]. But I will do as much as I can for them, as they are my constituents," she told The Irrawaddy. Daw Nan Seng Huang belongs to the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy.

There is a need to handle the issue delicately, as it concerns villagers' security, she said.

The Myanmar Army, the RCSS, the SSPP, the TNLA and the Kachin Independence Army are all active in the area.

The RCSS entered Namtu Township in 2015. Until then, the area had largely been under the control of the SSPP and TNLA.

Clashes broke out between the TNLA and RCSS in December 2015 over territorial disputes. In August last year, the SSPP joined the TNLA in attacking the RCSS.

According to local residents, all three armed groups have a list of the number of households, populations and contact numbers of village administrators in the villages in their controlled areas, and conduct annual conscriptions of local residents.

The Irrawaddy found that the SSPP collects taxes from over 50 villages in Namtu Township. Residents of some villages reported that the TNLA also asked for food as well as money, and forced them to act as porters to support troop movements.

Villagers said the armed groups asked them to store weapons, ammunition and equipment in their villages. Village administrators were forced to provide information on the troop deployments and movements of their enemies.

Locals suspected of having ties with opposing groups are beaten, they said.

From 2016 through January, the TNLA allegedly abducted and tortured 60 Shan villagers in Namtu Township on suspicion of being RCSS spies. Some of them are thought to have been killed during interrogations, locals said.

Meanwhile, Ta'ang villagers from Pan Kut village in Namtu Township accused the RCSS of abducting nine villagers who have been missing since last year.

The Irrawaddy visited Pan Kut village in December, and found that residents were suffering from food shortages as military tensions between the RCSS and the TNLA, and the danger of landmines, were preventing them from terrace farming.

The post Villagers Issue Plea for Help over Huge RCSS Tax Demand appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Yangon Timeout

Posted: 31 Jan 2019 01:35 AM PST

Peaceful Golden Heritage: 1st International Watercolor Festival

The watercolor artwork of over 260 artists hailing from 31 different countries will be on display at The Strand's ballroom for this event organized with New Treasure Art Gallery. The work from master watercolor artists who were invited to give a demonstration on the opening day is also on display as well as the 63-meter long combined painting created by about 90 artists over the course of the festival.

Until Feb. 1| The Strand Hotel Ballroom | The Strand Hotel, Strand Road, Yangon |

Yangon Pride

This is the second and final weekend of Yangon's greatest ever LGBTIQ festival. Head to the French Institute on Friday evening for films and a performance by the LGBT choir. Saturday will see more films plus a debate, a "human library" and performances by the very famous and talented Ar-T and Pangina Heals. Sunday will see more film screenings and a debate followed by a cabaret show by Shwe. If that's not enough Pride, head to the extra Fab party at Pyrite nightclub on Saturday night.

Feb. 1 to 3| Institut Français de Birmanie | 340, Pyay Road, Sanchaung Township | Free Admission

 

 

A Night in Jamaica

This Friday night is reggae night. With four international DJs (France, Nigeria, Italy) playing your favorite Jamaican music, you are sure to spend your night dancing, singing and drinking with friends sharing those reggae vibes. Plus, it's good to know that between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tuborg beer is buy-one-get-one-free.

Feb. 1 | 8:30 p.m.  | Hard Rock Café Yangon | Level 4, Myanmar Plaza, Yankin Township | Admission 5,000 kyats

Clean Yangon, Green Yangon

This is the 20th edition of a volunteer movement of like-minded local and international people in Yangon who are taking things into their own hands by coming together to clean the streets. The group will meet outside Craft Café and participants are requested to wear green. Cleaning equipment will be supplied.

Feb. 2 | 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. | Yawminggyi Street, Dagon Township

Moving Yangon Forward

This is an English-language forum about urban movement in Yangon organized by Impact Hub Yangon in conjunction with Grab. A number of informed and connected people will give speeches and take part in panel discussions, including U Maung Aung, secretary of Yangon Region Transport Authority, Daw Moe Moe Lwin, director of Yangon Heritage Trust, Beverley Salmon, the deputy director of Doh Eain and Ces Rondario, the leader of Impact Hub Asia. Yangon residents are invited to participate in discussions and share their views.

Feb. 2 | 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Chatrium Ballroom | Chatrium Hotel, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Township | Free Admission

Open Workshop at Turquoise Mountain

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Turquoise Mountain will open its workshop to the public for a Saturday session. Turquoise Mountain is a non-government organization which works in Afghanistan and Myanmar to help heritage regeneration and the preservation of traditional crafts. At the Yangon workshop you can see beautiful gold jewelry being made by local artisans as well as textiles and woodwork. Maybe you will even find a gift for someone you love.

Feb. 2 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Turquoise Mountain Workshop | 14-16, 21st Street (Lower Block), Latha Township |

Pann Yine Myar Art Exhibition

More that 40 exhibits by artist Phone Maw (Ba Min Din) will be shown over three days.

Jan. 2 to 5 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Gallery 65 | No. 65, Yaw Min Gyi Road, Dagon Township

Japan Traditional Music Demonstration

Those interested in Japanese culture and tradition will enjoy this event. On Saturday afternoon, the Japan Culture House will have two famous Japanese musicians, Hiromu Motonaga and Azumi Yamano, perform traditional Japanese music. Instruments which are unique to Japan will be used and the two musicians will explain a little about the music too. Register to attend this event by sending a message to the Japan Culture House Facebook page. A cap of 30 attendees applies.

Feb. 2 | 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Japan Culture House | Room 322B, 2FL, Building C, Pearl Condo, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township

Out of Sight x Pansuriya Live Painting

Art and electronic music are set to combine in Pansuriya's event space this Saturday afternoon. US artist Courtney Anne Mouser will do a live art performance as part of her solo art show on exhibit. The performance will be set to music and all are invited to join in for a drink and a dance.

Feb. 2 | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Pansuriya | 100 Bogalayzay Street, Botahtaung Township

Chinese New Year

Many parts of Yangon, and especially around the Chinatown area of downtown, will be decorated in red this week to mark the ringing in of the Chinese New Year. A walk around Chinatown on Monday or Tuesday evening will give you a taste of how vibrant the celebrations are—hanging lanterns, lion dance performances, handing out red envelopes of cash, Chinese temples filled with incense and a lively, joyous atmosphere. Many major hotels, malls and restaurants have special promotions and menus at this time of the year.

Feb. 4 to 5 | Evenings | Sint Ohn Dan and the surrounding streets, Latha Township

Jazz Under the Stars

This is a regular event at Atlas Rooftop Bar but it's always special. This trendy bar has cool breezes from the Yangon River and a stunning night view of the Shwedagon. Yangon's favorite jazz band, the Bamboo Trio, will play smooth jazz tunes while you relax and chat with friends or colleagues.

Feb. 6 | 8 p.m.  | Atlas Rooftop Bar & Lounge | Uniteam Building, 84 Pan Hlaing Street, Sanchaung Township |

Past, Present, Future: Art in Myanmar

Curator and founder of Myanm/art gallery Nathalie Johnston will give a talk on contemporary art and discuss the recently-translated "Myanmar Contemporary Art 1" by Aung Min. She will discuss the difference between modern and contemporary art in Myanmar and the relationship between multiple generations of artists. Admission to the event is free but attendees must present ID at the entrance.

Feb. 7 | 6 p.m. | British Embassy Club | 46 Gyo Byu Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township

Hoegaarden Hoe-down

For all the lovers of one of Belgium's best exports, Hoegaarden white beer, this is an event not to miss. An hour of complimentary free-flow Hoegaarden will take place from 6 p.m. and will be followed up by two-for-one on all orders of Hoegaarden after 7 p.m. Union's famous live chili cheese station may catch your interest on the evening too.

The post Yangon Timeout appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

International Watercolor Festival Comes to Yangon

Posted: 31 Jan 2019 12:51 AM PST

YANGON — The International Watercolor Festival (IWF) opened in Myanmar for the first time on Tuesday with works by more than 100 artists on show.

The International Watercolor Society (IWS) has been bringing the festival to countries across Africa, Asia and Europe over the past few years to promote art, watercolor and peace.

"We hope to create a strong friendship between international artists and artists from Myanmar through this festival, and we have a chance to study other artists’ pieces," artist and IWS Myanmar head Min Wai Aung said at the opening event at Yangon’s Strand Hotel.

The four-day festival, “Peaceful Golden Heritage,” features hundreds of works by artists from the IWS’s 93 member countries.

At the opening, some 90 artists painted a 63-meter-long canvas together before the audience, filling it mostly with landscapes rendered in their own personal styles. Among the most eye-catching was an image of Yangon’s Maha Bandula Park by local artists Arkar Myo, Aung Htet Min and Ye Yint Myint Naing.

Artists paint on a single long scroll of paper during the International Watercolor Festival in Yangon on Tuesday. / Htet Wai / The Irrawaddy

"The three of us just talked about doing this live painting together and it came out very well," said Arkar Myo.

"This live painting activity is always included in every IWF,” said Aung Htet Min. “I had a new experience. All of us painting together at this one place made me feel like we are connected, and that’s really exciting and fun.”

"I'm also excited and happy at the same time,” Arkar Myo added. “We can watch other international artists closely as they paint. And we put more effort into creating a good piece of work because people were watching.”

Aung Htet Min said the festival would also help artists from other countries learn more about Myanmar and its people.

"We can exchange art with other countries,” he said. “This is a big opportunity for the watercolor artists because this is the first international-standard watercolor festival in Myanmar."

Festival participants left for Mandalay Region on Wednesday to draw and paint around the ancient ruins of Bagan and rolling hills of Popa.

"This is my first visit to Myanmar and this country is really beautiful. I'm so happy to come here with this festival," said Hong Shan, from Hong Kong.

"The art industry in Myanmar is bigger than other Asian city like [in] Korea. I'm so glad for that, and I saw a lot of great artists during this event. I hope to see some of them at the other IWFs as well."

Some of the paintings on display at the International Watercolor Festival in Yangon this week. / Lwin Mar Htun / The Irrawaddy

The public can view the paintings at the Strand Hotel Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until Friday.

The post International Watercolor Festival Comes to Yangon appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Malaysia Says Still Negotiating With China on $20B Rail Project

Posted: 30 Jan 2019 08:27 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia is in talks with China over a $20-billion rail project, the finance minister said on Wednesday, just days after another cabinet minister said Kuala Lumpur had decided to cancel the contract.

After winning power last May, Malaysia’s prime minister vowed to renegotiate or cancel what he calls “unfair” Chinese projects authorized by his predecessor, Najib Razak, voted out after nearly a decade in power amid a massive financial scandal.

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the cabinet had decided to seek further negotiations on the East Coast Rail Link project, the centerpiece of China’s infrastructure push in the Southeast Asian nation.

Malaysia’s cabinet decided “in view of the sensitivity of the contract discussions, that we should allow the discussions,” Lim told reporters, adding that the governments would hold talks.

He did not elaborate on the topic of the discussions.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad asked for China’s understanding over Malaysia’s plan to cancel the project, saying Kuala Lumpur could not afford it.

The contract may cost the country more than 100 billion ringgit ($24.33 billion), Mahathir said, adding that Malaysia would still have to pay a cancellation fee.

Last week, Malaysian Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali said the cabinet had decided to cancel the deal with China Communications Construction Co Ltd, one of the biggest signed in China’s Belt and Road initiative.

Azmin said at the time the government was still determining how much to pay CCCC as a cancellation fee. Government officials have previously said the project cost had been inflated.

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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Acknowledging the Elephant in the Room

Posted: 30 Jan 2019 05:39 AM PST

The ruling National League for Democracy has initiated the process of forming a joint parliamentary committee to work on amending the country's military-drafted Constitution. Facing public frustration and sensing a loss of confidence among the party's hardcore supporters, the senior leadership of the NLD pondered the move for months before finally deciding to submit a proposal to Parliament.

The move coincided with the second anniversary of the assassination of prominent lawyer U Ko Ni, an expert on constitutional law and a member of the NLD.

As expected, the military's representatives in Parliament questioned the proposal's legality and insisted that any move to amend the Constitution requires a draft signed by at least 20 lawmakers. Despite these objections, Parliament voted in favor of forming a committee.

A total of 397 lawmakers voted in favor of the measure with 17 voting against it, three abstaining and 187—comprising all of the military members and 21 others—boycotting the vote.

NLD legislator U Aung Kyi Nyunt, who submitted the proposal, said membership of the joint committee on constitutional reform would be open to lawmakers from all parties.

"I am not proposing a draft law to amend the Constitution," he said. "This is just to form a joint committee on constitutional reform, which can work transparently on a draft law systematically and speedily."

Under the previous government led by then-President U Thein Sein, lawmakers only succeeded in passing a few minor amendments to the Constitution having to do with regional legislation.

Military lawmakers stand in Parliament on Jan. 29, 2019 to show their displeasure with the Speaker’s decision to call a vote on a proposal to discuss the formation of a joint committee to work on constitutional reform. / Htet Naing Zaw

Key campaign vow

In 2015, the NLD made reform of the 2008 Constitution one of its key campaign promises, along with economic development and achieving peace. So far, however, the ruling party has failed to fulfill those promises.

Indeed, many have warned that making substantial changes to the charter will never be easy so long as the military maintains its current level of control and power.

Under the Constitution, 25 per cent of seats in all parliaments at both the Union and regional levels are reserved for military appointees, who do not represent any constituency. Moreover, the military controls three key portfolios—Defense, Home Affairs and Border Affairs—and reserves the right to appoint a vice president.   

The NLD government has faced several serious challenges since it came into power: the ongoing crisis in northern Rakhine State and the resultant international condemnation; its failure to achieve substantive progress in peace talks; and a stubbornly sluggish economy. Nonetheless, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is now State Counselor, attended an investment forum in Naypyitaw recently in an effort to drum up foreign investment. The government believes that by prioritizing peace it can promote economic progress in this ethnically diverse nation.

In the cities, the public's frustration is obvious, but Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the government still enjoy considerable support in the countryside. At any rate, the public has few alternatives, as there is little support for the formerly ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party.

In November, NLD leaders were alarmed by the outcome of the by-election, in which the party won just seven of the 13 seats it contested—far below its expectations. In the end it won just 54 percent of the seats that were up for grabs, giving party leaders a real wake-up call.

But the NLD's senior leaders say they remain focused on fulfilling their campaign promises, including amending the Constitution.

In May last year, Dr. Myo Nyunt told the Irrawaddy, "There are concerns that our government has done nothing to change the Constitution. In fact, all the things we are doing—from mobilizing [public] support, reconciling with the Tatmadaw [Myanmar's military] and fostering the public's trust to improving their daily lives—are about constitutional amendment. It is utterly impossible to amend the 2008 Constitution without those foundations. We are waiting for the right time, while working toward national reconciliation and building substantial support among the people. In politics, you can't just make demands all the time; you have to wait for the right time."

The party's leaders appear to have decided that the time has come. With support building for the ethnic parties and the election in 2020 approaching fast, the party needs to demonstrate that it is a force to be reckoned with.  

The move to amend the Constitution received considerable support from ethnic representatives in Parliament. Some ethnic parties still believe the NLD is committed to establishing a federal Union and moving the country along the path of democratization and reform. But many are also frustrated, seeing little progress on a range of issues amid a deepening sense of crisis, division and growing mistrust.

Thus, the NLD leaders will have to work hard to reach out to major ethnic parties such as the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy and many other parties. Some party faithful believe there has been progress on this front.

Naypyitaw's unseen game

Recently, control of the General Administration Department (GAD) passed from the military-controlled Ministry of Home Affairs to the Ministry of the Union Government Office.

There is speculation that the Police Department—now under the control of the Ministry of Home Affairs—will follow suit and soon be under the control of the Union government.

These changes are encouraging, but the "game" in Naypyitaw continues to be played largely out of sight, and appears to still be unfolding.

The NLD wants to amend over 160 articles of the Constitution, including sensitive ones relating to the military's role in national politics; Article 59(f), which bars anyone with a foreign spouse or children from holding the presidency; and Article 436, which requires that proposed changes to the Constitution be supported by more than 75 percent of legislators.

Article 59(f) bars NLD leader and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president because she has relatives who are foreign nationals.

However, the powerful military cannot be excluded from the constitutional amendment process; without the military's cooperation, any amendments will have little meaning.

In fact, the primary aim of amending the Constitution in ethnically diverse Myanmar should be decentralization—not only political but administrative.

This is not going to be a smooth journey, and there is no guarantee of success. It is a small step and a late start, but if the NLD thinks the time is right, so be it.

One thing is certain; we can expect some interesting developments—and headlines—in the coming months.

The post Acknowledging the Elephant in the Room appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Gen. Aung San Statue Lands in Loikaw, Renews Local Ire

Posted: 30 Jan 2019 04:07 AM PST

Mon State — A statue of the late independence hero General Aung San was brought to the Kayah State capital of Loikaw on Tuesday to be erected in a city park against the wishes of many local residents.

Local rights activist Myo Hlaing Win said many residents were surprised to see the statue arrive, accusing the government of breaking a promise the state’s chief minister made in July not to erect it without the public’s approval.

He said some of them met the truck at the park hoping to stop the statue from being unloaded but were told to take up their concerns with the government.

"When we asked them [last year] not to build the statue, they told us they would not do it. But they actually did it. They act like thieves," Myo Hlaing Win told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday. “They were not sincere to our people."

"They knew they would have a lot of problems with the locals if they built the statue, but they are still doing it. They just do what they want to do. They have no dignity," said Khun Be Du, chairman of the Kayan National Party, based in Loikaw.

Myo Hlaing Win and Khun Be Du said locals would mount a protest against the statue soon.

U Taung Htay, who heads the Loikaw office of the ruling National League for Democracy, said local party members were not involved in erecting the statue.

"Some members of the government and a group of people are leading this project, not us, because local people have already protested against this project," he said.

"We just told them to implement the project by themselves as flexibly as they could,” he added. “They decided to implement the project on their own. We are not involved in the project because we are worried it will hurt our party’s image."

State-level officials said they were too busy to comment on the issue when contacted by The Irrawaddy on Wednesday.

Gen. Aung San statues have already gone up in other states against the wishes of their non-Bamar communities. Some ethnic rights activists say they should not be erected while the country’s minorities continue to feel persecuted and their demands for a federal system of government remain unfulfilled. They say those communities should get statues of their own politicians and freedom fighters instead.

The Kayah State government has yet to say when it intends to inaugurate the statue in Loikaw.

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Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Calls for Swift Justice for Slain Lawyer U Ko Ni

Posted: 30 Jan 2019 03:18 AM PST

YANGON —State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi urged authorities to find justice as soon as possible for prominent constitutional lawyer U Ko Ni and taxi driver Ko Ne Win, two years after they were gunned down in Yangon.

U Ko Ni, a legal adviser to the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), was gunned down at pointblank range outside Yangon International Airport on Jan. 29, 2017. Ko Ne Win, a taxi driver at the scene, was killed by the same gunman while chasing after him.

The 63-year old lawyer was an expert on the military-drafted Constitution and came up with the idea of creating the position of state counselor to get around a clause in the charter effectively banning Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from the presidency. He advocated for changes to the Constitution that would strip the military of its undemocratic privileges; many believe those efforts led to his death.

In her message at a commemoration ceremony for the lawyer and driver in Yangon on Tuesday, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi praised them as '”role models who sacrificed their lives for truth and justice” and called their deaths “a big loss for Myanmar.”

"I would like to urge the concerned authorities to find speedy justice for Saya U Ko Ni and Ko Ne Win, who both sacrificed their lives to help fight the challenges to promoting the rule of law and justice in Myanmar," she said.

To date, 72 prosecution witnesses and 40 defense witnesses have appeared in court over the course of 101 hearings in the trail of U Ko Ni’s accused assassins — gunman Kyi Lin and alleged conspirators Zeya Phyo, Aung Win Zaw and Aung Will Tun. A verdict is expected after the defense makes its closing argument on Friday, prosecution lawyer U Nay La told The Irrawaddy.

People attend a commemoration ceremony for U Ko Ni and Ko Ne Win in Yangon on Tuesday. / Aung Kyaw Htet / The Irrawaddy

However, the suspected mastermind of the assassination, Aung Win Khaing, remains at large.

During Tuesday’s commemoration, U Ko Ni's daughter, Daw Yin New Khaing, said two years was more than enough time for a trial.

"I pray with anxiety that the judicial sector, which he valued and respected, can provide him with the truth. I want to get the most honest answer from the judicial sector," she said.

NLD spokesman Monywa Aung Shin called the murder of U Ko Ni a political assassination targeting the ruling party.

"We have lost a person who was resisting those hampering the NLD's efforts to amend the 2008 Constitution," he said.

Coincidently, the NLD submitted an urgent proposal to form a constitutional amendment committee to the Union Parliament on Tuesday. Despite strong objection from military lawmakers, a debate on forming the committee was approved for early next month.

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Myitsone Dam ‘Must Be Stopped’: Cardinal Bo

Posted: 30 Jan 2019 02:53 AM PST

YANGON—The Archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Charles Bo, said the controversial Chinese-backed Myitsone Dam slated for construction at the source of the Irrawaddy River, known as Myanmar's lifeline, "must be stopped" to ensure a peaceful future for the country, adding that the construction of the dam would be a "death sentence for the people of Myanmar".

In the face of nationwide opposition, Myanmar's previous government under President U Thein Sein suspended the dam project in 2011, after the state-owned China Power Investment Corporation had already started work. Environmentalists and villagers warned that the mega project would disrupt the flow of sediment in the country's main waterway, harming agricultural livelihoods. If completed, it would flood an area twice the size of Singapore and displace thousands of people.

The cardinal's call follows a strong push by China to convince local people to support the project. In his statement "Stop Trafficking Our Mother Irrawaddy", Cardinal Bo told Myanmar authorities and the international community that Myanmar is facing the sad prospect of losing the Irrawaddy "to the greed of a superpower."

"On behalf of all the people of Myanmar, especially the poor farmers, we earnestly request all stakeholders to stop their attempts to abuse our Mother Irrawaddy," the cardinal said in his statement released this week.

Calling the Irrawaddy "Her Majesty", Cardinal Bo said the river is not a "commodity to be bartered" but "the most sacred symbol of our nation", as thousands of sacred sites are situated along its banks.

The cardinal also warned that the dam would be an environmental disaster and a toxic cognac for chronic war, referring to fighting between the Kachin ethnic armed group and the Myanmar military in the north of the country, where the dam site is located.

"Peace will fade over the horizon. A bleak future awaits the people of Myanmar. We do not deserve this," he said.

Currently, the Myitsone project remains in limbo. After the National League for Democracy took power in 2016, the government set up a 20-member commission including the chief minister of Kachin to review the project, including its environmental and social impacts. The commission has produced two reports to date, but the government has yet to release either.

Myanmar investment and foreign economic relations Minister U Thaung Tun recently said the government still wants to find a solution for the dam "because they [value] relations with China", and was considering all possibilities, including downsizing the dam, relocating it or developing other projects instead.

But the Cardinal said everyone in Myanmar would support the move to abrogate any treaty that abuses "Mother Irrawaddy", while comparing those who support restarting the Myitsone Dam to sons and daughters who exploit their own parents for monetary gain. History would never forgive those who sell our Mother Irrawaddy, he said.

"We earnestly request that the people of Myanmar join hands to protect the dignity of our Mother Irrawaddy. We are hopeful that our leaders will resist all efforts to destroy our nation's destiny and dignity," the cardinal said.

It was not the first time that Cardinal Bo has spoken out against the Myitsone Dam project.

In 2017, during a visit to Kachin State, Cardinal Bo told Catholic villagers in Tanphaye, one of the villages in the project area, that the entire country should object to the dam project.

"This project shouldn't be completed," he said at the time. "It can destroy not only Kachin state, but also the entire country.”

The post Myitsone Dam 'Must Be Stopped': Cardinal Bo appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Scrap Myitsone Dam Project, Says Ex-President’s Office Minister

Posted: 30 Jan 2019 01:33 AM PST

NAYPYITAW—Former President's Office Minister U Soe Thein has expressed support for terminating the controversial Myitsone Dam project, saying it could undermine national unity.

"I don't accept [a dam] at Myitsone. This is my view. It could negatively affect national unity. Myitsone is a landmark of Kachin State," U Soe Thein, who is currently a lawmaker in the Upper House, told reporters at the Union Parliament in Naypyitaw on Tuesday.

However, he suggested that a dam could be built somewhere upstream on either of the Mali or the N'Mai rivers, at whose confluence the Irrawaddy River begins. If necessary, compensation could be paid to China for canceling the project in Myitsone, he said.

"We [former President U Thein Sein's administration] shelved the project. In my opinion, we shouldn't build a dam in Myitsone," he said.

"The political leaders today also opposed the dam during our administration. I don't know why there is talk now of it being resumed," U Soe Thein said.

When the National League for Democracy (NLD) was in opposition, its leader, current State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, called on the then government to make the dam contract public.

After the NLD took power in 2016, the government set up a 20-member commission including the chief minister of Kachin to review the project, including its environmental and social impacts. The commission has produced two reports to date, but the government has yet to release either.

Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, vice chairman of the NLD and Mandalay Region chief minister, has publicly said the party stands by the people regarding the Myitsone Dam project.

Another Upper House lawmaker, Dr. Khun Win Thaung from Kachin State, told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday, "Kachin State has long experience with China. It cannot avoid engaging with China. We have to rely on it one way or another, and the authorities need to be smart when making a decision. If [the government] can't make a decision, it should try to make [the project] acceptable to the people."

Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations U Thaung Tun told reporters at the Invest Myanmar Summit in Naypyitaw on Tuesday that the government is working hard to come up with a final decision on how to proceed with the dam project.

The minister said the government and a commission studying the project are holding serious discussions and considering all possibilities, including downsizing the dam, relocating it or developing other projects instead.

U Thaung Tun said the government was taking its relations with China into consideration as it decided what to do with the project.

The US$3.6-billion (about 5.4-trillion-kyat) project, shelved by then-President Thein Sein in 2011 amid widespread public concern over the dam's social and environmental impacts, came under the spotlight again when Chinese Ambassador Hong Liang claimed after a visit to Kachin State at the end of December that the Kachin people were not opposed to its resumption.

The dam project agreement was signed under the military government between former Vice Senior-General Maung Aye and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was vice president at that time.

State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, while meeting locals in Sagaing Region's Kalay Township on Jan. 22, said no investor would trust Myanmar if a new government abolished projects approved by its predecessor just because they do not comply with its policies.

The post Scrap Myitsone Dam Project, Says Ex-President's Office Minister appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Army Detains Teachers, Villagers as Dozens Flee Fighting in N. Rakhine

Posted: 30 Jan 2019 12:29 AM PST

YANGON—Local residents and a monk told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that a pair of primary schoolteachers and two villagers were detained for questioning by government troops in northern Rakhine State's Rathedaung Township on Monday, as fighting in the area between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) caused more villagers to flee their homes.

The abbot of the monastery in Ohn Chaung said fighting took place near the village on Monday morning, and that Border Guard Police and Army troops jointly conducted a search of the entire village on the same day. Ko Maung Htay, a resident of Ohn Chaung who managed to escape Army detention, told The Irrawaddy that about 40 local residents were sheltering in a neighboring village.

He said about 200 Army troops shot into the village after soldiers were ambushed by Arakan Army fighters near a hillside in the region. The AA announced on its official website that fighting erupted on Monday morning, adding that the Myanmar military (or Tatmadaw) had previously attacked the village, as well as Tha Mee Hla village

The Irrawaddy phoned Brigadier-General Zaw Min Tun of the Commander-in-Chief's Office multiple times on Tuesday to ask him about the claim that troops shot into the village. The calls went unanswered, however.

In its news update, the AA claimed that Tatmadaw troops randomly fired about 70 artillery shells into the forest and that some of them had landed in hills near the village. It added that Ko Maung Shwe Aye, U Maung Kyaw and U Myat Thein Tun were arrested. Ko Maung Htay confirmed that Maung Shwe Aye, a schoolteacher, was detained by Army troops.

The other detained schoolteacher was identified as Than Win Chay.

Two women from Ohn Chaung told The Irrawaddy on condition of anonymity that the Army unit fired on them as it approached the village. No one was hit by the gunfire, but some structures were damaged, they said.

"They arrested teacher Maung Shwe Aye and later set him free," said villager Yae Gaung Chaung.

It remained unclear on Wednesday whether the other detainees had been released.

The two women told The Irrawaddy over the phone on Monday that some 100 soldiers and Border Guard Police were camped in the village on Tuesday evening. Spent bullet casings could be seen on the ground in the village but a monk later disposed of them, fearing they might be dangerous for children.

"Soldiers forced the villagers to house them in the village at night," one of the women said.

Amid fierce fighting in many locations in northern Rakhine, local civil society organizations estimate the displaced population to number at least 6,000 so far. Apart from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (ICRC) and World Food Program, the Rakhine State government is not allowing international relief agencies to provide assistance following the recent armed clashes in five townships. The vast majority of displaced villagers rely mainly on local aid groups.

The ICRC said it is continuing to provide assistance to approximately 5,000 people displaced by the recent violence in Rakhine State. Several thousand IDPs are sheltering in neighboring villages without proper accommodation. Neither the government nor the ICRC has put up tents or constructed temporary shelters for the IDPs. The ICRC said it can provide the necessary materials to construct shelters and sanitary facilities.

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Investigation into Military Raid on Rakhine Village to be Demanded

Posted: 30 Jan 2019 12:13 AM PST

SITTWE—Concerned lawmakers have said they will demand an investigation into the case after a seven-year-old boy died of wounds caused by an artillery explosion in an alleged military raid near his home in the village of Tha Mee Hla in Rakhine State's Rathaedaung Township on Saturday.

A military column, identified by villagers as the 99th Light Infantry Division, raided the village and looted gold, jewelry, cash and dozens of mobile phones from the villagers on Saturday, according to a number of Arakanese lawmakers.

The wounded child was rushed to Sittwe General Hospital but died on Monday evening while being transferred by ambulance to Yangon General Hospital for treatment.

His body was taken back to Tha Mee Hla village and the funeral will be held on Wednesday.

"They can fight for their causes, but as a representative of the people, the bullying of innocent civilians is totally unacceptable to me. As locals have reported the incident to us, I will write to the authorities, requesting that they carry out an investigation into it," Lower Hose lawmaker Daw Khin Saw Wai told The Irrawaddy.

While innocent civilians are suffering from the fighting, more are being charged under the Unlawful Association Act following clashes between Myanmar Army and the Arakan Army (AA) in the area, according to Daw Khin Saw Wai.

"The two sides should stop fighting and engage in negotiations to find a solution," said the lawmaker.

U Than Naing, a regional lawmaker who went to the village and saw the bullet-riddled houses, said that he would raise questions about the raid at the Rakhine State parliament.

"The parliament will convene on Feb. 13. I have submitted a proposal for a ceasefire and I will talk about [the raid] there," he told The Irrawaddy.

The soldiers raided and shot into the village after the military column was attacked with a series of remotely detonated mines near the village, according to U Than Naing.

Both Daw Khin Saw Wai and U Than Naing told The Irrawaddy that they will officially lodge complaints with evidence to the relevant authorities, including the commander-in-chief's office.

The commander-in-chief office's spokesperson Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun has denied the allegations, saying there was no raid by the military on the ground.

The post Investigation into Military Raid on Rakhine Village to be Demanded appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Malaysia’s Mahathir Seeks China’s Understanding on Scrapped $20B Rail Deal

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 08:38 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Tuesday asked for China’s understanding over Malaysia’s plan to cancel a $20-billion rail project that spearheads China’s infrastructure push in the Southeast Asian nation, saying Kuala Lumpur could not afford it.

Since winning power last May, Mahathir has repeatedly vowed to renegotiate or cancel what he calls “unfair” Chinese projects authorized by predecessor Najib Razak, whose near-decade long rule ended in electoral defeat amid a massive financial scandal.

The cabinet has decided to cancel the contract with China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC) for the East Coast Rail Link project, Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali said last week.

“We seek understanding from the parties concerned,” Mahathir told reporters on Tuesday, adding that Malaysia was burdened with “heavy debt” and could not afford the project, one of the biggest signed in China’s signature Belt and Road initiative.

“It is not because we want to frustrate or throw out the contract; it is because we are really tight in terms of finance.”

The contract may cost the country more than 100 billion ringgit ($24.33 billion) in total, Mahathir said, adding that Malaysia would still have to pay a cancellation fee.

“The huge compensation is not as huge as the amount of debt we will carry for the next 30 years.”

The government was still determining how much to pay CCCC as a cancellation fee, Azmin said last week. Government officials have previously said the project cost had been inflated.

In Beijing this week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said he was unaware of the project cancellation.

On Tuesday, Mahathir said an official statement was to be issued in the next few days, with the Finance Ministry to provide a detailed explanation soon.

In August Mahathir had said the project would be cancelled “for now,” but the government later said it was in talks with CCCC on the future of the rail line.

Mahathir has blamed Najib’s administration for taking total government debt and liabilities to more than 1 trillion ringgit, including that of scandal-plagued state fund 1MDB, which is being investigated for corruption in at least six countries.

The post Malaysia’s Mahathir Seeks China’s Understanding on Scrapped $20B Rail Deal appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Huawei Units to be Arraigned on U.S. Criminal Charges on Feb. 28

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 08:25 PM PST

WASHINGTON — Two units of China’s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd are to be arraigned on Feb. 28 in Seattle on a 10-count indictment on charges they conspired to steal T-Mobile US Inc trade secrets, according to court filings Tuesday.

The Justice Department alleged that Huawei Device Co Ltd and Huawei Device USA Inc committed wire fraud and obstructed justice by stealing robotic technology from T-Mobile to test smartphones’ durability.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington said a corporate representative for Huawei would appear at the arraignment. Huawei did not immediately comment.

Separately, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn have also charged Huawei and its affiliates with bank and wire fraud on allegations that they violated sanctions against Iran. That separate 13-count indictment was made public Monday. No arraignment date has been set in that case, which has added to Washington’s tensions with Beijing.

T-Mobile had accused Huawei of stealing the technology, called “Tappy,” which mimicked human fingers and was used to test smartphones. Huawei has said the two companies settled their disputes in 2017.

The charges add to pressure from the U.S. government on Huawei, the world’s biggest telecommunications equipment maker. Washington is trying to prevent American companies from buying Huawei routers and switches and pressing allies to do the same.

Court records show the two Huawei units have retained several high-profile lawyers including former Deputy Attorney General Jim Cole, a partner at Sidley Austin LLP; former Justice Department lawyer David Bitkower, a partner at Jenner & Block; former federal prosecutor Robert Westinghouse, a partner at Yarmuth LLP; and two lawyers at Steptoe & Johnson LLP.

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Refugees in India’s West Bengal Get Land Titles Amid Citizenship Row

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 08:18 PM PST

BANGKOK—Authorities in India’s West Bengal state have given land titles to about 30,000 refugees who have lived in settlement colonies for years, and promised that thousands more will also get property rights, as a row over their citizenship intensifies.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee handed out the title deeds on Monday, and said those living in more than 200 settlements will also get land rights, even though their settlements are on private or federal government land.

“We will try to buy the land from the owners, and we will ask the central government to regularize the colonies on plots owned by central agencies,” Banerjee said at a public meeting late on Monday.

There are an estimated 150,000 families in the eastern state’s refugee colonies. Most are from Bangladesh, according to officials.

Banerjee’s move is part of a wider push to give more rights to certain refugee groups in the country.

India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, which spells out refugee rights and state responsibilities to protect them.

Nor does it have a domestic law to protect the more than 200,000 refugees it currently hosts, including Tibetans, Sri Lankans, Afghans, Bangladeshis and Rohingya from Myanmar.

But in recent years, the government has been granting limited rights to some refugee groups.

Last year, the western state of Maharashtra granted land ownership rights to refugees who had fled what is now Pakistan some 70 years ago, when the countries were partitioned at independence.

Indigenous Chakma and Hajong refugees who left Bangladesh more than five decades ago have limited citizenship in India, but not land rights, while Tibetan refugees get welfare benefits, but no property rights.

Refugee rights are in focus with the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019, which proposes to give citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Christians and Parsis from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, who came to India before Dec. 31, 2014.

“Land ownership is an issue for refugees, so having a title will make them feel more secure,” said Achin Chakraborty, director of the Institute of Development Studies in the West Bengal capital Kolkata.

“But the issue over the cut-off date still remains, and it is not clear if having a land title is enough,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation on Tuesday.

Chakraborty is one of more than 100 academics and activists who have appealed to President Ram Nath Kovind to reject the Citizenship Bill as it discriminates on the grounds of religion and “violates the constitutional principle of equality”.

There have also been protests in the northeastern state of Assam, where residents complain that immigrants from Bangladesh have encroached their land and strained resources.

The bill, which was passed in the lower house of parliament earlier this month, is expected to face resistance from the opposition Congress party in the upper house.

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