Monday, February 6, 2017

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

The peace process: A tale of two wives

Posted: 06 Feb 2017 12:52 AM PST

On 23 January, the top-level delegation of the signatory EAOs met State Counselor Ms Aung San Suu Kyi and the Commander-in-Chief Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing, the former in the morning and the latter in the afternoon.

Both meetings discussed the detention in December of 4 leading members of the Arakan Liberation Party/Army (ALP/ALA) and All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF); the planned Union Peace Conference 21stCentury Panglong (UPC 21 CP) in February; and the continued fighting in Kachin and Shan North that has displaced more than 100,000 people. (Some of the responses by the two has been reported in my journal, To Hopeland and Back: The 26th trip, 30 January 2017)

Following the meetings, the EAO leaders met in the evening to review them. I still remember what two of them said:

·         It is quite clear the two leaders are both in a tug-of war as well as collusion
·         The feeling that arose in me while talking to them was that: We are dealing not with one government, but two governments

The second remark, I think, is one of the reasons for why the year 2016 has passed without any promising results: Prime examples:

·         In October, the Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/KIA) wrote an official request to Naypyitaw for an urgent meeting to discuss de-escalation of the war in the north. It took more than three months to get a response. And by the time it came, the situation in the north had become so deteriorated there is a question whether this long awaited meeting will take place at all.

·         It was the same situation with the 8 point (later 9 point) proposal of the 7 member alliance, the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), which was presented to Naypyitaw in July. Nearly 7 months have slipped by, but an agreement of substance has yet to be reached.

In comparison, under the previous government, the longest deadlock, 7 months, followed the meeting between the EAO's Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) and the government's Union Peacemaking Work Committee (UPWC) in August 2014. But the informal negotiations between the two sides had never stopped. Also, it was quite obvious the country at that time had one (or almost) single government. At least there was a friendly relation between the President and the Commander-in-Chief, as acknowledged by the latter himself.

Today things are different. However, the problem is not just about the relation between the two top leaders of the country, but also, I believe, how the EAO leaders are coping with it.

So far, the impression from the outside is that the EAOs are reacting differently to "the two governments":

·         Some appear to be for joining forces with the SC and her NLD party against the military
·         Some others, meanwhile, seem to be advocating the other way round i.e. joining with the military against the SC and her party, the NLD
·         Yet there are others who see "the two governments" as birds of a feather and, being so, are against both

All three options, at least for the time being, are dangerous, as each is eying the EAOs suspiciously whether they would end up signing up with the other camp.

Which reminds me of a tale of a man with two wives which I had first heard some 30 plus years back.

A Thai friend who was visiting Gen Gawnzerng (1926-1991), leader of the Tai Revolutionary Council (TRC) asked him:

Friend: General, you have two wives, is that right?

Gawn:   (smiles) That's right. Why are you asking?

Friend:  Do they live together under the same roof with you?

Gawn:   No, of course not. They live in different houses in two different villages.

Friend:  But, suppose they live in the same house, and share the same bed with you. Imagine you are lying between the two of them one evening. And, say, wife#2 is asking, 'Who do you love more, #1 or me?' What will be your answer?

Gawn:   (smiles widely) That's easy. I'll say, 'I love you both equally.'

Friend:  But honestly do you think that answer will satisfy them? Remember, #1 is listening to you from the other side. Just imagine you are them. Will you buy that answer?

Gawn:   Well, I give up. What in heaven then do I say to make both of them happy?

Friend:  This is how. You are facing #2, right? You lift her chin with your one hand and the other hand, reaching out behind your back, hold #1's thigh, squeeze it, and say, "I love you more, of course." Now, who isn't going to believe you?

Not surprisingly, a big hearty loud laughter followed.

No, I don't think the story's true. But suppose it is, then, it may very well be a classic example of how negotiators get out of tight spots.

The problem is that we in Burma/Myanmar are short of such skilled negotiators. What's more, those few we have, we are not using them. Believe me, if we keep on going the same way we have been doing it the past ten months, 2020 will come and go, without any hope of peace in the country.

My message, therefore, to all leaders of the country, whether they be from the government, military, parties or EAOs, is that let us lose no time in finding/training qualified negotiators so there is peace in our land for our people, the sooner the better.
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Sunday, February 5, 2017

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

THE AFTERMATH OF U KO NI'S ASSASSINATION: Constitutional conundrum remains to be resolved

Posted: 05 Feb 2017 06:14 AM PST

Days after U Ko Ni's assassination the police department, and for that reason the home ministry, hasn't come up with an explanation or press conference to clear the air of cacophony among the media and also the general public.

Instead reportedly, on February 2, Rangoon Region Police Chief Brigadier-General Win Naing told Myanmar Now that national police headquarters had taken control of the investigation and would coordinate with the Military in clarification of the case.

In the mean time, Zaw Htay presidential spokesperson said that due to the delicate nature which could jeopardize the progress of investigation procedure, due to the need to counter-check the investigation outcomes, no press briefing of the case could be given for the moment, but would do so as soon as the situation permits and that the public should be patient.

News making the rounds started out with a leaked of police interrogation report on the case that was said to have found it's way into social media, which were downloaded from Viber, an internet messaging app widely used in Burma, by unauthorized parties.

Since then another suspect, Aung Win Zaw, was apprehended as being a mastermind behind the assassination, other than the original lone killer, Kyi Linn, caught at the assassination scene, with the help of the taxi drivers and the police at the vicinity.

Statements on the condemnation of this assassination act and urging the government to uncover the plot at its roots have been aired, ranging from Burma's Presidential Office, Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, Arakan National Council, human rights groups, civil society organizations, and last but not least, the United Nations' personalities like Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma Ms. Yanghee Lee and former UN general secretary Kofi Annan, among others.
 
But the public and media scrutiny that Aung San Suu Kyi, de facto leader of the government and NLD party boss, silence on the assassination of its legal brain U Ko Ni and failure even to appear before the funeral has irked and grudgingly noticed by many, even though the media has chosen not to blow out the controversial behavior of Suu Kyi and kept under-wrap for reasons unknown. But it is most probably an act of self-censorship, given the sensitive political nature surrounding the assassination case.

Let us look at this Suu Kyi's behavior in the light of what might be political consideration and navigation of the troubled political waters, which many believe that one false move could put the country back to the square one. In doing so, the political conviction and advocacy of U Ko Ni that centers around constitutional amendment needs to be delved upon as a potential triggering point of his assassination.

Handling the constitutional reform

Everybody knows that constitutional amendment and change is the core election campaign slogan of the Nation League for Democracy (NLD), by which the party came into the office some ten months ago is undeniable.

Indeed, it has tried to do just that during the NLD days as an opposition but failed, due to the constraint of the Military-drafted, 2008 Constitution, which it enables the Military to be vested with veto power, as it is allotted with 25% MP seats in all levels of parliament, apart from having the power to appoint and control the three ministries of home, defense and border affairs.

According to the constitution, over 75% of the union parliamentarians have to agree to any crucial amendment proposal to alter the constitution, even to sail through the first motion. In other words, the constitution is unamendable.

But lately, after a few months in power, Suu Kyi began to navigate the party from pushing for immediate constitutional change to tactical drawback, advocating "achievement of peace first before embarking on constitutional amendment" as a back-burner, which have angered the electorate and the non-Bamar ethnic nationalities that have pinned the hope on Suu Kyi and her party for a speedy change, to free them from the clutch of the Military that they have to endure for decades.

Her standard argument for putting the amendment push behind has been not to endanger the public safety and advocated for an evolutionary change, which would mean to let the Military in decision-making position for a longer time to come. In other words, the continuation of the two-tier administration system, where the Military makes decisions on the life and death issues of the country, especially where the ethnic conflict and peace process are concerned, and Suu Kyi's NLD regime taking the less crucial ceremonial tasks as a figure head administrator.

Within the NLD, it's legal mind, the deceased U Ko Ni was for the amendment and even rewriting the constitution, while the rest of the leadership seems to be falling in line with Suu Kyi's argument of evolutionary change, except for the late U Win Tin, a founding member of the NLD, who had always spoken his mind for total rewriting, as he was convinced that no federal democracy is forthcoming without an appropriate constitutional change.

Four political eras according to U Ko Ni

In 2014, when U Ko Ni was on his visit to Singapore told his Burmese expatriate audience at a seminar that Burma could be divided into four political eras: feudal, colonial, democracy and dictatorial.

He said the first two feudal and colonial eras didn't represent the people, as the former treated the people and the country as its personal belonging and all were at the mercy of one absolute monarch, at any given time. The latter, he said, was only answerable to the government in Britain through colonial administration and was also the same as the feudal one, where the people had no say whatsoever.

The third democracy era, he said was the most glorious and happy moment of the country, even though it lasted just a little over a decade. He stressed during that moment in time, Burma was endowed with economic success, high standard educational system, admirable level sporting and entertainment facilities, which neighboring countries like Thailand and India even also admired and had to take into account. He pointed out that the trend had now reversed and Burma would need decades of hard work to reach the level of Thailand and Singapore, which were far behind Burma during the 1950s to early 1960s, all because of the military dictatorship.

He stressed that such progress and harmony were possible during the democracy era, as the country was ruled by government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

The fourth military dictatorship era, he said was the darkest hours of the country and people, as sovereign power that belonged to the people and the country was robbed by the Military and governed accordingly under the successive totalitarian regimes, dominated by the Military.

He stressed that the country plunged into deep stagnation since 1962, when the Military staged a coup under the pretext that Burma is disintegrating, due to the federal amendment proposal of the ethnic nationalities to make Burma a more equitable and fair federal union. He elaborated that the then head of the government U Nu was a keen politician, as he negotiated with the ethnic nationalities to forsake the "secession clause" that was embedded in 1947 Union of Burma Constitution, in return for a genuine federal union.

However, according to U Ko Ni, the federal amendment proposal which was geared to be promulgated in the union parliament, in March was never allowed to be carried out, as the Military struck  and took over the political decision-making power in March 2, 1962.

His message was the sovereign power that was robbed had to be given back to the people and only genuine democracy could instill progress, development and bring harmony for the people and the country. This inevitably was meant that the constitution must reflect the aspirations of the people, like the federal proposal of 1962.

In short, U Ko Ni had been and was the sole legal brain left that tirelessly advocated for the change through simple majority motion of constitutional change within the NLD leadership, so that the people's aspirations could be realized, as within the existing, Military-drafted constitutional framework no amendment could be made possible. Thus, making it quite clear that the quasi-civilian rule of the NLD government is still within the bounds of the military, if not exactly the dictatorial era.

Speculation

Now the speculation is that it is possible that the idea might have existed that U Ko Ni has to be removed by those that like to maintain the status quo, as he also had a huge following, within the NLD and beyond, that simple majority motion in the parliament for constitutional change would be the way to go. And thus forcible, physical termination became a consideration for his enemies that finally was carried out.

As for the Suu Kyi being so deafeningly silent and is going about as if nothing has ever happened, it could be taken that she doesn't know how to handle this sensitive situation or being overly cautious, laced with worries and perhaps also fear,  that the delicate balance could overturn.

At the same time, showing sympathy, anger and even asking for justice and demand to uncover the plotters that had murdered U Ko Ni might anger the status quo backers and ultra-nationalist elements within the Military, which might accelerate the full takeover of the token political power her party now is wielding. Besides rightly or wrongly, she might even believe that the evolutionary way is the way to go, rather than banking on Arab Spring-like people's revolution that went wrong in many aspects in the Arab world.

But if one looks at just the ongoing peace process, it is quite clear that regarding the peace process, the Military is calling the shots and that the pressure on the NLD cannot be overseen, which is none other than to accept the Military stance of "negotiated surrender" and "exclusion of some three ethnic armies" that the Military dislike from participating in the peace process.

As all know, NLD from the outset has been for all-inclusiveness and peaceful negotiation through political dialogue, even though at times, Suu Kyi might be seen as appeasing the Military through remarks like blaming the Northern Alliance – Burma (NA-B) for their counter-offensive in Muse Township of Shan State, during last year November 20; and President Htin Kyaw's doling out bravely credentials for Military troopers that have fought the ethnic armies in Shan and Kachin States.

Because of all these it is fair to say that U Ko Ni's case is a political assassination and has to be treated as such, and it is aimed to cow or intimidate the now entrenched idea of constitutional amendment move through simple majority motion backers within the union parliament. To put it differently, to accept the evolutionary aspect of change rather than the immediate constitutional amendment, which the Military's top brass could hardly accept or reluctant to do so, if given a choice.

It is now then up to the electorate and NLD party that has been voted in to do the job by the people, which would be the best way out -  continued status quo, immediate radical change or work out a compromise with the Military, if there is any such possibility still left to do so.
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Saturday, February 4, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Second Suspect Arrested in Connection to Lawyer’s Assassination

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 11:29 PM PST

A second suspect is arrested in connection with the high-profile assassination of U Ko Ni, a top legal advisor for the ruling NLD party.

The post Second Suspect Arrested in Connection to Lawyer's Assassination appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Trend of Silence

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 11:18 PM PST

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi remains noticeably silent on human rights issues lately, causing people to question her allegiance to the people.

The post Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's Trend of Silence appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

This Week in Parliament (Jan. 30-Feb. 3)

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 07:48 PM PST

The fourth regular session of Parliament resumed on Monday with the NLD govt discussing its budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year.

The post This Week in Parliament (Jan. 30-Feb. 3) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Business Round Up (February 4)

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 06:44 PM PST

IMF reports economic slowdown, Lashio zinc refinery moves forward, ADB helps boost infrastructure, and concern over foreign worker laws.

The post Business Round Up (February 4) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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Friday, February 3, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Govt Asks to Spend Reserve Funds on Arakan State Development

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 07:30 AM PST

The government seeks parliamentary approval to spend nearly 3.7 billion kyats to implement 18 road and bridge construction projects.

The post Govt Asks to Spend Reserve Funds on Arakan State Development appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Government to Review Critical UN Report on Arakan Crisis

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 07:19 AM PST

"We will review the report from the UN and we will respond," says Zaw Htay, Burma President Htin Kyaw's spokesman.

The post Burma Government to Review Critical UN Report on Arakan Crisis appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma’s Probe of Lawyer’s Killing Beset by Leaks, Confusion

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 07:01 AM PST

The national police chief has taken personal charge of an investigation into the killing of U Ko Ni.

The post Burma's Probe of Lawyer's Killing Beset by Leaks, Confusion appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Arakan State Advisory Commission Member Describes Inhumane Conditions for Refugees in Bangladesh

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 06:52 AM PST

Al Haj U Aye Lwin says the living conditions for Muslim refugees on the Bangladeshi border were 'inappropriate even for animals.'

The post Arakan State Advisory Commission Member Describes Inhumane Conditions for Refugees in Bangladesh appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Judge Accused of Corruption Goes on the Run

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 04:55 AM PST

Daw Inzali Mya Shein is charged under Article 56 of the 2013 anti-corruption law, which could lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The post Judge Accused of Corruption Goes on the Run appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Malaysian PM Sends Off Aid Ship Bound for Burma

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 04:48 AM PST

'We are still hoping with all our hearts that they will eventually allow us to visit Sittwe and distribute the aid ourselves,' says the mission chief.

The post Malaysian PM Sends Off Aid Ship Bound for Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Pirates, Cyclones, and Mud: Bangladesh’s Island Solution to Refugee Crisis

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 04:01 AM PST

Dhaka plans to relocate thousands of people to uninhabited Thengar Char, which offers no buildings, no phone reception, and no protection from floods.

The post Pirates, Cyclones, and Mud: Bangladesh's Island Solution to Refugee Crisis appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

MRTV Names 10 Companies Shortlisted for TV Licenses

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 03:26 AM PST

The state-owned broadcaster will select five new firms to operate digital free-to-air television channels.

The post MRTV Names 10 Companies Shortlisted for TV Licenses appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Meinmahla Kyun Wetlands Receive International Recognition

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 02:28 AM PST

Irrawaddy Division's Meinmahla Kyun is added to the list of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

The post Meinmahla Kyun Wetlands Receive International Recognition appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma’s Lower House Issues Letter Bomb Warning

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 11:15 PM PST

'We must ensure the security of the Parliament because high-ranking officials and ministers are going in and out there,' says Parliament staffer.

The post Burma's Lower House Issues Letter Bomb Warning appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Disability Federation Criticizes Education Ministry for Discrimination

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 08:33 PM PST

The Burma Federation of Persons with Disabilities criticizes the Ministry of Education for its discriminatory practices.

The post Disability Federation Criticizes Education Ministry for Discrimination appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

CSOs to hold peaceful protests ahead of Panglong summit

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 01:00 AM PST

Civil society groups will launch coordinated peaceful protests around Myanmar on February 4, calling for an end to decades of armed conflict. Demonstrations are set to be held in major cities, including Yangon and Mawlamyine.

Weak security protocol cause for U Ko Ni’s death, says former Hluttaw Speaker

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:58 AM PST

Outdated and weak security laws in the country are to be blamed for the death of National League for Democracy legal adviser U Ko Ni, said former Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Aung Myint on February 2.

Textile workers to step up protests over employment contract

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:57 AM PST

Disgruntled workers at the Panda Textile factory in Singaing township said they will step up protests against the management for not honouring the renegotiated employment agreement which was overseen by the Mandalay Region government.

CNF wants Arakan groups out of Chin state

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:57 AM PST

The Chin National Front (CNF) has demanded the pullout of Arakanese armed groups from the  Paletwa township in Chin state, saying skirmishes between the groups and government army have caused residents to flee their homes.

New energy master plan for Yangon

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:56 AM PST

A master plan to allow local and foreign investors to have a stake in the energy and electricity sector is underway for the Yangon Region as power consumption continues to surge in the capital city.

Mrauk U prepares for World Heritage bid

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:55 AM PST

The ancient Mrauk U temple zone in Rakhine State will be the subject of a bid for UNESCO World Heritage Status, with a team of experts set to begin surveying work with a view to drafting an application.

Court throws out increased penalty for underage rape

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:55 AM PST

An attempt to amend existing rape laws to allow for harsher penalties for underage rape was rejected after a Supreme Court judge disqualified the proposal on grounds that it was submitted in the wrong language.

Meinmahla Kyun wildlife sanctuary designated Ramsar site

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:54 AM PST

The Meinmahla Kyun wetland reserve in Ayeyarwady Region has been designated a Ramsar site, joining two other such sites in Myanmar.

Plans to make Bagan UNESCO World Heritage site under study

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:54 AM PST

A draft plan including three out of six criteria needed to propose Bagan as one of the World Heritage sites will be submitted to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in September, said U Thein Lwin, deputy director general of the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library.

Social Welfare Ministry to fight disability discrimination in schools

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:49 AM PST

The department of Higher Education says it is looking to root out discriminatory admissions policies at education colleges, after prompting from disability rights activists.
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Thursday, February 2, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Burma and Thailand Sign 16 Business Agreements

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 06:49 AM PST

'Thailand is among the top foreign investors here, and these agreements will foster more economic cooperation,' says a UMFCCI official.

The post Burma and Thailand Sign 16 Business Agreements appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Irrawaddy Division Govt Cites ‘Security Reasons’ in Banning Wirathu Sermon

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 06:38 AM PST

The high-profile leader of Ma Ba Tha had planned to deliver a sermon in Pathein on Feb. 1.

The post Irrawaddy Division Govt Cites 'Security Reasons' in Banning Wirathu Sermon appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Yangon Bus Service Fleet to be Equipped with GPS Monitoring

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 06:28 AM PST

The devices will be used to monitor buses' locations and the actions taken by conductors.

The post Yangon Bus Service Fleet to be Equipped with GPS Monitoring appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Government, KIO Unable to Set a Date for Peace Talks

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 04:42 AM PST

'Their letter is not very clear, and we think this is not really an invitation to hold bilateral talks,' says KIO vice chairman Gen Gun Maw.

The post Government, KIO Unable to Set a Date for Peace Talks appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Proposal to Assign Death Penalty for Child Rape Hits Setback

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 04:36 AM PST

Lower House lawmaker Daw Khin Saw Wai says she will consult with legal experts and 'will submit [her] proposal again.'

The post Proposal to Assign Death Penalty for Child Rape Hits Setback appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Muslim Political Party Asks to Join Union Day Event

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 03:13 AM PST

The Rangoon-based Democracy and Human Rights Party has asked the NLD government to allow them to attend a Union Day event in Panglong.

The post Muslim Political Party Asks to Join Union Day Event appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Government Tests Mayu Radio Program for Maungdaw Region

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 02:30 AM PST

The planned local broadcast would release real-time information to Maungdaw residents and prevent the spread of misleading information.

The post Government Tests Mayu Radio Program for Maungdaw Region appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Laiza Mayor: ‘The Government and the Army are on the Same Side’

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 02:17 AM PST

Mayor Naw San sits down with The Irrawaddy and talks about the latest developments in Laiza, home of the KIO and KIA headquarters.

The post Laiza Mayor: 'The Government and the Army are on the Same Side' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Road Project Hooks 1.8 Billion Baht From Thailand

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 12:55 AM PST

The Thai government approves a US$5.13 million budget to help Burma develop part of its road along the transnational route linking Rangoon to Mae Sot.

The post Burma Road Project Hooks 1.8 Billion Baht From Thailand appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Surveillance and Threats: Slain Burma Lawyer Felt ‘Targeted’

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 10:48 PM PST

'He told us he was being watched by someone, but we didn't know who,' says U Ko Ni's daughter.

The post Surveillance and Threats: Slain Burma Lawyer Felt 'Targeted' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Bangladesh Firm on Rohingya Relocation Plan

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 08:42 PM PST

Bangladesh is determined to relocate Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in Burma to a Bay of Bengal island that critics say is unliveable.

The post Bangladesh Firm on Rohingya Relocation Plan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma: A Killing Legacy

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 05:48 PM PST

The tragic history of assassinations in Burma's political life is revisited in this story from our archives.

The post Burma: A Killing Legacy appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

‘The death of the rule of law’: coming to terms with the loss of U Ko Ni

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 11:45 PM PST

Days after a prominent public figure was the subject of a daylight "political assassination", shot dead in the middle of a crowded, public space, presumptions of security that were previously taken for granted – at least in an urban, Yangon experience – have been rendered obsolete. In its place has emerged a new, pervasive fear. How could such a violent, public act occur within a democracy, one that restricts personal gun ownership?

Second suspect arrested

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 11:43 PM PST

Police say they have arrested a second suspect, the man who allegedly hired a hitman to kill prominent lawyer U Ko Ni.

Govt agrees to private talks with KIA

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 11:41 PM PST

The government's peace commission is set to grant the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) its long-awaited request for an individual meeting, as conflict rages on in parts of northern Shan and Kachin states.

Court presses ahead with 66(d) charge

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 11:41 PM PST

Kamaryut Township Court yesterday opted to press ahead with defamation charges against ruling party member U Myo Yan Naung Thein, after assessing evidence submitted by police investigating the case.

Ministry warns against incitement after murders

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 11:40 PM PST

The Ministry of Religion and Culture has released a statement urging people to be vigilant about attempts to incite racial and religious conflict, after it noted an uptick in hate speech on social media in the wake of the January 29 assassination of legal adviser and prominent Muslim U Ko Ni.

Record year for Myanmar meth pill seizures

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 11:38 PM PST

Police made record meth pill seizures last year, data obtained by AFP showed yesterday, underscoring the country's ongoing and pivotal role as a major global narcotics producer.

Health minister breaks down his spending plan

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 11:38 PM PST

Pledging to expunge waste and maximise the effectiveness of his modest budget, the Minister for Health and Sport says he has already mapped out how he will spend every kyat in the upcoming financial year.

New organisation focuses on charter reform

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 11:37 PM PST

A new political group has set its sights on overhauling the 2008 constitution.

Court calls for harsher sentences for child rapists

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 11:34 PM PST

District court judges have been instructed to punish child rapists with the heaviest possible sentences, according to Supreme Court Judge U Soe Nyunt.

Three prisons to double their inmate capacity

Posted: 01 Feb 2017 11:31 PM PST

Myanmar is expanding its prison capacity in an effort to relieve chronic overcrowding pressures. New wings are set to double the size of three facilities, a prisons department official said.
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