Wednesday, June 19, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Under Pressure at Home and Abroad, Suu Kyi Gets a Birthday Boost from Supporters

Posted: 19 Jun 2019 06:24 AM PDT

Large crowds clad in adoring T-shirts turn out to wish the State Counselor a happy 74th birthday in Yangon, Mandalay and elsewhere.

H1N1 Kills 3 in Yangon

Posted: 19 Jun 2019 05:40 AM PDT

Of 20 suspected patients, seven have been confirmed to be infected with the deadly virus, including the three deceased.

World Bank Puts Myanmar’s Power Investment Needs at $2B a Year

Posted: 19 Jun 2019 04:58 AM PDT

Electricity consumption expected to increase by 11% annually through 2030 amid strong economic growth, new report says.

More Than 220 Flee Homes in Shan State

Posted: 19 Jun 2019 04:34 AM PDT

Villagers in rural parts of Kutkai Township, in northern Shan State, fled their homes when fighting broke out between TNLA troops and the Tatmadaw Sunday morning.

Amid Int’l Espionage Concerns, Mandalay to Embrace Huawei for ‘Safe City’ Project

Posted: 19 Jun 2019 04:15 AM PDT

Myanmar's second biggest city in a strategic BRI location to have CCTV and AI technology from the Chinese company internationally accused of data theft and spying.

Ma Ba Tha is a Necessity: Military

Posted: 19 Jun 2019 03:26 AM PDT

The military's spokesperson defended a 30-million kyats Tatmadaw donation to a controversial nationalist group by calling the group necessary for Myanmar Buddhists.

New Chinese Ambassador Vows to Seek ‘Practical Cooperation’ with Myanmar on BRI Projects

Posted: 19 Jun 2019 02:48 AM PDT

Relations are good but there's room for improvement, envoy Chen Hai says.

A Recipe for Survival in Difficult Times

Posted: 19 Jun 2019 02:41 AM PDT

Whether it's in the life of a nation or a person, holding on to optimism can keep us moving forward.

Housekeeper Recalls Swimmer Who Surprised Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Detention

Posted: 19 Jun 2019 01:54 AM PDT

On the occasion of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's 74 birthday today, The Irrawaddy revisits a 2017 story about her time under house arrest and the strange visit of an American who showed up at her house by swimming across a lake.

Many in Hong Kong, Fearful of China’s Grasp, Flee to Taiwan

Posted: 18 Jun 2019 10:06 PM PDT

Thousands of Hong Kong residents have left for Taiwan in recent years, citing fears of Chinese erosion of the "one country, two systems" policy and civil liberties.

SE Asia Should Ban Imports of Foreign Trash: Environmentalists

Posted: 18 Jun 2019 09:52 PM PDT

Less-regulated countries have seen a staggering spike in imports of plastic and electronic waste from developed countries since China banned imports.

Urbanization, Commercial Farms Threaten Asia’s Forests, UN Warns

Posted: 18 Jun 2019 09:38 PM PDT

Forests are recognized as key to climate-change mitigation and adaptation, yet expanding populations and demand for resources are placing greater stress on them.
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Tuesday, June 18, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Yangon Govt Drops $10 Million Spending Proposals

Posted: 18 Jun 2019 07:15 AM PDT

Proposed ferry purchase and construction of courthouse and police HQ canceled after President urges development spending; some see Union intervention in Yangon budget.

Buddhist Nationalists Urge Voters to Shun NLD at Ballot Box

Posted: 18 Jun 2019 07:03 AM PDT

Successor organization to Ma Ba Tha accuses govt of failing the 'country, race and religion'; ruling party spokesman says voters won't be swayed by religious extremism.

World Bank’s Economic Outlook for Myanmar in 6 Points

Posted: 18 Jun 2019 05:37 AM PDT

The Bank's report says with improvements in several sectors and reform implementation, Myanmar is set to see positive economic growth despite a slowdown in foreign investment.

Military Denies Staging Joint Operations with India Against Anti-Delhi Rebels

Posted: 18 Jun 2019 02:49 AM PDT

Tatmadaw rejects Indian newspaper reports of joint raids, says cooperation limited to arresting rebels and holding meetings.

State Counselor to Attend ASEAN Summit in Thailand on June 22-23

Posted: 18 Jun 2019 01:47 AM PDT

'Indo-Pacific Outlook', RCEP trade deal expected to be on the agenda as regional leaders meet.

Aide to Bangladeshi PM Visits to Boost Cross-Border Political Ties

Posted: 17 Jun 2019 11:16 PM PDT

Shah Ali Farhad says Dhaka is concerned that links between NLD and Bangladesh's ruling Awami League have suffered since Rohingya crisis began in 2017.

Indonesia Becomes Latest Southeast Asian Country to Return Waste to the West

Posted: 17 Jun 2019 10:02 PM PDT

Five containers of waste has been sent back to Seattle from Indonesia's second-biggest city of Surabaya.

Death Toll from China Quakes Rises to 11

Posted: 17 Jun 2019 09:55 PM PDT

A quake of magnitude 5.9 was followed by a smaller one of 5.2 magnitude, both at a depth of 10 kilometers.

‘Systemic Failure’ of UN Ahead of Myanmar Military Crackdown: Review

Posted: 17 Jun 2019 09:27 PM PDT

The internal report states that a "fragmented strategy rather than a common plan of action" was an element which led to a failure of the efforts of the United Nations.
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Monday, June 17, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Yangon Military Chief Donates Nearly $20,000 to Buddhist Nationalist Group

Posted: 17 Jun 2019 07:58 AM PDT

Offering comes amid a vocal campaign by the group, which includes denouncing the govt over sedition case against firebrand fugitive monk U Wirathu.

Tourism Ministry Orders Industry Dedollarization

Posted: 17 Jun 2019 07:30 AM PDT

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism issued its second call for hotel and tour operators to stop accepting payment in US dollars, frustrating some small businesses.

The State Counselor Keeps Her Former Enemies Close

Posted: 17 Jun 2019 06:25 AM PDT

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's letter of condolence to former dictator U Than Shwe on the loss of his son-in-law has caused a stir, but it should come as no surprise.

Myanmar Man Serving 10 Years for Explosives Offense Dies in Bangladesh Prison

Posted: 17 Jun 2019 05:01 AM PDT

Yasir Arafat declared dead in hospital after experiencing chest pain; he and two Myanmar accomplices were also linked to a deadly blast in India in 2014.

Dismissal of Lawsuit Against Myanmar Now Editor Requested

Posted: 17 Jun 2019 04:04 AM PDT

Witnesses for the plaintiff—two of whom are on the run from the law—have repeatedly failed to appear in court.

Tatmadaw Seizes $8.5M in Guns and Drugs

Posted: 17 Jun 2019 12:35 AM PDT

The haul, from a rural borderland area in the Golden Triangle, is the largest civilian seizure ever made, the Tatmadaw says.

Pressure Builds on Hong Kong Leader with Democracy Activist Set to Leave Jail

Posted: 16 Jun 2019 08:57 PM PDT

Monday marks the beginning of Hong Kong's second week of protests and the release from jail of pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, likely boosting the protest's momentum.
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Sunday, June 16, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Offers Condolences to Former Dictator Than Shwe

Posted: 15 Jun 2019 09:27 PM PDT

On the death of the former junta leader's son-in-law, Myanmar's State Counselor sent a letter of condolence to the man who once ordered her house arrest.
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Saturday, June 15, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Federalism, Democracy and the 2020 Elections

Posted: 14 Jun 2019 09:00 PM PDT

This week, Dateline and guests discuss the 2020 elections, ethnic parties and the NLD.
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Friday, June 14, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Exhibition of Sawbwas’ Royal Dress Puts Shan History, Culture on Display

Posted: 14 Jun 2019 07:32 AM PDT

National Museum show is the best-attended it has ever put on

Jailed American’s Family Pleads to US, Myanmar Govts in Hemp Case

Posted: 14 Jun 2019 06:54 AM PDT

The family of John Todoroki, arrested for his role in an industrial hemp project near Mandalay, wrote to US and Myanmar government officials pleading for his release.

Four Mandalay Policemen Face Corruption Charges

Posted: 14 Jun 2019 06:46 AM PDT

Anti-Corruption Commission opens cases against officers who allegedly took a combined 3.65 million kyats for allowing suspects to go free on bail.

Parliament’s Constitution Amendment Panel Completes Review of Charter

Posted: 14 Jun 2019 06:34 AM PDT

Proposals to be submitted to Parliament next month; report recommends articles be repealed, amended, expanded or retained.

UEC Upholds Mandalay Election Results

Posted: 14 Jun 2019 05:52 AM PDT

NLD candidate Sai Pan Hsai remains Shan State Ethnic Affairs Minister for Mandalay Region after the UEC dismisses election complaints from SNLD challenger Nan Htwe Hmone.

Civilians Injured, School Shelled in Army Response to Mrauk-U Ambush

Posted: 14 Jun 2019 05:11 AM PDT

A Tatmadaw unit opened fire in a Rakhine village Thursday afternoon, injuring four civilians—including a 9-year-old boy—and damaging a government school.

Join Peace Process, Don’t Complain from Outside: Senior Govt Negotiator

Posted: 14 Jun 2019 03:27 AM PDT

UPDJC secretariat member U Khin Zaw Oo vents apparent frustration with EAOs' decision to boycott formal talks.

Army’s Tough Stance on 3 Northern Alliance Groups Thwarts Bilateral Deals: AA Chief

Posted: 14 Jun 2019 01:27 AM PDT

Tatmadaw's refusal to recognize troop deployments of AA, TNLA, MNDAA leaves prospect of progress on political front bleak, Maj-Gen. Tun Myat Naing says.

Tight Security at Indonesia Court as Opposition Pushes for Fresh Election

Posted: 13 Jun 2019 11:43 PM PDT

Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto has not conceded defeat to incumbent Joko Widodo in April's elections, claiming electoral fraud.

RPT-Banks Reopen as Hong Kong Returns to Normal Ahead of Weekend Protest

Posted: 13 Jun 2019 11:32 PM PDT

Though protests over an extradition bill are set to resume in the Asian financial hub this weekend and on Monday, financial and commercial activity is normalizing.

‘Too Many’ Maps Slow Return of Indonesia’s Indigenous Land

Posted: 13 Jun 2019 10:37 PM PDT

Overlapping land claims and disputed maps are holding back Indonesia's plans to hand control of large swaths of forest back to indigenous people.

Shortage of Blood Donations Highlighted on World Blood Donor Day

Posted: 13 Jun 2019 06:00 PM PDT

A national blood drive encourages everyone to donate on World Blood Donor Day in an effort to reduce the 100-liter daily national blood bank deficit.
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Thursday, June 13, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

An Insider’s View of Changes at the Formerly Military-Run GAD

Posted: 13 Jun 2019 07:26 AM PDT

Key developments at the agency include making training more useful and offering it to lower-level officials, says public policy expert who is assisting the reform process.

Celebrating Pinoy Flavors in the Heart of Yangon

Posted: 13 Jun 2019 05:36 AM PDT

The diverse and rich flavors of the Philippines are available as an all-you-can-eat buffet for one week only at Sule Shangri-La Yangon.

Yangon Timeout

Posted: 13 Jun 2019 04:44 AM PDT

A Kafka-themed festival, photography workshop, education fair and reggae night are just a few of the interested and informative events happening in Yangon in the coming week.

FBR’s ‘Help, Hope and Love’ Not Wanted in Rakhine, Military Says

Posted: 13 Jun 2019 04:29 AM PDT

After years of working with EAOs in the east, the Christian relief group run by an ex-U.S. marine has found a new mission in Rakhine; AA leader has 'no objections'

More than 600,000 Children Doing Hazardous Work in Myanmar: ILO

Posted: 13 Jun 2019 03:53 AM PDT

Nearly 10 percent of the country's children aged 5-17 are involved in labor of some kind, survey finds.

Rohingya Girl Found Dead, Allegedly Raped, in N. Rakhine

Posted: 13 Jun 2019 03:13 AM PDT

Rohingyas in a remote village of Maungdaw Township found the body of a missing 11-year-old girl Wednesday morning. They believe she was raped and killed.

AA Says It Will Free 8 Detainees When Calm Returns to S. Chin State

Posted: 13 Jun 2019 02:32 AM PDT

Armed group abducted the construction workers in late March, accusing them of spying for the Myanmar military.

US-Bangla Dialogue Reemphasizes Voluntary, Sustainable Rohingya Repatriation

Posted: 13 Jun 2019 01:22 AM PDT

Both governments also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation on security, development, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and counterterrorism.

Cambodia Faces Pressure Over Push to Rid Brick Kilns of Slave Labor

Posted: 12 Jun 2019 10:28 PM PDT

There has been increased scrutiny of the rapidly-developing nation's brick sector, in which tens of thousands of families work as slaves to serve a construction boom.

China’s Vice Premier Liu Calls for More Measures to Support Economy

Posted: 12 Jun 2019 10:04 PM PDT

Beijing has set a growth target of 6 to 6.5 percent for this year, easing from 6.6 percent in 2018—the slowest rate of expansion the country has seen in nearly 30 years.

INSIGHT: Risky Partner—Top US Universities Took Funds from Chinese Firm Tied to Xinjiang Security

Posted: 12 Jun 2019 09:46 PM PDT

MIT last year announced a five-year agreement under which iFlytek would help underwrite three research projects at the university's renowned Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
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