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| Donor funds fail to flow for hospital redevelopment Posted: 14 May 2014 10:36 PM PDT Despite pledges of support from abroad, a much-publicised plan to renovate Yangon General Hospital is still completely reliant on government financing, fundraisers say. |
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Democratic Voice of Burma |
| Thousands join NLD, 88 Gen rally for constitutional reform Posted: 17 May 2014 03:40 AM PDT Thousands of supporters turned out at Bo Sein Hman park in Rangoon on Saturday for a rally on constitutional reform organized by the National League for Democracy (NLD) and 88 Generation Peace and Open Society (GPOS), the first time the two pro-democracy forces have joined hands in co-hosting a public event. NLD chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi called on Burma's military leaders to join with the people in supporting amendment of the Constitution. "There is presently no trust between the people and the army," said the daughter of Gen. Aung San, founder of the modern Burmese armed forces. "The army doesn’t trust the people, and the people don’t trust the army. The military uses the Constitution for its own protection. That is not right. Related Stories"But do not worry," she told the crowd. "We shall all move forward together. And together means together. We don’t want to discriminate between the military and the people.” Suu Kyi said her party would like to amend the legal framework of the Constitution, and help Burma become a highly developed political nation. She also spoke of the lack of rule of law in the country. "I want to see rule of law in Burma. If a country has no rule of law, it is not safe for its citizens," she concluded. 88GPOS leader and former political prisoner Min Ko Naing also addressed the crowd, saying the current Constitution was inherited from military dictators. "The president is the highest administrative power in the land," he said. "The Constitution proclaims that he should have military experience. I can say frankly that this Constitution is a bad inheritance from the military dictatorship." Speakers rallied the public for their support in specifically overturning Article 436 of the Constitution, which states that any amendments must have the approval of 75 percent of the representatives in both houses of parliament. NLD central executive committee member Win Myint said that Article 436 is the main clause of the Constitution which must be amended. "If you act to amend other articles but not 436(a) then you will not get the support of the 75 percent that you need," he said. "That’s why it is imperative that this article is prioritized." A similar public rally is scheduled to be held in Mandalay on Sunday. |
| Drugs, land and mining issues plague Shan State Posted: 17 May 2014 01:43 AM PDT A four-day regional development workshop responding to the challenges posed by drugs and environmental degradation— identified by contributors as the main issues plaguing the region – has concluded in Tachileik, eastern Shan State. Villagers from nine local townships attended the meeting, where they were able to voice their own concerns. Nang Leik, of Kengtung, worries that a local Thai-run coal mine will impact heavily on small farmers. "The coal mine will affect our paddy fields," she said. "We can't allow them to continue the project. The areas they are planning to mine are in our paddy fields. When they start, our paddy fields will be destroyed. We will have to move our paddy fields as well as our houses. The township administrator doesn’t take any responsibility, despite the fact that his villages are also affected.” "The operators have ignored the local people in decision making," she added. "We will be forced to demonstrate in public if they continue with the project." Shan National Progressive Party member Thein Aung agrees that land tenure is a pressing concern, but believes that town workshops provide a better alternative to holding demonstrations. "Instead of getting out on the streets to protest issues, we can send the results of these workshops to parliamentarians," he said. "We can discuss and share our views so that the end results are clear. I would like to urge party leaders and NGOs to hold similar workshops in future." "Parliamentarians acknowledge the relationship between illegal drugs and gambling, but there are still many gambling and drug dens in places like Taunggyi, where the government has a strong presence," Ko Moe said. "How can these things be controlled?" he added. "These are the questions for the Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as the State government and Union government." Villagers at the meeting suggested that a lack of government accountability is endemic to the region and contributes to controversy over land ownership. "Mining companies come in and operate in fields belonging to famers who can't necessarily prove their ownership. The government marks such land as vacant, which is not correct." A similar town workshop was held in the first week of May in Lashio. A Shan State-wide workshop will be held in Taunggyi during the last week of this month. |
| Amending Constitution will ‘hurt the people’, says Thein Sein Posted: 17 May 2014 12:10 AM PDT The instability being caused by the ongoing public campaign to amend the Constitution will ultimately hurt the country, Burma's President Thein Sein warned on Thursday. Speaking at a literacy campaign in Mandalay, the president said, "Amending the constitution and holding free and fair elections are our internal affairs. We can perform them under national legislation without damaging our sovereignty. Nobody wants to endure the instability that these issues are causing. It will hurt the people … I would like to urge all people and monks who love this country to protect it from instability." The president's words came ahead of a rally on Saturday organised by the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) and the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society Organization (88GPOS) to garner more public support for amending the Constitution. Related StoriesThe push for amendment has focused particularly on overturning Article 436 which dictates that any proposals to amend clauses of the 2008 Constitution must be approved by 75 percent of representatives in both houses of parliament. As the military holds 25 percent of all seats, it effectively holds veto power over the Constitution, the opposition groups say. NLD Central Executive Committee member Win Mying responded to the president's comment, saying that constitutional reform would not destabilize the country. "We are not trying to create instability," he told DVB on Friday. "The public want to hear about proposals for constitutional reform. We have the right to freely and peacefully express our views about amending the Constitution, and we are doing so in accordance with the law. It is unrelated to the stability of the country." The NLD and 88GPOS have scheduled rallies on Saturday, 17 May, in Rangoon, and on Sunday, 18 May, in Mandalay. Leaders Aung San Suu Kyi and Min Ko Naing will speak on behalf of the respective parties. The NLD has meanwhile instructed its township offices to start collecting signatures of people who support amending the Constitution. |
| Posted: 16 May 2014 11:47 PM PDT
Ups and Downs The Burmese currency has been erratic recently, but finished strong on Friday. The buying rate is currently 959 kyat to the US dollar while the selling rate is 966. The price of gold has stabilised and is selling at 662,700 kyat per tical after a recent high of 674,000. Fuel prices remain unchanged: petrol is 820 kyat per litre; diesel 950 kyat; and octane 920 kyat a litre. Rice also remains constant; good quality Pawhsanmwe rice is selling at 1,300-1,600 kyat per basket while low-quality Manawthukha retails at 900 kyat per basket in most Rangoon marketplaces.
Burma needs infrastructure, skilled workers, says economist Despite an influx of foreign investment and large resource base, Burma's exponential growth in gross domestic product could be held back by inadequate basic infrastructure and a lack of skilled workers, says Rangoon-based business adviser, Jean-Pierre Verbiest. "The constraints to Burmese growth are a lack of necessary infrastructure, especially in the energy sector, and skilled workers," he said. "The difficulty in finding skilled and manager-level workers in Burma is because there are not that many of them. However, Burma still has one of the lowest wage costs, which is ideal for labour-intensive industries." Read more: https://www.dvb.no/news/infrastructure-skilled-workforce-are-keys-to-burmese-economic-growth/40539
Western Union expands in Burma's banks Western Union has announced that it is expanding operations in Burma with nine local banks, namely Ayeyarwady Bank, Co-operative Bank, First Private Bank, Kanbawza Bank, Myanmar Apex Bank, Myanmar Treasure Bank, Myanmar Oriental Bank, United Amara Bank and Yoma Bank. Western Union currently operates within 250 bank branches in Burma, but plans to expand that number to 460. International money transfers are an important service for Burma's estimated three to four million migrants around the world.
Rangoon to host auto show this weekend An auto show exhibiting cars and motoring products from over 100 companies will be held in Rangoon's Tatmadaw Hall from 16 – 19 May. The Modern Living Expo and Car Show, sponsored by Smart Business Group, will feature various automobile-related exhibitions including car accessories, audio systems and auto-parts.
78 percent of all FDI pledges materialise: DICA Some 78 percent of all proposals for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Burma have come to fruition, while 22 percent did not materialise for various reasons, said the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA). Data released by DICA shows a total of US$46.4 billion pledged by foreign firms, although only $36.4 billion came through. China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand are currently the top investors in Burma.
Burma's stock exchange will launch with just five firms The Ministry of Finance has announced that it will nominate five of the strongest Burmese companies to float on the stock market when it opens later this year. It did not name the public limited companies (PLCs) nor say whether they had already been selected. Deputy Finance Minister Maung Maung Thein said it would be ideal to launch the stock exchange with many PLCs but the decision was made to start with just five as most firms in Burma are not yet strong enough.
Malaysian trade minister urges investment in Burma Malaysia's International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed has urged Malaysian companies and businessmen to look towards Burma as their next destination for investment amid policy changes by that country's government signalling it was serious in attracting foreign investors, the Star Online reported. The minister said 200 Malaysian companies are currently invested in Burma.
Singapore– Mandalay flights take off in June SilkAir, a subsidiary of Singapore's national carrier Singapore Airlines, will begin flights on 10 June connecting Singapore to Mandalay in central Burma, priced at US$460 round-trip. SilkAir already runs a service to Rangoon with flights priced at $430 return. But not such good news for Shwe (Golden) Myanmar Airlines which has been forced to suspend its only international flight – to Bangkok – following an incident at Rangoon International last month when one of its two planes crashed into another aircraft while taxiing on the runway. The airline says it will focus on domestic flights in the meantime.
Tea industry in decline Tea-leaf producers in Namhsan, northern Shan State, are struggling to stay in business due to labour shortages and a surge in untaxed tea from neighbouring China. "Internationally, tea leaf is regarded as a high-value export product, but local producers in Burma are hit hard by imports from China that evade commercial taxes," said Tun Myaing, chairman of the Palaung Tea Growers and Producers Association. "This hampers local production and the government must take action," he added, calling on the government to impose tax regulations specifically for Chinese teas. Read more: https://www.dvb.no/news/tea-industry-in-steep-decline-burma-myanmar/40652
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| EU initiates human rights dialogue with Burma Posted: 16 May 2014 09:27 PM PDT The Council of the European Union (EU) has initiated a plan for regular human rights dialogue between the bloc and Burma. In a statement on Monday, EU foreign ministers endorsed a framework which will include the provision of EU support, "including through technical, financial and other expertise and assistance". "The dialogue will be held on an annual basis through face to face meetings, in principle alternating between European Union and Myanmar/Burma at senior official level. The EU will be represented by the European External Action Service (EEAS) and Myanmar/Burma by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant stakeholders," the EU said. The EU foreign ministers laid out a list of 21 "benchmarks" which it expects the Burmese authorities to fulfill, including: cooperation with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UN human rights special procedures; the release of all political prisoners; the strengthening of rule of law; greater media freedom; and "effective measures to combat intolerance, communal violence and hate speech". But while the latter clause clearly alludes to the waves of anti-Muslim sentiment that have racked many parts of Burma, no mention was made in the report about the dire conditions facing the Rohingya/ Bengali community in Arakan State – a situation the UN's Special Rapporteur Tómas Ojea Quintana and others warn is sliding towards a humanitarian disaster. Related Stories"I have continued to receive allegations of serious human rights violations being committed during this police operation [in Duchiran Dan], which also involved Rakhine [Arakanese] mobs, including allegations of the brutal killing of men, women and children, sexual violence against women, and the looting and burning of properties," Quintana said in February, addressing reporters at Rangoon airport for the final time during his tenure as the UN's special rapporteur. Speaking to DVB on Wednesday, Phil Robertson, the deputy director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia division, said, "The EU has obviously decided to make its benchmarks neutral from an ethnic perspective, focusing instead on 'addressing concerns' about discrimination, and stopping the problems of communal violence and hate speech – both of which encompass at least some of the issues facing the Rohingya. Given the ethnic diversity of Burma and the serious problems with the census, it's really unfortunate that the EU neglected to establish a benchmark to address statelessness and citizenship issues. That's a big oversight that the EU officials in the dialogue will have to make up for." The director of Burma Campaign UK, Mark Farmaner, also voiced skepticism. "Burma Campaign UK welcomes human rights dialogue taking place but only if it is robust and time bound," he told DVB. "The danger with this dialogue is that the EU will see the process itself as success, rather than human rights improvements, and also that they will tread very softly in the dialogue, fearing that if they push too hard the Burmese government will pull out." However, according to a spokesperson for the EEAS, a department which essentially serves as the EU's foreign office, the Europeans’ proposal will pave the way for greater communication about the human rights issues facing Burma. “The 21 benchmarks provide a comprehensive list of human rights issues which allow a deep discussion about the situation in Rakhine State and elsewhere in the country,” he said. Asked what the dialogue would do for the thousands of refugees and IDPs in ethnic areas, the EEAS said, "The EU follows very closely the evolution of the humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar, including the situation in IDP camps. We have called for unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to IDPs and all those affected by conflict and violence. The EU has actively advocated the full resumption of humanitarian assistance in Rakhine State which was suspended in March." Burmese President's Office spokesman Ye Htut said he welcomed the initiative. "President [Thein Sein] decided to improve the Myanmar human rights situation since he took office. For the last three years, there has been much tangible progress in the human rights situation. But we still have some challenges and we will cooperate with our international partners to overcome these. So we welcome the EU proposal for human rights dialogue," he told DVB this week. An EU delegation led by the bloc's ambassador to Burma, Roland Koria, is currently touring the country ahead of the first EU-Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue meeting since the framework was announced – due to take place on 20 May and to be co-hosted by EU Special Representative for Human Rights Stavros Lambrinidis and Burma's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Thant Kyaw. "While a dialogue is important, it will ultimately be judged by its outcomes," concluded HRW's Phil Robertson. "There are many rights issues in Burma that the EU should press hard on, and they will need to also be totally honest on what progress they make and transparent about what obstacles they encounter from the Burmese government. |
| A day in the life of a young mahout Posted: 16 May 2014 08:20 PM PDT Eleven-year old Nga Sint prides himself on being a mahout, or ‘oozie’. He thinks he could be the youngest mahout in Burma. There are about 5,000 elephants living in captivity in the country. Most of them work in the logging industry but many are used for ordination ceremonies and religious festivals. In Asia, elephants hold symbolic importance and, in particular, the albino white elephant is a symbol of peace, power and prosperity. But pachyderm numbers in the wild are dropping dramatically in Burma. DVB spent a day with Nga Sint and his grandfather's two Asian elephants and watched as he gathered enough bananas for their meals and had fun bathing and splashing the elephants in the water.
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| Daw Suu challenges military powerbrokers to take off uniforms Posted: 16 May 2014 03:02 PM PDT Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has challenged military officials to quit the army if they want to take part in politics, as she kicked off a series of public rallies in Yangon on May 17. |
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| UEC and party leaders split on campaign rules Posted: 16 May 2014 03:40 AM PDT
The Union Election Commission (UEC) met with more than 60 political parties in Rangoon on Thursday to discuss the commission's recently announced electoral regulations. The "electoral stakeholder relations" meeting was organised by the Myanmar [Burma] Multiparty Democracy Programme, an initiative sponsored by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy and the Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy. Last week, UEC edicts sharply curbed the length of campaign periods for elections in Burma. As a result of the changes, parties will be limited to a campaign time of 30 days prior to elections, reduced from the previous three month timeframe. Representative campaigning was also restricted by the UEC, meaning that party representatives will not be able to campaign on behalf of election candidates without the approval of respective District Election Commissions. Futhermore, the UEC will require campaigning parties to provide advanced event schedules as well as times and routes for campaign rallies. On the eve of the meeting, the Federal Democratic Alliance (FDA) held a press conference, where representatives called for the UEC to soften the regulations. The FDA is made up of 10 political parties including the Karen People's Party, Chin Progressive Party, Democratic Party-Myanmar, Democracy and Peace Party, Union Democracy Party, Peace and Diversity Party, New Democratic Society of Myanmar and National Democratic Force (NDF). The FDA maintains that a 60- day campaign period would be more reasonable. Khin Maung Swe, chairman of the National Democratic Force, urged the UEC to reconsider the regulations. He believes the requirement for non-candidate party representatives to seek permission in order to campaign should be scrapped. "At [Thursday's] meeting we urged the UEC to reconsider the provision that requires approval from the commission in order to stage an election campaign – we suggested that requirement should be only to 'inform' instead of seeking approval," said Khin Maung Swe. Htay Oo, vice-chairman of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party insisted that the new regulations are reasonable and that parties must ensure they are strictly followed. Related Stories"It is a standard regulation to inform the electoral body as to the details of rallies, speeches and election posters. This situation has not changed. We discussed in the meeting how we can best proceed to hold elections in conformity with new regulations based on experiences in previous polls," Htay Oo said. At Thursdays meeting, UEC chairman Tin Aye told party representatives that the new regulations were based on international electoral protocols and have simply been modified to suit Burmese institutions. "The new directives on election campaigning; regulations for parliament candidates and political parties are a 'Burmanisation' of electoral provisions from other countries that we studied," said Tin Aye. Burma is set to hold another round of by-elections this year, when 31 seats across Burma will be contested. 19 seats are required to be filled across both houses of the 664- seat Union Parliament as well as 12 seats in various divisional administrations. The by-elections are scheduled to be held late this year. |
| Leading political activist shows his artistic side Posted: 16 May 2014 03:39 AM PDT Art lovers in Rangoon were treated to a solo exhibition by leading political activist Min Ko Naing on Wednesday Fifteen paintings in watercolor and acrylic were on display to the public at Gallery 65 on Yawmingyi road. Min Ko Naing spent nearly 20 years behind bars for leading student protests in the 1988 uprising. He said the art featured in his first exhibition was heavily influenced by his time in prison. "These are interpretations of my thirst for art, and my trapped imagination while I was in prison," the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society leader said. "I was allowed to draw when I was close to being released and some of those drawings are featured here." Min Ko Naing's paintings accompany the launch of the Burmese translation of a book by former Czech Republic president Vaclav Havel, called ”The Pizh'Duks”, which was illustrated by Min Ko Naing. The famous activist hails from an artistic background as his father, Thet Nyunt, was a well-known painter. Since he was released from prison in 2012, Min Ko Naing has written a book, several poems and songs. But campaigning for democracy is still his number one priority. "I paint whenever I have free time. At the moment, it is impossible for me to become a full-time artist. So let's say I'm like a part-timer in this scene," he said. |
| ECC, INGOs inspect Kaman Muslim IDP camps Posted: 16 May 2014 03:35 AM PDT The Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC), headed by Deputy Minister of Border Affairs Maj-Gen Maung Maung Ohn, on Thursday paid a visit to a displacement camp in Myebon Township near Sittwe, accompanied by UN and INGO representatives. Arakan State government spokesperson Hla Thein said the officials went to inspect conditions in the camp as a fact-finding mission ahead of the resumption of humanitarian aid to the various camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Arakan State where some 140,000 people, mainly Muslims, remain displaced. The Myebon camp houses some 3,000 IDPs, almost exclusively Kaman Muslims whose homes were destroyed during anti-Muslim riots last October. "The ECC, led by the Union Minister [Maung Maung Ohn], are inspecting the Myebon displacement camp along with UN and INGO representatives with a view of resuming aid work," Hla Thein told DVB by telephone on Thursday. Aung Lwin, an ethnic Kaman who is the coordinator at the Myebon camp, said the IDPs explained to the delegation about the hardships they suffer every day in the camp, as well as a lack of food, education and jobs. "We are not allowed to leave the camp," he told DVB. "We are confined to this 15-acre site with no employment and no income, and we suffer considerable food shortages." Related StoriesHe added that the camp chairman requested to the delegation that the Kaman IDPs be allowed to go fishing in the area. "And for the children," said Aung Lwin. "The so-called school is little more than a cow shed." He said the border affairs minister promised to attend to their problems; however, the camp residents were saddened by Maung Maung Ohn's remarks implying that the Kaman are "visitors" in Arakan State, hence they should behave like visitors and not upset their hosts, meaning Arakanese Buddhists, the camp coordinator told DVB on Thursday. "He called us 'visitors' – we have been living on this land for generations. We did not just migrate here recently. We were really hurt by what he said," said Aung Lwin. The delegation toured the Myebon camp for about 30 minutes before continuing to camps in Pauktaw Township, which also shelter many Kaman IDPs. The recently appointed ECC is comprised of central and regional government officials, as well as local Buddhist community leaders. It was formed as a mechanism to coordinate with the UN and INGOs as to whether to resume aid to the camps and under what conditions. On 14 May, Than Tun, a local Arakanese Buddhist community leader and member of the ECC, said that he was against further assistance to bolster the capacity of the existing hospital in the Dar Paing camp near Sittwe, which shelters Rohingya IDPs. "We see that the IDP camps are only here temporarily, and so their hospital should also be temporary and it doesn't need to be permanent," he said. "We are worried that giving the [IDPs] a permanent hospital will imply that they have a permanent status to stay here." |
| Battle lines drawn on Interfaith Marriage proposal Posted: 16 May 2014 02:08 AM PDT Opposition to Burma's proposed Interfaith Marriage Act continues to grow as the legislation moves closer to parliament. Last week, 97 civil society organisations publicly denounced the new rules as discriminatory against women and minority faiths. That constituency, which has now grown to include more than 150 organisations, wrote to President Thein Sein on Wednesday to request a meeting with some of Burma's most influential politicians. "We are asking for a meeting with the president, the Rule of Law Committee chair [Aung San Suu Kyi], the parliament's Speaker, and the chairman of the drafting committee to share our opinions and submit suggestions on the legislation," said May Sabe Phyu, senior coordinator of the Gender Equality Network, who has consistently been among the most outspoken critics of the proposal. The Interfaith Marriage Act is part of a legislative package tasked to a drafting committee in February. The laws, known often as the National Race and Religion Protection Bills, were initially proposed in July 2013 by a coalition of nationalist monks associated with the National Head Monks Committee, a government-appointed religious oversight body. The laws have been controversial from the get-go, seen by many as an attempt to further institutionalise anti-Muslim sentiment in the wake of nearly two years of intensified violence against Muslims stemming from decades of dormant mistrust and contempt. As detractors catch up with the bills' supporters — who have speedily advanced the regulations — criticism has become louder, faster and broader. Related StoriesThe Interfaith Marriage Act has come under particular scrutiny. Not only does the proposed law — which would require any non-Buddhist man to convert in order to marry a Buddhist woman — create excessive barriers to a Muslim man's freedom of faith, it is also widely regarded as detrimental to women of all faiths. "This law would strip away from women their right to freely decide whom to marry, and would mark a major reversal for religious freedom and women's rights in Burma," Asia director for Human Rights Watch (HRW), Brad Adams, remarked in March. A statement by HRW said that they had viewed a draft of the legislation, which effectively bans interfaith weddings by mandating conversion to Buddhism. The law also stipulates that the bride's parents must provide written consent for the marriage, which goes beyond compromising a woman's right to choose her partner; it gives her family legal veto power over her choices. It further subjects both she and her partner to sentences of up to ten years in jail for violations. The possibility that a family would use that power against their daughter's desires is real; Buddhist women with Muslim partners are convenient targets for ethno-religious anxiety in Burma. As recently as mid-April, four family homes were burned down by a mob in Pegu after a Buddhist woman refused to "turn over" her Muslim partner for purposes that remain unknown. As Wednesday's letter to Thein Sein shows, people in Burma are speaking out on this issue, but so far they are being ignored. The authors have not received any response to their request to sit down with decision-makers and express their opinion on rules that affect their lives. Moreover, the coalition of monks that originally lobbied for the rules have publicly called their opponents "traitors" who are "not loyal to the state". The president's spokesperson Ye Htut evaded the issue last week by claiming that because the drafting committee was explicitly told that the law could not violate women’s rights, it didn’t. The "protection" package already has a spot on the packed agenda for Burma's next parliamentary session, which will begin on 28 May. As that date nears, it seems clear that civil society is becoming increasingly impatient with tautological answers. |
| DVB Debate: The power of celebrity Posted: 16 May 2014 01:38 AM PDT Across the world, countless celebrities have used their fame and status to bring attention to contemporary political issues. Now the media industry in Burma is enjoying newfound freedom following the lifting of censorship, and Burmese celebrities have more opportunities to engage with topical issues and voice their opinions to their fans. On DVB Debate's panel this week: MP and hip hop star, Zeyar Thaw; artist Aye Ko; movie director Mike Tee; and singer/songwriter A Yoe. The studio discussed whether stars involve themselves in politics for the right reasons. Zeyar Thaw believed artists and celebrities have a big influence on people. In 2000, Zeyar Thaw released the first hip hop album in Burma and topped the charts for two months. He is now an MP and concentrates mostly on politics. "Our voice is not as loud as the artists", he said, adding that the role of an artist is different to that of a politician, "artists highlight problems, politicians solve them."  Cartoon: DVB Debate Artist Aye Ko sees the positive and negative sides of celebrities becoming involved in politics, and explained that if an artist is passionate about an issue, political involvement can be good for promoting the cause "There are pros and cons," he said. "Famous people working without faith is bad. If others work with dedication, even if they are young and unknown, it may do some good." But poet Saw Wai was more sceptical. "Popular guys want to remain popular so they use politics as a tool. They fear their past mistakes so they hide under the shadow of the military government, or of politics," he said. Another poet, Mhuu Thit, believed celebrities don't represent the people and thought that the film industry's past involvement with policy propaganda movies means they can't be trusted with politics. "The Myanmar [Burma] Motion Picture Association has a major responsibility for the deterioration of the whole society. When they enter the political arena, can we trust them?" he said. Under the former military government, even well known celebrities would be imprisoned for speaking out against the government policies. Now that the country is opening up, celebrities have a chance to use their influence more freely. "Compared to ordinary politicians, artists have more power," said Mike Tee. But with the power of celebrity comes responsibility to the public. "All eyes are on us, and many people are interested in what we do. If we sing a song naked, many people will start to do that. We have a responsibility towards the youth because they imitate celebrities," said A Yoe. This idea of acting responsibly was shared with former Miss Grand Myanmar, Htar Htet Htet, who said that people view those in the public eye as role models. "Some people define us as their role models, so we have to try and act responsibly and be aware of our daily behavior," she said. The studio generally agreed that, whether they are political or not, celebrities should be aware of their influence over fans and try to act accordingly.
You can join the debate or watch the full programme online at dvbdebate.com Or share your views with us by commenting on our website below.
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| Former British PM accused of secret ‘advisory role’ in Burma Posted: 16 May 2014 12:14 AM PDT Lobby group Burma Campaign UK (BCUK) has accused former British Prime Minister Tony Blair of playing a secretive "advisory role" to Burmese President Thein Sein, alleging that Blair has made multiple trips to the former pariah state to meet him. BCUK released a statement on Thursday criticising the former leader's lack of public disclosure regarding the meetings. "Given that Tony Blair has ignored 11 requests over the past year asking what he is doing in Burma, we can only assume that it is controversial and he wants to keep it a secret," said Zoya Phan, BCUK campaigns manager. BCUK said it has been writing to Blair since May 2013, and has also appealed for information from the British Foreign Office. "The British Foreign Office, which helped to arrange at least one of his visits to Burma, has turned down a freedom of information request asking for the details and purpose of his visit," the BCUK statement reads. Blair's office has so far offered one reply, the London-based group said, however the letter failed to address any of the specific questions, and "was so general as to be meaningless". "Giving strategic, political and public relations advice to the military-backed government while its soldiers are still attacking and killing civilians and raping ethnic women, would be deplorable, said Zoya Phan. "Tony Blair used to preach the need for transparency, now he should practice it and come clean about what he is doing in Burma." BCUK have repeatedly criticised British engagement with the Burmese government, especially in regards to fresh military links. In January, British army officers provided classroom training to Burmese counterparts. Defending the training in a January interview with DVB, British Ambassador to Burma Andrew Patrick said that the training was "about human rights; it is about accountability, about legal framework, about things like child soldiers." However, BCUK director Mark Farmaner scoffed at the suggestion, and likened training the Burmese military to "training sharks not to eat fish." On Wednesday, BCUK also announced it was launching a campaign calling on British Foreign Secretary William Hague to personally intervene to secure the release of jailed DVB journalist, Zaw Pe who was recently sentenced to one year in prison.
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| US renews limited sanctions on Burma Posted: 15 May 2014 10:12 PM PDT US President Barack Obama renewed limited investment sanctions on Burma on Thursday, signing the ongoing "National Emergency" situation on the country for at least one more year. The move prohibits US businesses and individuals from investing in Burma or doing business with military, government officials and any others associated with repression of the democracy movement since the mid-1990s. In a statement issued by the White House, Obama noted the significant progress the Burmese government has made in certain areas, but cited ongoing conflict and human rights abuses in ethnic minority areas, particularly Arakan State, as reasons for the renewal of sanctions, as well as the continued role of the military in Burma's political and economic activities. "The Government of Burma has made significant progress in a number of critical areas, including the release of over 1,100 political prisoners, progress towards a nationwide ceasefire, the legalization of unions, taking steps to improve the country’s labor standards, and allowing greater freedom of association and expression," wrote the US president to the speaker of the US House of Representatives and the president of the Senate on 15 May. "In addition, Burma signed an Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, a significant step towards supporting the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons." He continued, however, that: "Despite great strides that Burma has made in its reform effort, the situation in the country continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. The political opening remains nascent, and concerns persist regarding ongoing conflict and human rights abuses in ethnic minority areas, particularly in Rakhine [Arakan] State, and the continued role of the military in the country’s political and economic activities." Obama said the US remains committed to supporting and strengthening Burma’s reform efforts to ensure that the democratic transition is "sustained and irreversible". "By renewing US investment sanctions, President Obama is recognizing the perpetuation of abuse and corruption by the Burmese government that disenfranchise and harm Burma's people," said US Campaign for Burma (USCB) Policy Director Rachel Wagley. "The US administration is sending a strong message that the Burmese government's persecution of ethnic minorities, political backsliding on crucial reforms, and drafting of new repressive laws will not be tolerated." USCB led a coalition of 29 human rights groups and NGOs earlier this month in urging the US president to continue the country's "national emergency" with respect to Burma, an ongoing policy first enacted in 1997 which listed Burma, then ruled by the former military junta, as being of special concern as an "unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the US". Although most Western countries have allowed economic sanctions against Burma to lapse due to policies of reform undertaken by the Thein Sein administration since it took office in March 2011, the US has maintained limited investment sanctions targeting the Burmese military and those closely associated with it. Related StoriesThe US has taken particular issue with the Burmese government's alleged military links with North Korea, and the armed forces' continued presence in the Burmese political arena, where it is appointed 25 percent of seats in both houses of parliament. With a 75 percent majority needed to rescind or amend any constitutional clause, the military effectively controls veto power of any amendments to the Constitution and to the passing of any parliamentary act. The US has backed the opposition National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's call for the 2008 Constitution to be amended whereby the military would no longer have a stranglehold over the parliament and the Constitution. The European Union has scrapped economic sanctions on Burma except for a longstanding arms embargo. The UK last year announced it was offering military training to the Burmese armed forces despite protests by UK-based NGOs such as Burma Campaign UK (BCUK) and other rights groups. "Until Burma's constitution and laws are changed, training the Burmese army to respect human rights is likely to be as effective as trying to train a shark not to eat fish," said BCUK's Mark Farmaner. On Friday, the UK defended its policy of engagement with the Burmese army. "The Burmese military remain a core political force in Burma and will be key to the process of political reform. It is important to engage the military and encourage them to support reforms. It is only through engagement with all actors, including the military, that we will see greater democracy in Burma," said acting Embassy spokesperson Nicola Righini. Speaking to DVB last week ahead of the decision to renew sanctions, the US Embassy's public affairs officer in Rangoon, Satrajit Sardar, said, "We appreciate the views of all those working to support ongoing democratic reforms in Myanmar. Free and open exchange of ideas is essential for a healthy democracy and a model for transitioning countries around the world. Through the easing of sanctions and increased engagement, the United States continues to acknowledge the important changes the Union Government has made, and encourage and empower the government and the people of this country to continue on the path of political and economic reform. "In consultation with Congress and key stakeholders, we have moved from general, broad restrictions to a more calibrated and limited approach. At the same time, due to ongoing human rights concerns and the need for ongoing security sector reforms, the United States continues to retain sanctions against certain entities." Shortly after visiting Burma in 2012, President Obama lifted a 1996 ban on military officers and their business associates receiving visas for the USA.
Read more: http://www.dvb.no/news/rights-groups-call-on-obama-to-renew-sanctions/40479 |
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National News |
| Sangha reaffirms ban on voting Posted: 15 May 2014 04:53 PM PDT The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee has reiterated a decree from 1990 banning Buddhist monks from voting in parliamentary elections. |
| Parties reject draft election campaign rules Posted: 15 May 2014 04:49 PM PDT Opposition political parties are rebelling against what they call restrictive campaign rules drafted by the Union Election Commission. |
| Sangha reforms planned to improve discipline, cooperation Posted: 15 May 2014 02:32 PM PDT A rare gathering of senior Buddhist monks has brought to the fore tensions over government control of the Sangha and the inability of the national body that oversees monks to control extremist teachings. |
| Meiktila IDPs get green light to rebuild homes Posted: 15 May 2014 02:16 PM PDT Displaced families in Meiktila have been allowed to leave relief camps and rebuild their homes ahead of the fasting season for both Buddhists and Muslims – provided they can show proof of ownership, local officials say. |
| Foundation for US sanctions set for another year Posted: 15 May 2014 01:25 PM PDT US President Barack Obama has extended sanctions against Myanmar through the National Emergencies Act for another year, citing the military's economic and political stranglehold – as well as ongoing conflict and human rights abuses in ethnic areas – as key reasons for the decision. |
| US urges people to heed Sittwe curfew Posted: 15 May 2014 01:05 PM PDT THE United States cautioned its citizens on May 14 to respect a curfew imposed in the Rakhine State capital Sittwe, after Rakhine State police issued a statement warning that those who did not would be arrested. |
| Double trouble for Chinese businessman Posted: 15 May 2014 12:59 PM PDT A Chinese man has been robbed twice during a trip to Nay Pyi Taw to broker a minerals deal, police say. |
| Auspicious number plate prices soar Posted: 15 May 2014 12:02 PM PDT Prices for desirable number plates are skyrocketing, car industry sources say, with some now fetching more at auction than a used car. |
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Democratic Voice of Burma |
| One group’s struggle to modernise Chin State’s farming techniques Posted: 15 May 2014 04:14 AM PDT A collective of ethnic Matu people – a major sub group of the Chin – are working on an initiative to replace slash and burn farming in Matupi Township. In the Chin hills many people make their living by subsistence farming, and slash and burn techniques are widely used to clear the fields for the next season. The group, called the Matu Forum, aim to introduce sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural methods, in a bid to conserve the environment. "It won't be an easy task bringing an end to shifting cultivation in Matupi and elsewhere in Chin state," said Ngaisak, chairman of the Matu Forum. "Because in order to do so, substitute farming methods should be implemented and the government itself is as yet unable to provide that." The Matu Forum are still researching the best alternative to shifting cultivation – a system where land plots are cultivated temporarily and then abandoned while other plots are farmed. As well as causing deforestation, the slash and burn technique releases carbon into the atmosphere, which contributes to pollution. The Matu Forum are in the process of deciding which crops will be viable to grow in a sustainable way. "We are planning to invite assistance from specialists and experts to determine what to grow – whether elephant foot yam or tea, and whether it will be sufficient," said Ngaisak Related StoriesThe forum's chairman said previous efforts to introduce sustainable agriculture methods to areas in Chin State had failed. "The SPDC [State Peace and Development Council] government experimented with growing tea, which was successful to an extent but not on a commercial scale. So we have a lot of research to do before introducing a substitute method," Ngaisak said. Chin State is the least developed of Burma's 14 administrative regions. The Matu Forum has been promoting agricultural reforms and ecological farming techniques to help protect the environment and to ensure that the local people of Matupi can enjoy a sustainable source of income.
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| Kanbawza FC returns to Rangoon Posted: 15 May 2014 03:52 AM PDT Kanbawza Football Club will relocate from Taunggyi, Shan State to Rangoon for the next season of the Myanmar [Burma] National League. The franchise originated in Rangoon, in the days before the creation of the Myanmar National League allowed for clubs to be established outside of the former capital. Kanbawza is set to abandon its current home ground, Taunggyi Stadium, which it had previously leased from the Shan State government under a 30-year contract signed in 2011. The club had sponsored extensive renovation work and upgrades to the stadium during their stay. "The Myanmar Football Federation will assign us a new ground – we are looking to base in Rangoon," said the club's manager Khin Maung Latt. While one may imagine that Taunggyi locals would be sad to see their team move on, local footballer Khun Kyaw Zin Htun is looking forward to taking advantage of the playing space. "It's good to have the stadium back," said Khun Kyaw Zin Htun, a local resident of Taunggyi. "As it was being used by the club, we had to go and play football at the army-owned field or the ground in Shwe Nyaung [Township]." Burmese football has undergone vast changes in a short period of time, as government and private investment has strengthened domestic competition. Business tycoon Tay Za, whose interests include Htoo Group and Air Bagan, is the owner of Yangon FC, a traditional powerhouse in the Myanmar National League that has also enjoyed success on a continental level. The Burmese national team has also profited from the stability within the Burmese league and saw notable success at home during the Southeast Asian games in December 2013. Kanbawza FC hopes that their move to Rangoon is an auspicious one, as they look to compete in a strengthening Myanmar National League. |
| Police assault protestors in Pegu, say witnesses Posted: 15 May 2014 02:48 AM PDT Local sources say a group of around 20 protestors were set upon and beaten by police on Wednesday in Thegone village tract, Pegu Divison. The attack followed a protest held by a group of farmers demanding return of land and marking the three-month anniversary of a police crackdown on a previous protest. Pegu police were unresponsive to DVB's request for confirmation and comment. In February, more than 100 farmers from Aungon, in Thegone village tract, occupied a vacant plot of land for four days, calling for the return of 1,100 acres of land they say was confiscated by the Burmese military in 1997. On 14 February, some 60 uniformed policemen — accompanied by more than 100 other people not in uniform — beat the farmers before forcibly removing them from the site. Four of the farmers were charged under Article 18 of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Act — which requires permission to protest — in relation to the February sit-in. On Wednesday, two people were seriously injured as 30 policemen assaulted a smaller group of the same farmers, according to Myint Aye, a lawyer. Credible images of the demonstrators and damages allegedly caused to their bodies have since been circulated on social media. "The farmers, when they arrived at Tat village on the way back to Aungon, were attacked by some 30 policemen. A young man named Kaung Htet Kyaw, a farmers' rights activist, was beaten senseless and handcuffed by the police,"said Myint Aye. "Another villager named Daw Nyo was also beaten up and arrested – she was seen being taken into a lockup truck – and a man named Ko Win was also arrested," Myint Aye said. Kaung Htet Kyaw avoided arrest after the local abbot in Tat village pleaded with police to let him free. He said the attack took place after media reporters covering the event had left. Last week, a court hearing led to five of the Thegone campaigners being charged with defamation of the state, Article 505(b) of Burma's penal code. Thant Zin Htet, Pauk Sa, Daw Nyo, Daw Mone and Kyaw Thu were found to have breached the law in their evocation of a curse against the Burmese government, performed in retaliation to February's arrests and beatings. On 6 May, Pauk Sa was refused bail on the state defamation charge. He was taken to Paungde Prison. There more violence ensued as protesters convened outside the prison gates immediately after Pauk Sa's arrival at the prison. The Aungon protestors have vowed to continue their struggle until their lands are returned. |
| Arakan National Day celebrated in Rangoon Posted: 14 May 2014 11:50 PM PDT The first celebration of the newly established Arakan National Day was held in Rangoon on Wednesday. Designated during the Arakan National Congress that took place in Kyaukphyu, Arakan State, in late April, the holiday is not yet officially recognised by the union government. Celebrations were orchestrated by Rangoon's regional Rakhine [Arakan] Ethnic Affairs Ministry. The event kicked off at the Arakanese monastery in front of Shwedagon Pagoda, with more than 60 participants including Aye Thar Aung and Aye Maung of the Rakhine National Party (RNP), and Arakanese civil society figures. Attendees of the Arakan National Congress, held in the western state from 27 April to 5 May, agreed to designate the 1st Waning of Kason – according to the Burmese calendar – as a day of national pride, as it is the date Arakanese people believe that their most-revered Mahamuni Buddha stupa was cast. Arakanese legend holds that the Maha Myat Muni Buddha stupa was cast around 554 BC, modelled directly from Buddha during his lifetime. The treasure was confiscated by the Burmese during an invasion in 1784 and installed in the Mahamuni Temple in Mandalay's Amarapura, where it remains to date. The stupa has long been a popular pilgrimage site and is now a major tourist attraction. "Being able to designate the day the Mahamuni Stupa was cast as the Arakan National Day after more than 60 years of independence, as I see it, signifies a path determined by Arakanese to preserve their race and religion," said Aye Maung, deputy chairman and upper house parliamentarian representing the RNP. Celebrations were held in other parts of the country, as well, with Arakanese communities uniting in their home state, and in both Mandalay and Tavoy [Dawei]. "We, the Arakanese, have a rich history;" said Aye Thar Aung, chairman of the RNP, "our kingship and throne." He said that he and his fellows have long been frustrated by disagreements over the designation of an Arakanese holiday, and that the successful consensus and festivities were a satisfying end. "I am extremely delighted," he said. |
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