Friday, November 18, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Zaykabar Group’s U Khin Shwe to Open Private Museum

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 07:54 AM PST

The museum in Rangoon's Mingaladon Township will showcase a collection of antiques, art and natural history artifacts.

The post Zaykabar Group's U Khin Shwe to Open Private Museum appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Parliamentary Committee Introduces Changes to Controversial Article 66(d)

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 07:26 AM PST

Parliament does not plan to scrap Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law but will introduce changes, according to a parliamentary committee.

The post Parliamentary Committee Introduces Changes to Controversial Article 66(d) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Analysis: Dealing With Defamation

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 06:47 AM PST

Lawyers and members of the media respond to calls to amend or abolish Burma's controversial Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law.

The post Analysis: Dealing With Defamation appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Govt Alleges Rohingya Detainees Underwent ‘Terrorist Training’

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 05:57 AM PST

The govt alleges that people involved in a series of deadly attacks in northern Arakan State last month were forced to undergo terrorist training.

The post Govt Alleges Rohingya Detainees Underwent 'Terrorist Training' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Irrawaddy Dolphin Victim of Electric Shock Fishing

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 05:52 AM PST

The third river dolphin to be found dead this year highlights problem of electric shock fishing on the Irrawaddy River.

The post Irrawaddy Dolphin Victim of Electric Shock Fishing appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Quick Meals, Lasting Effects     

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 03:29 AM PST

Statistics show that the everyday food found on Rangoon streets contributes to a growing number of health problems.

The post Quick Meals, Lasting Effects      appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ma Ba Tha’s U Wirathu: Trump ‘Similar to Me’

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 03:19 AM PST

High-profile leader of nationalist Buddhist organization suggests cooperating with nationalist groups in the US.

The post Ma Ba Tha's U Wirathu: Trump 'Similar to Me' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Motorcycle Ban to Continue in Rangoon

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 03:13 AM PST

The transportation ministry says a motorcycle ban will remain in Rangoon's 'populous suburban townships.'

The post Motorcycle Ban to Continue in Rangoon appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Thailand’s Queen in Hospital

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 09:27 PM PST

Queen Sirikit is being treated with antibiotics for a high fever and lung infection but is able to 'breathe well and eat.'

The post Thailand's Queen in Hospital appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Parliament to Discuss Legal Protection for Domestic Workers

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 07:16 PM PST

NLD Lower House lawmaker Daw Aye Mya Mya Myo proposes a motion urging the Union government to intervene in cases of forced labor and abuse.

The post Parliament to Discuss Legal Protection for Domestic Workers appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

NLD researcher formally charged with defamation over Facebook critique

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 12:35 AM PST

National League for Democracy member U Myo Yan Naung Thein was formally arraigned on a Telecommunications Law defamation charge at the Kamaryut Township Court yesterday, having twice previously been remanded into custody without official prosecutorial proceedings commencing.

Child in Yangon tested for suspected Zika

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 12:31 AM PST

Test results are expected today or tomorrow on a suspected Zika virus case, according to the Department of Public Health.

China continues to court on Myitsone project ahead of commission presser

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 12:29 AM PST

As the commission tasked with reviewing hydropower projects along the upper reaches of the Ayeyarwady River submitted its first report to the president this past week, Chinese state media has assured its nation of the ongoing "friendly and cooperative" Sino-Myanmar relationship.

USDP MP kicked from seat following election complaint

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 12:25 AM PST

A prominent member of the former ruling party has been ousted from his parliamentary seat after the election commission ruled against him in a campaign-related dispute, according to the Joint Hluttaw Rights Committee.

Security boosted at Shwedagon amid pagoda trustees shake-up

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 11:15 PM PST

Security has been boosted at Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda, with the Ministry of Religious Affairs saying extra precautions are being taken to prevent terrorist attacks.

Photographer barred from entering Myanmar

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 11:08 PM PST

An award-winning Canadian-American photographer appears to have been denied entry into Myanmar as his name was included on a "blacklist".

In Myanmar, ‘right to know’ legislation left lagging

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 11:05 PM PST

Access to information remains a key issue in Myanmar, media figures say, despite the developments in the sector over the past few years.

Mother describes mental, physical abuse at Ava trial

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 11:04 PM PST

The mother of one of the child maids allegedly enslaved by the Ava Tailoring shop testified in court that her daughter continues to suffer the consequences of mental and physical abuse at the hands of the shop owners.

Motorcycles still banned on Yangon outskirts: deputy minister

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 11:03 PM PST

A proposal to allow motorcycles on the commercial capital's outskirts has been knocked out of the running by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, a deputy minister told the Pyithu Hluttaw yesterday.

Five trucks in Shan State being checked for illegal trade

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 11:02 PM PST

Five trucks carrying goods from China into Shan State are currently being examined by authorities, as they seek to determine whether or not they were engaged in illegal trade.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

To Hopeland and Back: The 23rd trip

Posted: 18 Nov 2016 12:48 AM PST

Understanding is much deeper than trust.

Anonymous

Photo: indoess.org)
My latest trip is about three things:

·         To attend the drug policy dialogue in Naypyitaw
·         To attend the meeting on Joint Coordination body (JCB) for peace funding
·         To deliver a presentation on current peace process to foreign friends

Plus a few others, which I will report as my journal proceeds.

Day One. Sunday, 5 November 2016

I loved when Bush came out and said, "We are losing the war against drugs."

Bill Hicks (1961-1994)

American stand-up comedian, satirist and social critic
My trip coincides with the report by Lahu National Development Organization (LNDO)'s Naypyitaw's Drug Addiction, which came out on 27 October.

The findings aren't much different from what I had reported from 2003 ("Show Business") to 2012 ("Show Drug Watch 2012"). The significance is that everything seems to have been changing for the worst:
·         Despite peace talks, there are reports of military buildup on both sides
Photo: indoess.org)

·         Involvement of Tatmadaw supported People's Milia Forces (PMFs) in the drug business
·         Increase in drug addiction among youth
·         Token drug programs that don't appear to be working
·         Burma Army units still being paid off by farmers and investors
·         Trade off with farmers in order to win elections

The LNDO, headed by Japhet Jagui, a former PMF leader, recommends that political resolutions must come before termination of the drug problem in Burma.

Actually, it is almost the same message given by Naypyitaw's Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) during this year's ceremony on 26 June marking the international day against drugs. "Drug control and peace are interrelated," said Police Colonel Zaw Lin Tun, head of planning at the Burma Police anti-drug squad.

So the first thing I do when I leave the airport is to visit an old friend, whom I had often sought counsel more than 20 years ago. At his explicit request, his identity will be kept under wraps for the time being.

Despite being media shy, I found him forthright with his comments:

·         The standard government policy has always been blaming the rebels. But in reality it's not like regular criminal activities. You catch the guilty person or the gang involved, and it's over. However, drugs involve the whole society from the top to the bottom. Only by reaching a political resolution among its key stakeholders, will we be able to settle the problem. For this, the government needs to be broadminded. Talking about unity while pursuing a 'divide-and-rule' policy is not the way. 

·         The royal project in Thailand is a success, because there is peace and because the people trusted the king and his staff. (Here is an excerpt from Ronald D. Renaud's Opium Reduction in Thailand, 1970-2000: A Thirty-Year journey:

The leadership of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, strong political will, national unity, together with the sound investment of the international community and the Thai government, were major factors.

Sai Naw Kham
(Photo: china.org.cm)
On my way to the hotel, the driver, who is a Shan from Mongyai tells me he is a relative by marriage to the late "druglord" Naw Kham, who was executed by Chinese authorities in 2013.


He confirms to me that Naw Kham came from a princeling family. His father Khun Zeun was a minor prince of Mongpart in the now defunct princedom of Mongyai. Married to Nang Mya Oo, they had 5 children:

·         Nang Nyunt Aye
·         Sai La Harn (deceased)
·         Sai Naw Kham (deceased)
·         Sai Oong Kya
·         Nang Kham Hawm
·         Sai Lao Fa


I hope I have time to write about him before it's time for me to go, as the car pulls up in front of one of the hotels near the Shwe Dagon Pagoda. 
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Thursday, November 17, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Arakan State Advisory Commission Calls Off Visit to Maungdaw

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 07:31 AM PST

A member of the Kofi Annan-led commission says they canceled the trip due to instability on the ground and concerns for their safety.

The post Arakan State Advisory Commission Calls Off Visit to Maungdaw appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Rangoon to Relocate Street Vendors

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 07:03 AM PST

In an effort to manage Rangoon's congested roads, the city's municipal authority designates three locations for vendors expected to launch next week.

The post Rangoon to Relocate Street Vendors appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Two USDP Lawmakers Lose Seats After Election Tribunal Ruling

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 06:10 AM PST

A post-election tribunal rules that the election of two USDP lawmakers in Mandalay's Yamethin Township is invalid, reversing the election results.

The post Two USDP Lawmakers Lose Seats After Election Tribunal Ruling appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma’s Electricity Demand Predicted to Nearly Double By 2020

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 06:02 AM PST

Electricity consumption throughout Burma is limited to 2,500 megawatts per day, but could reach more than 4,500 megawatts by 2020.

The post Burma's Electricity Demand Predicted to Nearly Double By 2020 appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Vietnam, Neighbors Told to Close Illegal Wildlife Markets

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 05:59 AM PST

Countries in the Greater Mekong region including Vietnam have failed to close their illegal wildlife markets says WWF.

The post Vietnam, Neighbors Told to Close Illegal Wildlife Markets appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

President’s Office Spokesman Responds to Allegations of Rights Abuses

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 05:52 AM PST

U Zaw Htay: Access for media will be considered 'when situation is stable.'

The post President's Office Spokesman Responds to Allegations of Rights Abuses appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Commerce Minister Waffles on Inquiry About Rising Food Costs

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 03:59 AM PST

U Than Myint spent the 10-minute answering period reciting theories to Parliament on the correlation between inflation and rising prices.

The post Commerce Minister Waffles on Inquiry About Rising Food Costs appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Arakan Information Committee Formed

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 12:36 AM PST

The committee of seven aims for fast release of information related to the ongoing security situation in Arakan State.

The post Arakan Information Committee Formed appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Refugee Doctor Wins Humanitarian Prize for Clinic in Thailand

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 10:28 PM PST

Starting in 1988 with only four beds, the clinic now provides surgery, dentistry, vaccinations and HIV prevention to more than 75,000 patients a year.

The post Burma Refugee Doctor Wins Humanitarian Prize for Clinic in Thailand appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Dollar Exchange Rate Climbs, Shakes Up Burma’s Business Community

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 10:22 PM PST

The US dollar exchange rate—at its highest since the new government came to power—has Burma's business community looking for better trade policy.

The post Dollar Exchange Rate Climbs, Shakes Up Burma's Business Community appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Hundreds Flee Arakan Violence

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 10:12 PM PST

Residents report boats pushed away by Bangladeshi border guards and people gunned down as they cross the Naaf River separating Burma and Bangladesh.

The post Hundreds Flee Arakan Violence appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Govt to Resume Harvesting Timber

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 05:26 PM PST

The government will resume the harvest of aged timber in northern Burma but will keep a moratorium on harvesting timber along the Pegu mountain range.

The post Govt to Resume Harvesting Timber appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Health Challenges Continue in Naga After Measles Outbreak

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 04:30 PM PST

Burma's remote Naga region still faces challenges in meeting basic health care needs following a measles outbreak last summer.

The post Health Challenges Continue in Naga After Measles Outbreak appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Laws must protect the people: Speaker to MPs

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 12:38 AM PST

Legislation must represent the best interests of the people, the Speaker of the lower house has urged, calling on MPs to ensure the law serves to protect the country's citizens.

Yangon govt to offer low-cost housing to ‘real’ squatters

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 12:37 AM PST

The Yangon Region government is in the process of arranging low-cost housing for "real squatters" in the commercial capital, Yangon's security and border affairs minister told the regional legislature yesterday.

6000 school buildings in ‘dangerous’ need of upkeep: deputy minister

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 12:34 AM PST

Nearly 6000 school buildings are so badly in need of repairs that they are considered "dangerous", according to a Ministry of Education official.

Street vendors to be banned on Yangon’s busiest roads

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 12:27 AM PST

Yangon's 11 busiest roads will soon be free of street vendors, an official from Yangon City Development Committee's Department of Administration told The Myanmar Times yesterday.

Myanmar ranks last in ASEAN tobacco control study

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 12:12 AM PST

With out-of-date policies, cheap access, and ubiquitous usage, Myanmar ranks last in tobacco control, according to a survey of the region released last week.

Freelance miner shot by soldier in Hpakant altercation

Posted: 17 Nov 2016 12:10 AM PST

A jade miner was shot in Kachin State's Hpakant township following a brief confrontation between miners and Tatmadaw soldiers, according to a state MP.

Settlement, apology ends strike at slipper factory

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:08 PM PST

Some 600 disgruntled workers at the Myanmar DYC slipper factory in Mingaladon township ended their strike yesterday, after labour officials mediated a settlement and a Korean supervisor of the operation apologised for allegedly abusive conduct, according to the workers and a factory official.

Renewed push to legalise migrant workers in Thailand to start later this month

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:07 PM PST

Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand will be issued with Certificates of Identity before the end of November, in a joint effort by the Thai government and Myanmar's Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population.

Sagaing community divided over sweeteners from controversial military-run sulfuric acid factory

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:03 PM PST

Villagers and civil society are divided over what to do with community development funds from a controversial sulphuric acid factory operator, amid ongoing concerns about the potential health risks posed by the facility.

First rock garden opens at Mandalay University

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:00 PM PST

The country's first geological rock garden, which will showcase fossils and the world's oldest rocks, opened in Mandalay University's Department of Geology yesterday.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Commentary on "Learning from the past"

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 08:01 PM PST

It is really a positive development that Myanmar Historical Commission has been formed and tasked with writing an objective history.


Important is that pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial history writing timeline would need to be demarcated.

While the former two periods of pre-colonial and post-colonial could be based on available documents domestically and internationally, the post-colonial period of parliamentary, military, plus the recent quasi civilian-military eras or periods would be based more on oral history, besides printed documents that have been produced by the regimes of the day and also critical literature that were published during the corresponding periods.

As the military era was based on the sole "Bamar and military supremacy" approach and propaganda, which still has sizable followings until today under the recent quasi civilian-military rule, this needs to be corrected. And it is here that the historian would need to tell history as it is and not in anyway being influenced by anybody's pre-concieved idea, if history is to be treated as history and not propaganda.

Tons of guidelines on how to write history objectively is available today for the Myanmar Historical Commission and it only needs to have a look at it and make use of them accordingly.

Link to the story:http://frontiermyanmar.net/en/learning-from-the-past
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Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week (November 16)

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 08:25 AM PST

International DJs and local children's choirs ensure there's something for everyone in Rangoon this week.

The post Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week (November 16) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Govt Refutes Human Rights Report on Arakan State Violence

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:08 AM PST

The govt refutes a Human Rights Watch report that said more than 400 buildings in three Rohingya Muslim villages in Maungdaw Township were burned.

The post Govt Refutes Human Rights Report on Arakan State Violence appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma’s Abused, Intimidated LGBT People Long for Acceptance in New Era

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 06:40 AM PST

One year after the election that brought the NLD to power, many LGBT activists are disappointed by a lack of progress toward ensuring their rights.

The post Burma's Abused, Intimidated LGBT People Long for Acceptance in New Era appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Shan Armed Group Says Four Soldiers Detained by Authorities

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 06:14 AM PST

The Shan State Army-North reports that four of its members have been detained by the Burma Army and police in Mong Nong Township.

The post Shan Armed Group Says Four Soldiers Detained by Authorities appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Stakeholders Push for Greater Access to Information in Burma

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 03:22 AM PST

Burmese media stakeholders and legal experts stress the need for enacting a right to information law in Burma.

The post Stakeholders Push for Greater Access to Information in Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Swedish Court Ruling Stokes Concerns Over Impact on Burma Teak Exports

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 03:16 AM PST

A Swedish court has fined a teak exporting company for a 'lack of adequate proof' that a shipment of Burmese teak had been legally harvested.

The post Swedish Court Ruling Stokes Concerns Over Impact on Burma Teak Exports appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Commission Meets Community Leaders in Arakan State

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 01:46 AM PST

Seven members of advisory commission continue on two-day visit to learn local views

The post Commission Meets Community Leaders in Arakan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Development as Unfreedom: Shrinking Democratic Spaces in Asia

Posted: 15 Nov 2016 08:19 PM PST

Despite the legitimacy of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, activists and organizations are often at the receiving end of persecution.

The post Development as Unfreedom: Shrinking Democratic Spaces in Asia appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Youth Advocates Urge Lawmaker Participation in Child Rights Forum

Posted: 15 Nov 2016 04:30 PM PST

Advocates call on lawmakers to take children's voices into account at the upcoming National Children's Forum.

The post Youth Advocates Urge Lawmaker Participation in Child Rights Forum appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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