MYANMAR
INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Seminar on Understanding Myanmar
(MICT Park, Yangon, 27-28 January 2004)
Myanmar Roadmap to Democracy:
The Way Forward
Presented by H-E. U Khin Maung
Win
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairsof the Union of Myanmar
Introduction
On 30th August 2003, in his address to the Members of the State
Peace and Development Councils, Government Ministers, Heads of Departments,
Non-Government Organizations, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt
stated that Myanmar will be implementing a 7-step programme for
Myanmar's transition to a democratic state,
The 7-step Road Map includes:
1. Reconvening of the National Convention that has been adjourned
since 1996;
2. After the successful holding of the National Convention, step
by step implementation of the process necessary for the emergence
of a genuine and disciplined democratic state;
3. Drafting of a new constitution in accordance with basic principles
and detailed basic principle laid down by the National Convention;
4. Adoption of the constitution through national referendum;
5. Holding of free and fair elections for Pyithu Hluttaws (Legislative
bodies) according to the new constitution;
6. Convening of Hluttaws attended by Hluttaw members in accordance
with the new constitution;
7. Building a modern, developed and democratic nation by the state
leaders elected by the Hluttaw; and the government and other central
organs formed by the Hluttaw,
Today, Myanmar is vigorously implementing the 7-step Roadmap which
represents the way forward for a brighter future for the whole country.
It is a programme based on the objective conditions in the country
as well as the aspirations of the entire people.
Specific Conditions, Special Circumstances
Each country in the world has it own special and sometimes unique
conditions which differentiate it from others. The same holds true
for Myanmar. A comprehensive understanding of the policies, practices
and activities of Myanmar would only possible by comprehending the
country's special circumstances.
Myanmar has existed as an independent kingdom for thousands of years.
It has always been proud of its culture, traditions and values.
Therefore, colonization by Great Britain was a great shock to the
psyche of the Myanmar people. After the regaining of independence
in 1948, the Myanmar people are deeply jealous of their independence
and sovereignty and are determined that they will never be subjugated
by an alien power. Sense of patriotism and nationalism still runs
very deep in Myanmar. A case in point, Myanmar became the first
nation that refused to join the Commonwealth following the regaining
of independence due to nationalism that refused to accept the British
sovereign as head of state:
Another distinguishing feature of the Myanmar society is the influence
of religion, particularly Buddhism which is practised by over 90
per cent of the people. Accordingly, wealth in Myanmar not only
means material affluence but also spiritual advancement, especially
peace of mind and contentment. The Myanmar people are by nature
kind, gentle, and tolerant. Moreover, good society to Myanmar is
the equilibrium of atta (individual desire) and Para (working for
the good of the community). Thus democracy is not just conferring
basic rights but also obligations and duties to the state.
Myanmar is a Union composed of more than one hundred different
national races, each with its own culture and traditions. Politically,
there cannot be lasting peace and stability in the country without
national unity. Unfortunately, the divide and rule policy practiced
by the British colonialists resulted in suspicion and discord among
the national races. This subsequently lead to armed insurgency that
spread to various parts of the country for decade. The question
of achieving national unity and bringing to an end the armed insurgency
are vital issues for any government, past, present and future.
Since the days of the struggle for independence, Tatmadaw the Armed
Forces have played a leading role in national politics. Whenever
the country faced a crisis, it was the Tatmadaw that had stood in
front of the people to protect the nation and the interests of the
people. In 1949, at the height of armed insurgency when the country
was in flames; in 1962 when splits in the ruling political party
threatened to ignite a severe civil war; in 1962 when the nation
faced disintegration due separatists and in 1988 when chaos and
anarchy reigned in the country and people lived in fear for their
lives and property, it was the Tatmadaw that stepped in to save
the nation.
Another special feature that deserves attention is that Myanmar
is the only country that shares common borders with the two most
populous countries in the world namely China and India. Moreover,
Myanmar acts as a land bridge connecting South and Southeast Asia,
Thus, peace and stability in Myanmar is important not only to the
people of Myanmar but also to the region as a whole.
Therefore, to fully understand Myanmar, these special characteristics
that distinguished Myanmar from other countries must be taken into
account.
Overcoming the Challenges
The special circumstances surrounding Myanmar culminate in unique
challenges for the Government,
The biggest challenge is the question of national unity. Today,
as a result of the Government's endeavours, notable success has
been achieved in this regard. For decades, there had been discord
among the national races due to the British divide and rule policy
and therefore it is most important to change the mindset and to
instill a sense of national identity and a sense of belonging to
the Union. The Government endeavours to spread the Union Spirit
which underscores the fact that all the national races are brethren
that live together in harmony through weal and woe.
The regions where the national races live are the most remote and
least developed areas in the country. The Government has concentrated
its efforts to bring progress and advancement to these regions.
The political commitment of the Government can be seen by the fact
that a Central Committee for the Progress of the National Races
and Border Areas headed by the Chairman of the State Peace and Development
Council Senior General Than Shwe was formed to provide guidance
and supervision in this noble task. Likewise, a Working Committee
headed by the Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt oversees the endeavours
for developing the border regions. In addition, a separate Government
Ministry named the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National
Races and Development Affairs was created to look after the day-to-day
work.
This is the first time that so much attention has been accorded
to the welfare of the national races. In this regard, during the
time of the present Government, it has spent more than 50 billion
Kyats and over 500 million dollars to improve the economic, basic
infrastructure, education and health conditions. A growing transport
network connects the border areas with other parts of the nation.
The Government constructed 2812 miles of earthen roads, 1683 miles
of gravel roads and 309 miles of tarred roads and upgraded 3030
miles of roads in border areas spending over 27 billion kyats. In
addition, a total of 43 large bridges, 661 small bridges and 16
suspension bridges were built in the border areas. In the education
sector, the Government had constructed 627 primary schools, 61 middle
schools and 62 high schools, spending over 3 billion kyats. Primary
medical health care is now available to many regions for the first
time. The Government spent over 1.4 billion kyats constructed a
total of 52 hospitals, 82 dispensaries, 29 rural health centers,
and 40 rural health care centers (branch) in border areas. Improvement
of economic conditions has also generated greater income for the
people. Indeed, some of the localities in the border regions even
enjoy better facilities than their counterparts in the central parts
of the country. Subsequently, the national races today enjoy higher
standards of living and better quality of life than ever before.
Myanmar is today enjoying unprecedented peace and stability. With
the return to the legal fold by 17 armed groups the issue of armed
insurgency that has plagued the nation since the time of the regaining
of independence is almost over. However, it should be remembered,
that these groups have approximately one hundred thousand people
still under arms since the agreement is to allow them to retain
their arms for their own security until the emergence of a new constitution.
The danger is that should there be major differences, the possibility
exists for them to take up arms against the Government, thus re-igniting
the circle of violence. As such, extreme care must be taken in dealing
with these groups.
Another challenge that the country faces is external pressure. Some
western countries continue to exert political, economic and diplomatic
pressure and sanctions against Myanmar for their own motives. If
their interest is to see the rise of democracy in Myanmar and not
just the benefit of an individual or an organization, it is high
time for them to realize that such efforts will not only fail but
will be counterproductive. Thus Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt
stated in his address on 30th August that "Such actions will
not contribute to democracy. The more one pressures us, the further
will it become. However, as we already have the correct objective,
we will work together with the people so that there will be no deviation
from the path that we have chosen"
Implementing the Roadmap
The Government has already initiated steps for the implementation
of the road map. The major steps include on the one hand preparations
for the holding of the National Convention and on the other creating
a positive atmosphere conducive to the successful holding of the
Convention.
The emergence of a new enduring State Constitution is the most
important key in building a new nation. In this regard, the holding
of the National Convention is not only the first step of the 7 steps
road map but also the most crucial one. It may be recalled that
the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Declaration No. 11/92)
issued on 24th April, 1992 stated that the State Law and Order Restoration
Council will convene the National Convention in order to lay down
the basic principles for the drafting of a firm and stable Constitution.
The formulation of the State Constitution will be based on the
following six objectives:
1. non-disintegration of the Union,
2. non-disintegration of national solidarity,
3. perpetuation of sovereignty,
4. flourishing of a genuine multiparty democracy system,
5. development of eternal principles of justice, liberty and equality
in the State,
6. for the Tatmadaw lo be able to participate in the national political
leadership role of the State.
To give the chance for all segments of the society to have a say
in the drafting of the new constitution, the National Convention
is composed of representatives from the following 8 strata of society:
1. delegates of political parties,
2. representatives-elect delegates,
3. delegates of nationalities,
4. delegates of peasantry,
5. delegates of workers,
6. delegates of intellectuals and intelligentsia,
7. delegates of State service personnel,
8. other invited delegates.
The National Convention first met in 1993 and before it was adjourned
in 1996, it was able to accomplish the following tasks.
(a) identified the chapter headings to be included in drawing up
the State Constitution and their order of arrangement, (the 15 chapter
headings can be seen in the annexure)
(b) laid down 104 basic principles for formulating State fundamental
principles (see annexure)
(c) laid down the detailed fundamental principles on the chapters
on the State, State Structure and the Head of State
(d) laid down detailed fundamental principles in prescribing self-administered
divisions or self-administered zone
(e) laid down detailed fundamental principles for formation of
the Legislature
(f) laid down detailed fundamental principles for formation of
the Executive
(g) laid down detailed fundamental principles for formation of
the Judiciary
As mentioned above, the National Convention will be reconvened in
the near future. Towards this end, the 3 main organs needed for
preparatory work has already been reconstituted. They are the National
Convention Convening Commission, the National Convention Convening
Work Committee and the National Convention Management Committee,
These committees are holding meetings in preparation for the convening
of the National Convention.
In addition to the above preparations, Prime Minister General Khin
Nyunt has already met with 13 National Races Groups in order to
sound out they have views on the political programme. All the groups
had voiced their supports to the 7-step Road Map and their wiliness
to participate in the National Convention.
Conclusion
Today, Myanmar is in transition to a democratic state. The democratic
system that it envisaged is one that is in accordance with the objective
conditions of the country as well as the aspirations of the people.
The democratic system being built in Myanmar may not be identical
to those of other countries giving the unique situation and circumstances
of the country.
In this regard, I wish to recall the words of Former Malaysian
Prime Minister Dr, Mahathir Mohamad who stated that "Asia and
Asian nations must be free, truly free. No one should impose their
values or ideologies or systems on Asia, While everyone should be
concerned over human rights, the environment etc, no one from within
or outside Asia should appoint himself or his country as the policeman
charging himself with the responsibility to ensure that everyone
behaves. Asian countries are mature enough to know what is right
and what is wrong. Any attempt to undermine the sovereignty of independent
countries through subverting nationals should be condemned roundly
by everyone."
We are also encouraged by the positive international response to
the Road Map, Thus, the 9th ASEAN Summit in Bali last October stated
that: "The Leaders welcomed the recent positive developments
in Myanmar and the Government's pledge to bring about a transition
to democracy through dialogue and reconciliation. The roadmap as
outlined by the Prime Minister of Myanmar that would involve all
strata of Myanmar society is a pragmatic approach and deserves understanding
and support. The Leaders also agree that sanctions are not helpful
in promoting peace and stability essential for democracy to take
root."
Moreover, in the joint communique issued on the occasion of the
visit of the Indian Vice-President H.E. Mr. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
stated that: "The
Vice-president of India expressed support for the national reconciliation
process and progress in the transition to democracy in Myanmar"
The Road Map declared by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt shows
the way forward far our country. Together with our people, we arc
determined to fully implement the 7 steps with the participation
of the entire people. It is our hope that the international community
will also show understanding and support for this most important
venture for the country.
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