Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing addresses SAC meeting 1/2022
Nay Pyi Taw January 20
State Administration Council held the meeting 1/2022 at the meeting hall of SAC Chairman’s Office in Nay Pyi Taw this afternoon with an address by Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Also present were Vice Chairman of SAC Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, SAC members General Mya Tun Oo, Admiral Tin Aung San, Lt-Gen Moe Myint Tun, Mahn Nyein Maung, U Thein Nyunt, U Khin Maung Swe, Daw Aye Nu Sein, Jeng Phang Naw Taung, U Moung Har, U Sai Lone Hsai, Saw Daniel, Dr Banya Aung Moe, Lt-Gen Soe Htut and U Shwe Klein, Secretary Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dway and Joint Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo.
In his keynote speech, the Senior General said SAC has been in office for ten months since it assumed duties, and soon one year anniversary will come. As regards international relations, the Cambodian Prime Minister paid a working goodwill visit during the time. Discussions were held on ASEAN affairs, mainly on the five-point consensus reached at ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting in April 2021. As regards the first point which calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, discussions were centred on urging all those who are involved in terrorism to stop their terrorist attacks and to take part in the dialogue.
The difference between ethnic armed organizations, the government’s constant efforts for peace, the invitation extended to them to join the peace process and the government’s program to render cooperation in providing ASEAN humanitarian aid were also discussed.
It was a successful visit.
In explaining the generalized view of the national situation, the Senior General said there were almost no disturbances when the SAC started to assume duties. After 3 February, the situation turned bad, and there were protests in about 60 per cent of the country. But the numbers dwindled later. There were supporters as well as oppositions for the protesters.
Normal demonstrations turned into disturbances, violence, destructions and even killings.
As the government is still on the path to democracy in accord with the 2008 Constitution, it exercises utmost restraint. So it imposed martial law only in places where the situation was terrible. Besides, there was COVID-19. COVID-19 has hit the national economy hard since it arrived in the country. The country’s economy had been in a downturn since 2018 because of poor economic management.
Trade deficit reached almost US$-1 billion annually due to the application of improper means in ensuring financial stability and the failure to support local businesses. When COVID-19 broke out, the global economy faced severe consequences.
Commodity prices rose to result from high transport, services and production costs.
Hence, the government has been striving for the revival of the national economy through growth in the production sector.
The main goal is to ensure enough food for every person.
As Myanmar is an agro-based country, we must take it as an advantage. Now, the country is producing food to a certain degree and is increasing its export volume.
In dealing with the social sector, he said schools have already been reopened after a closure caused by COVID-19. The attendance rate is rising since they were reopened.
But, efforts must be made for all the students to be in the classrooms.
The majority of education staff is women. Many were forced to join the CDM through pressures, threats or putting them to shame. Just passing the examination is not enough for students; they must be truly educated for the future benefit.
So, concerted efforts must be made for 100 per cent development of the education sector.
The government has reopened universities and is trying to increase the attendance rate.
There are doctors who join the CDM or the destructionist groups or are working at private hospitals and clinics running private clinics, or working overseas. Because of COVID-19, all sports activities came to a halt. Now, regions and states are holding sports events again as they are permitted to do so.
As regards security, there are EAOs that have or haven’t signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) and terrorist groups that appeared recently. The government is holding continuous discussions with the NCA signatories. It is also holding informal talks with non-signatories. Nonsignatories, KIA and KNPP, are supporting the groups who join CDM, conducting an explosive piece of training for them, supplying arms and ammunition to the groups, taking part in terrorist attacks and blowing up roads and bridges.
Terror attacks have happened in Kayah State, and efforts are being made to restore the stability of the region. Likewise, Chin State NLD and CNF group committed terror attacks and set fire to houses of innocent people. Terror events happened in the upper Sagaing Region. The CDM participants who commit
terror acts were seized and some press releases were issued for arrests. Phyo Zeyar Thaw from NLD who led the terror acts in lower Myanmar was arrested and action is being taken under the law. Efforts are being made to arrest those who commit terrorist acts.
At present, firing and killing events lessen. Killing innocent people and staff from health, education and administrative arenas without reason does not mean opposing the government but naughty acts destroying the country.
As the Diamond Jubilee Union Day which falls on coming 12 February is a significant day for the State, it is necessary to mark the Union Day on a grand
scale. Likewise, Independence Day which falls in 2023 will be the Diamond Jubilee Independence Day. The Senior General recounted that his new year message of greetings mentioned the strengthening of the 75-year independence and sovereignty of the country. Myanmar faces many threats to its sovereignty, so it is necessary to further strengthen the sovereignty of the nation through united strength. As efforts should be made for enjoying the fruits of the independence, the peace which is the most important of the nation was invited, and a pledge was made for keeping the new pace. The talks will be based on the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) obtained after 2011.
The Senior General said that NLD in its tenure of government frequently negotiated with him to amend Section 59 (f) of the Constitution (2008). The Tatmadaw strived for amendment of the constitution in conformity with the current era in the 2011-2015 period and the 2015-2020 period as well. As the Constitution (2008) was initiated in 1990, some provisions may not be confined to the current situations. So, the Senior General said he understood the need for an amendment. But, no amendment harms the points of the Our Three Main National Causes. The government is building the Union based on
democracy and federalism. As the word of Union was chosen by General Aung San, the government emphasizes the implementation of the plans. Hence,
peace talks must be based on the Union. With regard to the ethnics, the federal countries give equal terms of rights to them in democracy and federalism. It is necessary to strive for creating equal rights for all ethnics, without prioritizing anyone. Hence, the peace process must be based on the NCA and the constitution.
The government will accept the talks if it does not undermine the construction of the Union based on democracy and federalism.
Then, the Senior General highlighted equal development of the regions related to the peace process. He said: “Some unequal measures can be seen
in regions and states related to the peace process. It can be seen that even Yangon and Mandalay are different in development.
Yangon does not similar to Mawlamyine in development and Pathein as well.
These are differences. Even in Yangon, the regions of urban and outskirt areas are different.
For example, there are Kungyangon, Twantay, Kawhmu, Dala, Hmawby, Taikkyi and other outskirt areas. Their development is not equal to the city areas in education, health and economics. We need to narrow the development gap among them.
Due to the larger development gap, conflicts happen based on the anger of the proletariat mentioned by communists and politicians.
We have property. You have property. We don’t have the right to do so and you can do it. We don’t have the right to eat but you can eat. We cannot wear but you can wear. We don’t have a chance to learn but you have rights. These are based on differences.
We have to minimize the differences. The other day, I have delivered an address at the education meeting. I talked about it in Dawei, Myeik and Kyun. A large gap happens in the education sector. So, we have to narrow the gap in the education sector. So, we will implement the KG+9 plan in all regions and states to uplift the education standard. The larger budget for economic development must be allotted to regions and states. For example,
it is necessary to allow the larger amount of budget to Chin and Kayah states. I am also interested in such plans. I monitor it without losing sight.
Actually, we need to minimize the development gap in the region and region-wise. We must strive for narrowing the development in respective regions.
To do so, we need a large number of educated people. The uneducated persons cannot do anything. If the persons do not have knowledge and income, they cannot do improvement of health, food and accommodation sectors. Anyone should not operate smuggling, drug trafficking, legal trade and production.
They have to do anything under the law with genuine businesses. So, techniques and knowledge are essential for possessing property. We need to uplift education without fail. We have to implement the plans of improving the education standard in the rural areas. It is important for the nation and the future.”
The Senior General stressed the need to arrange for all students to have a chance to move onto the higher grade of the schools with having actual knowledge.
Teachers in respective subjects must be skilful. Hence, refresher courses are being conducted. Likewise, it is necessary to provide the needs of teachers as much as possible and grant the teachers for their daily needs. With regard to the administrative measures, assistance must be provided for them depending on serving the duties, education qualification and ranks. There are many points to be taken into consideration for improving the education standard. Likewise, Myanmar faces shortages of medical doctors. In the coming academic year, the monetary collection will be undertaken in learning the education from those who will not serve the State duties but operate their own clinics. If so, an adequate number of staff can be deployed for the hospitals in the country.
It is necessary to consider the national education law and the law amending the national education laws to be in conformity with the current situations.
With respect to the monsoon paddy cultivation, agricultural tasks achieve success this year with near cent per cent. But, per acre yield of the paddy reached over 70 baskets. Efforts must be made for further achieving success in the yield of 100 baskets of paddy per acre. If so, the paddy can be exported to earn foreign income. Local farmers will have increased income which will contribute to the better local circulation of money. As it is necessary to consider larger production of agricultural crops and livestock stocks rather than now, council members need to urge all to do so in respective areas.
As for the local rice sufficiency, some regions and states have to import rice as they cannot produce enough rice. Therefore, regional development can be achieved by better money circulation in the region through reduction of imports of rice by exerting efforts to boost rice yields. In reducing imports of edible oil, Magway Region and Taninthayi Region are regarded as the first and second edible oil bowls and Shan State can become the third edible oil bowl if edible oil can be produced from soya beans, sunflower, sesame and niger, which are grown in the state. Ayeyawady Region is designated as the rice barn of our country and measures are being taken to take action in accordance with rules and regulations as it is found that some people who acquired land for the cultivation of oil palm failed to do so.
In connection with foreign trade, foreign investment is being made in our country and every country that implements a market economy has to work with local and foreign investments.
Our country introduced the market-oriented economic system to pave the way for the multi-party democracy system in 1988 when the Tatmadaw started assuming State responsibility and foreign investment was invited as of 1990. Currently, Singapore is the largest foreign investor followed by China and Thailand. At present, investment has been stagnant and temporarily halted due to political crises. In foreign trade, the country had a trade deficit of about US$-1 billion a year previously and in the current 2020-2021 fiscal year, the country showed a trade surplus of US$-532.36 million. The country can enjoy a higher trade surplus if the consumption of edible oil can be reduced. On the other hand, it is of great benefit for the country if imports of edible oil can be reduced by boosting local production.
Concerning administration, there are various administrative levels such as a ward, village, township, district, self-administered region, self-administered area, region and state and national levels. To facilitate the administrative tasks, measures are being taken to expand the tasks of district-level administrative affairs.
Then, the Senior General discussed development affairs to the country, saying “Countries are categorized as developing ones, developed ones and fasting developing countries like the OECD by the UN. There are 46 countries in the category of the least developed countries including Myanmar. According to the statistics released in November last year, there are 152 developing countries and then there are G-7 countries including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US. Then, there are EU countries and the OECD, which is made up of 38 countries. Countries are classified in this way.
This means that countries are exerting efforts. For the development of countries, organizations that lead the countries especially exert efforts. As every parent wants to see their offspring riding elephants surrounded by horses, every government, except dictators, wants to see the prosperity of its people.
Even dictators may have such a desire. Normally, governments and organizations that lead countries have represented their countries and are desirous of the prosperity of their countries. Every country has been exerting efforts as nothing can be achieved without effort. It is necessary to exert efforts as it is impossible to be content with natural resources without doing anything. It is impossible to live passively.
Some countries are rich traditionally due to the products of their countries. For example, gulf countries were poor in the past but they become the richest countries in the world when oil and gas can be explored in their countries. Nature favours them. Otherwise, every country normally has to exert efforts and work. Similarly, people have to exert efforts to achieve progress. People who do not work will be behind others. If our country did not exert efforts, it would lag behind others. It is impossible for a country to stand still as every country is moving forward. Every county is moving forward with their own movements and activities and efforts. They are creating opportunities for their own development. A country that does not exert efforts will lag behind others. Similarly, people who do not exert efforts or do not work will lag behind others.
For example, people who do not go to school to receive an education will lag behind others. If one cannot work hard when he or she should work, one will lag behind others. It is impossible not to work and not to study.
Everyone should study at the age of learning. One has to work at the working age. When he or she reaches the age to be taken care of by the state, it is necessary for the state to do so.
Our government has opened schools to enable students to study. It has opened hospitals to provide all healthcare services.
As for job opportunities, there are many sectors that can create job opportunities such as agriculture and livestock breeding sectors. We have paved many ways for people to work. We have been repeatedly urging, encouraging and educating people to carry out agriculture and livestock breeding tasks systematically.
Government departments are also offering leadership. However, people who are required to exert efforts are themselves.
If they do not exert efforts, they will not be able to enjoy the fruits and flowers of benefits.
As I just said, fruits and flowers of development can be enjoyed only when one exerts efforts.
Benefits cannot be enjoyed without working and without studying, one cannot become an intellectual. One can become an intellectual only through studying and can enjoy opportunities for jobs and prosperity if he or she is an intellectual.
Therefore, it is necessary for us to work carefully. If we do not exert efforts, others will outstrip us. Just look around yourself, people who did not exert efforts lagged behind others. Those who exerted efforts outstripped them. Even among friends, those who exerted efforts outstripped others and those who did not do so lagged behind others. This is a natural phenomenon for humans and countries are also moving in the same manner. Regions are also moving in the same fashion. To narrow the gap between the rich and poor, the latter must exert efforts. People are required to exert efforts and the government must offer assistance.
If there are gaps in a region, regional administrative bodies are responsible to manage to narrow the gaps. Residents of the region are also required to exert efforts as nothing can be achieved without doing anything.
If we try to progress ourselves by understanding this phenomenon, there is no reason why our country cannot develop.
Why not? It will develop really.
If we want peace, we will achieve it. As I have said, enjoying the fruits of what we want comes from peace so we will try to achieve peace. Why we didn’t achieve peace is such reasons for ethnicity, democracy and federalism. In this context, we need to consider what is fair.
We must do into consideration.
Those who have the knowledge must help those who don’t understand. It will be worse if those who have the knowledge incite those who don’t understand.
If those who have the knowledge motivate those who have little knowledge, there is no way we cannot achieve peace. So if we want to enjoy fruitful results, we must make concerted efforts. We can see it by considering human nature.
This is why I urge the council members to work by thinking of it”.
Next, council members U Thein Nyunt, Mahn Nyein Maung, U Khin Maung Swe, Jeng Phang Naw Taung, Daw Aye Nu Sein, U Moung Har, Saw Daniel and Dr Banya Aung Moe reported on review and revocation of the agreements and international treaties that were signed not in conformity with the laws under the previous government, holding of discussions with farmers and workers to solve the problems they are facing, social life security of indigenous people living in Rakhine State and launch of businesses for their livelihoods, selection and appointment of important ward and village administrators who are respected persons in their communities and free from politics, measures that should be taken for speedier internal peace process, measures to facilitate cash withdrawals from banks, supervisory measures to ensure the prisoners enjoy their rights in accord with the law, effective use of the remnants from the timbers produced in line with the forest product extract law, control measures for the impact on the environment and water resources caused by gold mining in Myitsone region, arrangements for showcasing ethnic traditional cultural heritages, providing of required publications at university
libraries, necessary measures for public security, stability and rule of law in Loikaw and Dimoso townships and reoperation of Kyaikmaraw cement plant.
Next, Lt-Gen Soe Htut reported on preparations for extension of districts in Nay Pyi Taw, regions and states and Lt-Gen Moe Myint Tun on the functioning of Myanmar Investment Commission under the SAC.
Next, Vice-Senior General Soe Win explained preparations for the successful holding of the 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Union Day.
In response to the reports, the Senior General said meetings with farmers and labourers from respective regions and states will be held at an appropriate time. As we consider ethnic rights, we place emphasis on the affairs of all national races, not a minority alone. When it comes to ethnic rights, complaints can be filed if losses arise, and necessary action will be taken.
Plans are being made to appoint ward and village administrators who are free from party politics. If party political attachment gets involved in the administrative sector, there will be difficulties doing the tasks.
Assessment will be made to ensure prisoners enjoy their rights in accord with the law. In the regions where timber logs were produced, it is necessary to do things honestly and in line with the law. Supervisory measures will be taken against the impact on the environment and water resources caused by gold mining in the Myitsone region.
Regarding the matters for security and the rule of law in Kayah State and other regions, reports should be made in a timely manner. Only then, can actions be taken in time. The cultural museums in ethnic regions will be extended and upgraded. More funds are being allotted to provide publications to university libraries.
In the extension of districts, it is necessary to consider the reliability of a district, easy transport and the importance of administration.
Moreover, that district’s economic growth, popularity and other important factors. Regarding the reoperation of Kyaikmaraw cement factory, our country has 20 cement factories including it. But only 10 are operating and others had to stop their operation. Those that cannot operate are due to shortages of electricity, gas and coal. I have instructed the ministries concerned to get electricity, gas and coal. I am encouraging the domestic economy. As we assume
our duties, it coincides with the diamond jubilee Union Day. Thus, we will hold the celebration on a grand scale so it can go down in the annals of history.
In his concluding remark, the Senior General said social life, economy, education, transport and communications, which are essential needs of the State and the people, must develop. To achieve progress, respect and focus are crucial.
They are the spirits that we must uphold in doing our jobs.
Particularly, we must respect the time and focus on our work. In our society, there are weaknesses in respect and attention.
Therefore, our council members are urged to discuss and explain respect and attention in organizing the people.