President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing delivered an address at the affirmation ceremony at the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw yesterday. The full text of the translated speech of the President is as follows: –
Everyone, Mingalaba.
First and foremost, I would like to extend my greetings and offer my best wishes to the Speaker of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw representatives, members of the Union government, members of the Union-level bodies, representatives from various countries, ambassadors and diplomats from foreign embassies based in Myanmar, all attendees, and all citizens of Myanmar, wishing that you may all enjoy good health, happiness, and every auspicious blessing in physical and mental well-being.
I would like to begin by stating that, having been elected as President by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, which represents all the people, I will respectfully uphold the will of the people and faithfully and dutifully carry out the responsibilities of the State with great pride and honour.
In the 2020 multiparty democratic general election, the then ruling party committed extremely serious and unacceptable electoral fraud, failing to hold a free and fair election – the very essence of democracy – and engaging in dishonest political actions that undermined the multiparty democratic system. Tatmadaw, in accordance with the wishes of political parties and the people, repeatedly made step-by-step efforts and earnest appeals to resolve the issue peacefully and in line with the law. However, these requests were ignored, and without addressing the electoral fraud, attempts were made to convene the Hluttaw and seize State power through unjust means based on election results that lacked accuracy and fairness. Therefore, in accordance with the Constitution, a state of emergency was declared, and state responsibilities were transferred, resulting in Tatmadaw assuming the duties of the State. In accordance with the provisions on the state of emergency contained in the Constitution, the necessary steps were carried out systematically. At present, in pursuit of the will of the people, a free, fair, and dignified multiparty democratic general election has been successfully held. The Hluttaw representatives were elected by 54.22 per cent of eligible voters who came to cast their votes. As they were elected through a process that was free, fair, and transparent, the legislative, executive, and judicial pillars have each been re-established, and the democratic system is now set to be reinstated.
Now, as Myanmar has returned to the path of democracy and is moving forward towards a better future, we must continue striving to strengthen the multiparty democratic system. I am fully aware that many challenges lie ahead for our new government. These include global issues, national concerns, political and economic difficulties, as well as challenges across various sectors. We are firmly determined to face and overcome these challenges through close cooperation and unity between the government and the people. Therefore, I would like to state that the goals, policies, and positions of the government I lead will be presented to the people through the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, and we will serve effectively and successfully for the interests of the nation and its citizens.
Our new government will continue to implement the objectives and processes aimed at strengthening a genuine and disciplined multiparty democratic system, as well as building a Union based on democracy and a federal system. In doing so, to comprehensively address peace, democracy, and national reconciliation, we will also establish and assign responsibilities to the Union Advisory Council under the Union Advisory Council Law. The Union Advisory Council, as stipulated by law, will carry out its functions by providing advice to the State Government on matters related to national security and the rule of law, international relations, peace affairs, and legislative matters.
Our government will also effectively implement the federal provisions prescribed in the 2008 Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. As stated above, to build a Union based on democracy and a federal system, achieving peace is essential. Therefore, we will strive to establish such a Union through the collective participation and cooperation of all political parties, ethnic peoples, and ethnic organizations across the country, working together for shared interests.
In pursuit of Paragraph 20 (e) of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), the Union Accord Parts I, II, and III, which were discussed and agreed upon at the Union Peace Conference, will be submitted to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw in line with Paragraph 20 (f) of the NCA for deliberation and approval. In addition, the 43 agreed points on constitutional amendment, reached between the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), NCA signatory ethnic armed organizations, and political party groups, will also be submitted to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw for deliberation.
Key sectors vital for the country’s future – education and healthcare – will be strengthened starting from the basic level. Efforts will be made to ensure that our children, students, and youth can access education that meets international standards, and that all citizens can easily receive healthcare services. Due to successive armed conflicts that have occurred throughout different periods since independence, educational opportunities have been lost, and educational standards have declined in some regions, including border areas. Even at present, ongoing armed conflicts in certain areas are depriving children of their right to education. Therefore, special emphasis will be placed on promoting the education sector in a uniform manner across all regions, without disparity.
In building our country into a modern, developed democratic nation, we need a large pool of highly capable human resources, including intellectuals and intelligentsia. The people of Myanmar are intelligent, and throughout history, many outstanding intellectuals have emerged. For the younger generation, who will shoulder the responsibilities of the future nation, we will prioritize strengthening the education sector to ensure they become knowledgeable and skilled individuals who can stand on par with the international community, and develop in all five essential aspects of capability.
Special plans will be implemented for regions with weak educational development, and efforts will be made to ensure access to education up to KG+9 level. At the lower secondary level, basic subjects related to industry, agriculture, and livestock will be introduced, and vocational high schools specializing in industry, agriculture, and livestock will also be expanded and opened. In addition, agricultural and livestock institutes will be upgraded into appropriate university and college-level institutions, and efforts will also be made to expand universities and polytechnic institutes.
In building a modern and developed country, it is also essential to raise educational standards and ensure that citizens are equally healthy and physically strong. Our government will place strong emphasis on implementing effective policies and measures for the health and well-being of the entire population, as well as for improving the healthcare system, so that healthcare services directly benefit the people and are accessible to everyone.
In order to revitalize the national economy, plans will be implemented to promote the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Procedures will also be reviewed to encourage both domestic and foreign investment, and efforts will be made to accelerate economic activities. Measures will be taken to address the economic difficulties faced by the people, including high commodity prices and the shortage of employment opportunities, and to implement a market economic system suited to the country. The main issue is the weakness in production.
Poverty reduction and improving the livelihoods of farmers are among our top priority tasks. The majority of rural people rely primarily on agriculture and livestock farming. Around 70 per cent of the country’s population lives in rural areas. Therefore, we will implement measures to improve the lives of farmers and promote rural development. By formulating effective long-term plans and continuing to apply a market-based economic system, we will work to enhance the livelihoods of the entire population and improve overall socioeconomic conditions. Myanmar has a population of over 51 million, and women account for approximately 53 per cent. Throughout the country’s history, there have been many outstanding women leaders, scholars, and award-winning individuals recognized for their achievements and courage. In order to further enhance the effectiveness of women’s contributions across various sectors, a separate Ministry for Women’s Affairs will be established and assigned responsibilities accordingly.
Today, due to the natural disasters and severe climate change being experienced globally, natural resources conservation and environmental protection have become increasingly important. Our country is richly endowed with forests, rivers and streams, lakes, abundant biodiversity, and natural resources. At a time when the world is facing the challenges of global warming and climate change, protecting these resources has become a crucial task for the survival of both humans and all living beings. In order to reduce deforestation and carbon emissions, efforts will be made to promote the use of environmentally friendly renewable energy. Although the current conflict in the Middle East has seen a temporary two-week ceasefire, it is still necessary to closely monitor how the situation will develop. Regardless of how the situation unfolds, fuel shortages will continue to persist. Therefore, a country like ours, which imports around US$5 billion worth of fuel annually, must inevitably adopt fuel-saving measures. It is best to reduce consumption as much as possible in sectors such as transportation, machinery use, and generator use. It is also essential to promote electricity generation from renewable energy sources and to expand the use of electric vehicles wherever possible. Since national development and the electricity sector are closely interconnected, efforts must be made to ensure a sufficient domestic electricity supply. The development of solar energy will also be promoted.
The Ayeyawady, Chindwin, and Sittoung rivers are the lifelines of Myanmar and are highly important for agriculture, transport of goods, and hydroelectric power generation. River-based transport can be carried out at a lower cost, and the rivers can also be utilized to provide irrigation water during the monsoon season. Similarly, during the summer season, irrigation projects that draw water from rivers will be implemented, and agricultural activities will be developed along both sides of the riverbanks. Efforts will be made to ensure the effective, year-round utilization of the Ayeyawady and Chindwin rivers, which play a vital role in supporting transport. To make travel more convenient for the public, public transport services that operate on regular routes with fixed fares will also be expanded.
In international relations as well, we will pursue a balanced approach and work to strengthen friendship and cooperation with neighbouring countries. As Myanmar is a member of ASEAN, efforts will be made to restore normal relations and engagement with ASEAN. We will also cooperate with neighbouring countries and regional partner nations in political, economic, and social sectors, and will strengthen international relations in accordance with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.
Our government will prioritize ensuring that every citizen receives equal protection under the law, that no one is wrongly punished, and that crimes and penalties are adjudicated fairly, accurately, and promptly. We will also ensure that courts are fair and just. The rule of law is an essential foundation for a country’s stability and development. Our government will also consider and implement appropriate amnesties and pardons that contribute to social reconciliation, justice, and peace, and that support the country’s overall development.
In conclusion, the government I lead will set and implement clear objectives and goals focused on strengthening the multiparty democratic system, building a Union based on democracy and a federal system, national development, and improving the socioeconomic lives of the people. I am confident that all citizens, together with the government, will be able to face and overcome the current challenges confronting our country through unity and cooperation. As the saying goes, “Internal strength lies within the country,” and only through the cooperation of all ethnic nationalities and citizens can success be achieved.
Therefore, I would also like to call on political parties, civil society organizations, business entrepreneurs, ethnic organizations, and all citizens to work together in cooperation. We should not view our differences as weaknesses, but instead strive to transform them into new strengths through dialogue, consultation, and collective problem-solving. Although we may have different perspectives and beliefs arising from diverse backgrounds, we are all ethnic brothers and sisters born on the same land of this country. I therefore conclude by expressing my belief that, through our unity and perseverance, we will be able to successfully achieve our shared goals.
Thank you all.
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