Unprecedented achievements made on self-reliance basis with the people’s strength by overcoming various hardships and difficulties National development in various sectors highlights that foundations for democratic transition are getting stronger

Yangon, 10 Oct, —The following is the full text of the speech delivered by Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein at the plenary session of the National Convention today.

First of all, I would like to wish both physical and mental wellbeing of National Convention delegates, diplomats, local and foreign correspondents and journalists present on this occasion.

I am also delighted to meet again with National Convention delegates in sound health and with enthusiasm at this National Convention being convened to ensure the bright future and perpetuity of the nation and the people. I would also like to express my pleasure again to see the delegates who are present here in earnest like in previous sessions in favour of the national interests instead of personal affairs.

National Convention delegates,

As the first stage of the seven-point Road Map, the National this regard, the government has first built fine political foundations that would contribute towards national unity and perpetuation of the Union, fine basic foundations on market economy that are based on the industries of national entrepreneurs and encourages international investments and trade, and fine social foundations that are based on cultural heritage and national character. Then, it is using effectively these foundations in building a peaceful, modern and developed democratic nation with flourishing discipline.

Due to harmonious collaboration of the government and the people, almost all the parts of the nation including border areas have enjoyed peace, stability and the rule of law and the people have been able to lead a peaceful life. Now, the whole nation has seen a large number of dams, reservoirs, river water pumping stations, railroads, roads, river and creek-crossing bridges and airports that are fruits of development enjoying by the people.

The government has brought many projects to fruition to make national economy strong, and as a result, the nation’s economic growth rate is rising significantly and per capita income is on the remarkable increase every time when an economic plan completes.

And thanks to the 24 special development regions project designed to improve the education, health and social sectors of the nation, strategic regions in states and divisions have been facilitated with arts and science colleges, universities, technological colleges and computer colleges, and local youth have now access to higher education in their own regions. In the basic education sector, the government has opened a huge number of basic education schools and the school enrollment rate and literacy rate are on the increase.

In the health sector, the government has established 200-bed hospitals in the 24-special development regions and 300-bed hospitals and specialist hospitals in the regions where necessary. And it has installed enough modern medical equipment in the health care facilities. So, local people can receive medical treatments in their own regions, and Myanmar is now free from some infectious diseases. In addition, it is mobilizing the Ministry of Health and social organizations to take control over the spread of such diseases as HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. According to the data of UNAIDS, WHO and UNDP, the outbreak of these deadly diseases in Myanmar is less than some neighbouring countries.

The national development in various sectors demonstrates that the foundations for democratic transition are getting stronger. In the process, the government is exerting genuine goodwill with the firm conviction that such kind of democracy that is based on fine political, economic and social foundations will be endowed with national resistance and will last long.

Nevertheless, with the evil intention of grabbing power through the toppling of the ruling government at the expense of the interests of the nation, anti-government destructive elements that always harm the constructive efforts of the government are resorting to various ways and means to make the people get in precarious condition and to incite mass protests following the deterioration of political, economic and social foundations, to undermine national solidarity, and to make the nation lose sovereignty. Such acts are very ugly.

Furthermore, they are perpetrating a wide range of acts to resurface the racism, religious conflicts, ideology, sectarianism and personality cult that had made the nation impoverished for more than half a decade such as driving a wedge among national races, manufacturing fabricated news and invented stories, and awarding various kinds of titles to anyone who is opposed to the government. Such acts designed to undermine the national solidarity are in fact making the nation fall into undesirable situation again.

By ignoring the official facts and data of UN agencies and assessments of international dignified experts but citing fabrications of anti-government destructive elements, a super power through various improper ways and means put political and economic pressures persuaded UNSC member countries to put Myanmar on the UNSC agenda with the accusation that Myanmar’s situation has posed a threat to regional and international peace and security.

Despite the objections of the nations in the region, neighbouring countries and the majority of global nations which stand prestigiously without forming a clique, the misuse of the esteemed UN organization in one’s own national interest by wielding inappropriate influence upon UNSC member countries is indeed blatant breach of the UN Charter.

However, axe-handles relying on external elements nave felt nothing upon the harmful acts against the prestige of the nation and the people. Yet they applause such acts. Indeed, it shows their lack of nationalist spirit.

In the seven-point Road Map, it is explicitly mentioned the course of handing over of power as aspired by the people. The destructive elements’ subversive acts against the National Convention while turning a blind eye to the correct path are highlighting their improper stance.

National Convention delegates, As regards the democratic reform as aspired by the people, we have dedicated ourselves to see to the success through the strength of the public participation by overcoming all the difficulties and obstacles.

To ensure the emergence of an enduring State Constitution which will be free from weaknesses of the previous Constitutions and guarantees Non-disintegration of the Union; Non-disintegration of the national solidarity and Perpetuation of sovereignty in the long run, continued efforts are to be made through the National Convention.

Hence, in conclusion I would like to urge you all to actively participate in this National Convention session with nationalist outlook and awareness.