National
Convention working for emergence of State constitution, first and essential step
to democratic transition To build genuine, discipline-flourishing democracy
system is to work together in accord with seven-point Road Map
The
following is the translation of the opening speech delivered by Chairman of the
National Convention Convening Commission Lt-Gen Thein Sein at the Plenary
Meeting of the National Convention.
Respected
National Convention delegates,
I
am very glad to see tha, you, delegates are here to attend the National
Convention. The first thing I would like to say is that I am so grateful and
honoured to you for your active participation in the National Convention with
the firm determination that the emergence of a State constitution is a national
duty, setting aside your own personal affairs.
At
the previous session of the National Convention, the NC Convening Work Committee
assessed the matters related to executive and judicial sectors discussed by over
1,000 of the eight groups of delegates and submitted them to the commission.
At
this session, the reviews and assessments of the panel of chairmen will be
clarified to you and detailed basic principles regarding executive and judicial
sectors will be laid down after seeking approval of you all, delegates.
As
for the remaining chapters regarding the communication among the Hluttaws,
findings of the chairman of the work committee concerning duties and functions
of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, Pyithu Hluttaw, National Hluttaw and State and Region
Hluttaws will also be clarified to you for your suggestion and decision.
Similarly,
to be able to discuss sector-wise chapters such as fundamental rights and duties
of citizens and the role of the Tatmadaw, the work committee will clarify
findings on drafting a State constitution that is best suited for our country
after studying in detail 1947 constitution and 1974 constitution, state
constitutions of some neighbouring and western nations during the adjournment of
the plenary session of the National Convention.
Like
the previous session, most of the delegates are here attending the National
Convention except those who passed away, who are too old and who are in poor
health. There are also some new delegates here. Most of them have already been
on familiar terms and they have understanding each other. Our National
Convention has gained more and more success due to the efforts of like-minded
delegates and their frank discussions and suggestions.
However,
it has been common knowledge to you all, delegates, that groups of internal and
external destructive elements, not wanting to see the success achieved, are
resorting to various ways to obstruct and harm our National Convention. We need
to be vigilant against such dangers and perpetrations. As the public on their
part are now able to distinguish between constructive acts and destructive acts,
the only thing to do is to guard against any dangers through the strength of the
people.
To
fulfill the desire of the public, the government has laid down the seven-point
Road Map of the State for the country’s transition into a genuine
discipline-flourishing democracy. The National Convention is working for the
emergence of the State constitution that is the first and essential step to our
democratic transition.
In
other words, we can say we are taking the first step of the seven-point Road
Map. To build a genuine, discipline-flourishing democracy system is to work
together in accord with this seven-step Road Map, and there is no other way. We
have learnt there have been some countries that went into a state of
deterioration because of their being forced to hastily practise democracy. The
people today cannot be cheated and threatened.
The
present Tatmadaw government, since its assumption of State duties, has been
striving its utmost to build a peaceful and modern developed nation upholding
‘Our Three Main National Causes’ and the twelve State objectives. If one has
ability to distinguish right and wrong, one can witness that the State is on the
right path to its progress in political, economic and social sectors if compared
with previous successive eras.
Systematic
measures are being taken to gain a foothold in ensuring peace and stability of
the State, strong economy and development of human resources, that are
imperative for a transition to an enduring democracy.
At
the same time, National Convention is in progress to write a State constitution
by inviting more than 1,000 delegates from all walks of life. It is the
life-blood of our citizens to serve and protect their interest. And it will be a
milestone in our history as well. This is why, you, delegates are urged to work
hand in hand with nationalistic fervour and Union Spirit for the success of the
National Convention regardless of narrow racism, ideology and regionalism.
The
management committee has made preparations for your accommodation, meals, health
and entertainment. If there is anything you need you may contact with
responsible officials. In conclusion, I would like all of you to take care of
your health and try your best to attend the National Convention until it
concludes successfully.
1,074
delegates accounting for 99.44 per cent to National Convention present;diplomats,
journalists observe
YANGON,
5 Dec — With the six objectives of the National Convention of the State— (a)
non-disintegration of the Union (b) non-disintegration of the national
solidarity (c) perpetuity of sovereignty (d) flourishing of a genuine multiparty
democracy system (e) further burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of worldly
values such as justice, liberty and equality; and (f) the Tatmadaw to be able to
participate in the national political leadership role of the future State, the
plenary session of the National Convention was held from 17 February to 31 March
for 2005 and was temporarily adjourned. The plenary session of the National
Convention resumed at Pyidaungsu Hall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in
It
was attended by Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission
Secretary 1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and
members, Chairman of the NCC Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and
members, Chairman of the NCC Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun
Maung and members, Chairmen of Sub-committees and officials, delegates of Kokang
Democracy and Unity Party, National Unity Party, Union Kayin League, Union Pa-O
National Organization, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization, Lahu
National Development Party, Wa National Development Party, representatives-elect
of National Unity Party, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization,
independent representatives-elect, delegates of national races from Kachin,
Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan State (South), Shan State (North), Shan
State (East), Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady
Divisions, delegates of peasants from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine
States, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi,
Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of
intellectuals and intelligentsia, delegates of workers from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin,
Chin, Mon, Rakhine States, Shan (South) and Shan (North), Shan (East) States,
Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions,
delegates of State service personnel from the SPDC Office, the President’s
Office, the Pyithu Hluttaw Office, the Government Office, the Supreme Court, the
Attorney-General’s Office, the Auditor-General’s Office, the Civil Service
Selection and Training Board, the Yangon City Development Committee, the
Mandalay City Development Committee and ministries, other invited delegates,
delegates of 17 armed groups who exchanged arms for peace and Dean of Diplomatic
Corps Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Ms Mme Dhoebe A Gomez, ambassadors of
Russia, the Arab Republic of Egypt, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, Sri
Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Nepal, India and China, Charge
d’ Affaires a i from Brunei, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, regional
coordinators from UN organizations, officials of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents
Club, mediamen from the Ministry of Information and reporters and officials from
internal magazines and journals and reporters from foreign news agencies Nihon
Keizai Shimbun, AFP, Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), NHK, Fuji TV, Reuters,
Tokyo Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, TV Asahi, Sankei Shimbun, Ji Ji Press, Yomiuri,
VOA, London Financial Times and NTV.
Before
the plenary session of National Convention, Chairman of the National Convention
Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Thein Sein and members, Chairman of the NCC Work Committee Chief Justice
U Aung Toe and members, Chairman of the NCC Management Committee Auditor-General
Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members, Chairmen of Sub-committees and officials,
delegates of political parties, representatives-elect, delegates of national
races, delegates of peasants, delegates of workers, delegates of intellectuals
and intelligentsia, delegates of State service personnel, and other invited
delegates signed the attendance registers at Pyidaungsu Hall and the recreation
hall for NC delegates.
Next,
Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the
State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and members, Chairman of
the NCC Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, Chairman of the NCC
Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members cordially
greeted foreign ambassadors to Myanmar, Charges d’ Affaires, regional
coordinators of UN organizations and reporters of internal magazines and
journals and foreign correspondents and replied to the queries raised by
mediamen.
The
Secretary-1 took the helm of the plenary session, while NCCC Secretary
Information Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan acted as MC.
The
MC announced the validity of the meeting as 1074 out of 1080 delegates were
present, accounting for 99.44 per cent.
The
Secretary-1 delivered an address on the occasion. (The Speech is reported
separately.)
Then,
the session went into recess.
Next,
the session resumed. NCCC Secretary Information Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan
dealt with rules and regulations of the National Convention Convening and the
session went into recess at 9.45 am.
(The
presentation is reported separately.) The session continues tomorrow.
Government
implementing seven-point Road Map for emergence of a peaceful,
modern
developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation Delegates from all walks
of life holding discussions at National Convention, first and crucial step of
the future policy programme
He
said he extended greetings to Chairman of the National Convention Convening
Commission, members of the commission, members of work committee and management
committee and National Convention delegates, wishing health of body and peace of
mind. He said he was pleased to meet the delegates again. Those who attended the
National Convention held in February and March 2005 were invited. Some of the
delegates were vacant for various reasons and so new ones were chosen for the
vacancies. In the previous National Convention the delegates abided by the
procedures, rules and regulations with sense of duty. Therefore the Convention
successfully ended without any difficulties. He explained the procedures for the
National Convention and other points on food, health, welfare, entertainment and
security to the new and old delegates in brief.
Introduction
and seven chapters are included in booklet, Procedures for the National
Convention. The six objectives of the National Convention— non-disintegration
of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, perpetuation of
sovereignty, flourishing of genuine multiparty democracy system, further
burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of worldly values, namely justice,
liberty and equality in the State and for the Tatmadaw to be able to participate
in the national political leadership role of the State are described in the
Chapter 1. The delegates are to discuss matters relating to laying down detailed
principles for drafting the enduring State Constitution within the framework of
the six objectives.
In
performing the duties of the National Convention, seven duties and three rights
are designated.
All
are to enjoy the rights and subject to the duties. Moreover, code of ethics and
discipline to be abided by delegates are also drawn. Delegates should realize
and abide by these rules which are laid down with the aim of holding the
National Convention successfully which is the most important for the State and
the people.
Some
of the important ethics and rules are as follows:
1.
To be loyal to the Union of Myanmar and not to accept any other country’s
patronage
2.
To follow instructions given by the chairman of group and Panel of Chairmen of
the National Convention
3.
To comport according to the dignity of a delegate and not to disturb and hinder
the functions of the National Convention
4.
To discuss matters at the meeting objectively and to avoid speaking ill of
others personally or of a certain organization
5.
Whenever entering or going out of the meeting hall, all are to bow to the State
Flag.
6.
Not to bring in arms and ammunition, recorders, hand phones, video cameras,
cameras, computers, laptops or such equipment.
7.
Before releasing the news about the National Convention officially, the
delegates are to keep it secret.
In
holding the sessions, panel of chairman is necessary to supervise the session
and thus, it is designated to form the panel of chairmen with five
representatives from the National Convention Work Committee, ten from delegates
of political parties and delegates of representatives-elect , five each from
delegates of other six remaining groups. For various reasons, there are
vacancies in the panel of chairmen and thus substitutions are to be made.
The
Chapter 3 describes scrutiny of the delegates in the session of the National
Convention and validity of the meeting. The National Convention meetings are
valid if 50 per cent of the delegates attend the meeting.
The
Chapter 4 of the Convention deals with the procedures to be followed in
discussing matters and making suggestions. He first presented procedures to be
followed at the group-wise meetings as follows:
1.
Delegates are to submit their proposals and make suggestions to the Panel of
Chairmen only after making discussions in respective delegate groups. The Panel
of Chairmen is to collect the same proposals and submit them to the National
Convention Plenary Meeting.
2.
In addition to the proposals agreed by the majority of respective groups,
individual proposals or proposals agreed by group or other suggestions are to be
submitted to the National Convention Plenary Meeting through the Panel of
Chairmen only after making group-wise discussions.
3.
Delegates of political parties and representatives-elect are to submit
suggestions and proposals agreed by the majority of respective groups to the
National Convention Plenary Meeting through the Panel of Chairmen after making
group-wise discussions.
4.
Along with the proposals agreed by the majority of respective political parties,
proposals of delegates representing political parties and independent
representatives-elect are to be submitted to the National Convention Plenary
Meeting with the permission of the Panel of Chairmen only after making
group-wise discussions.
5.
If there is a disagreement over the proposals among political parties,
respective delegate groups and independent representatives-elect, the National
Convention Work Committee will have to make adjustments as far as it can in
order to settle the disagreement.
Next,
he presented the procedures of the National Convention Plenary Meeting.
1.
Proposals and suggestions to be submitted to the National Convention Plenary
Meeting are to be stated exactly and clearly.
2.
Proposals and suggestions are to be attached with the list of delegate or
delegates who will read out them at the meeting and to submit them at the
designated time through respective chairmen to the National Convention Work
Committee.
3.
In reading out the proposals and suggestions at the plenary meeting, the papers
must be the ones that have been already submitted in advance to be confirmed.
Besides, the papers are to be read out by the one whose name has been already
enlisted, and he has to read out only suggestions in the confirmed papers.
4.
At the group-wise or plenary meeting, proposals and suggestions are to be
submitted in the framework of the six objectives of the National Convention.
5.
If there are differences in the suggestions presented to the meeting, the
National Convention Work Committee is to make necessary arrangements for making
suggestions included again to settle them amicably.
There
are also prescribed rules and regulations to be followed in holding discussions
at the plenary meeting and the group-wise meeting. They are:
1.
do not express disloyalty to the State
2.
do not talk about something detrimental to non-disintegration of the
3.
do not talk about the interest of organizations and persons that are not in the
framework of law
4.
do not talk about something that is detrimental to national unity, mutual help
and respect
5.
do not talk ill of any language and religion
6.
do not present again any matter that has already been discussed at the meeting.
7.
do not accuse and talk ill of a certain delegate subjectively
8.
a delegate is to discuss the topics in line with the proposal paper sent in
advance and not to discuss the topics that are not included in the paper. If a
delegate reads out some topics that are not included in the proposal paper, only
the original paper will be put on record.
When
the plenary meeting and the group-wise meeting are in progress, the delegates
are not allowed to walk out individually or in group and to mock others. It is
important for the delegates to follow the regulations for success of the
National Convention.
These
regulations are prescribed in the interest of the delegates. Some important
points in the don’t are as follows:
1.
not to distribute documents that are not permitted by the NC Work Committee
2.
not to talk about the documents nor publish them outside
3.
not to bring arms and ammunition into the hostels and the meeting hall when the
meeting is in progress. The rules and regulations are prescribed not for
oppression but in the interests of the national races and delegates and for
success of the National Convention. It is believed that all the delegates will
realize this.
I
would like to present the fulfillment regarding management for enabling the
delegates to attend the NC with peace of mind, he said.
For
the convenience of the delegates, hostels were renovated and facilitated with
other necessary requirements for security, convenience and full water and power
supply, he said.
He
said arrange-ments have been made for the delegates to enjoy meals with daily
menu and for vegetarians to enjoy meals in line with religion.
For
the health and fitness of the delegates, gymnasium and golf course that cover
table tennis, badminton, weightlifting and other facilities for walking and
jogging are being provided.
In
the meantime, TV, Karaoke, newspapers, journals and book shops, stage show,
Anyeint, variety show, movies are also provided for the delegates. Likewise, a
hospital complete with specialists, health staff, modern medicines and medical
equipment is being opened in the camp. Winthuza shop, GEC shop, optical shop,
barber shop and laundry shop are being opened for the delegates. In addition,
telephones, faxes, ferries are also facilitated.
Daily
allowance of the delegates has been increased from K 200 to K 500 while the meal
cost has been increased so that the delegates can enjoy wholesome and healthy
foods.
The
government has laid down and is implementing the seven-point Road Map for the
emergence of a peaceful, modern developed and discipline-flourishing democratic
nation. In the process, the National Convention, the first and crucial step of
the future policy programme, is being held. Delegates from all walks of life are
holding discussions and making suggestions at the meeting.
It
is known to all that internal and external destructive elements, who are jealous
of the progress of the National Convention, are making attempts for the NC to
meet with a failure.
He
wished he cannot accept anything harmful to the National Convention, any
delegate or individual and as a result, security was tight.
As
these rules and regulations on security are badly needed for delegates and
national races, they have to be prescribed. They are not an act of oppression,
and all the delegates are requested to cooperate for success of the NC,
realizing the prescribed rules.
He
spoke of the need for the delegates to raise questions at any time. If the
delegates have any difficulties regarding accommodation, health, messing and
personal affairs, they are requested to inform the responsible officials, who
will try their best to render all the necessary assistance.
In conclusion,
he called on the delegates to offer suggestions and advice on detailed basic
principles in the drawing of State constitution.
Billboard
unveiled to hail National Convention
YANGON,
5 Dec — To hail the National Convention being reconvened today, a ceremony to
unveil the billboard reading “ Towards a new united and amicable nation”
took place in front of Pyidaungsu Hall in Nyaunghnapin Camp,
Chairman
of NCC Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung formally unveiled
the billboard and the ceremony ended.
It
reads “ Towards a new united and amicable nation” also stating “It is very
important for everyone of the nation wherever he lives to cultivate and possess
strong Union Spirit. Only Union Spirit is the true patriotism all the
nationalities will have to uphold and safeguard”