201438742

WWW.MMTIMES.
COM ISSUE 742 | AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014

1200
Ks.
HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION
Govt agrees in principle
to federal union system
The Union Peacemaking Working Committee and the Nationwide Ceasere
Coordination Team agreed on the key issue following talks in Yangon on August 15. NEWS 4
IN PICTURES
PHOTO: ZARNI PHYO
Members of the Kachin Independence Army sit outside a shop in the Kachin State city of Laiza last month. President
Thein Seins peace eforts reached the three-year mark this week as the government and armed ethnic groups
continue to work towards a nationwide ceasere agreement.
NEWS 3
Curfew lifted in
Mandalay
A curfew imposed following violence in
the city in July was lifted but increased
security forces will remain on patrol.
PROPERTY 34
Yangon Heritage Trust
unveils plaque project
First plaque featuring historical data was
mounted outside City Hall in Yangon.
2 THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014
online editor Kayleigh Long |
kayleighelong@gmail.com
THE INSIDER: The local lowdown & best of the web
Hotel recommendations for Obama:
While its comforting to know
that the US sanction policy is
confounding even for leading
members of the US government,
we here at The Myanmar Times
take no pleasure in seeing public
gures such as Secretary John
Kerry caught in such awkward
gaffes.
In an effort to avoid any more public
embarrassments during President
Obamas visit in November, The
Myanmar Times has provided the
following list of accommodations. All
are owned and operated by non-
sanctioned individuals:
Mahabandula Guest House on 32nd
Steet.
Biden will love it.
Daddys Home Hotel on Konzedan
Street.
The name alone is worth the trip.
Than Shwes Pleasure Palace,
located miles beneath Nay Pyi Taw.
We may need to double-check this
one.
Greg and Melinda, couch surfers
on Bo Yar Nyunt.
Their prole says potential surfers
must love cats and states that the
couple is 420 friendly, but only after
6pm
Mandalay music pirate hit with
massive ne
In ruling that will no doubt deal a
crippling blow to the vast criminal
network selling couterfeit media on
the nations streets, an unnamed
wholesale merchant in Mandalay
has been hit with a K93.9 million ne
for selling bootleg DVDs and CDs,
according to Eleven Media.
The lawsuit was rst brought by
the Myanmar Music Association in
2012 after said merchant was caught
with over 3000 copies of pirated
music CDs, VCDs and DVDs in his
possession.
Originally, the MMA had demanded
K500 million in damages, but
comments from U Myo Swe, chair
of the MMAs Copyrights Protection
Committee, indicate that the group
feels justice has been done.
According to our friends at Eleven,
The association plans to embark on
a legal campaign against copyright
infringement in the near future and
produce an anti-piracy commercial to
raise public awareness of the threat of
music piracy. Go get em, boys!
Tweeting Tay Za
And speaking of sanctions: the nations
favorite tycoon/mountaineer/accused-
war proteer U Tay Za has ofcially
signed on to Twitter as of August 8.
So far, U Tay Za has amassed is
only following the ofcial twitter feeds
of Western media outlets and the
plagiarist Fareed Zakaria, but surely
such an avowed nationalist will show
some love for local media soon [@
TheMyanmarTimes].
While new to the micro-blogging
platform U Tay Za has been an active
presence on Facebook for some time.
His evident gift for slogans should
serve him well.
Page 2
May Myint Mo
from NOW! Magazine.
Photo: Htet Aung Kyaw (StudioHak)
Style
Statement
An artists rendering of a Burmese War Canoe, drafted by a British solider circa 1824.
A photo from our archives
Once was Burma ...
News 3 www.mmtimes.com NEWS EDITOR: Thomas Kean | tdkean@gmail.com
A CURFEW imposed in Mandalay fol-
lowing an outbreak of violence in July
was lifted last week, but police ofcials
said additional security forces would
remain in the city.
A 9pm to 5am curfew was imposed
across six townships on July 3 after
two men a Buddhist and a Muslim
were killed in religious violence on
July 1. The curfew was extended to
Patheingyi township after Muslim
burial grounds in Aye Yeik Nyein
cemetery were attacked during the
Buddhist mans funeral on July 4. The
curfew was scaled back on July 28 to
9pm-3am and changed again days
later to begin at 10pm.
We will add some more police in
the city as to avoid problems, Colonel
Sein Tun from the citys District Police
Force told The Myanmar Times, Po-
lice will patrol townships.
Colonel Sein Tun also said that
restaurants, teashops and other shops
will have to close by 11pm even though
the curfew has been lifted.
Since then [the ghting] we have
not allowed them to stay open the
whole night. After lifting the curfew
restaurants will be allowed to be open
until 11pm, he said.
City residents had been grow-
ingly increasingly frustrated at the
limitations on their movements in the
evening.
The curfew should have been lift-
ed already, said Ko Zaw Zaw, owner
of a wholesale business in Aung Myay
Thar San township.
Everyone knows that Mandalay
is at peace. The problem that erupt-
ed here is not too big. All we want
is peace and for our business not to
be afected.
According to Patheingyi township
police station, 15 young people have
been charged with setting re to and
destroying the Muslim burial grounds
of the cemetery where the Buddhist
man was buried.
These arrests come in addition to
the dozens who have been questioned
over the two killings, but police have
yet to identify those responsible.
By August 5 police said that they
had questioned 53 people including 14
suspected people of murder, according
to the Information and Public Relation
Department of Mandalay Region but as
of August 14 no charges had been led.
Police also charged 516 people
for breaking the curfew while it was
in force and a further 1166 people
were charged with disobeying public
servants.
Translation by Thiri Min Htun
Curfew lifted but
security forces remain
SITHU LWIN
sithulwin.mmtimes@gmail.com
Riot police deployed in Mandalay. Photo: Sithu Lwin
THE process of constitutional
revision is almost complete, the
speaker of the Union Parliament
has said.
Thura U Shwe Mann told a
press conference last week that
agreement had been reached on
80 percent of the amendment pro-
cess in committee.
The speaker revealed that he
had consulted with US Secretary
of State John Kerry over the con-
stitutional amendment process
when the two met briey in par-
liament on August 9.
We talked about how impor-
tant and fragile the constitution-
al process was, and I hoped the
United States would support our
democratisation, said Thura U
Shwe Mann.
A 31-member parliamentary
committee has been reviewing
proposed amendments to the
2008 constitution with a view to
reporting to Pyidaungsu Hluttaw
six months in advance of next
years elections. According to its
latest report, released on July 22,
the committee has already dis-
cussed proposed revisions to sec-
tion 340, which would bar Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi from the presi-
dency in the event of her partys
victory next year.
Committee secretary U Aye
Mauk told the media agreement
had been reached on the section,
but he did not elaborate on the
nature of the agreement. How-
ever, committee members who
asked not to be named told The
Myanmar Times that all except
three members, all military, had
agreed to lower the proportion of
MPs required to change the pro-
vision from 75pc to two-thirds of
MPs in Pyidaungsu Hluttaw.
They [the three members]
want to keep section 436(a),
which requires more than 75pc
of MPs to support an amendment
for it to be approved. The military
holds 25pc of all seats. But they
said they would decide whether to
agree or not when the amendment
bill comes up before Pyidaungsu
Hluttaw, said a member of the
committee.
Between May and July, the Na-
tional League for Democracy and
the 88 Generation Students cam-
paigned around the country to
gather signatures on a petition de-
manding the change. On August
14, they sent the petition, with 5
million signatures, to Pyidaungsu
Hluttaw.
However Thura U Shwe Mann
has said the signature campaign
would not afect the work of the
constitutional amendment com-
mittee, though he added that the
signatures could have an impact
on the parliamentary debate on
the amendments.
All we want is peace
and for our business
not to be afected.
Ko Zaw Zaw
Mandalay business owner
Constitutional
amendment process
nears completion
EI EI TOE
LWIN
eieitoelwin@gmail.com
Thura U Shwe Mann addresses a press conference on August 11 in Nay Pyi
Taw. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
4 News THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014
Correction
A photo published with the article
Little joy after Ramadan for Mus-
lims in Meiktilas camps in the
August 11-17 edition of The Myan-
mar Times was incorrectly attrib-
uted to AFP. The photo was taken
by Yu Yu. We regret the error.
CHIEF government peace negotiator
U Aung Min says he wants political
dialogue to begin in early 2015, after
a nationwide ceasere agreement is
signed later this year.
As there are elections coming
up in 2015, there is not much time
left and so, in order to use time ef-
fectively, we are looking to start
pre-emptive discussions on the po-
litical framework for talks in paral-
lel with eforts to bring about a na-
tional ceasere, U Aung Min said at
a meeting with political parties on
August 11.
The Union Peace-making Work
Committee (UPWC) called the meet-
ing at Myanmar Peace Center to dis-
cuss proposals on a framework for
political dialogue with armed ethnic
groups.
The committee is currently in talks
with the Nationwide Ceasere Coor-
dination Team, which is negotiating
on behalf of 16 armed groups, over
the text of a draft ceasere, with talks
scheduled for August 15-17.
U Aung Min said the peace-making
committee is trying to build strong
foundations for the peace process for
the next government. He said they do
not want the new government to start
the process again from the beginning.
The government and Tatmadaw
wanted to sign the nationwide cease-
re agreement this month but have
already given up on that target.
Once the agreement is signed, the
government and NCCT have to agree
on a framework for political dialogue
within 60 days and begin inclusive
talks 90 days after signing.
U Sai Nyunt Lwin, secretary of the
Shan Nationalities League for Democ-
racy, said at the meeting that the gov-
ernment should set up a committee
or commission for creating the politi-
cal dialogue framework, and that the
committee should feature members
who are independent and widely re-
spected.
Govt targets political
dialogue in early 2015
YE MON
yeemontun2013@gmail.com
TRAFFIC police praised road users
last week after road deaths and inju-
ries fell in Mandalay District in the
rst seven months of 2014.
Now road deaths and injuries
have fallen in Mandalay. It is because
people are starting to follow the trafc
rules. We are mainly trying to educate
people. We have done a lot of publicity
about the dangers of trafc accidents,
Police Major Thein Ko Ko said.
Trafc police have delivered 3000
booklets on trafc rules to the public
in Mandalay recently, and at 12 junc-
tions loud speakers announce the traf-
c rules from 7am to 10am and from
3pm to 6pm every day.
Six police cars are also available to
pursue bad drivers who commit traf-
c violations at night. From January
to July, 69 car and truck drivers and
37 motorbike drivers were ned by the
courts for trafc violations another
3220 car and truck drivers and 20,846
motorbike drivers were ned by the
Mandalay City Development Commit-
tee.
Motorcycles are the most danger-
ous mode of transport in Mandalay
district. From January to July, 60 ve-
hicle accidents caused 27 deaths and
92 injuries. Motorcycle accidents how-
ever caused 78 deaths and 187 injuries
in 183 motorcycle accidents.
Police hail traffc
safety campaign
THAN NAING SOE
thennaingsoe@gmail.com
THE government and armed ethnic
groups have agreed on the basic prin-
ciples necessary to institute a federal
system aimed at guaranteeing democ-
racy, equality and self-determination
for ethnic minorities, representatives
from both sides said last week.
The agreement was reached on Au-
gust 15 at the beginning of a two-day
meeting in Yangon between the gov-
ernments Union Peace Working Com-
mittee (UPWC) and ethnic representa-
tive from the Nationwide Ceasere
Coordination Team (NCCT).
The meeting was aimed at generat-
ing a single draft text for the Nation-
wide Ceasere Agreement (NCA).
NCCT leader U Naing Han Tha,
who is also the chair of New Mon State
Party armed ethnic group, said insti-
tuting a federal system of governance
was the most important thing for our
ethnic minorities.
Myanmar has experienced six dec-
ades of conict between the govern-
ment and ethnic rebels, with the re-
bels demanding the establishment of
a federal system but the government
refusing to discuss the option over
fears that it would lead to the breakup
of the union.
But in 2011 the government
changed tack, agreeing to negotiate
the issue with armed ethnic groups.
At a conference in Laiza, Kachin
State, last month, ethnic leaders de-
cided that if the government did not
accept the basic principles of federal-
ism, they would delay the start of the
planned nationwide ceasere agree-
ment.
Once the ceasere agreement
is signed, the ethnic groups will be
tasked with spearheading political
dialogue aimed at working out the de-
tails of establishing federal states and
armies.
Presidents Ofce Minister U
Aung Min, who is also the leader of
the UPWC, said the government is
dedicated to forging a nationwide
ceasere agreement to ensure the
continuation of dialogue between
the two sides.
If we can create the foundation for
a ceasere, any new government can
continue the peace process even after
[the election in] 2015, he said.
U Naing Han Tha said the NCCT
decided to comply with some of the
government proposals for the cease-
re accord that had created obstacles
during previous meetings.
We had wanted to identify the re-
bels as the Ethnic Armed Revolution
Organisation in the ceasere accord,
but the government military would
not accept this. We nally agreed that
the term revolution would not ap-
pear on the front page of the accord
but could appear on the inside pages,
he said.
The use of the term was among 31
key points that obstructed the comple-
tion of the NCA draft during the last
meeting on May 23. Major sticking
points included basic principles, use of
terminology, military codes of conduct
and relocation of troops.
U Hla Maung Shwe described the
discussions in Yangon as optimis-
tic.
The draft is 90 percent complete,
even if it is not completely nalised,
he said.
Federal system agreed on in principle
WA LONE
walone14@gmail.com
THE government denied reports from
some rights organizations last week
that 29 political prisoners remain be-
hind bars despite the governments
promise of an amnesty for all political
prisoners by the end of 2013.
U Aung Thein, the Deputy Min-
ister of the Presidents Ofce and
the Secretary of the Committee for
Scrutinising Remaining Political
Prisoners, told The Myanmar Times
that those 29 prisoners had violated
other laws.
Some of them imprisoned [for
political ofences] were found to
have broken other penal codes.
Some related to drug-abuse cases,
some are murderers and bombers.
The President has removed the part
of their sentences connected to po-
litical activities. But they still have
to pay for their committed crimes
other than political activities, he
said.
Another committee member, U
Sai Nyunt Lwin from the SNLD par-
ty, predicted that the remaining 29
political prisoners will be given an
amnesty because some are members
of ethnic armed groups and it would
facilitate the ongoing ceasere talks
with the armed groups.
He added that the committee only
deals with political prisoners who
were imprisoned during military
rule, meaning that prisoners charged
under existing laws, such as protest
laws, under the current government
are discounted.
A report by the Assistance Asso-
ciation for Political Prisoners (AAPP)
released in July said that many in-
dividuals remain behind bars and
the government continues to arrest
and incarcerate new political prison-
ers. By the end of July, there were
70 political prisoners incarcerated
in Myanmar, with approximately 114
accused activists awaiting trial, the
group said.
A statement by Amnesty Inter-
national about remaining political
prisoners, also released in July, said,
So far in 2014, at least 59 individu-
als have been charged and 17 of them
imprisoned under a range of laws
which restrict the rights to freedom
of expression and peaceful assem-
bly.
U Ko Ko Gyi, a spokesperson from
the 88 Generation Peace and Open
Society, said that some political ac-
tivists have recently been charged
with unrelated crimes.
The general denition of the
term political prisoners encompass-
es those who are imprisoned while
they are trying to protect citizens
rights. Or they are imprisoned for
asking for the rights they deserve.
Due to politically related activities,
the activists are often accused of un-
related ofences, he said.
Government denies political
prisoners remain behind bars
YE MON
yeemontun2013@gmail.com
LUN MIN MANG
newsroom@mmtimes.com
Portraits of political prisoners hang at the AAPP office. Photo: Yu Yu
Mutu Say Poe speaks at an NCCT meeting on July 29 in Laiza. Photo: Zarni Phyo
29
Number of political prisoners activists
say remain in jail.
News 5 www.mmtimes.com
THE United States Embassy in Yan-
gon said that it failed to recognise
early enough that a hotel it was as-
signed by the Ministry of Foreign Af-
fairs was owned and constructed by
a blacklisted businessman, leaving no
option but to use the venue to host
Secretary of State John Kerry last
weekend.
The Myanmar Times reported on
August 10 that Mr Kerry stayed at
the Lake Garden Hotel Nay Pyi Taw
owned by sanctioned tycoon U Zaw
Zaw and constructed by U Zaw Zaws
company Max Myanmar, which also
appears on the US sanctions list.
The spokesperson said that the
US delegation was assigned the ho-
tel by the Ministry of Foreign Afairs
and asked for the hotel to be changed
when they became aware of the issue,
but other accommodation could not
be arranged.
We recognised late the owner of
the hotel assigned to us was on the
list, but less problematic alternative
hotels that also met our safety and
security standards were not available,
the spokesperson told The Myanmar
Times on August 13.
Mr Kerry, who was in Myanmar
to for a round of ASEAN meetings,
did not violate any US sanctions with
his stay. The International Emer-
gency Economic Powers Act, which
details regulations for dealing with
SDN Listed individuals and entities,
include, an exemption for activities
related to travel, including hotel ac-
commodations. This applies to the
US delegations use of the Lake Gar-
den Hotel, the spokesperson said.
During his visit, Mr Kerry touted
the signicance of what remains of
his countrys sanctions regime against
Myanmar on August 10, describing it
as a sign that Washington is keen to
avoid rushing its engagement with
Nay Pyi Taw.
Sanctions now are very much fo-
cused on members of the junta and on
key individuals who may still be repre-
senting a challenge to achieving some
of these [Myanmars] goals, he told
members of the media while speaking
at the Lake Garden.
Marie Harf, deputy spokesperson
at the State Department, was insistent
that the hotel stay did not send mixed
messages about US sanctions against
Myanmar when questioned by report-
ers in Washington.
The US has eased most of its sanc-
tions against Myanmar in response to
reforms undertaken by President U
Thein Sein, but still maintains target-
ed sanctions against some individuals
and companies as part of its calibrat-
ed reengagement that has hinged in
part on a commitment to responsible
investment in Myanmar.
Most companies and persons that
appear on the SDN list are alleged to
have proted from close relationships
with the previous military junta. En-
tities and individuals that are SDN
listed are barred from engaging in
business with US companies and their
assets are frozen in the US. A number
of Myanmars largest and best-known
rms are on the list.
US Assistant Secretary of State for
Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
Tom Malinowski met with individu-
als who are on the SDN list during his
visit to Myanmar in June. He said that
many appeared very eager to take
steps to have themselves and their
companies removed from the list.
Mr Malinowski, who did not reveal
which SDN-listed individuals he met
during his trip, said the legal process
for getting removed from the list in-
cludes demonstrating responsible
business practices and showing that
an individual or entity has cut ties
with the military.
The Lake Garden property where
Mr Kerry and his delegation stayed is
managed by French hotel chain Accor
under its MGallery brand. Both U Zaw
Zaw and his Max Myanmar group of
companies were added to the Special
Designated Nationals (SDN) list in
2009, according to the Treasury De-
partments website.
Max Myanmar and Accor signed a
contract to develop three properties in
Myanmar, including the Lake Garden,
in 2013. Two other properties connect-
ed to U Zaw Zaw the Max Hotel at
Chaungtha Beach and the Royal Kum-
udra Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw are on the
SDN list.
According to the Lake Garden
website, the luxury property has 165
rooms and suites and boasts a cigar
lounge and wine cellar. Rooms were
advertised as starting at US$115 a
night. It was unclear how many rooms
the American delegation occupied.
Other US ofcials in Nay Pyi Taw for
the regional meeting stayed at a sepa-
rate hotel.
U Zaw Zaws hotel was only option: US
TIM MCLAUGHLIN
timothy.mclaughlin3@gmail.com
US Secretary of State John Kerry at a press conference at the Lake Garden Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw, August 10. Photo: AFP
2009
Year U Zaw Zaw and his Max Myanmar
group of companies were added
to the US SDN list
THE National League for Democracy
says it is unable to reveal the cost of
its campaign to amend section 436 of
the constitution or its sources of fund-
ing because no records were kept.
A petition launched as part of the
campaign concluded on July 19 with
almost 5 million signatures, and ac-
tivities in support of the campaign
have been held in 308 of Myanmars
330 townships by the NLD and the 88
Generation Peace and Open Society.
NLD general secretary U Nyan
Win said expenses were mostly cov-
ered by local members in the areas
where events took place and no re-
cords have been kept.
We do not have any account [of
the expenses and donations]. For
example, when we held an event
in Magwe, the people from Magwe
sought the funds on their own. And
people from [Yangon headquarters]
went there using their own money.
Thats why we do not have any re-
cords to disclose, he said.
Headquarters did not allocate
any budget to the branches [for the
campaign]. We are all just volunteers
for the country.
Public assemblies organised in
major cities in the 14 states and re-
gions were funded by local support-
ers, said U Win Htein, the Pyithu
Hluttaw representative for Meiktila
and a party central executive commit-
tee member.
In business terms you would call
it sponsorship, he said. But we dont
need to worry about these donations
because the donors did it with simple
and clean intentions.
NLD silent on petition
campaign expenses
Development
fears at Pyu World
Heritage sites
EI EI THU
91.eieithu@gmail.com
SANDAR LWIN
sdlsandar@gmail.com
NLD supporters greet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Pakokku last month. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
THE Myanmar Restaurant Associa-
tion is helping villagers who live near
three ancient Pyu cities to develop
restaurants and souvenir shops in an-
ticipation of a rise in tourist numbers
following recent international recog-
nition of their importance.
Sri Ksetra in Bago Regions Pyay
township, Hanlin in Sagaing Regions
Shwebo township and Beikthano in
Magwe Regions Taungdwingyi town-
ship were recognised by UNESCO for
their unique historical and cultural
status in June.
The cities, which date from be-
tween 200 BC and 900 AD, were the
rst sites in Myanmar to be inscribed
on the World Heritage List.
The main thing is we want to de-
velop the livelihoods of the regions
people so we will give some ideas or
contacts for what kinds of souvenirs
and foods they could sell and for the
decoration of their shops and restau-
rants, said association deputy chair U
Khin Aung Htun.
Hotels will need to be upgraded
so they can accept foreign guests and
there will be job opportunities includ-
ing for pony-cart and trishaw drivers,
he said.
But any major development will
require approval from the Ministry
of Hotels and Tourism and Ministry
of Culture. According to UNESCO,
construction inside the heritage sites
could result in them being taken of
the heritage list.
U Myo Win Nyunt, a director at the
Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, said
no applications to open hotels near
the sites have been received to date.
To get a permit for a hotel, the
main requirements are to have ap-
proval from the [Ministry of Culture]
and the hotel structure must meet the
quality standards of the Ministry of
Hotels and Tourism, he said.
U Naung Naung Han, secretary
general of the Union of Myanmar
Travel Association, said he welcomed
strict rules for tourism development
around the sites.
If there are no proper rules the
remains of these heritage sites can be
destroyed, he said. If people are al-
lowed to randomly open hotels and
inns, it can also damage the beauty of
these areas.
Development near but not too
close to the sites is essential and there
should also be height limits for hotels,
he said.
Currently the three sites receive
barely 1000 visitors a year, according
to the UMTA, but that number is likely
to increase in the future as awareness
grows about their signicance.
Some travel industry business-
people are still considering whether
to open a shop and some have started
with a small shop to dip their toe in
the water, he said.
HUMAN rights activist Andy Hall has
had a rough 18 months.
During that time, charges brought
against him in Thailand have followed
him across international borders and
might have cost him his job as a con-
sultant for the Ministry of Labour in
Nay Pyi Taw.
He is due to appear in a Bangkok
court on September 2 to face the accu-
sations: two counts of defamation and
one count of computer crimes.
The charges were led in response
to research Mr Hall contributed to
a report released in January 2013
detailing the often appalling work
conditions migrants face at several
fruit-processing factories owned by
the Natural Fruit Company Limited in
Thailand.
If convicted, Mr Hall could be
handed a US$10,000,000 ne and face
up to seven years in prison.
But in the process, Mr Halls case
has also become a cause clbre in the
world of international human rights
advocates.
Parliamentarians in the United
Kingdom and Europe have pressed
the issue on the oor of their respec-
tive legislatures, and more than 100
international labour and human
rights groups have released state-
ments denouncing the charges.
The International Transport Work-
ers Union called the case a national
and international disgrace, and the
US State Department specically cited
Mr Halls case as a reason for down-
grading Thailands status in its annual
anti-trafcking report.
In a wide-ranging interview with
The Myanmar Times, Mr Hall said
the charges and the ensuing backlash
have generated so much interest in his
work on migrants rights that he cant
help but be slightly pleased.
The case gives a real opportunity
to highlight clearly the issues I have
campaigned on for many years, he
said.
It has also helped him keep the
issues in perspective. As Mr Hall is
quick to point out, For any migrant
doing this, it would be very hard for
them to survive.
Mr Halls 2013 report, Cheap Has
a High Price, was written and pub-
lished by Finnwatch, a Helsinki-based
advocacy group focused on corporate
social responsibility. It was based on
extensive interviews with Myanmar
migrant workers employed in Thai
fruit-processing factories, many of
which were conducted by Mr Hall or
one of his associates in Thailand.
The report describes a wide vari-
ety of abuses that are common in the
world of undocumented, irregular mi-
grant workers.
The success and prosperity of
these labour intensive export sectors,
too often rests on the exploitation of
a mainly non-Thai migrant workforce
mostly vulnerable workers from
neighbouring Myanmar, the report
said.
Forced labour, human trafcking,
child labour, low wages and other seri-
ous violations continue to characterise
the operations of some pineapple and
tuna companies in Thailand, despite
growing national and international
criticism of such practices.
Sonja Vartiala, the executive direc-
tor of Finnwatch, said that before the
report was published, Natural Fruit
was contacted several times.
We would have wanted to discuss
our ndings with them. They never re-
plied, she said.
Internationally, the ndings of the
report garnered headlines across the
UK. The Guardian newspaper, acting
on a tip from Finnwatch, soon after
released their own report on the slave-
like conditions for migrants working
in the shing industry.
All of this, coupled with the fact
that the Thai government was, and
still is, in the middle of negotiations
with the EU for a bilateral trade
agreement, put migrant issues under
the spotlight.
Problems arise in Myanmar
Believing that the report was behind
him, Mr Hall set of for Nay Pyi Taw to
start a new position working with the
Ministry of Labour.
He had been hired to work on a
new initiative between the European
Union and the Myanmar government
to provide technical assistance in the
ministrys eforts to reform migrant
labour policies. He provided lectures
and trainings, and he organised trips
with the aim of building the capacity
of staf members at the ministry.
Through his lectures and train-
ings at the ministry, Mr Hall said he
spent signicant time at Ministry of
Labout, Employment and Social Secu-
rity (MOLES) enough time to meet
good friends and understand how
things really worked there.
But he said relations with members
of the senior staf were tense from the
beginning. There was a lot of suspi-
cion of me [and] suspicion about what
I was doing.
One staf member at the ministry,
who asked not to be named, told The
Myanmar Times that even before Mr
Halls arrival, members of the senior
staf were not happy about the pros-
pect of working with him.
The ofcial said news about Mr
Halls activism had preceded him,
particularly his past criticisms of the
MOLES. Older, ex-military ofcials
who now occupy top spots at the min-
istry also took issue with having to de-
fer to the 32-year-old newcomer.
As Mr Hall became a more regular
presence at the ministry, a clash of
personalities quickly emerged.
Mr Andy is very active. He wants
to work, and he wants to implement
what he has planned. Thats why he
pushed and then made pressure to
implement his agenda, the ministry
source said.
Some senior staf dont want pres-
sure. He was very straight. [Ofcials]
were turned of by his approach.
Mr Hall freely admits that his per-
sonality and working style were not
suited to the buttoned-up world of
Nay Pyi Taw.
I think for someone with my char-
acter, its very easy for me to push
what I want. Im not so patient, he
said.
While personality diferences were
a minor hindrance, a much larger is-
sue was what Mr Hall described as a
culture of entrenched corruption at
the ministry.
He said he witnessed staf mem-
bers giving informal payments and
gifts to senior ofcials in the hopes
that they could work in one of the
8 national verication centers in
Thailand.
The national verication centers,
established as part of an MOU be-
tween the two governments in 2009,
were located in Thailand and stafed
by members of the Ministry of Labor,
the Ministry of Foreign Afairs, and
the Ministry of Immigration.
As previously reported by The
Myanmar Times, these centres have
often been criticised by rights groups
for charging exorbitant fees to the mi-
grants, fees that often forces the work-
ers into crippling debt with brokers or
local organised crime.
According to Mr Hall, the amount
of under-the-table money it was pos-
sible for stafers to make at the centres
was an open secret at the Ministry of
Labor.
The ministry source echoed Mr
Halls comments.
During the time of [the national
verication] process, some brokers
and some directors and staf were in-
volved in some illegal activities, he
said.
The trials and tribulations
of a labour rights activist
Hounded in Thailand and persona non grata in Nay Pyi Taw, migrant-rights
campaigner Andy Hall reects on the past year
BILL
OTOOLE
botoole12@gmail.com
MORE ON NEWS 8
Andy Hall speaks to The Myanmar Times in Yangon. Photo: Yu Yu
Despite the corruption he witnessed,
Mr Hall was quick to emphasise that
not everyone at the ministry oper-
ated in such an unethical manner.
[There are] good, ethical and
hardworking ministry ofcials, he
said.
They were appalled and disgust-
ed that their fellow ofcials could
extort money from fellow country-
men. Everyone knew about this, but
no one could do anything about it.
Migration was a big money earner.
Natural Fruit les suit
In February 2013, Natural Fruit led
its rst lawsuit against Mr Hall, ac-
cusing him of defamation and com-
puter crimes, the latter charge based
on the fact that he used a computer
while conducting his defamatory
research.
A spokesperson for Natural Fruit
declined to comment on the case and
referred The Myanmar Times to the
companys lawyer, Somsak Toragsa.
Mr Somsak did not respond to re-
peated requests for comment.
Such lawsuits against human
rights advocates are fairly common
in Thailand.
Sadly, elite businessmen and pol-
iticians in Thailand have regularly
abused criminal defamation laws to
silence critics with threats of long,
expensive judicial proceedings and
possible jail terms, said Phil Robert-
son, deputy Asia director at Human
Rights Watch.
The diference here is that Andy
Hall is a prominent expatriate activ-
ist so his case becomes more imme-
diately newsworthy than your aver-
age Thai community activist or local
migrant worker organiser.
According to the Ministry of La-
bour staf member, once the lawsuit
was led, senior ofcials began com-
plaining about Mr Halls presence in
Nay Pyi Taw.
Senior ofcials from the ministry
said the Thai government hates Mr
Andy [and] working with Mr Andy
is not suitable Working together
with Mr Andy could upset the rela-
tionship between us and the Thai
Ministry of Labour, the ofcial said.
He added that many coworkers
believed that the lawsuit was being
used as a pretense by higher-ups
who didnt want Mr Hall to be there
in the rst place.
Despite an increasingly frosty
atmosphere at the MOLES, Mr Hall
continued with his work.
He organised a trip to Indonesia
for staf members to observe the
workings of the Indonesian Ministry
of Labour, and in May 2013 he ar-
ranged for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to
visit one of the national verication
centres.
In July Natural Fruit brought an
additional lawsuit against Mr Hall,
this one for criminal defamation for
an interview he did with Al Jazeera
concerning the Finnwatch report.
Mr Halls trial was delayed sev-
eral times, but he nally travelled to
Banga Police Station in Bangkok to
face the charges against him on Sep-
tember 28.
Mr Hall alleges that once he ar-
rived at the station, without a lawyer
or translator present, police attempt-
ed to make him sign a confession
written in Thai script. He refused
and later took to social media to de-
scribe the ordeal.
He led an ofcial misconduct
complaint against the police before
returning to Yangon one week later.
Upon his arrival in Myanmar, he was
informed that his job at the ministry
had been terminated.
Contradictory accounts
In a phone interview with The Myan-
mar Times, U Maung Maung Kyaw,
head of ofce at the Ministry of La-
bour, said Mr Hall had been involved
in only a few trainings and did very
little hands-on work with the staf
certainly not enough to understand
the ministrys inner workings.
As for Mr Halls dismissal from
his consultancy at the ministry, U
Maung Maung Kyaw said the deci-
sion was made by ofcials outside his
own department. He then abruptly
ended the interview by hanging up
the phone.
Despite repeated attempts, nei-
ther U Maung Maung Kyaw nor
other senior members at the minis-
try could be reached for comments
about Mr Halls allegations of cor-
ruption.
Colin Steinbach, a political ofcer
for the EU, said the program Mr Hall
was working under had ended as
planned.
Claudia Debesi, a Yangon-based
project manager with the Interna-
tional Management Group (IMG),
which helped implement the techni-
cal assistance scheme, said the pro-
grams focus had changed since the
hiring of Mr Hall.
Following a review of the over-
all program [of technical assis-
tance] being provided by IMG, the
priorities changed to conform with
the priorities of the EU delegation
and requests from the Myanmar gov-
ernment, she said.
However, Mr Hall and the minis-
try source both said it was originally
understood that his work in the min-
istry was meant to last for at least one
more year. He was already planning
another trip for stafers to visit the
Ministry of Labour in the Philippines.
Before that trip, they ended his
contract. I have no idea why, the of-
cial said.
Mr Hall said that he believed the
abrupt termination of his contract
was based on a combination of pres-
sure from the Thai government and
general animosity toward him in the
department.
For now, hes committed to ght-
ing the Natural Fruit lawsuits and
working as a private labour activist.
Its not going to go away. Its
about face. Its not about rationality
Theyre bringing attention to the
poor conditions in their own facto-
ries. Theyre bringing bad press to
the whole industry, he said.
Although he is pleased about
playing a role in focusing media at-
tention on the factories, he admitted
that the past 18 months have often
been exhausting.
Its a big weight on my shoulders
I cant concentrate on my work.
Its just wearing me down. I have to
waste time sorting out these things,
he said.
Nevertheless, his rsthand experi-
ences with the manner in which My-
anmar and Thai authorities attempt
to silence defenders of migrants has
made him even more determined to
pursue his work.
Some days you just feel like the
odds are against you so much, he
said, when you have people relying
on you to stand up for them.
When the migrants stand up
they get killed, he said. Theyre
thrown away.
CONTINUED FROM NEWS 7
PARLIAMENT could consider a pe-
tition by the National League for
Democracy (NLD) calling for an end
to the armys veto on amending the
constitution, the house speaker said
last week.
The campaign has garnered near-
ly 5 million signatures and has seen
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who is con-
stitutionally barred from becoming
president challenge the military to
support altering the charter, which
was drawn up under the previous
regime.
Because its related to the work-
ings of parliament, which listens to
the voice of the people, MPs can con-
sider the peoples voice, said Thura
U Shwe Mann.
He did not specify how parlia-
ment, dominated by army ofcials
and ruling party members, would
scrutinise the petition.
Thura U Shwe Mann added that
the petition would not afect the de-
liberations of a parliamentary com-
mittee set up to recommend changes
to the controversial constitution.
The committee, which is believed
to be against changing the provi-
sion that bars Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi from becoming president, will
make recommendations to parlia-
ment, which will then debate the
proposals.
She is trying to change key sec-
tions of Myanmars constitution
ahead of 2015 elections that are
widely expected to be won by the
NLD if they are free and fair.
The Nobel laureate has urged
soldiers to support the petition.
I would like you all to consider
whether getting more opportunities
than ordinary citizens is really fair,
she told a rally in Yangon in May,
earning a rebuke from the Union
Election Commission.
The NLD believes revising that
clause will open the way for further
changes to other constitutional
provisions, including the ring-
fenced proportion of soldiers in
parliament and the effective bar on
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi leading the
country.
To alter the constitution a major-
ity of more than 75 percent of parlia-
ment is required.
Thura U Shwe Mann made his
comments at a press conference fol-
lowing a weekend meeting with US
Secretary of State John Kerry on the
sidelines of Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) talks in Nay
Pyi Taw.
Mr Kerry said he praised ofcials
and the countrys President Thein
Sein on sweeping reforms that have
seen the removal of most Western
sanctions.
But he raised a number of con-
cerns including ethnic and religious
unrest, the arrests of journalists and
dissidents and the constitutional
amendment.
Next years elections would be a
benchmark for the world to meas-
ure Myanmars progress, Mr Kerry
said.
The president will be elected by
parliament after the polls. AFP
Parliament to scrutinise NLD
charter chage bid: speaker
Petition to amend section 436 of the 2008 constitution gathered nearly ve million signatures
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi addresses supporters at a rally in Pakokku last month.
Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
Sadly, elite
businessmen
and politicians
in Thailand have
regularly abused
criminal defamation
laws to silence
critics.
Phil Robertson
Human Rights Watch
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ONE month after a local charity in
Mandalay began teaching a group of
poor children by the side of a major
city street, authorities have stepped in
and promised them free schooling.
The children used to sell owers
in the street to pay for their school
fees until Flower Growers was set up
in front of Shwe Pyi Moe Cafe at the
south end of the citys moat.
Flower Growers had volunteers sell
childrens owers while around 80 of
the children received extra tutoring
from volunteer teachers at the make
-shift school in front of the cafe.
After discussing the childrens
plight with the charity, a regional min-
ister announced last week that they
would be relocated to No.16 Basic Edu-
cation High School (BEH 16) in Chan
Aye Thar San township for schooling.
Roadside teaching is not suitable
for childrens health and safety, Dr
Win Hlaing, the minister for Social Af-
fairs in Mandalay Region, said.
The co-founder of Flower Growers
said she was very happy with the gov-
ernments intervention. BEHS 16 has
water, electricity and electric fans. The
children can learn safely and peace-
fully there, Ma Ninsi said.
Youths, models and dancers had
been helping them selling their ow-
ers at trafc lights. The proceeds had
gone back to the students and organis-
ers said each child had been guaran-
teed at least K2500 per day.
One city ofcial hinted that
the sight of children being taught
on a major city street had proved
embarrassing.
It is not good to see that children
are learning their lessons on the pave-
ment. And it also makes it difcult for
pedestrians to walk on the pavement.
Moreover, it is in a place where tour-
ists usually pass by. So we worried that
it degrades our citys dignity, U Khin
Maung Htay, the secretary of Manda-
lay City Development Committee said.
Sithu Lwin, translation by Thiri Min
Htun
Charity school
prompts
officials to act
in Mandalay
BRAVING erce currents, sceptical
historians and, they believe, the
watchful eye of the spirit world, a
team of enthusiasts has embarked
on the latest attempt to salvage the
Dhammazedi Bell from the murky
waters of the Yangon River.
Since August 9 the 80-strong
team, including 10 divers from
Kawthoung township, has tried
to locate the bell, believed to lie
in deep silt at the conuence of
the Yangon and Bago Rivers and
Pazundaung Creek. Last week the
team announced that they had
found a 110-foot [33.5 metre] long
ship at the scene.
They are now trying to clear
away the silt from the sunken ves-
sel, said U Naing Min Aung, vice
chair of the Mon Literature and
Culture Association and a member
of the supporting committee for
the bell-raising operation.
We dont know how long this
could take, he said.
Thudhamma Mni Zawtadara U
San Lin, the leader of the salvage
team, has tried ve times before to
raise the massive bell.
The last time, a nat tapped my
shoulder and told me that the time
had not yet come to salvage it. I
felt the touch, but I saw no-one.
Now I think the time has come.
We dont use modern technol-
ogy. We will salvage the bell using
traditional Myanmar methods.
This entails seeking to develop my
powers of concentration. I have to
say this because I was asked, but
it would be better not to speak of
such things because the nats dont
like me to talk about it, he told
The Myanmar Times before leav-
ing for the project area.
Salvage team members obey
strict rules of conduct, including
vegetarianism. Monks, donors, a
tugboat crew, dredgers and a cook
make up the team. The divers work
one or two shifts a day, battling the
swift current.
Crowds of spectators have lined
the shore, and even come out in
a small motor sampan, from the
jetty behind Thaketa townships
Shukhinthar Bowling Centre, de-
spite the choppy waters, said U
Win Nyunt of Ayeyarwady Region,
who had come to watch.
It costs K3000-K5000 for a seat
on the sampan, but some other en-
terprising boat owners were charg-
ing K10,000. A post marks the spot
where the bell is thought to lie,
and the divers work around it.
The bell is said to have been
cast by King Dhammazedi be-
tween 1471 and 1492, and donated
to Shwedagon Pagoda in Octo-
ber, 1476. The copper bell weighs
around 270 tonnes, making it one
of the biggest bells in the world.
In 1608, however, the Portu-
guese mercenary Filipe de Brito e
Nicote, known as Nga Zinka, stole
the bell, according to local legend.
The Portuguese had established
a colony in Thanlyin and they
planned to melt down the bell and
use the bronze to make cannons.
However, the barge carrying it
sank near the conuence of Yan-
gon and Bago rivers.
But some historians have ques-
tioned whether the bell really ex-
ists or not.
U Myint Thu (Tampawady), a
presenter at a the seminar on the
Dhammazedi Bell held last No-
vember, said historical evidence
should be reconsidered in the
light of modern scientic research.
How was the weight calculated?
Is it true that the bell was taken by
Nga Zinka and lost in the river?
he asked.
Salvage team fnds ship, but
no Dhammazedi Bell
Workers keep watch aboard a boat that is searching for the Dhammazedi Bell on the Yangon river. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
SHWEGU THITSAR
khaingsabainyein@gmail.com
AUNG THURA
aungthura.smith@gmail.com
TRAVELLERS entering Myanmar by
land, sea and air are being monitored
for the deadly Ebola virus after the
World Health Organisation (WHO)
said last week that the scale of the out-
break was vastly underestimated.
So far Myanmar remains free of
the hemorrhagic disease which has
proved deadly in about half the cases
reported. The outbreak of Ebola vi-
rus disease in West Africa continues
to escalate, with 1975 cases and 1069
deaths reported from Guinea, Liberia,
Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, the WHO
said in a statement on August 14.
The Ministry of Health has placed
digital thermometers at Yangon inter-
national airport, as well as seaports
and 14 land border crossings, to scan
travellers who display signs of fever,
one of the main symptoms of Ebola.
But since Ebola victims do not pre-
sent any specic symptoms after being
infected, relying on the presence of
fever in travellers is a crude and inef-
cient way of trying to detect it.
Last week a woman with fever who
ew from Nigeria to Singapore gen-
erated a brief scare and was put into
isolation. She did not test positive for
Ebola.
If they discover high fever pa-
tients they will check their symptoms
and travel history and then those who
are suspected of [having] Ebola, they
will keep them in the hospitals special
room, Dr Kyaw Kan Kaung, the dep-
uty director of disease control at the
Ministry of Health said.
He told a news conference that a
10-member medical team is now sta-
tioned at Yangon international airport.
We have had a structure since
2009 with the bird-u virus so we have
experience of how to take preventative
measures for infections.
WHO stressed that the disease is
not airborne and so air travel does
not easily spread the virus. Instead it
is transmitted by direct contact with
the blood, body uids and tissues of
infected animals or people.
A doctor who works at Myanmars
national laboratory said that if a case
of Ebola is suspected it cannot be di-
agnosed there. Our laboratory cannot
prove the Ebola virus. If we send the
serum with the special training medi-
cal staf to India for the laboratory test
the result will come out within eight
hours, Dr Htay Htay Tin said.
RESIDENTS in a village in Kachin
State are being terrorised by an el-
ephant and say they are getting lim-
ited assistance from the government
in dealing with the raging animal that
has killed one person already.
The 17-year-old bull elephant, Jo-
seph, was originally hired to remove
timber in Banmaw township by U Han
Win Zaw. The elephant rst came to
the attention of villagers when it de-
stroyed a number of farmers elds in
the area last month.
The elephant escaped and made
its way to nearby Taw PinLone village,
where on July 14 it killed Daw Than Yi,
who was trying to protect her grand-
children from the animal.
She was protecting her two grand-
children. She drew the elephant to-
ward herself while her son saved the
children and she was killed, U Myo
Win, a member of Shan Society of
Northern Myanmar told The Myan-
mar Times.
U Myo Win said that Daw Than Yis
family was compensated with a pay-
ment of K7 million from U Haw Min
Zaw.
U Aung Kyaw Lwin, the village
administrator, said that he does not
have clearance to kill the animal. This
responsibility falls to the Forestry De-
partment, which has been reluctant to
do so, instead wanting to capture the
animal alive.
The Forestry Department said that
it had been attempting to catch the
elephant since earlier this month, but
had been unsuccessful.
I would encourage the elephant
owner and the mahout [elephant
trainer] to catch the elephant. Many
people are worried about this, we have
tried to catch him since August 10
again, said U Khaing Han Kyaw Linn,
a senior forestry ofcial.
But U Myo Win said that the ele-
phant had caused enough damage and
it was time for it to be put down.
The life of the humans or the life
of the elephant, which is more pre-
cious? he asked.
KHIN SU WAI
jasminekhin@gmail.com
Bull elephant on rampage
Travellers monitored for Ebola
SWISS Luxury Hotel Group Kempin-
skis rst Myanmar property will be
open for business in early November
in Nay Pyi Taw, targeting govern-
ment delegates, INGOs, diplomats
and holiday travellers, said Franck
Droin, general manager of the hotel.
Weve invested about US$45 mil-
lion in our rst property in Myan-
mar. We will pre-open in early Sep-
tember, and in November, the whole
property will be opened for servic-
es, said Mr Droin on August 12 in
Nay Pyi Taw.
The hotel occupies a 50-acre (21
hectare) site owned by Kanbawza
Group of companies and Jewellery
Lucky Company, who have also in-
vested about $50 million in the pro-
ject.
The 141-room hotel features a
swimming pool, tennis court, a ball-
room, ve conference rooms and
banquet rooms. Its most expensive
room, the $4000-a-night Royal Suite,
features bullet-proof glass windows.
According to the Ministry of Hotels
and Tourism, as of last December,
Myanmar has 923 licensed hotels and
about 34,834 rooms throughout the
country.
Kempinski Hotel Nay Pyi Taw
aims to open in November
ZAW WIN THAN
zawwinthan@gmail.com
SHWE YEE SAW MYINT
poepwintphyu2011@gmail.com
Health officials speak at a press briefing on Ebola on August 9 in Yangon. Photo: YuYu
An artists rendering of the Kempinski hotel lobby. Photo: Supplied
17
Age of a bull elephant that has killed
one person in Kachin State
HOW tting it would be if the latest
visit to Asia, including Myanmar, by
Americas top diplomat, US Secre-
tary of State John Kerry, on behalf
of Americas rst African-American
president, also helped push the region
to move beyond stereotypes. This
is critical if Asia is to move forward
toward greater peace and prosperity.
Whether in China, with its large
Uighur and Tibetan populations, or
Myanmar, with more than 135 of-
cially recognised ethnic groups, Asia
is facing growing protests and unrest
among minority communities who
feel poorly served by national govern-
ment policies and attitudes. Use of
ethnicity, race or religion to divide or
dene ones own citizens should have
no place in the Asia of today, whether
in giant India under newly elected
Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the
smallest Pacic island nation.
Each of Mr Kerrys scheduled
destinations as diverse as Myanmar,
Australia and the Solomon Islands
has had its share of race-based
controversy, religious antipathy or
identity-based politics. In Australia,
debate continues over the govern-
ments contentious policy of stop-
ping would-be asylum seekers at sea
and then housing some might say
detaining them at processing facili-
ties on the remote island of Nauru or
on Papua New Guinea. The Solomon
Islands remains plagued by tensions
stemming in part from polarised
Malaitan and Guadalcanal
identities.
And, of course, in Myanmar, inter-
national organisations still report that
in Rakhine State the persecution of
the Muslim minority, who call them-
selves the Rohingya a term and
identity unrecognised by the govern-
ment continues. Tensions remain
high also between the nominally
civilian and predominantly ethnic
Bamar government and the Shan,
Kachin, and Kayin peoples, among
others, who long for greater freedom
and autonomy.
Strikingly, Mr Kerry also is the rst
in a long while of what had tradition-
ally been the face and stereotype
of Americas top diplomat that of
a distinguished, white male states-
man. In the nearly two decades prior,
Americas secretaries of state had
included a white woman (Hillary
Clinton), two African-Americans
(Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell)
and a Jewish-American woman
(Madeleine Albright), dating back to
January 1997. One can only imagine
an ethnic Tibetan serving as Chinas
minister for foreign afairs or a Mus-
lim from Rakhine becoming Myan-
mars next top diplomat.
Whether speaking of religious mi-
norities being attacked in Myanmar,
or by ISIS in Iraq, Mr Kerry should
make clear that Americas values
remain clear. A rebalanced pivot to
Asia includes support for eforts not
just to drive business growth but
also to call out and end government
actions in Asia and the Pacic that
are dened by the dividing politics of
race, religion and ethnicity.
I am reminded of the deroga-
tory words coming from China this
February as US ambassador Gary
Locke, the rst Chinese-American to
serve as the top US envoy to China,
prepared to depart that country. At
that time, a major Chinese govern-
ment news service issued an opinion
piece, Farewell, Gary Locke, calling
the third-generation descendant of
Chinese immigrants a banana. In
essence the term means yellow on
the outside, white on the inside. (I
should know having served as the
fourth US ambassador of Chinese
heritage, and pressed for reforms at
the Asian Development Bank, I have
been called one too.)
That term is used by some Chinese
to describe Asians who identify too
closely with supposedly Western
values such as freedom of speech
and religion, and a Western concept
of human rights despite their
skin colour.
Apparently modelled after Mao
Zedongs 1949 piece, Farewell,
Leighton Stewart, which was written
to mark the departure of the last
US ambassador to the rival Nation-
alist Chinese government then in
Nanjing, the China News Service
commentary about Locke noted that
when a banana sits out for long,
its yellow peel will always rot, not
only revealing its white core but also
turning into the stomach-churning
colour of black.
Respect for culture and heritage,
it seems, was not enough for the
state-run Chinese News Service. With
such an attitude, however, it would be
understandable if some Tibetans, Ui-
ghurs or any of its other recognized
minorities or members of unrecog-
nized religions felt uncomfortable
and never fully Chinese citizens.
The sentiments voiced in the anti-
Locke editorial also do little to help
the tens of millions of ethnic Chinese
around the world who are proudly cit-
izens of Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya,
Brazil or elsewhere. To the contrary,
it may well reinforce suspicions and
a lack of trust of ethnic Chinese amid
Chinas rise.
It remains time for Asia to move
beyond a nationalism narrowly
dened by ethnicity, religion or any
of the many other ways to divide a
people and a continent. Should such
narrow nationalism continue, Asia
may well face a future that harks
back to the wars and divisions of the
last century and to the contending
kingdoms of the hit US television and
novel series Game of Thrones than
one of extended peace and prosperity.
Thats sad for all of us.
One lesson from Americas own
struggles with race and racism is that
sustained business and economic
growth should leverage every individ-
uals abilities to succeed and to fail
regardless of background, ethnicity,
race or religion. Thats clearly a battle
still being fought in America, and
certainly remains the case in many
parts of Asia, given recent headlines
from Myanmar and elsewhere.
Sectarianism has now joined what
I call the little BRIC bureaucracy,
regulation, interventionism and cor-
ruption that too often holds back
economic progress and development.
The US secretary of state can
help draw attention to this growing
constraint to growth in Asia and the
Pacic but so can every citizen.
Curtis S Chin, a former US Ambassador
to the Asia Development Bank under
Presidents Barack Obama and George W
Bush, is managing director of advisory
firm RiverPeak Group, LLC. Follow him on
Twitter at @CurtisSChin
Asias progress marred by identity politics
CURTIS
S CHIN
riverpeakgroup@gmail.com
President U Thein Sein is greeted by ASEAN officials in Nay Pyi Taw on August 9. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
Use of ethnicity, race or religion to divide or
dene ones own citizens should have no place
in the Asia of today, whether in giant India
under newly elected Prime Minister Narendra
Modi or the smallest Pacic island nation.
AUGUST 18 marks the third anniver-
sary of the peace process in Myanmar.
On this day three years ago, U
Thein Sein, the newly-elected presi-
dent of Myanmar, made a plea to
the countrys many ethnic armed
groups to enter peace talks with the
government.
Since then Myanmar has em-
barked on a road never before taken
to end the war that has plagued the
nation for more than six decades.
But it was a shaky start.
Even before the peace process be-
gan, erce ghting restarted with the
Kachin Independence Organization
(KIO) in the north after 17 years of
ceasere a bad omen for peace.
To complicate matters, the whole
world was watching how this drama
would unfold. Ethnic armed groups
that considered the new government
as a mere extension of military rule
looked at it with nothing but suspi-
cion and distrust. For them, U Thein
Seins unilateral ofer of an olive
branch was initially thought of as an-
other government ploy to deceive the
ethnic groups.
But the new government needed
to prove that it was genuinely reform-
minded. It was committed to peace.
The timing is ripe for peace and it
was now or never.
And for the new president every-
thing was a new start. Peace was at
the top of the reform agenda so he
wanted to start it afresh.
The new government of Myanmar,
mostly made up of former generals,
knew a lot about ceaseres but they
were unsure about how to start a
peace process that would address
ethnic grievances through politi-
cal negotiations. Nor were they sure
about using the old contacts who
helped secure many ceaseres under
the military regime.
Through new contacts and fresh
faces who did not have any prior
experience in the peace process, the
government sent out feelers to the
ethnic groups immediately after the
presidents historic overtures.
They were beautifully rewarded
when the then-Railway Minister U
Aung Min met several key ethnic
armed groups informally for three
days in October 2011 in the golden
triangle area of Thailand.
Finding peace was never going to
be an easy task but many ethnic
leaders thought that they could
now give peace a chance and that
they could trust and work with the
governments new peace emissary,
Minister U Aung Min, to an extent.
And contrary to their long-held suspi-
cions, they began to witness positive
changes in the country a key bonus
in making up their mind for peace.
Within a month of rst informal
talks, the Shan State Army-South, one
of the biggest armed groups, signed a
ceasere with the government in No-
vember 20111.
This was to be followed by a land-
mark ceasere deal with the Karen
National Union (KNU) in January
2012. The ceasere with the KNU an
organisation that had never entered
into ceasere arrangements with the
government marked a turning point
in the process, not to mention it giv-
ing rise to a certain sense of hope that
something real is possible.
Following these two important
armistices, the government gained
condence. It also realised that peace
could not be initiated on an ad hoc
basis and that a more formal and in-
stitutional process is needed.
The government rst established
two union-level peace committees,
namely, the Union Peace-Making
Central Committee which is headed
by the President himself and the Un-
ion Peace-Making Work Committee
led by the rst Vice-President. It also
consolidated two peace teams into
one and appointed Minister U Aung
Min as the government chief negotia-
tor to spearhead the peace process.
In late October 2012, the President
established a hybrid organisation
called the Myanmar Peace Center
(MPC) to help government negotia-
tors. The government invited exiled
practitioners, experts and academics
who have been involved in the peace
process since the beginning to come
back and work with the MPC.
Subsequently, another 12 cease-
res followed in 2012 and 2013. By
August 2013, a total of 14 out of 16
groups that the Government of My-
anmar had ofcially recognised had
signed ceaseres.
It was an incredible feat given
the deep-rooted distrust that existed
among the conict protagonists.
And peace dividends are many.
Due to ceaseres, civilians in some
conict areas for the rst time in our
conict history began to enjoy peace.
Considerable numbers of IDPs have
returned. Refugee outow to the bor-
der areas has all but stopped. Assis-
tance has been delivered. Roads have
been reopened. Many of the conict
areas that were once of-limits to ci-
vilians are no longer restricted.
Since peace returned to many
conict areas in 2011, the Ministry
of Immigration and Population has
been able to provide over 790,000
IDs cards to populations in Kachin,
Karen, Mon, Shan and Kayah States
that it had no access to before with
the help of ethnic armed groups that
have signed ceaseres with the gov-
ernment.
To strengthen ceaseres, a possi-
bility of a nationwide ceasere was
mentioned something the ethnic
armed groups have called for years
following the negotiations with the
KIO in May 2013.
Since then all stakeholders in
the peace process have relentless-
ly pursued a nationwide ceasere
agreement (NCA). The intent of the
NCA is two-fold: to end active mili-
tary engagement and strengthen all
ceaseres; and to commence a long-
desired political dialogue to nd po-
litical solutions to our problems.
Due to unwavering commitment
of the government and ethnic armed
groups involved in the peace process,
the NCA is nearing its completion.
And to not lose time and to prepare
for political dialogue to address eth-
nic grievances, all stakeholders have
initiated the political dialogue frame-
work process in parallel with the
NCA talks.
If all goes well, the long-awaited
political dialogue will duly arrive at
the beginning of 2015.
But for now all is not well despite
many breakthroughs.
The peace process has been
stymied by intractable problems.
Sadly, the hostilities with the KIO
and Taang National Liberation
Army (also known as the Palaung)
have continued. Distrust remains
the crux of the problem. Misunder-
standing and miscommunication
have also contributed to continuing
conicts.
Smuggling, narcotics and illegal
extraction of resources continue to
fuel war. So does the weapon ows
from across the borders. The major-
ity of refugees remain in Thailand
and IDPs, mostly those afected by
recent ghting in the north, remain
languishing in IDP camps.
One must bear in mind the suf-
fering of the populations in conict
areas and problems at hand in nd-
ing peace for Myanmar. And we have
a long and winding road ahead of us
on our path to peace.
OPINION
Threeyear
journey of the
peace process
The Union Peace-Making Work Committee and 66 political parties meet at the Myanmar Peace Center in Yangon,
August 11. Photo: Zarni Phyo
Distrust remains
the crux of the
problem. Mis-
understanding and
miscommunication
have also contributed.
AUNG
NAING OO
MORE ON NEWS 15
But I would also like to think posi-
tively because what President U
Thein Sein administration has
achieved in collaboration with the
ethnic armed groups are beyond my
wildest imagination. For me they are
nothing but positive.
Over a year ago, the KNU
Foreign Afairs Secretary Saw
Aung Win Shwe told me of his
conversations with Karen villagers.
They knew he would meet
government ofcials for talks and
told him to do anything in his power
to maintain the ceasere with the
government no matter what
happened even if the political
dialogue did not materialise because
they liked the status quo. There was
no more ghting in their area and
when the Myanmar army showed
up they went about their business
leaving Karen villagers alone
peacefully.
A simple expression of peace
such as the one above by ordinary
villagers is an encouragement to all
of us. Such expression compels all
protagonists to not only main-
tain current ceaseres but also to
strengthen them.
We have made enormous progress
in peace eforts over the past three
years. And no matter what happens
next in our peace process I thank
all those who have contributed to
the peace process primarily the
government and ethnic armed
groups. I just hope they continue to
provide us with hope and positive re-
sults in the years to come.
Aung Naing Oo is the asociate director
of Peace Dialogue Program at the
Myanmar Peace Center.
CONTINUED FROM NEWS 14
MYANMAR is set to shake up the
world of international bartenders
by elding not one but two prize-
winning competitors in the Asia
Pacic Cocktail Competition tak-
ing place this week in Singapore.
ASEAN champion bartender
Ko Kyaw Zin Htun, better known
as Kelvin, and Myanmars rst Bar-
tender Championship winner Ma
Pyone Thawdar Phone will com-
pete in the event on August 12 to
13, vice chair of the Myanmar Res-
taurant Association U Khin Aung
Htun said last week.
He said the two would have the
chance to meet with professional
bartenders from other countries,
improve their skills and do their
bit to promote tourism. Almost 20
countries will be represented at
the event, said trainer Ko Zaya.
Myanmar bartenders have low
international competition experi-
ence and they dont know some
cocktail ingredients. Being a good
bartender takes practice, which
could be a weak point for them,
said Ko Zaya, manager of Gusto
restaurant and bar.
He said Kelvin needed more
competition experience to bol-
ster his self-condence, while the
more assured Ma Pyone Thawdar
Phone, who is competing in the
classic cocktails event, could dem-
onstrate her air.
This will be my rst experi-
ence in an Asia competition, Ma
Pyone Thawdar Phone said. I
dont know if I will win, but Ill try
my best.
Kelvin said he expected to face
some very smart competitors. I
dont think I am a good bartender,
but I will try my best to win for our
country, he said.
The winner of the competi-
tion will receive a prize of S$500
(US$400), with the runners-up
receiving S$300 for second and
S$200 for third.
Yangon bartenders to
shake up competition
EI EI THU
MYIN KAY THI
AN Archaeology Department ofcial in
Mandalay has urged the public to stop
funding the repair of ancient pagodas
without the departments knowledge.
While many people are generously
giving donations to preserve and up-
grade the countrys cultural heritage
sites, reconstruction work must be car-
ried out by the department to ensure
that it respects the integrity of the orig-
inal style, said the ofcer, who asked
not to be named.
As a department, we repair only the
damaged pieces without making them
new. When ancient pagodas are dam-
aged and need to be repaired we dont
need to renovate the whole pagoda, he
said.
The plea from the archaeology de-
partment came after it conducted a
survey of historical buildings and an-
cient sites in Mandalay Region.
The survey lists 210 ancient build-
ings, 1745 pagodas, 431 brick pagodas,
54 caves, 892 ancient pagoda hills and
38 archaeological sites that are over-
seen by the Department of Archaeology
in Mandalay Region.
However, many historical sites are
not looked after by the department,
director U Zaw U Han said. In Aung
Myay Thar San township alone there
are 223 archaeological sites and 10 an-
cient monasteries, he said.
Translation by Khant Lin Oo
SI THU LWIN
Pagoda
repairs
need offcial
oversight
Ko Kyaw Zin Htun serves one of his signature cocktails. Photo: Zarni Phyo
P
HOE Thar is unwilling to
talk about his family but ea-
gerly speaks about an over-
pass in Yangon where many
street kids seek shelter.
The last two weeks it rained con-
tinuously. I felt thankful for the bridg-
es, but it was a bit windy and cold at
night to sleep, he says. We are okay
to sleep until the police shoo us away.
Fearing a visit from the authorities
he asks that the name of the bridge is
not publicised.
Phoe Thar, who once worked
in San Pya Fish Market but is now
unemployed, has many homeless
friends to share food and money
with, and he is always ready to help
the street kids when they need him.
He refers to this willingness to help
as solidarity.
Not all homeless people are
straight talkers, a few can weave nu-
merous soap opera themes into extra-
sentimental, tear-jerking episodes
that are difcult to ignore.
And sometimes facts are truly
stranger than ction.
Daw Than Sein is 82. She can
sometimes be found begging on Bo
Aung Kyaw Road, her task made more
difcult by the fact that her vision is
blurred. Passersby help her cross the
street when the need arises.
Daw Than Sein is from Dala but
wont return to the town. She refuses
to answer questions about her family
or her home, and people in the neigh-
bourhood where she begs cannot say
where she sleeps at night.
For me, it makes no diference
whether its raining or hot, she says.
There are many elderly people
like Daw Than Sein trying to keep
their bellies full. Most haunt ven-
ues downtown, especially outside
schools, ofces and markets. Some
have homes and families, and some
do not.
Another elderly woman, Daw Aye
Kyi, says, I dont want to win the
lottery. I just want to have a small
house for my son and myself. Will you
please help me with this?
She sometimes helps sell pigeon
feed at a stall near Sule Pagoda when-
ever the owner is sick or cant make
it to work.
The 52-year-old also has trouble
seeing clearly, and her son begs for
money near Sule Pagoda to feed his
mother. Some roadside vendors give
them small amounts of money, but
the K3000 or so they receive every
day can hardly be described as a regu-
lar income.
I feel this year is worse. It rained
almost every day, and it is hard to get
money. We catch cold and u, she
says.
Her son, who is 36, has a hernia
but cant aford the operation. Asked
what the problem is, he insists that he
is okay and quickly gets back to ask-
ing passersby for money.
Daw Aye Kyi and her son used to
live in Thaketa township, but they
have been homeless for seven years.
Fortunately, good neighbours helped
build them a shack in their backyard,
but life took another bad turn for
Daw Aye Kyi when her husband died
last year.
Elsewhere in the city, down at Pan-
sodan Jetty, children of various ages
are hanging around selling eggs and
betel quid. Others are picking up wa-
ter bottles to resell to the recycling
industry.
About two or three families also
shelter at the jetty; the place is messy
with utensils, blankets and hanging
clothes.
A teenage girl named Ma Kay Thi
Win lives with her three brothers
and mother at one wharf, where they
share space with three other families.
She says her father is dead and
her mother is a laundress who can
earn around K4000 or K5000 a day
barely enough, Kay Thi Win says, for
daily meals.
We have been homeless for one
year Mum said it is all because of
debt, she explains, adding that her
youngest brother insists that the fam-
ily sleep huddled together for warmth
during monsoon.
Ma Kay Thi Wins neighbour Daw
Tuu says her family cannot aford to
rent a room anywhere.
If we rent a shack on the outskirts
of the city, how can we get into town
for work? I feel no inferiority or shy-
ness about being homeless. I need to
feed my children, she says.
There are thousands more such
stories on the streets of Yangon.
Those homeless who do not have a
particular sleeping spot must nd a
place each night. They sleep on mats
stretched out in storefronts, on stair-
ways, at railway stations, or at pago-
das or monasteries.
But whenever VIPs visit the city,
the authorities drive them away.
U Tun Lin, a medical social of-
cer at Yangon General Hospital, says
migration to Yangon seems to be in-
creasing, and with that has come big-
ger problems with homelessness.
After Cyclone Nargis in May 2008,
many families in the Ayeyarwady Del-
ta ed to Yangon. Some have carved
out a life, but others are still strug-
gling, he says.
I notice the population in Yan-
gon is getting denser. There are more
down-and-outs. According to our de-
partmental records, the number of
homeless people with health prob-
lems has tripled in the past three
years.
People who are found sick, para-
lysed or injured in the street are usu-
ally brought to the hospital by indi-
viduals, police and non-government
organisations.
U Tun Lins research has revealed
two basic groups of homeless people
in Yangon: those who have no home
and no family members, and those
Down and out in Yangon
CHERRY
THEIN
t.cherry6@gmail.com
I dont want to win
the lottery. I just
want to have a small
house for my son
and myself.
Daw Than Sein
Homeless Yangon resident
A homeless man sleeps under a bridge in downtown Yangon. Photo: Zarni Phyo
A homeless family sits on a jetty near the Yangon River. Photo: Zarni Phyo
The citys homeless population struggles to hang on with limited resources and support, nding solidarity with friends and shelter on the urban fringes
TRADEMARK CAUTION NOTICE
COMPAGNIE GENERTALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS
MICHELIN, a company organized under the laws of France and
having its principal ofce at 12, cours Sablon, 63000 CLERMONT-
FERRAND, France is the owner and sole proprietor of the following
trade marks:-
MICHELIN
Myanmar Registration Number. 4/7781/2014
Used in respect of Wiper blades in International Class 12.
Any unauthorized use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent
intentions of the above marks will be dealt with according to law.
Tin Ohnmar Tun, Tin Tiri Aung & Te Law Chambers
Ph: 0973150632
Email:law_chambers@seasiren.com.mm
(For. Domnern Somgiat & Boonma,
Attorneys at Law, Tailand)
Dated. 18
th
August, 2014
TRADEMARK CAUTION NOTICE
JOST-Werke GmbH, a company organized under the laws of
Germany and having its principal ofce at Siemensstrasse 2, 63263
Neu-Isenburg, Germany is the owner and sole proprietor of the
following Trademark : -
Used in respect of :-
Ball bearing turntables and slewing rings for vehicle trailers and
special-purpose vehicles; ffh wheel couplings for vans, trailers,
semi-trailers, agricultural tractors, industrial tractors and industrial
vehicles; sliding devices for ffh-wheel couplings; lifing devices
for ffh wheels; central pivots, steering blocks for transmitting
steering forces from geared semi- trailers; drawbar couplings for
vans, trailers, semi-trailers, agricultural tractors, industrial tractors
and industrial vehicles and working machinery; components and
parts for the aforesaid coupling, in particular coupling bolts, ffh
wheel coupling pins, drawbar eyes and catch jaws; support devices
for use in the utility vehicle sector, in particular for semi-trailers and
specialized vehicles, support winches; supports for interchangeable
containers as parts of vehicles and containers, fastening fttings
for interchangeable containers as parts of vehicles and containers;
container seals being vehicle parts; rotating brackets for vehicles;
spare wheel holders; mechanical anti-thef devices for vehicles,
semi-trailers and interchangeable containers; (all the aforesaid
goods included in class 12) in class 12.
Any unauthorized use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent
intentions of the above mark will be dealt with according to law.
Tin Ohnmar Tun, Tin Tiri Aung & Te Law Chambers
Ph: 0973150632
Email:law_chambers@seasiren.com.mm
(For. Domnern Somgiat & Boonma,
Attorneys at Law, Tailand)
Dated. 18
th
August, 2014
who have family but who have been
abandoned by them.
Some of the homeless sufer from
problems with addiction. U Kyaw
Win, 66, once worked on a boat but
has lost years to alcoholism. One
day he was found lying in the street
and was admitted to Yangon General
Hospital.
He spent several days passing in
and out of consciousness, and when
he was awake he begged to be re-
leased. Then he started losing control
of many of his bodily functions. Doc-
tors have been unable to trace any of
his relatives, and he remains in the
hospital.
The hospital has become the last
resort for homeless people sufering
from severe health problems. When
entire families are homeless, the
relatives sometimes want to stay in
the hospital with their sick parent,
spouse or child.
In these cases, the hospital arrang-
es for the family to shelter in a nearby
monastery. But one the patient is re-
leased, the family must return to the
streets.
I always have a headache think-
ing about where I can send the home-
less or abandoned who have recov-
ered from illness, U Tun Lin says.
He sometimes manages to arrange
a place for them to stay at Thabarwa
Tayar Yeiktha Meditation Centre or
Seezaryeik Home for the Aged.
I feel bad about asking these plac-
es for help because they are full, but
what other place can I nd for these
people? Who is responsible for this
issue? The hospital can only provide
medical treatment, U Tun Lin says.
When contacted for this story the
Yangon City Development Committee
refused to comment on the issue or
answer questions about what they are
doing to solve the problem.
Unable to rely on the government,
homeless people have traditionally
turned to monasteries and the Bud-
dhist clergy for help. But with tour-
ist numbers rising, homeless people
have discovered authorities will no
longer allow them to spend the night
at the main pagodas.
Thabarwa Tayar Yeiktha is work-
ing to accommodate more people in
need. It can currently handle 2400
homeless, with plans afoot to ofer
more space on its 10-acre site.
Sayadaw U Uttama established the
centre in 2008 with the aim of teach-
ing meditation. But when some elder-
ly students were left there by relatives
who never returned to collect them,
he decided to change tack and turn it
into a centre for the homeless.
We accept old or young people
who are homeless or abandoned,
said the centres spokesperson, U
Tin Win Naing. Most are chronic
patients.
Down and out in Yangon
FEATURE
A homeless man sleeps under a bridge in downtown Yangon. Photo: Zarni Phyo
The citys homeless population struggles to hang on with limited resources and support, nding solidarity with friends and shelter on the urban fringes
AUTHORITIES have seized
US$7.3 million of drugs buried in
a forest in the so-called Golden
Triangle, police said on August
12, raising fears of a boom in the
narcotics trade in the notorious
border region.
A combined military and po-
lice operation in eastern Shan
State unearthed a massive stash
including blocks of heroin, raw
opium and nearly two million
methamphetamine pills.
Our government is seriously
concerned about the drugs situa-
tion, a senior police ofcer from
the anti-drug squad said on con-
dition of anonymity. Shan State
is part of the Golden Triangle,
a region scored with smuggling
routes that covers parts of Laos
and Myanmar as well as Thailand.
Myanmar has made several
large drug busts in the area this
year as it struggles to control a
surging drugs trade that is ood-
ing the region with heroin and
methamphetamine.
In July, authorities seized
heroin with a street value of
$2.3 million hidden in a car near
the Thai border in the town of
Tachileik in Shan State.
The United Nations Ofce on
Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says
10 percent of the worlds opium
is produced in Myanmar, making
it the second-largest producer of
the drug the base ingredient for
heroin after Afghanistan. AFP
Major drug
seizure in
Shan State
IN PICTURES
PHOTO: AFP
US Secretary of State John Kerry
urged Myanmar to continue down
a path of reforms over the week-
end, but said it was unrealistic to
expect overnight changes in a coun-
try undergoing such a sweeping
transition.
Mr Kerry arrived in Myanmar
on August 9 under increased pres-
sure from lawmakers in Washington
and human rights groups to raise
concerns about areas in which they
believe Myanmars transition has
faltered.
But Mr Kerry said following meet-
ings with President U Thein Sein and
other senior ofcials that Myanmars
leadership remains committed to its
reform plans.
Its impossible not to be im-
pressed by the steps that the govern-
ment has achieved, the road and the
journey that they are on to reform
and to transition, Mr Kerry said dur-
ing the ASEAN Foreign Ministers
Meeting.
But speaking to reporters at the
end of his visit on August 10, Mr
Kerry conceded that there are still
things that need to be done and that
the situation in Myanmar was not
hunky-dory.
His latter comments reect the
growing dissatisfaction in some quar-
ters as to the progress of Myanmars
reforms.
Prior to his visit, more than 70 US
lawmakers signed a letter to Mr Ker-
ry that warned press freedoms had
gone awry an apparent response
to the 10-year jail terms handed down
to four journalists and the chief exec-
utive from Unity journal last month.
The convictions under the 1923
State Secrets Act stem from stories
alleging the existence of a chemical
weapons factory in Magwe Region.
The government has denied that the
military factory produces chemical
weapons.
The letter, and other statements
issued by groups such as Human
Rights Watch, also voiced concerns
over other human rights issues,
particularly the humanitarian situa-
tion in Rakhine State and the restric-
tions on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi hold-
ing the ofce of president.
Some view Washingtons push to
reengage with Myanmar as rushed
and have criticised President Barack
Obama for touting the renewed rela-
tionship between the two nations as a
foreign policy win while a number of
problems still persist.
There is an impatience among
many in the US that the reform pro-
cess is taking so long and facing so
many delays and reversals, said Mur-
ray Hiebert, a senior fellow at the
Center for Strategic and International
Studies in Washington.
Some of the impatience may be a
bit unrealistic political transitions
like the one underway in Myanmar
are difcult, he said.
Mr Kerrys remarks largely ech-
oed those of U Thein Seins admin-
istration, which insists that it retain
control over the speed of the transi-
tion and has asked for patience from
the international community in light
of the obstacles it still faces.
We have had many successes,
said Minister of Information U Ye
Htut, who is also a spokesperson for
the Presidents Ofce.
While he said it was not fair to
expect a transformation from dec-
ades of military rule to be completed
in just three years he added, we cant
deny there are some challenges that
we are still facing. Additional re-
porting by Nyan Lynn Aung
Kerry plays down worry of stalled reforms
We cant deny there
are some challenges
that we are still
facing.
U Ye Htut
Minister of Information
TIM
MCLAUGHLIN
Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin (centre) stands with other ASEAN leaders
in Nay Pyi Taw on August 9. Photo: AFP
A NEW report on managing Myan-
mars extensive waterways will be
issued by the Integrated Water Re-
sources Management (IWRM) re-
search team in November with the
help of the Dutch government.
The IWRM team has gathered
around 50 specialists from the Neth-
erlands and Myanmar to examine
the countrys ageing water infra-
structure and introduce its civil en-
gineers to new water management
techniques.
The main purpose of our study
is to share our experience and
knowledge with the government
and ministries and to provide data
for the national water policy and
environmentally sustainable policies
for water resources projects in My-
anmar, said U Zaw Naing, an IWRM
team member.
It is then up to the government
to develop a national water re-
sources management plan and a na-
tional water resources committee,
he added.
An agreement between the two
countries, which was signed in May
2013, means Dutch experts will ad-
vise on hydropower generation,
more efcient irrigation methods
and improving the navigability of
rivers.
U Zaw Naing said that Myanmar
currently has neither the money nor
governance capabilities to tackle the
countrys extensive water manage-
ment problems on its own.
Report for water resources
planned for November
SHWE YEE SAW MYINT
poepwintphyu2011@gmail.com
A man walks with his bicycle along a ooded street in Bago township north
of Yangon on August 8. Heavy monsoon rains have caused ooding in the
area, forcing residents from their homes.
Views
MYANMAR is still in transition to
democracy, which experts dene as the
early stage of the relaxation of dictator-
ship.
The military and President U Thein
Seins government, including the op-
position and ethnic forces, acknowledge
that the country is still unsure of adopt-
ing the democratic system and has not
even come close to stepping through
the doorway to democracy. Everyone re-
alises that they have to deal with many
challenges.
The biggest challenge is the coun-
trys long-running civil war, which has
done a considerable amount to block
the path to approaching the doorway to
democracy.
Myanmar obtained independence
from the British on January 4, 1948, but
peace lasted only 83 days before civil
war was launched by armed attacks
from the Burma Communist Party.
On January 31, 1949, the ethnic Kayin
joined the fray, and by the 1960s nearly
all the ethnic groups had launched
armed rebellions against the
government.
To become a democracy, the country
needs to stop this internal conict and
maintain stability. Upon taking ofce,
President U Thein Sein proclaimed that
his government was sure of achieving
democracy. Unfortunately, the Kachin
Independence Organisation (KIO),
which for 17 years had honoured a
ceasere agreement with the govern-
ment, resumed ghting during U Thein
Seins term in ofce. The conict ex-
panded when the Ta-aung Palaung and
Kokant got involved, with the ghting
resulting in the displacement of nearly
100,000 people.
The government has now been fac-
ing internal armed conict for 60 years.
The second challenge to democracy
is the communal violence that started
in Rakhine State and later spread to
other areas of the country, including
Meikhtila, Bago, Yangon, Mandalay and
northern Shan State. Hundreds of peo-
ple have died and more than 100,000
have been made homeless as a result.
While concern about this conict
has been growing among the inter-
national community, the Ministry of
Home Afairs which is responsible for
dealing with the problem has turned
a blind eye. This creates considerable
uncertainty about Myanmars prospects
for forming a democracy.
Another roadblock to democracy
are the former army ofcers who are
attempting to restore the old status
quo of military domination over the
government. After the 2010 election
the Tatmataw was divided into three
groups. While younger ofcers have
continued with their military roles, oth-
ers have taken places in parliament and
still others are working to strengthen
the Union Solidarity and Development
Party.
If the 2012 by-elections are any
indication, these former military ofc-
ers will face heavy defeats in the 2015
election, provided they are free and fair.
Some of these potential losers are now
scrambling to institute an electoral sys-
tem based on proportional representa-
tion, which would be of benet to them.
But the opposition and ethnic groups
have bitterly opposed this move, creat-
ing a standof between the two sides.
The next hindrance to democracy
is the oppression of the media, which
is still in the early stages of freedom.
Nobody can deny that press freedom is
a necessity in a democratic country. The
government has relaxed censorship of
print media but retains strict control
over broadcast media.
When press freedom was granted,
journalists were allowed to criticise
parliament, the military and govern-
mental organisations. But now it seems
as if the government does not want to
accept such criticism, which they have
responded to by making threats and
taking legal action against journal-
ists. Four reporters and CEO of Unity
Journal were recently sentenced 10
years imprisonment, revealing the ugly
side of the governments relation to the
media.
The main people who are respon-
sible for dealing with these challenges
are the military and former military
ofcers, but the opposition and ethnic
groups also need to lend a hand. De-
mocracy will remain far away as long as
these obstacles are not removed.
Translation by Zar Zar Soe
The challenges of
being a democracy
SITHU AUNG
MYINT
THE National Democratic Alliance
(NDA) led by Prime Minister Modi
has sent out a clear message that
improving ties with the countries in
Indias neighbourhood is high on its
foreign policy agenda. Some of the
recent steps taken in the realm of
foreign policy are a clear illustration
of this point, like Modis decision to
invite South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) lead-
ers for his inauguration and his re-
cent visits to Bhutan and Nepal.
Outside the SAARC region, Myan-
mar is perhaps the most important
neighbour, since it is Indias conduit
to Southeast Asia. Engagement with
Myanmar has increased since the
1990s with the aim of improving ties
not just with the ASEAN region, but
also the countering Chinese inu-
ence in Myanmar.
Eforts at increasing connectivity
between Myanmar and India have
been rather slow, and Indias lacka-
daisical approach to some of these
projects is to blame.
While land connectivity will get a
much needed boost with the Imphal-
Mandalay bus, which looks likely to
commence by October, two other
projects still need to be completed.
The Kaladan Multi-Multi modal
project which will connect Kolkata
with Sittwe Port in Myanmar, and
will increase sea connectivity be-
tween the two countries. The second
is the India-Myanmar-Thailand tri-
lateral highway, which will provide
India access to Southeast Asia.
On the diplomacy front, Minister
of External Afairs Sushma Swarajs
visit to Myanmar for the recent
ASEAN meetings was important for
a number of reasons. It was the rst
high-level visit by a member of the
NDA Cabinet to the ASEAN region
and Myanmar.
But for India to give a clear mes-
sage that it takes ASEAN seriously
a decisive push is still needed espe-
cially in terms of economic relations
between India and ASEAN, as well
as greater connectivity between the
two regions.
While successive governments
have made eforts to improve ties
with ASEAN countries, the sen-
timent and intent has not been
matched by implementation on the
ground.
Myanmar itself is important for
India because greater trade between
both countries will not just ben-
et India-Myanmar ties but will also
help in the economic development
of the Northeast, one of the crucial
aims of the current government.
It is also important for India to
assist Myanmar with institution
building. While India has granted
assistance in a number of spheres
such as agriculture, IT and Eng-
lish teaching, it should also help
in the strengthening of democratic
institutions. This includes institu-
tions like the election commission
and judiciary in Myanmar. It is also
important for India to play a role in
preserving important heritage sites
in that country linked to India.
People of Indian origin settled in
Myanmar have long been neglected
by successive governments due to
the tensions between both coun-
tries. It is time that those wanting
to rekindle ties with India are given
an opportunity, and not neglected
because they are not economically
progressive or politically signicant.
The current government so far
has exhibited immense pragmatism
in its foreign policy, while carrying
on with the previous governments
policy of engaging with neighbour-
ing countries, it is also showing the
required urgency needed for resolv-
ing disputes, as well as cementing
economic ties.
However, it remains to be seen if
the new government can show the
same imagination vis--vis ASEAN,
as it has with regard to countries in
the SAARC region.
Tridivesh Singh Maini is a New Delhi
based policy analyst.
How India can better
engage Myanmar
TRIDIVESH SINGH MAINI
Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivers a speech from the Red Fort to mark
the countrys 68th Independence Day in New Delhi on August 15. Photo: AFP
It is time that
those wanting to
rekindle ties with
India are given an
opportunity.
Views
HERE we go again. Last week,
the Australian media published
a photo of a young Sydney boy,
whose jihadist father had taken to
the Middle East, holding up the
severed head of a Syrian soldier.
It elicited a cacophony
of protests. Commentators,
community leaders and politicians
across the board, including Prime
Minister Tony Abbott, called the
photo deplorable and sickening.
The reactions were predictable,
if a tad self-righteous, but the fact
remains that the presentation of
news today is far more graphically
unsettling than ever before.
In June, while having breakfast
in Hong Kong, I opened the South
China Morning Post to find a large
photograph of a man lying on the
ground in a Mong Kok side street.
He had been hit and killed by a
desk chair thrown from the roof of
the adjacent 10-storey building by
a mentally ill person. No attempt
had been made to cover his body
before the picture was taken.
Then, last month, relaxing over
coffee in my study, I was shocked
to see another large colour
photograph of a dead man on page
6 of the Bangkok Post.
A victim of the shooting-down
of MH17, he was lying, unmarked,
unbloodied and still in his
passenger seat, in a field of wheat
near Grabove in eastern Ukraine.
He looked composed, almost as
if his seat had accidentally toppled
backwards to the floor, and there
he lay, his arm resting across his
chest and his head arched back.
I am staring at this AFP news
agency photo now; it is one of the
most disturbing images I have
ever seen in my life. And now I
am going to cover it up while I
continue writing.
Sadly, these are increasingly
common sights. Not long ago, in
the International Herald Tribune,
there was a story about a video
of the beheading of two men
in Indonesias South Sumatra
Province.
The killings on the video, which
was shown to a parliamentary
human rights commission, were
reportedly carried out by security
forces hired to protect a palm oil
plantation.
The story immediately made
me think of two other incidents
involving photographs or videos of
tragic deaths and the question of
whether they should be published
or not.
The first occurred when I
was in Phnom Penh three years
ago and a young woman, Jessica
Thompson, a journalist on The
Cambodia Daily and a close friend
of a friend of mine, was found
dead of a drug overdose.
After work on Friday evening,
she had joined three colleagues,
Drew Foster, Clancy McGilligan
and Lucy Jordan, for some fun in
a residential villa the newspaper
rented; but on this occasion, she
under-estimated the power of the
drug they took.
Conflicting stories about her
resulting death quickly spread, but
there was an agreement among
local editors not to publicise it in
order to protect the reputation
of a fellow journalist (I am not
making this up).
So, aside from a few brief lines,
no account of Thompsons strange
demise, nor photos of her corpse,
were published in the English-
language Cambodian press, which
rarely hestitates to cover the
unusual circumstances of other
deaths.
I found this self-censorship
to be hypocritical and utterly
unprofessional - and said so, and
received a lot of stick for it.
Conversely, the second case,
which occurred a dozen years ago
and was far more grisly, was fully
covered in a proper professional
manner by the media.
It involved the infamous
incident, later to form the basis
for a movie, when Daniel Pearl, a
Wall Street Journal correspondent,
was kidnapped and decapitated by
terrorists in Karachi, Pakistan.
All of Americas print media
and television stations reported
the story in detail, because it was
of great public interest. They did
not hold back because it involved
a member of the profession.
The Boston Phoenix newspaper
even published a photograph of
Pearls severed head and some
sensitive readers chastised it for
doing so.
But the photograph appeared
with an editorial defending the
papers move and the provision of
a link on its website to a video of
Pearls execution.
The Phoenix publisher said his
decision to carry the picture came
from my gut, from my brain, from
my heart. He claimed it was no
different to other publications
running similar pictures in the
past.
He referred to photographs of
a dead American soldier being
dragged through the streets of
Mogadishu, to an alleged Viet
Cong man being shot in the head,
and to a babys corpse being
carried out of the bombed Federal
Building in Oklahoma City.
Of these earlier examples,
perhaps the most well-known, and
still the most shocking, is that of
the execution of a Viet Cong [VC]
suspect in Saigon.
It happened on February
1, 1968, just before Tet, the
Vietnamese Lunar New Year. At
that time, a VC offensive had split
the citys defences and reached
the gates of the United States
Embassy.
Eddie Adams, an Associated
Press photographer, went out with
a colleague to check on reports
of fighting in Saigons Chinatown
area of Cholon.
They encountered some soldiers
who had nabbed an alleged VC
infiltrator. The man, dressed in
boxers and a casual check shirt,
had his arms tied behind his back.
Lt.-Col Nguyen Loan, the police
chief of South Vietnam, suddenly
appeared, took out a pistol and
pointed it at the mans head.
I had no idea he would shoot,
said Adams. But Loan did shoot
and Adams clicked his camera. A
second later, the suspect slumped
to the ground, blood gushing from
his head.
The picture was a sensation.
It horrified people around the
world and galvanised the anti-war
movement.
No one argued that it should
not be published. In fact, it was
constantly reprinted and enlarged,
even appearing on placards across
the country.
Yet it shows a Vietnamese man
being callously murdered. A man
whose family, like that of Pearl
and the MH17 victim, would likely
recognise, and be distraught at,
the public image of their loved
ones violent demise.
Of course, he was seen as a
yellow Asian Communist, not a
white Jewish American. Pictures
of Pearls head would never appear
on placards across the US, nor
would Thompsons appear on anti-
drug placards in Cambodia.
The second photo mentioned
by the Phoenix editors was taken
on October 4, 1993, by Paul
Watson, working for Canadas Star
newspaper.
He was one the few journalists
still in Somalia when American
Marines, attempting to quell
Mogadishus feuding warlords, got
trapped in a skirmish after two
Black Hawk helicopters were shot
down.
The body of one American
soldier killed in the firefight was
later dragged around the streets
by Somali gunmen. Watson took
pictures of it.
The soldiers dusty, mutilated
corpse is naked except for his
military underpants. A local
woman is prodding the body
with her foot, another is poised
to whack it with a sheet of tin
roofing.
There was a massive outcry
when this picture was published.
For though the soldier was not
identified, he was an all-American
boy, not some skinny Vietnamese
peasant or casual Hong Kong
pedestrian.
The final picture recalled by
the Phoenix newspaper was shot
by Charles Porter, again of AP, on
April 19, 1995.
That was when American
terrorists blew up the Alfred
P. Murrah Federal Building
in Oklahoma City. Porters
photograph shows a firefighter
cradling the corpse of a bloody,
dirt-covered baby.
It tugs the heartstrings, but
unlike the Vietnam and Somalia
photos, it does not capture mans
inhumanity to man. The horror,
the horror, as Mr Kurtz puts
it, in Joseph Conrads Heart of
Darkness.
The picture of Pearls head
captures that horror. That is why
it was right to publish it. So, too,
does the gruesome beheading
video in Indonesia and last
months harrowing picture of the
MH17 victim lying in the wheat
field and last weeks shot of the
Australian boy clasping a severed
head.
So too, in a different way, does
the photograph of Thompsons
body in Phnom Penh illustrate the
horrors consequent upon wanton
drug use by misguided youth.
These pictures must be shown,
must allow us to heed and bear
witness to what has occurred,
because being aware is infinitely
better than being ignorant.
But lets be brutally honest and
admit that there is another reason.
We derive a vicarious, almost
obscene thrill from viewing such
photos. We want to see them
and we watch videos and buy
publications that carry them.
So please dont get shirty and
respond with a lot of thees, thous
and thems about good taste,
morality and the right to privacy.
Its hypocritical hogwash.
Unlike those duplicitous
Cambodian editors, their
counterparts at the Boston Phoenix
and the Bangkok Post and the
South China Morning Post, got
their picture and ran with it. Well
done.
Aside from cementing their
professional objectivity, they
enable us to confront the
horror even if it involves fellow
journalists.
That we must do, if we are to
keep it at bay. Otherwise, in the
end, it will consume us all.
What you should and shouldnt see
ROGER
MITTON
rogermitton@gmail.com
Being aware is
innitely better than
being ignorant.
Business
A woman cuts boards for the local market. Photo: Kaung Htet
THOUSANDS of tonnes of timber
will become available in Yangon and
Mandalay Region as the government
announced a large tender to process
and export the already felled logs.
The tender comes as Myanmar
instituted rules on April 1 banning
the export of unprocessed timber
in a bid to develop a local sawmill
industry.
International importers such as
the EU and US have been easing up
sanctions, but it is still difcult to re-
ceive the required timber certicates
to ship to the Western markets legal-
ly, said U Myo Lwin, central execu-
tive committee member of the Myan-
mar Timber Merchants Association.
I hope private sector exports will
go up this year, if we can overcome
the challenges, he said.
Myanmar exported about 3 mil-
lion tonnes of wood worth US$1 bil-
lion in the 201314 scal year, mostly
to China, Thailand and India. Ex-
ports have traditionally been domi-
nated by stateowned rms, though
illegal smallscale traders also play
a role.
However, ofcial exports have
plunged to $16 million so far this
scal year, after the government
banned raw timber exports on April
1. The large decline in gures is not
thought to represent an actual de-
cline in timber exports, but rather
means some exports are being con-
ducted informally due to not com-
plying with the raw timber export
ban.
U Myo Lwin said it will be dif-
cult to stop smuggling, which may
keep going despite the ban.
The impact might be that it is
hard to collect quality raw timber,
he said.
Stateowned but independent
corporation Myanma Timber Enter-
prise (MTE) announced it will be-
gin tenders on August 20 for 10,000
tonnes of felled logs currently locat-
ed in Yangon and Mandalay Regions.
Teak makes up about 500 tonnes of
the total tenders.
Some of the wood has been con-
scated from wouldbe exporters,
but most has been harvested by gov-
ernment rms.
Companies interested in process-
ing the wood for the domestic or
foreign markets have been invited to
take part in the tender.
MTE manager U Soe Ye said the
10,000 tonnes will be sold in difer-
ent sized blocks for diferent pur-
poses. However, all winners must
process the wood inside Myanmar in
keeping with the law.
Myanmar is making an efort to
build a domestic sawmill industry,
as tax rates have been reduced and
policy changes require local manu-
facturing, he said. The commercial
tax on teak, hardwood logs and frag-
ments applied on buying has been
halved to 25pc for 201415, from its
previous 50pc.
U Soe Ye also downplayed con-
cerns there are not enough enough
manufacturers to handle Myanmar
timber, adding there about 1500
timber manufacturers registered
with the Myanmar Timber Mer-
chants Association, and more still
unregistered.
Ministry of Commerce director U
Win Myint said preservation has not
always been a focus for the Myanmar
timber industry. Conicts in some
areas near the border with Thailand
have preserved forests.
Nobody dared to go there to cut
trees, he said. If not, theyd all be
gone already.
Several large rms including
Htoo Group, Myanmar Economic
Holdings Limited and IGE are li-
censed to cut timber, though other
rms proceed illegally.
Timber smuggling is thought to
be strongest on the borders to Thai-
land and China.
Timber tender to feed
domestic sawmills
SU PHYO WIN
suphyo1990@gmail.com
PROMINENT entrepreneur U
Tay Za may not sell his control-
ling stake in Asia Green Devel-
opment Bank (AGD) to investors
including U Ne Wins grandson
after all, he said on August 12.
Officials announced in July
that U Tay Za planned to sell 60
percent of the bank to investors
including U Kyaw Ne Win, the
grandson of the former head of
the junta government U Ne Win.
Its true I decided to sell 60pc
share, but later I reconsidered
according to the situation, he
said, on the sidelines of the 23
rd
annual meeting of the Union of
Myanmar Federation of Cham-
bers of Commerce and Industry
(UMFCCI) in Yangon.
Although a commitment is a
commitment, I am reconsidering.
U Tay Za did not elaborate on
why he was reconsidering the
sale.
He said he has submitted no-
tice to the Central Bank of Myan-
mar to sell a smaller 15pc stake,
though he has not yet received
payment.
My bank is an official bank
that can legally sell shares, he
said. When we decided to sell
shares, we submitted [informa-
tion regarding the sale] to the
Central Bank as stated in the
law.
However, some representa-
tives from the buyers side have
told local media that the agree-
ment is already inked.
Businessman U Aye Ne Win
said that the media may have
misunderstood U Tay Zas com-
ments, and the deal is going to
proceed.
We already agreed to every-
thing related to the [sale of ] the
bank, he said, according to the
Irrawaddy Myanmar-language
edition.
U Aye Ne Win, another grand-
son of former junta leader U Ne
Win, added China National Cor-
poration for Overseas Economic
Cooperation was expected to fi-
nance the deal.
U Tay Za and his associated
companies, include AGD, are cur-
rently blacklisted by the United
States. However, most restric-
tions against doing business with
AGD and three other prominent
banks were relaxed by a United
States general licence on Febru-
ary 22, 2013.
Sanctions have complicated
the banks business by making
it difficult to cooperate with for-
eign institutions, according to U
Tay Za.
While foreign banks are en-
tering [Myanmar], they dont
want to cooperate with my bank
because of the sanctions, he
said.
AGD is planning to list on the
Yangon Stock Exchange, which is
planned to start in October 2015.
It is one of two public companies,
along with Myanmar Agribusi-
ness Public Company, that have
declared intentions to list at the
stock exchange launch.
U Tay Za cools on
sale of Asia Green
Development bank
Although a
commitment is a
commitment, I am
reconsidering.
U Tay Za
AGD bank owner
AYE THIDAR
KYAW
ayethidarkyaw@gmail.com
THE Union of Myanmar Federation of
Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(UMFCCI) held its annual meeting last
week without the public opposition by
some of its members to nancial re-
sults that took place in 2013.
U Khin Hlaing, president of Zaw-
tika International company, last year
submitted seven pages of questions
focusing on the organisations nancial
report and also urged a closer look at
the rules and regulations of the organi-
sation during the open-door meeting.
He had pledged to do the same this
year, claiming he would hold a press
conference after the annual meeting to
reect his concerns. However, a chance
discussion with UMFCCI chair U Win
Aung led to subsequent meetings
where U Khin Hlaing said his concerns
were adequately addressed.
U Khin Hlaing said he met with U
Win Aung and the UMFCCIs chief au-
ditor, with all three going through the
organisations complete nancial data.
I am now satistied with the
nances, he said. I wont protest
against the results in the annual
meeting as [U Win Aung] cleared up
my concerns before the meeting.
However, U Khin Hlaing added that
he would like to see stronger rules and
regulations governing UMFCCI, and
pledged to keep up pressure on the
central executive members to hold to
its commitment to transparency.
I will be pushing UMFCCI to op-
erate as a fair and qualied business
organisation, he said.
U Win Aung could not be immedi-
ately reached for further comment.
UMFCCI was founded in 1919, and
claims to be Myanmars preeminent
private-sector business organsation,
with 28,639 members, of which 10,230
are considered active.
U Wing Aung did not address U
Khin Hlaings points during his speech
at the annual meeting, but said the
countrys and private sector develop-
ment is an ongoing process.
Human resource development
and generating new laws and [work-
ing with] old laws is part of UMFCCIs
ongoing activities, he said. UMFCCI
works not only for the sake of local
businesses, but also for foreign busi-
nesses entering into Myanmar. It serves
as a bridge of the booming economy
and more foreign investment.
Commerce minister U Win Myint
said at the annual meeting that Myan-
mar must work hard to develop a mar-
ket economy, improving the quality of
its exports as well as the quantity, while
importing goods at a sustainable level.
Trade statistics so far this year show
a widening gap, with imports increas-
ing at a quicker pace than exports.
U Win Myint said the ASEAN Eco-
nomic Community provides an op-
portunity to reach a market of 600
million people.
UMFCCI annual meeting tame compared to last year
SU PHYO WIN
suphyo1990@gmail.com
UMFCCI chair U Win Aung
(with blue ribbon) and other
entrepreneurs take in the
annual meeting. Photo: Yu Yu
25 BUSINESS EDITOR: Jeremy Mullins | jeremymullins7@gmail.com
THERE is no start date in sight for
the controversial South East Asia
Crude Oil Pipeline (SEAOP), although
construction work has been nearly
nished for almost a year.
Ofcials said the US$2 billion
SEAOP pipeline was 96 percent com-
plete in November 2013. However,
company and government ofcials
are now reluctant to commit to a
completion date for the project, and
have not announced a reason for the
delay.
It will take some time to start op-
eration of the pipeline, said a compa-
ny ofcial who requested anonymity
due to the subjects sensitivity. The
construction of the pipeline is still
on schedule and it could be launched
this year.
The SEAOP oil pipeline largely
twins an existing natural gas pipe-
line, SEAGP, on its route from an is-
land near Kyaukphyu SEZ in Rakhine
State through Myanmar to the Chi-
nese border.
The time for the pipeline to begin
operating depends on the shippers
side, the ofcial said. SEAOP is only
responsible for transporting crude oil
through the pipeline.
The rm has built 12 storage tanks
on an island near the pipelines head
for oil tankers from the Middle East
and Africa to ofoad oil, which would
then be sent via the pipeline to China.
The alternative is for the tankers to
continue traveling through the Ma-
lacca strait past Malaysia, Singapore
and Indonesia before heading north
to China.
The SEAOP project is majority
owned by South-East Asia Pipeline,
which has a 50.9pc share and is part
of state rm China National Petrole-
um Corporation, while MOGE holds
the rest.
SEAOP is the main operator of the
pipeline, though MOGE is indepen-
dently in charge of some areas such as
land compensation, said the ofcial.
Construction on the 793-kilome-
tre SEAOP project was supposed to
be nished by the end of 2013, ac-
cording to a prior agreement. How-
ever, both company and Myanmar
government ofcials have declined
to explain why operation of the pipe-
line has been delayed.
One senior ofcial from Myanma
Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) said
the project is nearly 100pc complete.
But the operation of the project
could be delayed due to other reasons
I am not sure about that, said the
ofcial, who declined to be named.
The project is complex, with 13
diferent sub-projects being handled
by the rm, all of which could be
nished by December 2015, said the
MOGE ofcial.
The China National Petroleum
Corporation began the project in
2008 to cut down on distance its
African and Middle Eastern oil im-
ports must travel. It has been slated
to ultimately cost over $2 billion and
was designed to transport 2 million
tonnes of crude oil each year.
Myanmars Ministry of Energy last
year revealed to parliament the pre-
vention and contingency measures it
has planned in case of a spill in the
Andaman Sea.
Myanmar has also announced
plans for a new oil renery in the
central part of the country fueled by
oil from the pipeline. The country
also stands to benet through MOGE,
which is to directly obtain a road
right fee of $13.81 million annually
from the project as well as a transit
fee of $1 per tonne over 30 years.
Car warehouse
planned to stop
port gridlock
BUSINESS 26
Blue plaques to mark
Yangons heritage
buildings
PROPERTY 34
Crude oil pipeline not yet pumping
AUNG
SHIN
koshumgtha@gmail.com
The construction of
the pipeline is still
on schedule and it
could be launched
this year.
MOGE ofcial
Pipeline workers gather gravel as a truck passes by hauling sections of pipe. Photo: Staff
Kyauk Phyu
Kunming
Shwe
Ann
Chauk
ref inery
Mandalay
Yangon
The SEAOP
pipelines
route through
Myanmar
Exchange Rates (August 15 close)
Currency Buying Selling
Euro
Malaysia Ringitt
Singapore Dollar
Thai Baht
US Dollar
K1286
K300
K780
K30
K968
K1304
K303
K782
K30
K970
26 Business THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014
THE newly opened Canadian embassy
in Yangon may not have the size of the
large US embassy on University Ave-
nue or the prominence of the Austral-
ian and United Kingdoms buildings
on Strand Road, but ofcials hope it
will help strengthen relations between
the two countries.
Foreign minister John Baird of-
cially opened the ofce in Centrepoint
Towers on Kyauktada townships Sule
Pagoda Road on August 8, saying Can-
ada aims to encourage economic de-
velopment and job creation as well as
support development initiatives like
childrens health in Myanmar.
Trade [between the two countries]
is low but there is tremendous oppor-
tunity, he said.
Mr Baird added that Canada has
been following Myanmars ongoing
reforms closely and looks to support
them, as well as promote further eco-
nomic development.
Canada previously maintained
some of the toughest international
sanctions against Myanmar with its
2007 Burma Regulations. Most sanc-
tions were removed on April 24, 2012,
including restrictions on investment
and trade, following the reforms of the
President U Thein Sein administration.
Myanmar and Canada have had
limited relations during the sanctions
period, but Mr Baird said the embassy
opening reects Canadas intentions to
increase engagement with Myanmar.
Canada has opened its embassy in
Yangon today as part of our desire to
play a more active role in continuing
Burmas transformation, he said.
Our engagement brings to bear di-
plomacy, trade and development, and
I look forward to seeing progress in
these areas.
Mr Baird who was making his sec-
ond trip to Myanmar as foreign minis-
ter said that Canada brings business
strengths in areas like nance, energy,
mining and agriculture.
Although there have historically
been relatively few Canadian invest-
ments in Myanmar, they have some-
times proven controversial. Canadian
rm Ivanhoe Mines Letpadaung cop-
per mine faced public opposition until
it divested the project in 2011 to a Chi-
nese weapons manufacturer.
Other past Canadian involvement
in Myanmar includes assistance in
areas like infrastructure projects and
social development.
Asked about the image of Canadian
mining in general, Mr Baird said that
Canadian mining rms usually con-
duct responsible operations.
We expect the mining sector to
continue to act responsibly according
to local laws, engage with communi-
ties, respect environmental standards
by and large I think they have a pret-
ty good record of that, he said.
Theyre not perfect; there have
been problems as there is in just about
every sector.
Mr Baird added that mining has
been a source of a lot of wealth gener-
ation in Canada, generating economic
development and assisting the coun-
try with providing quality healthcare
and education. Canadian mining rms
generally hire local workers rather
than bringing their own miners with
them, which increases the benet for
local communities, he said.
During the opening ceremony, Mr
Baird and Canadian ambassador Mark
McDowell took reporters on a tour of
the small but pleasant embassy, which
occupies about a third of the ninth
oor of Centrepoint Towers.
On the tour, Mr McDowell said de-
signing an embassy is always difcult,
but that the lunch room is a particular
success, ofering pleasant views facing
toward the Yangon river and provid-
ing a space for people to connect.
Canadian embassy comes to town
JEREMY MULLINS
jeremymullins7@gmail.com
Canada foreign minister John Baird (right) smiles to reporters from inside
Canadas new Yangon embassy. Photo: Zarni Phyo
A truck is offloaded at a Yangon port. Such scences are becoming common, and storing the imported vehicles is challenging. Photo: Kaung Htet
CARS are piling up at Yangon docks,
leading the Myanmar Automobile
Importer and Distributor Association
to spearhead negotiations to build a
dedicated warehouse for automobile
imports, said its chair U Soe Htun.
The proposed warehouse could be
located away from the port, holding
imported cars on bond until they are
cleared by customs ofcials to be dis-
tributed in Myanmar, he said.
This system is more convenient
for importers but it is not familiar to
Myanmar just yet, he said.
Under the current system, cars that
are imported but have not cleared cus-
toms can be parked at the port for up
to 60 days. The port authorities are
then free to auction the cars if they are
parked at the ports for over 60 days,
unless the owner les an appeal.
Coming September 1, though, the
customs department has said it will
declare all cars kept at the lots for over
60 days as ownerless and therefore to
be auctioned of, and will no longer ac-
cept appeals letters. The move comes
as an efort to free up space at the
crowded lots.
However, an ofcial from the My-
anmar Port Authority said the de-
tails of the rule change are still being
worked out, and the authority has no
concrete plans to take ownership over
imported cars, even if they are parked
for over 60 days.
At present we just collect a park-
ing fee based on the size of the car,
said the ofcial.
U Soe Htun said there are many
reasons that heaps of cars are parked
at Yangons ports.
He claimed larger sales centres
usually have lots of room on their lots
to hold cars, meaning they usually
hold cars at the ports for less time.
However, smaller importers do not
have showrooms and take advantage
of the low costs of holding cars at the
ports rather than paying high rates to
rent a lot in Yangon.
Some car dealers also say it is dif-
cult to remove cars from the ports,
claiming it can be slow getting the
necessary paperwork lled out.
The government should hire
enough staf and use discipline [to
speed up the process] at the ports,
said dealer U Aung Than Win.
It currently takes three or four
days to take out a car, he said. U Aung
Than Win added he welcomed the
idea of a dedicated auto warehouse to
help remove problems of cars piling
up at the port, and said that dealers
are also often part of the reason cars
are delayed at the port.
Auto warehouse to avert port pile-up
AYE
NYEIN
WIN
ayenyeinwin.mcm@gmail.com
LEADING agribusiness company
MAPCO has been offered a second
loan from Singapore-based United
Overseas Bank to develop a port
terminal and agribusiness plant
near the Thilawa special economic
zone.
MAPCO will receive a US$50
million loan in instalments for the
dedicated agricultural green ter-
minal and agribusiness plant if the
investment receives approval from
the Central Bank and Myanmar In-
vestment Commission.
The development is to be carried
out jointly with Japanese trading
firm Mitsui.
MAPCO managing director U
Ye Min Aung announced the loan
proposal to the companys annual
meeting on August 1.
MAPCO, founded in 2012 as a
public company, has already re-
ceived a $200 million loan from
UOB, repayable over eight years.
U Ye Min Aung told The Myan-
mar Times that annual interest rate
for the loan would be 4.5 percent
over its eight-year term, though the
final details are still being negoti-
ated. He added that MAPCO was
seeking permission from the Cen-
tral Bank of Myanmar and the MIC
to accept the loan.
MAPCO comprises six compa-
nies, including one registered in
Singapore.
Some industry observers have
cautioned that accepting a loan de-
nominated in dollars could entail
risks. Rice exporter U Myo Thura
Aye said, If the exchange rate shifts
against the kyat when the company
is repaying, it could lose out.
U Than Lwin, financial expert
and retired vice governor of the
Central Bank, told The Myanmar
Times the exchange-rate risk could
be higher in a country like Myan-
mar, whose currency had been sub-
ject to rapid fluctuations over a
short period of time.
MAPCO is also tipped to be one
of a handful of local companies list-
ing on the planned Yangon Stock
Exchange when it opens in October
2015. Asia Green Development Bank
has also declared its intention to
list, while a number of other compa-
nies have publically mulled joining.
Myanmar currently has over
100 public companies, with shares
available for trade over-the-coun-
ter, often at company headquar-
ters. However, it will be difficult for
many of these companies to meet
the disclosure levels required for
lisiting.
MAPCO to receive
large loan from
Singapore-based UOB
ZAW HTIKE
zawhtikemgm1981@gmail.com
If the exchange
rate shifts against
the kyat when the
company is repaying,
it could lose out.
U Myu Thura Aye
Rice exporter
This system is
more convenient
for importers but
it is not familiar to
Myanmar just yet.
U Soe Htun
Chair of auto importer association
MUSE is looking to Chinas eco-
nomic success for inspiration for its
K50 billion central business district
project, according to its member of
parliament.
The city in northern Shan State
on the border with China is already
home to about 70 percent of bor-
der trade volumes, which can be
further encouraged once the new
economic zone is complete, said U
Sai Boe Aung, Pyithu Hluttaw rep-
resentative for Muse township.
The project is a joint venture
between the state government and
a local developer New Star Light
Construction, and could ultimately
create up to 15,000 jobs, he said.
Implementation [of infrastruc-
ture improvements] may have been
slow over the past couple of years,
but residents are already enjoying
better transportation, he said.
I hope we can have growth that
parallels Chinas if we can establish
a jade market and trade centres in
the zone.
Work began on the 294-acre
(115-hectare) site near the Shweli
River last year with the aim of alle-
viating poverty in the remote rural
area and developing a trade centre
in the commercial hub of the My-
anmar-China border area. Other
goals included encouraging urban
development, and spillovers of at-
tracting international income from
the tourist sector and job creation
for local residents.
There are opportunities for about
1000 locals to work on building the
project, said U Ngwe Soe, project di-
rector from New Star Light.
The central business project is
divided into six diferent zones, with
three zones for business and three for
residential areas. The entire project
is slated for completion by the end of
2017, said U Ngwe Soe.
It entails the building of road
links between Kaung Muu Tone and
Homon wards of the town, as well
as improved access to Tawywat,
Bwehone, Kaungnaung, Myaut and
Zay wards.
The trade zones will include two
markets, a wholesale centre, a jade
market, a two-star hotel, an exhibition
hall, a condominium building, bank-
ing and ofce buildings, two neigh-
bourhood or cultural centres, restau-
rants, a police station, a rehouse, a
power station, a communications of-
ce and administration ofce, he said.
We are trying to complete zone
1 as soon as possible, so that the
jade market could open by the end
of next year, he added, saying K27.3
billion had already been spent on
the project.
Translation by Zar Zar Soe
Border business district looks
to mimic Chinese success
KYAY
MOHN
WIN
kyaymonewin@gmail.com
I hope we can
have growth that
parallels Chinas
if we can establish
a jade market and
trade centres.
U Sai Boe Aung
Pyithu Hluttaw member
Work is underway at the Muse central business district. Photo: Kyay Mohn Win
MORE than 2000 businesses have
not extended their licences for the
2014-15 fiscal year in Mandalay city,
according to local officials.
The Mandalay City Development
Committee has been sending for-
mal letters to reticent businesses
informing them of the necessity of
registering by a September dead-
line, said an official from MCDCs
Cleansing Department.
Some people havent extend-
ed their licences because theyve
stopped their businesses, while oth-
ers have shut down even after reg-
istering, the official said.
The Cleansing Department han-
dles light maintenance activities
but is also in charge of a number of
other areas of MCDCs activities, in-
cluding registering many business-
es that are not in the large markets.
About 18,000 businesses have
registered so far for the 2014-15 fis-
cal year in Mandalay. It requires
meeting specific criteria and paying
fees ranging between K30,000 and
K1 million, depending on the type
and size of business.
Licences are calculating accord-
ing to the financial year, which
ends in March, meaning a licence
made at any time in the year ex-
pires at the end of March. Licensing
must be completed annually.
Businesspeople need to know
about this, said Cleansing Depart-
ment official U Min Aung Phyo.
MCDC expects to generate rev-
enues of K1.6 billion (US$1.6 mil-
lion) this fiscal year from the busi-
ness licensing process.
Notices
coming to
businesses
dodging
licenses
MANDALAY
SITHU LWIN
Business 29 www.mmtimes.com
THREE members of a Chinese com-
mittee governing import standards will
visit Myanmar in September to start ne-
gotiating an agreement to legalise rice
exports, said ofcials from the Myan-
mar Rice Federation.
China has become the largest
importer of Myanmar rice in the
last two years. While the trade is
legal from Myanmars point of view,
it is illegal from Chinas perspec-
tive as there is no sanitary and phy-
tosanitary (SPS) agreement in place
governing health standards for the
trade.
The three officials are from
Chinas General Administration of
Quality Supervision, Inspection and
Quarantine, which is charged with
overseeing areas such as commod-
ity inspection, health quarantines
and food safety at the borders.
Moves to formalise the trade
have begun in earnest as the South
China Sea dispute heats up, fraying
ties between China and its tradi-
tional largest source of foreign rice
imports, Vietnam.
On July 14 a Chinese embassy of-
ficial visited the Myanmar Rice Fed-
eration to ask the organisation to
lobby for an agreement. However,
traders say China still periodically
cracks down on illegally imported
rice by seizing illicit shipments at
the border.
Myanmar Rice Federation joint
secretary U Soe Tun said as a first
step the Chinese committee aims to
sign a memorandum of understand-
ing with Myanmar officials to take
responsibility to test and guarantee
the quality of the rice it exports to
its northern neighbour.
The second step will be for My-
anmar and China to sign a govern-
ment to government agreement
officially opening the rice market
with a set of governing rules.
U Soe Tun, who attended a meet-
ing on August 12 on the issue, said
it will then be decided how much
rice Myanmar can legally export to
the worlds second-largest economy.
We will then try to ask for a
quota for rice exports to China, but
it will take some time to do that,
he said.
One hope from a quota system
is that China will reduce its import
taxes on a certain quantity of rice.
Taxes on imports while unevenly
applied currently sit at about 30
percent, according to traders.
However, even as Chinese of-
ficials make the push to legalise
the trade, their border officials are
still seizing illegal exports into the
country, said U Soe Tun.
Still, rice is not unique, and Chi-
nese officials also take action on
other goods and rice from other
countries, he said.
Chinese demand had increased
significantly since the end of June,
according to U Lu Maw Myint
Maung, one of Myanmars top rice
exporters.
However, Chinas tougher stand
against illegal imports means trade
has declined in August, from about
3500 tonnes a day at the start of the
month to no more than 500 tonnes
a day now, he said.
U Lu Maw Myint Maung added
the prices offered by Chinese trad-
ers have been somewhat higher
than those offered by other markets
in recent weeks, ranging between
US$485 and $501 a tonne for 5pc
broken rice.
Delegation to legalise
rice trade with China
ZAW
HTIKE
zawhtikemgm1981@gmail.com
IN BRIEF
Conference looks at geological
fundamentals for oil and gas
A group of American geologists and
Myanmar counterparts organised a
conference last week looking at the
fundamentals of the countrys geology
to assist with unlocking its potential for
oil and gas.
The American Association of Pe-
troleum Geologists and the Myanmar
Geosciences Society (MGS) organised
the conference, which was sponsored
by a number of leading oil companies
such as Petronas, Shell and Chevron.
MGS president U Soe Myint said it is
important to develop geological knowl-
edge to tap into a potential source
of prosperity. It is a very important
subject to be promoted for our nations
development, he said. But we need
more qualied geologists. Aung Shin
MOGE looks for consultants
A total of 10 international rms are
being considered to provide consul-
tancy services to Myanma Oil and Gas
Enterprise (MOGE) in the management
of the countrys key energy sector.
VDB-Loi (Myanmar), Jones Day
(USA), Berwin Leighton Paisner (UK),
SPD with Leap Energy (UK), Schlum-
berger Business Consulting (France),
Rajah and Tann (Singapore), Fichtner
Gmbh and CO. KG (Germany), EP
Legal (Vietnam), Elegen Energy Pty.
Oil and Gas Service (Australia) and
Roland Berger Strategy Consultants
(Germany) could now be selected to
advise MOGE in its legal and technical
assessments.
We are now talking to these rms
to nd out what they can do, said U
Than Min, a director with MOGE.
Aung Shin
Herman Miller launches local sales
American furniture brand Herman
Miller began distributing its products in
Myanmar six weeks ago, but ofcially
launched sales on August 7.
The company has partnered with
local distribution company Myanmar
Market Research and Development
(MMRD) to sell inside the country, and
will open a dedicated showroom at
MMRDs ofces.
Herman Miller mainly produces
chairs for ofce and residential use.
- Myat Nyein Aye
TAXI drivers say they are still con-
fused about the legality of operating
their cabs with out-of-region licence
plates inside Yangon.
Local ofcials will now only issue
business licences to Yangon-plated
vehicles, even though many taxi driv-
ers wish to ply their trade in the city
using cars with licence plates from
other parts of Myanmar.
Authorities in Yangon are not
allowing us to register our cars.
Theyre also not allowed to operate
in Yangon. So what can we do? said
taxi driver Ko Kyaw Min Oo.
Some taxi cab owners say they
bought their vehicles from sales cen-
tres, and were unaware they could
not drive in Yangon with licence
plates from other regions and states.
Ko Kyaw Min Oo said the sales
centre told him it did not matter the
car he purchased had licence plates
from outside Yangon. I completely
believed that my car could be used in
Yangon, he said.
An ofcial from Ywar Thar Gyi
ofces which is responsible for
issuing licences to Yangon busi-
nesses, including taxi cabs said
the move followed a February 14,
2014 announcement in state media
from Yangon Region Supervisory
Committee for Trafc Rules and
Enforcement limiting taxi licences.
Yet some taxi drivers say they are
still confused about the rules, while
others claim they had purchased
their cars in advance of the change
without knowing it was coming.
I bought the car with a legal li-
cence in October 2013, said driver U
Kyi Win. We only know about the
rule change through the government
newspaper notice. But we want to
know exactly what is happening
the related departments should an-
nounce the policy [more clearly].
While personal cars are free to
travel throughout Myanmar regard-
less as to what state or region their li-
cence shows, businesses such as taxis
that depend on vehicles are more
restricted, said Yangon Trafc Police
lieutenant U Win Lwin.
YCDC ofcials contacted by The
Myanmar Times said that nes
can range between K10,000 and
K500,000, and that the rules are
strictly enforced.
Nevertheless, taxi drivers say they
hope local government has a change
of heart. We heard the government
instituted the rules to deal with traf-
c jams and congestion in Yangon.
But the government could collect a
reasonable tax so we can continue
driving and not lose our cars, said
taxi driver Ko Naing Oo.
Confusion reigns
with taxi licences
AYE NYEIN WIN
ayenyeinwin.mcm@gmail.com
IN PICTURES
A counterfeit specialist with the Secret Service demonstrates
inspecting a counterfeit US$100 bill under a microscope at the Secret
Service headquarters in Washington, United States. The Federal
Reserve has begun supplying banks with a redesigned $100 note with
features aimed at thwarting counterfeiters, including a blue, three-
dimensional security ribbon. Photo: AFP
SYDNEY
JAKARTA
ENERGY subsidies are set to eat up a
huge chunk of the Indonesian budget
again next year, the president said on
August 15, highlighting the challenge
for incoming leader Joko Widodo to
reduce the crippling payouts.
At current rates, fuel and elec-
tricity subsidies are expected to cost
363.5 trillion rupiah (US$31.3 bil-
lion), up slightly from this year, ac-
cording to a draft budget for 2015
presented by President Susilo Bam-
bang Yudhoyono.
That is around 18 percent of the
budget, with fuel subsidies the main
drain on state cofers.
The subsidies are historically a
tense political issue in Indonesia,
where fuel price hikes to reduce the
payouts have been met with mas-
sive protests and caused divisions
between the coalition partners in
government.
But economists say cutting the
subsidies is vital, as they are a major
drain on the economy, taking money
away from other areas where it is
sorely needed.
They have also been criticised as
being poorly targeted, as they give the
rich as much of a discount on fuel as
the poor.
Mr Yudhoyono, who will step
down as president in October after
serving a maximum of two terms, has
made some limited cuts during his
tenure but has been criticised for not
going nearly far enough.
He called on the next government
to divert energy subsidies to the poor.
Moving forward, it is necessary
for the government and legislature
to understand this, he said, adding
they must take the steps and work
together to ensure our subsidies are
well targeted and that the amount
spent on subsidies is not excessive.
The last time the parliament ap-
proved a hike was in 2013, a move
that triggered protests around the
sprawling archipelago nation.
Mr Yudhoyono said the govern-
ment forecast growth of 5.6pc in 2015,
while ination was expected to ease
to 4.4pc and the rupiah would stabi-
lise at 11,900 to the dollar.
The government allocated around
$10 billion to the public works and
transport ministries to give the coun-
trys ageing infrastructure a facelift
and attract more investment.
The draft 2015 budget must be ap-
proved by parliament, and the nal
version may difer as Mr Yudhoyono
has invited presidentelect Widodo,
who won last months presidential
poll, to incorporate his programmes
into the draft budget.
Mr Widodo, known by his nick-
name Jokowi, will be inaugurated
in October after winning a close
election. AFP
President-elect Joko Widodo speaks to
journalists in Japan. Photo: AFP
President-elect
Widodo faces energy
subsidy challenges
HIGH levels of crime and violence
in Papua New Guinea are causing
substantial losses to 80 percent of
businesses, hampering the nations
economic development, the World
Bank said on August 15.
A new report, The Cost of Crime
and Violence to Businesses, said
security in particular represented
a large and growing expense in the
often lawless Pacic nation.
It said more than 80pc of the 135
companies surveyed said their deci-
sions were negatively inuenced by
the countrys law and order situ-
ation, with crime signicantly in-
creasing the cost of doing business.
Crime in Papua New Guinea
constrains businesses and threatens
to put the brakes on the economy,
said Carolyn Blacklock, who works
for an arm of the World Bank that
focuses on private sector develop-
ment in emerging markets.
Local rms not only struggle to
be competitive as they seek to man-
age crime, but they also pass on
these costs to consumers via higher
prices, less choice, and the absence
of new products and services.
This is bad not just for business,
but the economy as a whole.
Crime and lawlessness is rampant
in the poverty-stricken nation, al-
though the World Bank said ofcial
police data and government statis-
tics suggested it had stabilised over
the last decade. However, there were
signicant disparities across the
countrys regions.
Last year, PNG passed harsh new
laws reviving the death penalty to
tackle a wave of violent crime.
The study, the rst in PNG to
comprehensively assess the impact
of crime and violence on local en-
terprise, showed companies were
sufering direct losses averaging
US$33,000 per year from stolen
property and about $26,000 to petty
theft by employees.
Some 67pc of businesses said
crime was a major constraint on
their operations. This is a higher
rate than in El Salvador, Venezuela
and Democratic Republic of Congo.
It added that 84pc of the coun-
trys rms pay for security hard-
ware, such as installing specialised
gates and security alarms, while
hiring private security consumes on
average 5pc of rms annual operat-
ing costs.
The study concluded that the ex-
pense of avoiding criminal damage
limits firms ability to grow, deters
start-ups and imposes significant
long-term social costs on Papua
New Guinea.
AFP
Crime problems take
economic toll in PNG
Business 31 www.mmtimes.com
CHINAS big spenders are reining in
overt shows of wealth, shelving shop-
ping trips in Hong Kong and Macau
gambling sprees in the face of the Com-
munist Partys anticorruption and fru-
gality drive, analysts say.
President Xi Jinping has launched
a muchpublicised graft crackdown
since taking ofce last year with a se-
ries of high prole takedowns of party
ofcials sending shockwaves through
an elite who once did little to hide their
prosperity.
A related austerity drive ordering
an end to excessive giftgiving and ban-
quets within the state sector has also
meant ofcials are wary of popping too
many champagne corks.
Fearful of attracting any scrutiny
that might lead to a potentially career
ending probe, many of Chinas most
powerful are either tightening their
belts or being much more careful about
how they spend their money publicly,
analysts say.
That shift has been most keenly
felt in the Chinese elites nearest play-
grounds of Hong Kong and Macau. But
a ripple efect is beginning to have an
impact as far aeld as the luxury fash-
ion houses of Europe.
The corruption crackdown shows
no signs of slowing down. It has cre-
ated a lot of concern within the country
and as far as I can see a lot of high pro-
le individuals are much more cautious
about their overt spending, said Steve
Vickers, a risk consultant and former
head of the Royal Hong Kong Polices
Criminal Intelligence Bureau.
Recent key indicators of the luxu-
ry market in Hong Kong and Macau
have shown a noticeable downward
trend in areas where Chinas elite
play a key role.
Gambling revenues in Macau have
fallen for the second month in a row
while retail sales in Hong Kong, a city
that many locals complain has become
a giant shopping mall for wealthy
mainlanders, have been slipping since
the beginning of the year.
The dip in Macaus gambling rev-
enues the rst major drop since 2009
following the global economic crash
is particularly stark.
The territorys gambling watch-
dog, the Gaming Inspection and Co-
ordination Bureau, said casino income
dropped by 3.6 percent year on year in
July following a 3.7pc dip in June.
Analysts attribute the fall in part to
a dropof in socalled VIP junkets,
organised trips where Chinese high
rollers from the mainland blow huge
sums of cash on casino oors and in
private rooms.
We believe there is nothing on the
horizon to suggest that a VIP recovery
is imminent, Union Gaming Research
Macau analysts Grant Govertsen and
Felicity Chiang wrote in a brieng note
shortly after the gures were released.
To the contrary, the anticorrup-
tion crackdown in the PRC [Peoples
Republic of China] seems to be accel-
erating / expanding, which in our view
should result in continued, although
indirect, pressure on the VIP segment.
Analysts say Hong Kongs falling re-
tail sales have been afected by a num-
ber of causes, including the general
slowdown of the worlds secondlargest
economy, antimainlander sentiment
in the southern Chinese city and the
tendency of high spenders to splurge
further aeld where their shopping
sprees are less noticeable.
Sales of jewellery, watches and other
valuable gifts slumped 28.2 percent in
June according to ofcial government
data.
At this critical moment, you dont
want to lavishly spend a lot of money
and draw attention overseas even if
its your own money, David Ji, head of
research and consultancy for Greater
China at realtor Knight Frank, told AFP.
On the mainland itself, other key
indicators illustrate the more cautious
approach ofcials and big spenders
are taking.
The nascent but growing market
for private jets has slowed as business
tycoons opt for smaller or less ashy
models while demand for yachts has
also seen a hiccup.
John Watkins, CEO or ASC Wines,
one of the most prominent wine im-
porters to China, said sales of high end
bottles and vintages purchased by state
ofcials have dropped by 80 to 90 per-
cent.
The premium end of the imported
wine market has been afected starting
two years ago. The impact is still felt
today, he said.
But in Europe itself the spending
power of the luxury yuan is still going
strong, analysts say, partially because
Chinas elite believe they can set of
fewer alarm bells the further they are
from Beijing. AFP
Luxury buying hit by China graft campaign
HONG KONG
IN BRIEF
Bangladesh tackles power
shortfall with giant investment
Bangladesh has approved a US$4.6
billion project to build coal-red power
plants and a deep-sea port in the Bay
of Bengal with Japanese funding,
as it seeks to ease a chronic energy
shortfall.
Despite major investment in new
plants that has seen electricity produc-
tion double in the last seven years,
impoverished Bangladesh continues to
face major power shortages.
The National Economic Council on
August 12 approved the project, which
includes two 600-megawatt coal-red
power plants and a deep-sea port to
bring in coal.
In future, well construct two more
power plants and a LNG (liquied
natural gas) terminal here, Planning
Minister Mustofa Kamal said.
Head of large Chinese bank faces
corruption charges
The former head of one of Chinas larg-
est banks has been charged with cor-
ruption, authorities said on August 13.
Tao Liming, ex-president of the
Postal Savings Bank of China, is ac-
cused of crimes including bribe-taking
and embezzlement of public funds, the
Supreme Peoples Procuratorate (SPP)
said in a statement.
The state-owned Postal Savings
Bank, a spin-off from Chinas sprawl-
ing post ofce system, boasts the
countrys biggest network of banking
outlets. Mr Tao became head of the
bank in 2007 but came under investiga-
tion for graft in 2012. He was formally
arrested in December that year.
Eurozone economy comes to a halt
Growth in the 18-country eurozone
ground to a halt in the second quarter,
ofcial data showed August 14,
dragged down by France and Germany
and casting a cloud over the crisis-hit
region.
Stagnation in the single currency
bloc, already threatened by deation,
fell short of analysts forecast of 0.2
percent growth.
The gures will force governments
to cut growth estimates for the rest of
the year, putting budget decit targets
into jeopardy and clouding the outlook
for growth of the global economy. AFP
People on a moving walkway move past a large advertisement for a luxury watch
in Hong Kong. Photo: AFP
We believe there
is nothing on the
horizon to suggest
that a VIP recovery
is imminent.
Grant Govertsen
Macau gaming analyst
AS Myanmar starts leaping down the
path of economic development, many
around the world are getting excited.
Donor organisations are clambering
over each other, hoping to unleash
projects in what many see as the
last frontier; foreign governments
are extending hands of friendship,
hoping to foster greater relations and
encourage democratic eforts in a ge-
opolitically critical country, and busi-
nesses are snifng out a new fertile
territory, trying to expand their global
outreach in a country with a sizeable
population and potential consumer
base. Yet among this scramble, one
group that may be getting just as ex-
cited is seemingly being overlooked:
Myanmar citizens residing overseas.
Myanmar citizens have gone over-
seas for decades and for a multitude of
reasons. Some have gone to seek em-
ployment opportunities to raise their
standard of living, others to nd sanc-
tuary from political or economic strife,
and some to further their educational
horizons. The majority have gone to
Thailand and Malaysia, with diaspora
populations there numbering in the
millions. Tens of thousands reside in
other places like the United States,
United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia.
In Myanmar as elsewhere, how-
ever, such migrations can lead to a
brain drain, where educated or ex-
perienced professionals leave their
country of origin to ply their trade
abroad. This is not a new phenom-
enon, but its repercussions can be
keenly felt in the home country. De-
creased numbers of skilled profes-
sionals working domestically will lim-
it the extent to which a country can
be productive and innovate, which in
turn reduces the ability for that coun-
try to grow economically.
As Myanmar seeks greater inter-
national integration and continues to
play catch-up with the other boom-
ing economies in the region, it must
appease its insatiable demand for
skilled professionals. Such individu-
als bring certain talents and expertise
that could strengthen development
here, particularly in this nascent
transitional phase.
Additionally, and importantly,
they will already have an understand-
ing of the smorgasbord of cultural,
linguistic and societal norms in this
ethnically diverse country. Many
would have obtained high-quality
education and training, which they
can pass on to colleagues or students
and consequently the foundations for
future successes. Their insight into
Myanmar political economy can help
bridge the knowledge gap that inter-
national institutions, keen on invest-
ing in Myanmar, might experience.
Overseas Myanmar professionals can
help smooth the bumpy road of politi-
cal and economic transition and en-
courage foreigners to view Myanmar
as a viable investment opportunity.
The political leadership has made
small token gestures addressing
this, half-heartedly pleading citizens
abroad to return home. In 2011 Presi-
dent U Thein Sein extended an invi-
tation to the signicant diaspora to
return, recognising that their exper-
tise can help ease the awkward and
jarring transition processes. Aung
San Suu Kyi, leader of the opposi-
tion party, echoed these sentiments
in Singapore two years later when
she urged overseas Myanmar citizens
to help participate in their countrys
transformation.
These words do little to remove the
numerous obstacles that may dilute
the enthusiasm for overseas citizens to
return. Myanmar continues to dangle
at the wrong end of the World Banks
Doing Business rankings, scoring
poorly across all sectors; potential
returnees may prefer to stay in their
adopted countries knowing how dif-
cult it would be to start a business or
invest in the country. Furthermore, for
those whom it concerns, no formal or
legal declaration has been made from
the government ensuring their safety
from prosecution upon their return.
Given that many who live abroad are
political refugees, who ed the coun-
try to escape the political repression
and economic mismanagement, the
hesitation is both palpable and under-
standable.
Others would rather wait for
wages to catch up to Western levels
before they return, or may not nd
any demand for their job; a corporate
lawyer in the US may struggle to nd
a similar job in Myanmar without re-
training, and would doubtless have to
accept a signicant wage cut. On all
these measures, can we really blame
foreign-based Myanmar citizens for
hesitating to return?
Herein lies a somewhat circu-
lar problem: Many returnees would
rather return to Myanmar after con-
ditions improve, yet it is likely that
these conditions would improve more
quickly if returnees arrive sooner and
soothe the countrys growing pains.
Perhaps the most discernable way
to attract skilled Myanmar profession-
als back into the country would be for
the government to create an enabling
business environment. Easier said than
done, but what is critical and usually
under-appreciated here is the intent.
There are promising signs that the
intent is there, with certain policies
and changes whetting many appe-
tites. The opening-up of the coun-
trys economy in 2011 is one such
clear example of this. Steps are also
being taken to address the poor qual-
ity of business infrastructure. Recent
licenses given to foreign telecom-
munications companies Telenor and
Ooredoo will result in the sale of af-
fordable SIM cards, whilst Japanese
companies KDDI and Sumitomo Corp
will team up with Myanma Post and
Telecommunications to invest US$2
billion in telecommunications over
the next decade.
Signicant attention is being given
to improving the conditions of roads
and ports in a bid to boost trade ties,
with assistance from the neighbour-
ing economic powerhouse China. As
for education, universities with inter-
national partnerships are expanding
across the country and are ofering
higher quality courses, including
English language programs.
Such example measures serve
as a useful illustration of how poli-
cies geared towards promoting eco-
nomic growth also create a positive
externality in drawing talent into the
country. It would be facetious, how-
ever, to suggest that the return of
talented overseas citizens to Myan-
mar is the magic ingredient to solve
the countrys development problems.
Moreover, a exible business environ-
ment will not by any means result in
citizens overseas returning in their
droves. As well as improving the
business and economic environment,
more should also be done to address
political concerns. An amnesty of
sorts to political refugees would not
only attract ostracised profession-
als back into the country, but would
speak volumes about the intent and
maturity of the government to focus
on improving conditions here.
The conversation on how to at-
tract overseas citizens back into the
country often overlap with those on
how the country should develop in
general. The expertise that returnees
would bring is something that should
not be overlooked.
Alex Jaggard is the country
representative for Mekong Economics
in Myanmar. Mekong Economics is a
development consultancy organisations,
specialising in conducting policy
research and project evaluations across
the South East Asia region for donor
organisations including the World Bank,
ADB, bilateral donors and INGOs. Mr
Jaggard has consulted extensively
across Southeast Asia, covering a range
of topics including banking and finance,
energy and environmental issues,
trade policy, microfinance and impact
evaluations.
Development could
be helped by bringing
workers back home
ALEX
JAGGARD
alex.jaggard@mekongeconomics.com
OPINION
Job seekers get the low-down at a Singapore job fair held by recruitment firm
Myjobs.com.mm aimed at Myanmar people looking to return. Photo: Staff
TRADE MARK CAUTION
NOTICE is hereby given that Eaglerise Electric & Electronic
(China) Co., Ltd. a company organized under the laws of China and
having its principal offce at A3 Guicheng Science & Technology
Park, Jianping Road, Nanhai, Foshan, Guangdong, China 528200 is
the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:-
(Reg: No. IV/1512/2013)
in respect of:- Quantity indicators; electric facsimile machines;
automatic gauges, signaling lights; electro-dynamic apparatus for
the remote control of signals; loudspeakers; electric-measuring
voltage stabilizers; electric measuring devices; electric wires;
resistance materials; printed circuits; electric coils; variometers;
transformers [electricity]; transformers, slugs; light regulators;
electric switches; current rectifiers; lighting ballasts; stable
electrical supplies, current rectifying installations [electricity];
lightning arresters; electroplating apparatus; electric welding
apparatus; electric anti-theft devices; battery chargers; electric
door closers.
Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or
other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.
U Kyi Win Associates
for Eaglerise Electric & Electronic (China) Co., Ltd.
P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.
Phone: 372416 Dated: 18
th
August, 2014
TRADE MARK CAUTION
NOTICE is hereby given that PETREDEC SERVICES (AISA)
PTE LTD a company organized under the laws of Singapore
and having its principal offce at 8 Eu Tong Sen Street # 17-93,
The Central Offce 1, Singapore 059818 is the Owner and Sole
proprietor of the following trademarks:-
PETREDEC
(Reg: No. IV/7563/2014)
PETREGAZ
(Reg: No. IV/7565/2014)
(Reg: No. IV/7562/2014) (Reg: No. IV/7564/2014)
The above four trademarks are in respect of:- Fuel; gas (fuel);
oils; fuel gas cartridges; liquid fuels; liquefed natural gas; gas oil;
petroleum gas; solidfed gas fuel; crude oil; fuels derived from oil;
and gas fuels. Class: 04
Cylinders of metal for gas; gas containers made of metal; bottles
of metal for the storage of fuel; metal containers for the storage
of natural gas fuel; metallic fuel tanks; and metal containers for
oil. Class: 06
Export services (not being transport services); import services (not
being transport services); business management and administration
in the felds of oil and gas; retail services; advertising; and the
bringing together, for the beneft of others, of a variety of goods
(excluding the transport thereof), enabling customers to conveniently
view and purchase those goods from a distributor outlet, wholesale
outlet or retail outlet; wholesale services. Class: 35
Building construction; repair; installation services; fuel flling
of ships, hovercraft, aircraft and of land vehicles; provision of
fuel for vehicles; maintenance and repair of gas installations and
equipment; repair of gas supply systems; Class: 37
Transportation, collection and delivery of petroleum, gas, liquefed
natural gas, oils, coal, chemical products and of fuel tanks, all by land
and by sea; storage of petroleum, gas liquefed natural gas, oils, coal,
chemical products and of fuel tanks; transportation of oil and gas
by pipeline; chartering of vessels; freight brokerage; transportation
logistics; warehousing of goods; ship brokerage. Class: 39
Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks
or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.
for PETREDEC SERVICES (ASIA) PTE LTD
th
August, 2014
JOB WATCH
PROJECT MANAGER MANGROVE RESTORATION
Worldview International Foundation (registered with Ministry of Home Affairs as
an International NGO and MOU with Ministry of Environmental Conservation
and Forestry) has since 2012 been engaged in a research project on Mangrove
Restoration in cooperation with Pathein University and Myeik University.
The project is ready to implement mangrove parks combined with sustainable
development activities in coastal communities. We need a competent person
with leadership skills and experience in project implementation, with special
interest in Mangrove Restoration.
Interested person can send a cover letter and a CV as attached mail to
info@wif.org.lk by 25th August 2014.
Only selected person/s will be contacted.
UNOCHA MYANMAR
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
(UNOCHA/YGN/2014/016)
The United Nations Offce for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(UNOCHA) is seeking the applications from dynamic and highly motivated
Myanmar nationals for the following vacancy. Detailed terms of reference/
requirements for vacancy can be requested at the UNOCHA Offce. The position
below is Fixed Term Appointment for 1 year with possibility of extension.
Humanitarian Reports And Communications Offcer (Noa, 1 Position)
Duty Station: Yangon, Myanmar
Requirements
Masters University degree in Communication, Journalism, International
Studies, Public Relations, Social Science and other related felds.
Minimum 2 years of relevant experience at the national level in providing
communication packages to promote the activities of international
development organization.
Experience in the usage of computers and offce software packages (MS
Word, Excel, etc.)
Experience in handling of web-based management systems.
Ability to write clearly and concisely in English and local language(s). Strong
computer skills. Proven high-level representation skills, such as speaking
at meetings and providing situational analysis. Proven capacity to work
effectively in small teams.
Experience working in a complex settings that requires sound judgment, and
operational fexibility.
Previous experience in a similar capacity with humanitarian agencies, in
particular the UN, preferred.
Fluency in English and Myanmar language. Knowledge in any other local
languages will be an asset.
Candidates should clearly indicate the Vacancy Number and Post Title in their
applications, and should submit them together with complete duly filled
UN-P11 form, bio-data stating personal details, academic qualifcation and
work experience, copy of master degree certifcate, and a recent passport
sized photograph. Applications should be addressed to:
Admin and HR Unit, UNOCHA Myanmar
Room (211), No (5), Kanbawza Street, Shwe Taung Kyar (2) Ward,
Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar (In front of Pearl Condo)
Closing Date: Monday, 1 September 2014 (COB)
Only short-listed candidates will be notifed. Interviews will be competency
based.
Ruby Dragon Companies Hotels Group
A well-established New Hotels are looking for following Position who have
experience, energetic, competent, candidates to joint our New Hotels expansion
in Myanmar.
(jynfwGif;jrefrmusyfaiGjzifhom cefYxm;&ef)
(1) Resident Manager M (3) post
(2) Operation Manager M (3) post
(3) Front Offce Manager M/F (3) post
(4) Chief Accountant M/F (3) post
(5) F & B Manager M (3) post
(6) Chief Engineer M (3) post
(7) Engineer for Hotel Construction Site M/F (3) post
(8) Sales & Marketing Manager M/F (3) post
(9) Events Manager M/F (3) post
(10) Spa Manager F (4) post
(11) Reservation Supervisor M/F (2) post
Interested candidate shall submit an application letter, CV with recent photo,
copies of NRC and labour registration card. Educational Certifcate and other
testimonial to No.56(A)-1, Thiri Malar Street, 6 ward, 7miles, Pyay Road,Ma
YanGone Township, near Mercedes Benz Showroom. Tel: 95-1-664702, Fax:
665207) HR Department not later than 31st August, 2014. Only short-listed
candidates will be contacted for interview.
One of our worldwide power supply company
is looking for Executive Engineer position in
Yangon with following qualifications.
Job description:
10+ years experience as a power industry
engineer/executive
Currently employed by the leading service
providers /electricity authorities
Site managing/controlling experience
Full working relations with the relevant
electricity authorities
Fluent in Burmese and English
Should be v. well informed of market
developments in the Myanmar power
industry
Responsible for guiding strategy, obtaining
all relevant information to prepare
relevant market analysis and maintaining
close working relations with the relevant
authorities
For more information, please contact Executive
Search
01-222963/ 229406/ 09250795701
0943227771/ 0943206933
Email- esearch.myanmar@gmail.com
www.esearchmyanmar.com
No. 851/853 (A/B), 3rd Floor, Room (7/8), Bogyoke Aung San Road,
Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel: (951) 229 437, 09 49 227 773, 09 730 94007
Email: esearch@yangon.net.mm, esearch.myanmar@gmail.com
www.esearchmyanmar.com www.facebook.com/esearchmyanmar
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BUSINESS EDITOR: Jeremy Mullins | jeremymullins7@gmail.com
Property
YANGON City Hall is the rst building
to receive a blue plaque from Yangon
Heritage Trust (YHT) marking its his-
torical importance.
It is part of a campaign will see
about 100 plaques placed at historical
buildings and sites in the city as part
of an efort to spread knowledge of the
citys history, said U Thant Myint-U,
founder and chair of YHT.
The dual Myanmar and English
language plaques will mark historic
locations, and include information
about the buildings and location
themselves as well as the people who
lived and worked there.
Some people dont know the exact
background of these buildings, so the
blue plaques will give historical back-
ground and other information, said U
Thant Myint-U.
In addition to marking buildings,
plaques will also note historically im-
portant locations, such as Bo Aung
Kyaw Road, where student leader Bo
Aung Kyaw was killed in a December
1938 strike during the colonial era.
Yangon boasts one of the wid-
est arrays of historical buildings in
Southeast Asia. U Thant Myint-U said
the plaques will impart knowledge to
locals and foreigners alike about the
citys unique history.
The project is supported with
about US$75,000 from Dutch rm
Philips, which will fund about 200
total plaques. YHTs present plan is
to put up 100 blue plaques within the
next two or three years, including 20
or 30 plaques on buildings that are
over 100 years old.
YHT director Daw Moe Moe
Lwin said it takes some time for the
plaques to arrive, as they are being
imported from Australia.
It will also take some time to de-
cide which buildings and locations
are to receive the 200 plaques, said U
Thant Myint-U.
In a separate program, YHT has be-
gun a project looking at the citys his-
torical buildings with the aim of devel-
oping preservation best practices, said
YHT program manager U Kyan Dyne
Aung.
It has begun three studies of Bok-
galay Zay street in Seikkan township,
26
th
Street and Latha Street, looking
at the buildings themselves as well as
everyday life in the neighbourshoods.
The three locations were chosen
as they are home to a large number of
historical buildings.
Though we want to do this type
of survey for the whole city, we cant,
said U Kyan Dyne Aung. We have
budgetary and time limits.
There there are a few separate
parts to the studies. Examinations of
the physical buildings were completed
in April, and the next step will be to
survey the economic livelihood and
everyday interactions of people living
and doing business in the area of the
historical buildings.
We will ask questions to under-
stand what peoples businesses are,
how they earn money, where they buy
goods, as well as what their opinion is
on urban heritage and how their busi-
nesses afect heritage buildings. We
will ask all kinds of people, including
vendors and shopkeepers, he said.
What we want to do is study how
we can maintain heritage buildings in
their environments, he said.
The project is being run jointly
with the European Union, and will
collaborate with Yangon City Develop-
ment Committee and Myanmar Egress
non-prot organisation.
Organisers hope the survey will
boost the management and technical
expertise of YCDC in urban planning,
generate public cooperation in urban
planning and also raise awareness of
the importance of preserving heritage
as a part of urban planning.
Studies into possible legislation
will follow the current surveys of the
buildings and people who live and
work nearby, he said.
We need to study how developed
countries work to maintain their herit-
age buildings rst, he said. And then
we can propose corresponding laws
for our country.
Blue plaques to mark Yangons heritage
NOE NOE AUNG MYAT NYEIN AYE
U Thant Myint-U (right) unveils the first blue plaque at Yangon City Hall. Photo: Naing Win Tun
CHINA published a draft of long
awaited property registration rules,
a move expected to stabilise the
realestate market and help crack
down on corruption.
Real estate taxes based on a na-
tional registration system of prop-
erty ownership are regarded as an
effective way to curb speculation,
as the government seeks to rein in
years of surging house prices a
source of resentment for ordinary
Chinese.
The system is also expected to
act as an anticorruption tool by
preventing officials from hiding
their assets.
Ideas about the scheme emerged
in 2007 when a landmark property
law took effect but the specific rules
have been long in the making and
their announcement was delayed
due to their sensitivity and their
complexity, Chinese media previ-
ously reported.
Chinas Legislative Affairs Office,
a department within the countrys
cabinet or State Council, published
the draft regulations on August 15,
stating that a national property reg-
istration system will be established.
Relevant information such as
the location, area and origin of own-
ership will be shared among gov-
ernment departments including po-
lice, taxation and audit authorities
in real time, according to the draft
regulations.
State authorities may look up
and photocopy property registra-
tion documents relevant to their
investigation according to the law,
they said.
Properties including land, hous-
es and forests are all subject to the
registration, they added.
Public opinion on the draft is
to be solicited until September 15,
according to the Legislative Affairs
Office.
Public outrage is intense over
high home prices in a real estate
market that critics say is rife with
abuse by corrupt government of-
ficials, some of whom have sought
to hide wealth by illegally amassing
dozens of homes while using false
identities.
In one highprole case last year,
Gong Aiai, vice president of a bank
in the northern province of Shaanxi
and a delegate to the local legisla-
ture, was sentenced to three years
in prison after she was found to
have purchased more than 40 prop-
erties under multiple identities.
China has embarked on a high-
profile recent anti-corruption drive.
AFP
China releases property rules
BEIJING
What we want to do
is study how we can
maintain heritage
buildings in their
environments.
U Kyaw Dyne Aung
Yangon Heritage Trust ofcial
A LONGRUNNING battle over the
future of French holidayresort group
Club Med took a twist on August 14
with the withdrawal of French and Chi-
nese bidders.
Ardian, a French investment rm,
and Chinese conglomerate Fosun had
made an ofer of 17.5 euros (US$23.4)
per share valuing Club Med at nearly
600 million euros ($802 million).
They made the bid via a company
called Gallion Invest which announced
on August 14 that it was pulling out, al-
though people close to the matter said
that Fosun might still have its eye on
Club Mediterranee. This came the day
after the French stock market authority
AMP had authorised a rival and high-
er bid at 21.0 euros per share by Ital-
ian businessman Andrea Bonomi who
owns 10.56percent of Club Med stock.
That valued Club Med at 790 million
euros. Ardian owns 8.3 percent of Club
Med, and Fosun 10pc.
French stock brokers Gilbert Du-
pont said that the ofer by Bonomi
now has every chance of succeeding.
The decision by Ardian and Fosun
to drop their bid reduces any chances
that bid terms may be increased, and
the price of shares in Club Mediterra-
nee was showing a fall of 1.07pc to 21.22
euros in morning trading in Paris.
The Club Med board has been
obliged reluctantly to consider the
Bonomi ofer. The ArdianFosun bid,
launched in May 2013, had won initial
support from the Club Med board, with
chief executive Henri Giscard dEstaing
arguing that it would leave the compa-
ny under French majority control.
The matter became embroiled in liti-
gation but the Club Med board ended
up recommending the deal. AFP
French, Chinese pull
back on Club Med bids
Yangon City Hall.
35
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Nobody dared to go there to cut trees.
If not, theyd all be gone already.
Ministry of Commerce official U Win Myint on why forests persist in Myanmars conflict zones
The Pope makes a daring
trip to visit Asia
WORLD 43
HOUSE OF THE WEEK
Lots of good
reasons to live
downtown
Living downtown has its perks. For one thing, it is a joy to
be able to walk to places instead of being stuck in a taxi or
on a bus. There is a lot happening downtown as well, with
new restaurants and galleries and other diversions opening
all the time.
Pansodan Street has emerged as a Yangon hub for things
to do and places to be. This weeks apartment is in the thick of
it all at the corner of Pansodan and Anawratha streets. If you
work nearby, as House of the Week does, it is a particularly
convenient place to be. However, things get noisy nearby, and
the location may not be for you if your bag is peace and quiet.
The apartment itself is on the fth oor of Pansodan
Business Tower. It is 1200 square feet, with only one bed-
room, as well as a living room, dining room, kitchen and two
bathrooms. There is enough space to transform part of it into
a small ofce.
It also brings to mind the late, great comedian Mitch Hed-
bergs joke about repurposed bedrooms. I just bought a two-
bedroom house, but I think I get to decide how many bedrooms
there are, dont you?, he said. This bedroom has an oven in it!
This bedrooms got a lot of people sitting around watching TV.
This bedrooms over in that guys house! Sir, you have one of
my bedrooms, are you aware? Dont decorate it!
While House of the Week does not encourage dwellers in
this apartment to claim someone elses property as their own,
the point still stands that a lot can be done with such a nice
unit as this weeks apartment in Pansodan Business Tower. Its
also got a free car parking space. Tin Yadanar Htun
Location : Pansodan Business Tower,
corner of Anawrahta and
Pansodan Road,
Kyauktada township.
Price : $3000 per month
(negotiable)
Contact : Estate Myanmar
Real Estate Agency
Phone : 09-43118787, 09-43031699
WHEN a private sports club in an
upmarket Dhaka neighbourhood
grabbed a childrens park for devel-
opment this year, it sparked a wave of
enraged protests rarely seen in impov-
erished Bangladesh.
Hundreds of parents, former na-
tional sports stars and environmental
activists staged sitins for days, de-
manding the club hand back the park
a green oasis for residents in one of
the worlds most densely populated
and polluted cities.
This is the lone ground for the
areas kids. Yet the club grabbed it as
if it was private property, said for-
mer Bangladesh cricket captain Gazi
Asharf Lipu, who joined the protests.
The protests, which made front
page news in Bangladesh, underlined
the plight of Dhakas millions of chil-
dren, many of whom grow up without
ever setting foot in a park.
The protests also highlighted
the frustration of the citys ordinary
residents whose precious patches of
green space are routinely and illegally
snatched by property developers, clubs
and political parties for huge prots.
Its a theft of public property. Yet,
we are simply incapable of stopping
these inuential people, said Lipu,
who led the Bangladesh team from
19851990.
In the 1970s, Mr Lipu honed his
skills at the sprawling park in Dhan-
mondi, where domestic cricket match-
es were regularly played, attracting
thousands of spectators.
Ofcials estimate twothirds of
playing elds and other public spaces
in Dhaka, a 400yearold city, have
disappeared developed into apart-
ment blocks, mosques or become
parking lots for lorries and dumping
grounds for construction companies.
Once a Mughal outpost known for
its lush parks and gardens, Dhaka has
been transformed into a haphazard
concrete jungle, following explosive
economic growth and one of the
worlds worst cities to live in accord-
ing to some studies.
The citys population has grown
more than two and half times to 17
million in the last two decades. Resi-
dents are squeezed into an area of
about 125 square miles (324 square
kilometres), meaning a population
density of around 120,000 persons per
square mile.
Residents live in small apartment
blocks, anked by massive slums,
while narrow roads are choked with
cars, motorbikes and hundreds of
thousands of threewheel rickshaws.
Only 28 playgrounds and 70 parks
exist in the city, all very small in size
and most damaged and occupied in
some way, according to Iqbal Habib,
joint secretary of environment group
Bangladesh Poribesh Bachao Andolon
(BAPA).
Even two decades back, there were
hundreds of open spaces in Dhaka, he
said.
A lack of land means prices are at
a premium, with a standardsized at
in Dhakas most upmarket neighbour-
hood of Baridhara costing about 1mil-
lion dollars.
Public spaces became very lucra-
tive to the grabbers when the citys
rapid growth began in the late 80s and
land prices went skyrocketing, said
Akter Mahmud, professor of urban
planning at Jahangirnagar University
in Dhaka.
BAPA has launched a series of pro-
tests against the systematic grab-
bing, which Habib said has attracted
growing numbers of residents, fed up
with a lack of government action and
determined to ght back.
Mr Lipu, who has set aside his
business to campaign on the issue, has
urged authorities to declare a war
against the grabbers, warning the
cricketmad country that disappear-
ing playing elds were even impacting
on the national side.
With the government so far seem-
ingly indiferent to the protests and
even accused of colluding with the
grabbers, BAPA has also launched an
array of court cases, although with
limited success.
Bangladesh law prevents change of
use of playgrounds, open spaces and
parks, and no structure can be built
on them.
In the bitter ght over Dhanmon-
dis park, the High Court ordered the
sports club, which boasts inuential
businessmen as members, to stop har-
assing protesters, before authorities -
nally intervened in April and ordered
the land handed back to residents.
Club president Manzur Kader said
some of its members wrongfully
thought the space belonged to the club
which wanted to expand.
Studies show Dhaka has become
one of the worlds worst cities to live
in, with alarming levels of pollution,
unplanned urbanisation as well as rav-
aged public spaces.
Experts warn of the psychological
impact of growing up without having
anywhere to play outdoors or come to-
gether as a community. AFP
DHAKA
Kids park land-grab sparks mass outrage
Bangladeshi resident Sazzad Hossain speaks about
a former playground now occupied by construction
materials (in background) in Dhaka. Once a Mughal outpost
known for its lush parks and gardens, Dhaka has been
transformed into a haphazard concrete jungle. Photo: AFP
The Singapore Airlines Group of companies is involved in the airline and travel
business and is consistently voted as the best in the industry. We are hiring in
view of our business expansion in Yangon. If you are the person we are looking
for, please write to us for an interview.
(1) ACCOUNTS & ADMIN ASSISTANT (1 POSITION)
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
You will be part of the Singapore Airlines Myanmar accounts and administration
department assisting in the preparation of payments, receipts and monthly
fnancial statements and reports.
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelors degree or higher in Accounting or equivalent
Good command of both written and spoken English
Good computer skills and profcient in Lotus Notes, Ms Word, Excel, Power
Point.
Profciency in SAP or other accounting software is advantageous but not
necessary
Able to work long hours and late nights when required
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION FOR THIS POSTION: 27 AUG 2014
REMUNERATION & BENEFITS:
Attractive salary, fringe benefts, privilege/concessional travels and overseas
training will be offered to the right candidate. Please send your application (by
letter only) with resume and a recent photo to:
Accounts & Admin Manager
#02-02 Sakura Tower,
339 Bogyoke Aung San Road
Yangon 11182.
(Only short-listed candidates will be notifed)
36
Science & Technology
BEFORE the clock literally struck
midnight on Ooredoos initial deals
for Myanmar customers on August 14,
the Qatar-based telecom threw a glitzy
commercial launch at Myanmar Inter-
national Convention Centre in Nay Pyi
Taw. Smoke machines, dancing and
dramatic music accompanied new
announcements on starter packs and
exclusive oferings from the company
that showed it is paying attention to
localisation.
Ooredoo CEO Ross Cormack also
took the time to acknowledge that
their network had pressing issues that
needed to be addressed.
While he said the service in Nay
Pyi Taw and Mandalay is fantastic,
he admitted that Yangon, the nations
largest phone market, needed some
work.
Our network in Yangon needs to
get better, Mr Cormack told report-
ers. We have built about 20 new bay
stations in response to peoples points
to us. Interconnecting with MPT-
powered phones should also get easier
soon, as Ooredoo has been boosting
capacity for national connectivity, said
Mr Cormack.
Though Mr Cormack wouldnt put
an exact gure on how many SIM
cards the company has sold, he called
it a really huge number.
Ooredoo anticipates spreading its
service coverage to about 25 million
people in Myanmar by the years end,
according to the company. At the close
of its press event, a troupe of dancers
in quasi-sailor suits carried Ooredoo
and Myanmar ags. But the main fo-
cus of the event was on the successes
of the historic launch.
Mobile telecommunications ser-
vices are today available, accessible
and afordable to 7.8 million people
in Myanmar living in 68 cities and
towns, said Nasser Marah, CEO of
Ooredoo Group.
Speaking to the government min-
isters and regulators assembled in the
room, he said, When the Union gov-
ernment of Myanmar issued the inter-
national contract of the telecommuni-
cation license, you set out the whole
ambitious vision of the future of the
country and the people.
At commercial launch event,
Ooredoo celebrates while
acknowledges network issues
CATHERINE TRAUTWEIN
Services are today
available, accessable
and afordable to
7.8 million people in
Myanmar.
Nasser Marah
CEO of Ooredoo Group
SINCE Ooredoo rolled out its network
on July 29, sales of handsets compat-
ible with its 900 GSM network have
increased rapidly, according to mer-
chants in Mandalay and Yangon.
However, the fact that buying an
Ooredoo SIM can often mean buy-
ing a whole new phone appears to
be turning of some customers, a fact
that could signicantly afect Oore-
doos bottom line once cheap SIMS
that can work across multiple plat-
forms enter the market.
The sales of handset in almost all
shops in Mandalay will increase up to
ve times, I think, said Ko Hla Myo
Aung, manager of Telemobile hand-
set shop chain in Mandalay.
But, he added, Ooredoo SIM
cards have a problem. It isnt compat-
ible with all handsets. And we heard
that MPTs new SIM card and Tel-
enors will be suitable with both the
2G and 3G network. So I think sales
of handsets will be higher when those
cards are launched, he said.
I dont like Ooredoo SIM cards
because Ooredoo SIM cards cant
be used in every handset So I am
waiting for Telenor SIM cards. said U
Myo Myo Aung, a mobile phone user
in Yangon.
While SIM prices are likely to stay
low in the newly competitive mar-
ket, merchants say a drop in handset
prices is unlikely. It is not convenient
for investors to buy more handsets
The price of handsets cant easily fall
soon, said Ko Hla Myo Aung.
Speaking to The Myanmar Times
just before their promotion earlier
this month, Ooredoo CEO Ross Cor-
mack emphasised that the company
had made sure afordable, Ooredoo
compatible phones will be available
with many of their local partners.
Theyre sub$100 and theyre really
smart phones with huge displays and
are very high quality.
Ooredoo is also partnering with
Samsung on exclusive promotions for
high-end Samsung phones.
Sales of GSM phones
surge for now
KYAE MONE WIN
kyaymonewin@gmail.com
AUNG KYAW NYUNT
aungkyawnyunt28@gmail.com
IN PICTURES
The famous cat
character Hello Kitty
sits in Japanese satellite
Hodoyoshi-3 in space,
while the earth is seen in
the window. Hello Kitty,
the Japanese-made icon
of cuteness, is making
its rst extraterrestrial
adventure to mark the
year to celebrate its 40
th

birthday. Photo: AFP
IN BRIEF
Intel will be cooperating with local manufactures
Last week the American software giant Intel announced plans to collaborate with
both the government and the private sector on a variety of new initiatives aimed at
developing the nations burgeoning IT sector.
We are excited about the opportunity to help use information technology to
improve some gears, to improve education, to improve business and help improve
the lives of people of the entire country, said Intels vice president and general
manager of Asia-Pacic Japan at a ceremony at the Sule-Shangri La hotel on
August 15.
While PC usage nationally is fairly low, around 1 million people, Mr Bryant
said the partnership will extend beyond the computer hardware the company is
famous for.
Most people still know us or think about us as somebody who makes chips.
But actually we have a lot of engineering capabilities, a lot of software capabilities
and work with a lot of partners and we can help use those things to actually have
an impact inside of Myanmar, said Mr Bryant.
The new partnerships will include making hardware for the Ministry of Com-
munication, Information and Technology and the Ministry of Education.
Lun Min Mang
37
Science & Technology
Gadget Round-up
by Myo Satt
Available: No 238, Mahabandoola Garden Street, Kyauktada township
Ph: 09-730 32800, 09-730 32900
LDNiO(DL-S501)
With small and thin design, this ve-pin plug-head
card reader is compatible with Android handsets.
K4000
Card readers and USB hubs
LDNiO (DL-S502)
This is designed for Samsung Galaxy Tab. It is light and
uses USB 2.0 plugs.
K3000
SSK(SHU032)
This USB Hub has four ports and uses USB 3.0,
making for fast data transfers.
K19500
SSK (SCR052)
When you cant directly connect your handset with
computer for data transition, this is the gadget to have:
Just take out a micro SD card and put it into this card
reader. It is small enough to serve as a key chain.
K1500
SSK (SCRS065)
Useful whenever you face difculty connecting
your handset to your computer to transfer data.
K1200
SSK (SHU020)
This hub has four ports and uses USB 2.0.
K3500
EXCELLENT IT and language skills
have helped Bulgarias outsourcing
sector boom, raising hopes that it
could prop up the badly stagnating
economy of the EUs poorest country.
After a timid start 15 years ago, the
Balkan country is now a hub for in-
formation technology and back-ofce
outsourcing.
As well as call centres, rms ofer-
ing software and web development,
data services and technical support
are attracting business from foreign
companies nding it cheaper to sub-
contract abroad.
Growth in the sector has rocketed
at up to 25 percent annually in recent
years, helping Bulgarias economy to
rebound to growth of 0.9 percent in
2013 after shrinking 5.0pc in 2009.
The 22,000 people employed in
outsourcing generated up to three
percent of Bulgarias gross domestic
product in 2013, according to the Bul-
garian Outsourcing Association, with
turn-over of more than one billion leva
(US$685 million).
The industry prots from top-
quality IT specialists, as well as the
wide range of over 20 languages other
than English taught in Bulgarian high
schools and universities.
Bulgaria ranks third worldwide in
the number of certied software en-
gineers and rst in the number of IT
specialists per capita, Deputy Econo-
my Minister Krasin Dimitrov told a re-
cent outsourcing conference in Soa.
Excellent internet and telecommu-
nication services, as well as a pre-crisis
surge in high-quality ofce real estate,
have also contributed to the boom.
According to outsourcing asso-
ciation chair Stefan Bumov, the bur-
geoning industry has the potential to
employ two or even three times more
people a promising prospect in a
country where more than a quarter of
youngsters are unemployed.
The demand for this type of ser-
vices is set to grow and we could dou-
ble and why not even triple the in-
dustry in the next two to three years,
Mr Bumov told AFP.
His company Soca Group started
with 30 people in 2007 and has grown
to become the largest home-grown
player in the sector, with more than
900 employees.
In March it was snapped up by US-
based rm Teletech, and other foreign
outsourcing giants have also bought
local rms.
Coca-Cola HBC opened its own
back-ofce services centre in Soa in
2005 and is now serving 26 countries
from here. It was followed by Hewlett-
Packard, which opened a global deliv-
ery centre in 2006 and picked Bulgaria
as one of its six delivery hubs in 2010.
But Kerry Hallard of Britains Na-
tional Outsourcing Association said
most investors would still pick Banga-
lore over Bulgaria, which still sufers
from a very low prole as an out-
sourcing destination.
Outsourcing ofers the best start-
up jobs for newly qualied graduates.
Salaries are 40-50 percent above the
country average of 400 euros and a
top IT specialist can earn up to 3,000
euros a month, Industry Watch econ-
omist Georgy Stoev said.
Expanding the talent pool by set-
ting up more outsourcing centres in
university towns outside Soa, which
hosts 90 percent of the companies,
and encouraging more students to
return after studying broad are other
options to help boost growth, Stoev
added.
AFP
IT boom floats
Bulgarias tech
sector
SOFIA
WorldWORLD EDITOR: Fiona MacGregor
FREETOWN
BAGDAD
THE UNs health agency has said the
scale of the Ebola outbreak in West
Africa has been vastly underesti-
mated and extraordinary measures
were needed to contain the disease.
As the ofcial toll climbed to 1069,
according to World Health Organiza-
tion, the United States ordered the
evacuation of diplomats families
from Sierra Leone, one of the three
countries at the epicentre of the out-
break along with Liberia and Guinea.
The Geneva-based WHO said in a
statement on August 14 it was coor-
dinating a massive scaling up of the
international response, in a bid to
tackle the worst epidemic of haem-
orrhagic fever-causing virus since its
discovery four decades ago.
Staf at the outbreak sites see evi-
dence that the numbers of reported
cases and deaths vastly underestimate
the magnitude of the outbreak, it said.
The outbreak is expected to con-
tinue for some time. WHOs opera-
tional response plan extends over the
next several months, the organisa-
tion warned.
A serious outbreak in Lagos,
where the epidemic claimed a fourth
victim on August 14, could severely
disrupt the oil and gas industry in
Nigeria if international companies
are forced to evacuate staf and lo-
cal operations are shut down, the
Moodys rating agency warned.
Any decline in production would
quickly translate into economic and
scal deterioration, said Matt Robin-
son, senior credit ofcer at Moodys.
Meanwhile, US President Barack
Obama called President Ellen John-
son Sirleaf of Liberia and Sierra Leo-
nes leader Ernest Bai Koromo.
The calls came as the US State De-
partment ordered families of its dip-
lomats in Sierra Leone to leave the
country to avoid exposure.
In his conversations with both
leaders, the president underscored
the commitment of the United States
to work with Liberia, Sierra Leone,
and other international partners to
contain the outbreak and expressed
his condolences for the lives lost, the
White House said in a statement.
In Sierra Leones parliament on
August 14, the countrys chief medi-
cal ofcer, Dr Brima Kargbo, spoke of
the difculties health workers were
facing in ghting the epidemic.
We still have to break the chain
of transmission to separate the in-
fected from the uninfected, Kargbo
said. But, he added, There is a rejec-
tion among people of the existence
of Ebola and hostility toward health
workers.
The disease has taken its toll on
those trying to help its victims.
Sierra Leone disclosed on August
14 that 32 nurses died from Ebola
while performing their duties be-
tween May 24 to August 13.
South Africa has stepped in to help
the country by sending a mobile labo-
ratory to be installed in the capital
Freetown to ease the problem of hav-
ing to send blood samples elsewhere
for analysis, Sierra Leones health min-
istry said.
In Liberia, which has sufered
more than 300 deaths, work began
on August 14 to expand its Ebola
treatment centre in the capital Mon-
rovia, one of only two centres in the
country of 4.2 million.
We need to increase the size of
this place because more and more
people arrive every day due to the
awareness program, said Nathaniel
Dovillie, head of the centre.
The cost of tackling the virus
threatens to exact a severe econom-
ic toll on the already impoverished
west African nations at the epicentre
of the outbreak, Sierra Leone, Libe-
ria and Guinea, the Moodys rating
agency warned.
The outbreak risks having a di-
rect nancial efect on government
budgets via increased health expen-
ditures that could be signicant, it
said.
Liberia spent US$12 million tack-
ling the Ebola outbreak between
April and June, and looks set to spend
much more in the coming weeks.
Increasingly draconian restric-
tions have been put in place across
the region.
Guinea, where the outbreak has
killed at least 377, declared a health
emergency on August 13 and or-
dered strict controls at border points
and a ban on moving bodies from
one town to another until the end of
the epidemic.
A number of airlines have can-
celled ights in and out of West Af-
rica. Gambia suspended all ights
from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leo-
ne, according to a transport ministry
document obtained by AFP.
Although the WHO conrmed that
other African countries, including
Kenya, were labelled at high risk
due to their popular transport hubs,
it also emphasised that air travel,
even from Ebola-afected countries,
is low risk for Ebola transmission
because the virus is not airborne.
Canadas Health Minister Rona
Ambrose said between 800 to 1000
doses of a vaccine called VSV-EBOV,
which has shown promise in animal
research but never been tested on hu-
mans, would be distributed through
the WHO.
Hard-hit nations were also anx-
iously awaiting a consignment of up
to 1000 doses of the barely tested
drug ZMapp from the United States,
which has raised hopes of saving
hundreds infected with the disease.
There is currently no available
cure or vaccine for Ebola, which the
WHO has declared a global public
health emergency. The body has said
it is ethical to try largely untested
treatments in the special circum-
stances of this Ebola outbreak.
AFP
Ebola outbreak vastly underestimated
Sierra Leone government burial team members place the body of an Ebola victim on a truck at an MSF facility in Kailahun,
on August 14. Photo: AFP
The numbers of
reported cases
and deaths vastly
underestimate the
magnitude of the
outbreak.
WHO statement
DIVISIVE Iraquipremier Nuri al-
Maliki has abandoned his bid to stay
in power, bowing to huge domestic
and international pressure as a ji-
hadist-led ofensive threatens to tear
the country apart.
The two-term premier quit after
an acrimonious political battle and
backed his designated successor
Haidar al-Abadi, a fellow member of
the Shiite party Dawa.
I announce before you today ...
the withdrawal of my candidacy in
favour of the brother Doctor Haidar
al-Abadi, he said in a televised ad-
dress on August 14, with Mr Abadi
standing next to him.
His decision was swiftly wel-
comed by the US and the UN.
Today, Iraqis took another major
step forward in uniting their coun-
try, US National Security Advisor
Susan Rice said in a statement.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-
moon said Mr Malikis withdrawal
will allow the crucial process to
form a new government to proceed
swiftly and within the time frame
provided for in the constitution.
He urged the formation of an
inclusive, broad-based government
ready to immediately tackle these
pressing issues.
Mr Maliki, 64, turned the page on
eight years that saw him rise from
the relative anonymity of a former
exile who returned in the wake of
the 2003 US-led invasion to become
a feared and powerful ruler.
Quelling fears a desperate bid to
cling to power could worsen what is
already Iraqs worst crisis in years,
Mr Maliki said he was stepping
aside to facilitate the progress of
the political process and the forma-
tion of the new government.
He defended his record at the
helm. However critics say his sec-
tarian policies have alienated and
radicalised the Sunni minority, most
of whose heartland was overrun by
extremist Islamic State ghters fac-
ing little or no popular resistance
two months ago.
The jihadist group has since de-
clared a caliphate straddling Syria
and Iraq. It has hunted down re-
ligious minorities, destroyed holy
sites, and seized the countrys largest
dam and several oil elds.
The devastating militant advance
has also displaced hundreds of thou-
sands of people and posed an imme-
diate threat to the worlds seventh
oil producer by de facto redrawing
its borders along ethnic and sectar-
ian lines.
Iraqi forces completely folded
when IS forces moved in and
while the Kurdish peshmerga ini-
tially fared better. The US arms left
behind by retreating federal troops
made the jihadists a formidable
foe.
President Barack Obama said a
week of US air strikes had broken
the siege on a northern mountain
where civilians had been hiding
from jihadists for more than 10 days.
The ordeal of tens of thousands
of people, mostly from the Yazidi
minority, was one of the dramatic
chapters of the devastating two-
month conict and one of the rea-
sons Mr Obama sent warplanes back
over Iraq, three years after pulling
his troops out.
We helped save many innocent
lives. Because of these eforts, we do
not expect there to be an additional
operation to evacuate people of the
mountain and its unlikely were go-
ing to need to continue humanitar-
ian air drops on the mountain, Mr
Obama said.
He had warned that a massacre
on Mount Sinjar could amount to
a genocide against the vulnerable
Yazidi minority, whose members are
now largely massing into camps in
autonomous Kurdistan.
The Pentagon said 4000 to 5000
Iraqs Maliki steps down to end deadlock
World Health Organization calls for extraordinary measures as death toll hits 1069
39
First Papal visit to
Asia in 15 years
WORLD 43
Giant panda
delivers triplets at
Chinese zoo
WORLD 47
Japans Kamikaze
survivors fear for
future
WORLD 45
JERUSALEM
AS a temporary truce in the Gaza con-
ict was extended into this week, Israel
was preparing for a battle on the legal
front in the face of potential allegations
of war crimes.
The threat of a legal challenge materi-
alised on August 11 with the appointment
of a UN committee to investigate all vio-
lations of international human rights and
humanitarian law in the occupied Pales-
tinian territories since mid-June.
Israel has been engaged in a bloody
conict in Gaza which was sparked by
the kidnapping and murder of three
Jewish teenagers on June 12 that trig-
gered a sweeping arrest campaign
across the West Bank.
The investigators are due to present
their ndings to the UN Human Rights
Council in March 2015 but Israel has
already denounced its chairperson, Wil-
liam Schabas, as anti-Israeli and its nd-
ings as inevitably biased.
But the possibility of war-crime alle-
gations did not come as a surprise. From
the start of Operation Protective Edge,
which began on July 8, the Israeli army
has been preparing the ground for any
legal fallout by forming its own commit-
tee of military experts.
We created this investigative com-
mittee after Operation Pillar of Defence,
Captain Arye Shalicar said, referring to
an eight-day confrontation with Gaza
militants in November 2012.
This time we activated it during the
operation to document each event, par-
ticularly the most tragic in which lots of
civilians were killed, he added.
The cornerstone of our work is prin-
cipally provided by military intelligence,
which examines each operation ahead
of time.
For example, if a house in Gaza was
used to re a rocket on Israel, then ac-
cording to the laws of war, it becomes a
military position and therefore a legiti-
mate target. If were wrong, we should
admit our mistake and learn from it.
Israel had boycotted a previous UN
committee which looked into Operation
Cast Lead, a major 22-day operation
over New Year 2009 which killed 1440
Palestinians and 13 Israelis. Published in
autumn 2009, the so-called Goldstone
Report accused both Israel and Hamas
of war crimes and possibly crimes
against humanity.
Since July 8, the current conict has
killed more than 1960 Palestinians and
67 people on the Israeli side. On August
15 a temporary truce was extended by
ve days to give negotiators time to bro-
ker a longer-term ceasere.
According to UN gures, 72 percent
of the Palestinians who died were civil-
ians. Israel has face international ac-
cusations of inicting disproportionate
casualties and collectively punishing
Gazas 1.8 million residents for rocket at-
tacks perpetrated by militants.
Braced for fresh accusations, Justice
Minister Tzipi Livni appointed a team of
legal experts to draw up not only a line
of defence, but also Israels line of attack.
Israel says Hamas caused civilian
casualties by using innocent women
and children as human shields. It has
defended its used of force as proportion-
ate, saying no democracy could allow
armed militants to threaten and attack
millions of its people.
The Palestinians, who in 2012 ob-
tained non-member observer status at
the United Nations, say they will soon
try to bring Israelis before the Interna-
tional Criminal Court for alleged war
crimes.
For Israel, perhaps the most serious
outcome would be for foreign courts to
issue arrest warrants for military ofc-
ers or even politicians.
In 2009 a British court issued an
arrest warrant for Ms Livni, one of the
most moderate voices in the current Is-
rael government, after Palestinian activ-
ists made an application over her role as
foreign minister during the conict of
New Year 2009.
Britain has since amended the law to
ensure that private arrest warrants for
such ofences would rst have to be ap-
proved by the chief prosecutor.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanya-
hu lashed out on August 13 at the UN
Human Rights Council, accusing it of
granting legitimacy to terror organisa-
tions by investigating Israel and not
mass killings perpetrated elsewhere in
the Middle East.
Hamas, whose own activities will
also be investigated by the commission,
welcomed its creation and called for it
to start work as soon as possible. AFP
Israel braces for war
crimes legal probe
IN PICTURES
Photo: AFP
A student with social
messages and the
colours of the Indian
tricolour painted
on his face waits for
the paint to dry on
the eve of Indias
Independence Day in
Mumbai on August 14.
India celebrates
its anniversary of
independence from
Britain on August 15
with great pomp and
the Indian tricolour
is hoisted atop
prominent buildings
and homes.
Iraqs Maliki steps down to end deadlock
Yazidis remained on the mountain,
which they hold to be the nal rest-
ing place of Noahs Ark, but explained
2000 reside there and may not want
to leave.
Obama added that the air strikes,
rst launched on August 8, would go
on.
EU ministers were set to convene
in Brussels on August 15 to seek
unanimous approval for the ship-
ment of arms to Iraqi Kurds ghting
the Islamic State jihadists.
The unscheduled gathering fol-
lowed days of forceful demands by
France, whose Foreign Minister Lau-
rent Fabius criticised EU colleagues
for remaining on holiday while
besieged civilians were being killed
in Iraq.
Britain would favourably con-
sider arming Kurdish forces in their
battle against Islamic State (IS) mili-
tants in Iraq, a spokesperson for the
British prime ministers ofce said on
August 14.
Thousands of people have poured
across a border bridge into camps in
Iraqs Kurdish region after trekking
through neighbouring Syria to nd
refuge, most with nothing but the
clothes on their backs.
The hundreds of thousands of
Yazidis, Christians, Turkmen, Shabak
and other people who have been
displaced in recent weeks have little
prospect of returning home any time
soon.
Washington has ruled out boots
on the ground and the resistance is
being led Kurdish forces who, despite
Western arms deliveries, have so far
contained IS ghters rather than re-
claimed large tracts of territory.
The international community had
for weeks stressed that no efective
counter-ofensive could take place
without a cohesive government steer-
ing the country. Mr Obama, the Unit-
ed Nations, Iraqs most revered Shi-
ite cleric and even much of his own
parliamentary bloc had made it clear
that government could not be headed
by Mr Maliki. AFP
40 World THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014
AN American tourists battered body
has been found in a suitcase at an
exclusive hotel on Indonesias resort
island of Bali and her daughter and
daughters boyfriend have been ar-
rested over the killing, police said on
August 13.
The body of Sheila von Wiese
Mack was found the previous day
stufed into a suitcase in the boot of
a taxi in front of the ve-star St. Regis
hotel in the upscale Nusa Dua resort
area of Bali.
The 62-year-old victim was half na-
ked, had several wounds to her head,
and appeared to have put up a struggle,
a doctor who examined the body said.
The suitcase had been wrapped in a
bed sheet and sealed up with tape, and
was smeared with blood.
Mrs Mack had been staying in the
hotel with her daughter, Heather, 19,
and her daughters boyfriend, Tommy
Schaefer, 21, local police chief Djoko
Hari Utomo told reporters.
She and her daughter stayed in the
hotel together for several days before
the boyfriend joined them on August
11, Utomo said. Mrs Mack was recorded
on CCTV arguing with Mr Schaefer in
the hotel lobby the same night, he said.
The next day, the couple were
checking out and sent several suitcases
down to a taxi, allegedly including the
one that contained the victim.
The body was discovered when the
couple failed to show up at the waiting
taxi, Mr Utomo said. They were seen on
CCTV leaving the hotel via a stretch of
beach at the back of the property, in-
stead of the main entrance.
Police launched a hunt and the pair
were found sleeping at a hotel in the
tourist area of Legian, north of Nusa
Dua, early om August 13, Mr Utomo
said.
This is murder, and we will decide
from our investigation whether it is
premeditated or spontaneous, he said.
The victims body was sent to the
main hospital in the Balinese capital
Denpasar. A doctor there said it had
several wounds to the head, which
appeared to have been inicted with
blunt tools.
Looking at the wounds, the victim
must have fought back, said Ida Bagus
Alit, adding that one of her ngers on
her left hand was broken.
Stephanie Fleming, a 29-year-old
British woman who has lived in Bali
for four years, described the news as
pretty unbelievable.
You have a lot of burglaries, vio-
lence and robberies by locals directed
at tourists, she said.
Its surprising to hear of something
like this going on between tourists
themselves.
The hotel said that it was aware of
the terrible tragedy and was assisting
authorities in their investigation.
The US embassy in Jakarta said in
a statement that it was aware of the
death of an American citizen that took
place in Bali and we understand that
two individuals have been arrested in
connection with the case.
The beachfront St. Regis is one of
the most exclusive hotels in Bali with
rooms starting at US$470 a night and
a 24-hour butler service, according to
its website.
Police have 24 hours following the
arrest to ofcially name the detained
pair as suspects.
Once they are suspects, police can
hold them for an initial 20 days while
they investigate, but can seek an exten-
sion for several more weeks if needed.
They will only be formally charged
once police have nished investigating
and passed the details to prosecutors.
They would be charged at an initial
court appearance.
Bali, a pocket of Hinduism in
Muslim-majority Indonesia, attracts
millions of foreign tourists to its palm-
fringed, pristine beaches each year.
Foreign visitors sometimes run
into trouble on the tropical island, al-
though it is normally when they fall
foul of Indonesias tough anti-drugs
laws, which include the death penalty
for smuggling narcotics. AFP
Body found in suitcase
at exclusive Bali hotel
Heather Mack, suspected in the murder of her mother Sheila von Wiese Mack, gestures while in custody at a police station
in Denpasar on the Indonesian resort island of Bali on August 14. Photo: AFP
JAKARTA
HANOI
THE most senior US military ofcer
to visit Vietnam in decades held talks
with Communist Party ofcials in Ha-
noi last week, in the latest boost to ties
between the former wartime foes.
General Martin Dempsey, chair of
the US Joint Chiefs of Staf, met with
top Vietnamese military ofcials in-
cluding Minister of Defence Phung
Quang Thanh, and was scheduled to
meet with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan
Dung on August 14.
Before going into the closed-door
meeting Mr Dempsey told reporters
that his visit was the highlight of his
military career.
According to Vietnams Ministry
of Defence, the visit is the rst by a
US Joint Chiefs of Staf and aims to
promote friendly bilateral relations
between the two countries, who fought
a bitter decade-long war which ended
with Vietnams reunication in 1975.
Talks will focus on boosting mili-
tary cooperation with a focus on mari-
time security, search and rescue, and
overcoming the consequences of war,
the ministry said in a statement.
Hanoi is currently locked in a bit-
ter maritime dispute with Beijing over
disputed waters and island chains in
the South China Sea.
Trade between the US and Vi-
etnam has ourised since the
countries normalised ties in
1995. But military cooperation is
limited due to a US ban on sales of
lethal weapons to Vietnam, although
the US has indicated it may consider
easing this as the country has made
some progress on human rights issues.
Mr Dempsey was also expected to
travel to central Danang, once home to
a key US military base during the war,
where the US has launched an efort
to clean up dioxins from the site.
The Americans sprayed defoli-
ants such as Agent Orange over vast
swathes of jungle in South Vietnam
during the war in an attempt to ush
out Viet Cong communist guerrillas
by depriving them of tree cover and
food.
Hanoi says up to 3 million Viet-
namese people were exposed to Agent
Orange, and that 1 million sufer grave
health repercussions today. An at-
tempt by Vietnamese victims to obtain
compensation from the United States
had little success. AFP
Top US general boosts Vietnam ties
TRADE MARK CAUTION
Betagro Public Company Limited, a company incorporated in
Thailand, of 323 Moo 6, Thung Song Hong Sub-district, Laksi
District, Bangkok, Thailand, is the Owner of the following Trade
Mark:-
Reg. No. 12838/2013
in respect of Class 29: Pork, Chicken, Egg, Sausage, Ham,
Bacon, Broth, Processed Food, Processed Meat, Frozen cooked
food, Frozen marinade food, Frozen meal.
Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark
will be dealt with according to law.
Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L
for Betagro Public Company Limited
P. O. Box 60, Yangon
E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm
Dated: 18 August 2014
TRADE MARK CAUTION
3M Company, a corporation of the State of Delaware, of 3M
Center, 2501 Hudson Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55144, U.S.A.,
is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-
3M
Reg. No. 3378/2014
in respect of All goods included in Classes 1, 3, 5, 9, 10, 16, 17
& 21.
for 3M Company
P. O. Box 60, Yangon.
TRADE MARK CAUTION
Novo Nordisk A/S, a Company incorporated in Denmark, of
Novo Alle, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark, is the Owner of the
following Trade Mark:-
NovoPen
Reg. No. 3932/2007
in respect of Intl Class 10: Medical and surgical injection
syringes, including surgical syringes designed as a pencil.
for Novo Nordisk A/S
World 41 www.mmtimes.com
MANILA
PHILIPPINE President Benigno Aqui-
no has said he may try to change the
constitution and serve a second term in
ofce, in a stunning announcement to
a nation haunted by dictatorship.
The Philippines constitution re-
stricts presidents to serving a single
term of six years, designed to stop a
repeat of dictator Ferdinand Marcoss
two-decade reign that ended in a 1986
people power uprising.
Mr Aquino insisted for many years
he was against constitutional change
and that he would step aside when his
term ended in 2016, but in a television
interview aired on August 13 he indi-
cated he was reconsidering.
When I rst got into this, I noted
I had only one term of six years. Now,
after having said that, of course I have
to listen to the voice of my bosses, he
said on the ABC-5 network.
Mr Aquino, 54, frequently calls Fili-
pinos his bosses.
The president said he was consider-
ing the highly controversial move be-
cause he wanted to ensure his political
reforms would continue.
Mr Aquino had been hoping In-
terior Secretary Manuel Roxas could
contest the next elections and suc-
ceed him. But surveys have consist-
ently shown the longtime ally to be
unpopular with the electorate. Never-
theless, Mr Aquino emphasised that he
had made no denite plans to try and
stay in power for 12 years.
It doesnt automatically mean I will
go after an additional term, he said.
Mr Aquino would have to go
through a long and complicated pro-
cess to change the constitution, with
any of three potential methods having
to be approved by a referendum requir-
ing simple majority support.
The son of democracy champions Be-
nigno and Corazon, Mr Aquino enjoyed
a landslide election victory in 2010 on a
promise to stamp out widespread cor-
ruption blamed for massive poverty.
He has won international plaudits
for his good governance program and
been widely applauded for bringing
consistently strong economic growth.
But the high popularity ratings he en-
joyed for the rst half of his term have
begun to slide sharply amid a slew of cor-
ruption and political controversies.
Criticism that tens of millions of
poor people have missed out on the
countrys economic gains, magnied
by a recent spike in ination, has also
hurt him.
Mr Aquino did not specify that he
wanted to change the constitution just
to remove presidential term limits.
Instead, he said the constitution
likely needed amending to rein in the
Supreme Court, which recently ruled
that Mr Aquinos main budget stimulus
program was illegal.
Before all these things happened, I
was closed to [constitutional change]. I
admit that. But now, Im seriously re-
thinking things, Mr Aquino said.
He complained that the US-style
checks and balances in government
had faded and the Supreme Court now
had the power to overrule Congress
and the executive branch.
Vice President Jejomar Binay, lead-
er of the main opposition alliance, has
been the clear front-runner in opinion
polls to win the 2016 elections.
In Philippine politics, the nations two
top positions are elected separately and
are often lled from diferent parties.
Mr Binay gave a measured reaction
to Mr Aquinos move, releasing a state-
ment on August 14 stating he respected
the presidents decision to hear the
voice of the people.
(But) what is important is that
the voice he hears is an authentic and
genuine voice, not one manufactured
by quarters with vested interests who
are driven mainly by self-preservation,
Mr Binay said.
AFP
Benigno looks to amend
constitution for 2nd term
Philippine President Benigno Aquino (centre) along with military chief General Gregorio Catapang (right) salute soldiers in
Manila on August 14. Photo: AFP
TRADE MARK CAUTION
Novo Nordisk A/S, a Company incorporated in Denmark, of
Novo Alle, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark, is the Owner of the
following Trade Mark:-
NovoFine
Reg. No. 3933/2007
in respect of Intl Class 10: Hypodermic needles for injection.
for Novo Nordisk A/S
TRADE MARK CAUTION
JANSSEN R&D IRELAND, of Eastgate Village, Eastgate, Little
Island, County Cork, Ireland, is the Owner of the following Trade
Mark:-
EVOTION
Reg. No. 7631/2013
in respect of Intl Class 5: Human pharmaceutical preparations.
for JANSSEN R&D IRELAND
TRADE MARK CAUTION
JANSSEN R&D IRELAND, of Eastgate Village, Eastgate, Little
Island, County Cork, Ireland, is the Owner of the following Trade
Mark:-
VENJOIA
Reg. No. 7632/2013
in respect of Intl Class 5: Human pharmaceutical preparations.
for JANSSEN R&D IRELAND
TRADE MARK CAUTION
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, a company organized and existing
under the laws of Germany, of Henkelstrasse 67, 40589 Dusseldorf,
Germany, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-
PAON
Reg. No. 4318/2014
in respect of Class 03: Soaps; perfumery; essential oils;
cosmetics; hair lotions; preparations for caring, cleaning, tinting,
coloring, bleaching, fxing and forming of hair; dentifrices.
for Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
42 World THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014
NEW DELHI/BELFAST NEW DELHI
JET Airways ordered to suspend
two pilots last week after a ight to
Brussels dived 5000 feet (1524 me-
tres), unnoticed by the co-pilot who
was using her tablet computer at
the time, according to The Times of
India.
In a separate incident, deemed
not to have threatened safety, pas-
sengers arriving at Belfast airport
had a bumpy arrival after the pilots
prosthetic arm became detached
during landing.
Indias Director General of Civil
Aviation (DGCA) said on August 14
it had summoned the Jet Airways
captain and co-pilot for questioning
over what it called a serious inci-
dent during the ight from Mumbai
to Brussels the previous Friday.
The Times of India said the cap-
tain was on a scheduled rest break
when the plane dropped almost 5000
feet over Turkey, putting it at an alti-
tude assigned to another aircraft.
Air trafc controllers in Ankara
had to issue an emergency warning
to the co-pilot on duty, who the paper
said did not notice that the aircraft
had lost altitude because she was us-
ing her tablet computer at the time.
Both the pilots have been taken
of the roster pending inquiry, said
the regulator in a statement.
Additionally, the Aircraft Ac-
cident Investigation Bureau has
been asked to conduct a detailed
investigation into the incident. The
airline said it had launched its own
investigation.
Also on August 14 it emerged a pi-
lot for a British budget airline briey
lost control of a ight after his arti-
cial arm came loose during landing,
according to an air accident report.
The Flybe plane carrying 47 pas-
sengers was coming in to land at
Belfast City Airport from Birming-
ham on February 12 when the pilots
prosthetic forearm became detached
from a special clamp tted to the
planes yoke.
This caused the plane to land with
a bounce, but no one was injured.
Flybe said it was proud to be an
equal opportunity employer.
The senior captain referred to
in this report is one of Flybes most
experienced and trusted pilots, said
Captain Ian Baston, the rms direc-
tor of ight operations and safety.
The airline conrms that at no
time was the safety of its passengers
or crew compromised in any way, nor
was the aircraft damaged.
The report from the Air Acci-
dents Investigation Branch said the
46-year-old pilot had checked that
his prosthetic arm was securely at-
tached to the clamp shortly before
landing.
He had disconnected the autopi-
lot and was landing the plane manu-
ally when the arm came loose, forc-
ing him to try to regain control with
his right arm.
He did this, but with power still
applied and possibly a gust afecting
the aircraft, a normal touchdown
was followed by a bounce, from
which the aircraft landed heavily,
the report said.
The captain has pledged to be
more careful in future about check-
ing the attachment on his articial
limb and brieng his co-pilots about
a possible similar event, it added.
AFP
Cockpit cockups: false arm and
tablet surfng cause fight scares
IN PICTURES
Photo: AFP
Thai rescue workers use
cranes on August 12
to search for people
trapped inside at six-
storey building that
collapsed the previous
day in Pathum Thani
province. At least three
workers died and 17
others were injured when
the building, which was
under construction just
outside Bangkok, fell
down on August 11.
PRIME Minister Narendra Modi con-
demned a spate of rapes as a source
of shame for India and urged an end
to communal violence on August 15 as
he vowed to improve the lives of the
nations poor in his rst Independence
Day speech.
Mr Modi, the son of a tea vendor
who won a landslide election in May,
also delivered a withering assessment
of the ruling establishment from the
ramparts of New Delhis Red Fort.
While insisting India had much to
be proud of, Mr Modi addressed some-
times taboo subjects such as sexual vio-
lence, religious unrest, farmer suicides
and a lack of toilets which he said was
intolerable in the 21st century.
The right-wing Hindu national-
ist also restated his solidarity with the
wider South Asian region but held back
from mentioning Indias rival Pakistan.
We have to improve our national
character and we have to put selsh
thinking to one side, said the 63-year-
old who steered his Bharatiya Janata
Party to a rst parliamentary majority
for three decades.
In one of the most notable pas-
sages of a 45-minute speech, Mr Modi
said that the levels of rape had shamed
India, and he urged parents to take re-
sponsibility for the behaviour of their
sons rather than put the onus on their
daughters.
When we hear about these rapes
our heads hang in shame. The law will
take its own course but as a society eve-
ry parent has a responsibility to teach
their sons the diference between right
and wrong.
Anger among Indians over sexual
violence has been steadily rising in the
last two years, fuelled by a series of
high-prole assaults including the fa-
tal gang-rape of a student on a bus in
New Delhi in December 2012. And there
was widespread outrage in May when
two teenage cousins were found hang-
ing from a mango tree after they were
gang-raped in their village in the state
of Uttar Pradesh.
The girls, who were aged 14 and 15,
were attacked while going to the toilet
in elds after dark as, like hundreds of
millions of Indians, they did not have a
toilet in their own home.
We are in the 21st century and yet
there is still no dignity for women as
they have to go out in the open to def-
ecate and they have to wait for darkness
to fall. Can you imagine the number of
problems they have to face because
of this? Mr Modi told the assembled
ranks of VIPs.
People may criticise me for talking
about toilets from the Red Fort. But I
am from a poor family, I have seen pov-
erty rst hand. For the poor to get dig-
nity, it has to start from here.
Mr Modi said India should strive
to ensure that every household should
have a toilet within the next four years
and pledged that all schools had sepa-
rate toilet facilities for girls and boys.
Uttar Pradesh, which is Indias larg-
est state, has also been the scene of
several recent are-ups in communal
violence between Hindus and minority
Muslims.
Mr Modi said that communal vio-
lence was stalling the growth of the
nation and had gone on for too
long. Before becoming prime minis-
ter, Mr Modi was the chief minister of
the western state of Gujarat in 2002
during one of the Indias deadliest
chapters of communal violence since
independence.
While Mr Modi was accused by his
opponents during the election of be-
ing too business-friendly, he said his
government would take action to allow
even the poorest in society to open a
bank account. AFP
Modi tackles
rape and
taboos in key
speech
POPE Francis arrived in South Korea
last week fuelled by the Vaticans desire
to expand the Church in Asia despite
challenges posed by governments like
atheist China.
Regional tensions were underlined
just minutes before the pontif stepped
of his plane on August 14, with neigh-
bouring nuclear-armed North Korea r-
ing a series of short-range rockets into
the sea of its east coast.
Smiling broadly and waving, Pope
Francis was welcomed by President Park
Geun-Hye and a reception committee that
included two North Korean defectors and
relatives of those killed in Aprils ferry dis-
aster that left 300 people dead.
Responding to Ms Parks wish that
his ve-day visit would encourage peace
and reconciliation on the Korean Penin-
sula, the pope replied that he had come
with that deep in my heart, Yonhap
news agency reported.
Pope Francis is expected to send a
message of peace to Pyongyang when he
holds a special inter-Korean reconcilia-
tion mass in Seoul this week.
North Korea had been invited to
send a group of Catholics to attend the
event but declined, citing anger at up-
coming South Korea-US military drills.
In line with his no-frills papacy, Pope
Francis left the airport squeezed into the
back of a compact Kia hatchback that he
had specially requested for his visit.
The ight from Italy ew over China,
allowing him to exercise papal protocol
and send an unprecedented goodwill
message via radio to Chinese President
Xi Jinping.
Upon entering Chinese air space, I
extend best wishes to your excellency
and your fellow citizens, and I invoke
the divine blessings of peace and wellbe-
ing upon the nation, it said.
Beijing and the Vatican have been
at loggerheads since China severed ties
with the Holy See in 1951, with both
sides tussling for control of Chinas
Catholic community.
The choice of South Korea for the
rst papal visit to Asia in 15 years was
reward for one of the regions fastest-
growing, most devoted and most inu-
ential Roman Catholic communities.
Although Catholics comprise just a
little over 10 percent of the 50 million
population, the popes visit has gener-
ated a lot of public excitement, with
welcome banners lining the streets of
Seoul, and shops doing a brisk trade in
everything from mini Francis dolls to
commemorative coins.
During his visit, the pope was due to
beatify 124 martyrs persecuted during
the early days of the Korean Catholic
Church in the 18th and 19th centuries.
But the real goal is longer-term and
much wider-ranging.
The pope will bring a message about
the future of Asia, and will use his trip
to speak to all the countries on the con-
tinent, the Vaticans number two, Sec-
retary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin,
said in a television interview.
The last papal visit to Asia was by
John Paul II to India in 1999, a glar-
ing 15-year gap for a region where the
Church is making some spectacular
gains but where Catholics still only ac-
count for 3.2 percent of the population.
The popes presence is a powerful
symbol of the Vaticans recognition that
it is in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa that
the Church is growing most prominent-
ly, said Lionel Jensen, an expert on re-
ligion in Asia at the University of Notre
Dame. AFP
WASHINGTON
First papal visit in 15 yrs
Pope Francis is welcomed on the tarmac following his arrival at Seoul Air Base in
Seongnam on August 14. Photo: AFP
The Popes visit to South Korea marks a Vatican drive to increase membership in Asia
MILLION
5
Number of Catholics among South
Koreas population of 50m.
TRADEMARK CAUTION
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for health care; plasters, especially medicated plasters; dressing and
bandaging materials for health care; disinfectants, surgical and medical
apparatus and instruments; orthopedic articles; contraceptives,
especially condoms; compression bandages.
for Beiersdorf AG,
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August, 2014
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organized under the laws of Thailand and having its principal offce
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TOKYO
KAMIKAZE pilot Yutaka Kanbe should
have died nearly seven decades ago.
It was only Tokyos surrender on Au-
gust 15, 1945, that saved him from the
fate of thousands whose suicide mis-
sions came to dene Japans unrelenting
pursuit of victory in the closing stages of
World War II.
But as the 91-year-old faces his
own mortality again, he worries that
a rightward political shift under Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe, and a recent
lm glorifying Kamikaze missions,
are proof that the horrors of war have
been lost on generations of younger
Japanese.
It was crazy. I cannot support the idea
of glorifying our mission, the former navy
pilot said of young men ordered to crash
their planes into Allied ships.
Japan could go to war again if our
leaders are all like Abe. Im going to die
soon, but I worry about Japans future.
Kamikaze pilots the term means
divine wind were heroes in wartime
Japan where their deadly sacrice in the
name of Emperor Hirohito and the na-
tion made front-page headlines.
The squadrons were formed near the
end of the conict in a desperate efort
to prevent an Allied victory. About 4000
died on missions that sent chills down
the spine of many enemy combatants,
although most were shot down before
reaching their targets.
There are no ofcial gures on the
number of surviving Kamikaze pilots
and the squadrons have largely faded
from memory, with little mention in
contemporary school textbooks.
But a lm called The Eternal
Zero,based on a best-selling novel,
catapulted the squadrons back into the
minds of the public earlier this year.
The box-ofce hit sees a top navy
pilot refuse to take part in a suicide mis-
sion because he promised his wife that
he would return home alive. But the
pilot eventually agrees to the death sen-
tence, leaving a comrade to take care of
his family.
Kamikaze pilots are cool. Its wrong
to criticise the mission, said Tokyo uni-
versity student Tsurugi Nakamura, 18,
said after watching the lm.
Kozo Kagawa shares little enthusi-
asm for that kind of talk. The 89-year-
old former Kamikaze pilot refuses to
judge the morality of the missions, but
he is still haunted by seeing fellow pilots
die in vain. His turn never came.
Its not for survivors like me to judge
whether it was right or wrong. But Im
still mourning the soul of my late buddy.
Im sorry for letting [him] die alone.
A Japanese citys unsuccessful efort
to have Kamikaze pilots farewell letters
posted on a United Nations register ear-
lier this year enraged China and South
Korea, which sufered from Tokyos mili-
tarism before and during the war.
Relations have been further strained
by Mr Abes bid in July to loosen Japans
pacist post-war constitution, long a
symbol of its peaceful image in much of
the world.
The landmark shift to expand the
use of Japans military was met with
warnings it could ultimately see the
country dragged into war, amid terri-
torial disputes with Tokyos neighbours
that have stoked fears of an East Asian
conict.
For Mr Kagawa, there is no question
that Kamikaze missions were a mis-
take, but he is less sure about restrict-
ing armed forces to a purely self-defence
role.
Kamikaze missions should never
happen again, but peace does not come
without costs, he said.
We cant protect peace without de-
fence. Prime Minister Abe appears to be
in a hurry to make changes, but I under-
stand what he is trying to do.
As the 69th anniversary of the wars
end approaches, so too does an annual
pilgrimage by Japanese politicians to
the Yasukuni war shrine.
Any sugar-coating of Japans war-
time past was misplaced, said Akinori
Asano, as he prepares to spend August
15 at home alone, mourning those who
never made it back.
The 85-year-old belonged to an
infamous force code-named Cherry
Blossom which aimed single-engine
bombers with no propellers at their tar-
gets, derided as stupid bombers by the
Allies.
It is nonsense to ask why we obeyed
orders and why we had to die. There
was no room for saying no, Mr Asano
said.
But it was not a movie. Im afraid
young people cant imagine what it was
like. All I can do is pray for peace. AFP
Kamikaze survivors fear future
A miniature model of the Mitsubishi G4M bomber and rocket-powered kamikaze attack plane Oka, or Cherry Blossom, is seen on display on August 7 at a park
beside the former Imperial Navy air base in Kashima, where Okas pilots trained. Photo: AFP
Pilots who recall the horrors of Japans WWII suicide missions worry the countrys right-wing shift could lead to war
Japan could go to
war again if our
leaders are all like
Abe.
Yutaka Kanbe
Retired Japanese pilot
BEIJING
TWO HIV-positive passengers and
a friend are suing a Chinese airline
for refusing to let them on board,
in the countrys rst such lawsuit,
state media reported on August 15.
The pair planned to travel
from Shenyang in the northeast
to Shijiazhuang, south of Beijing,
but were barred from the Spring
Airlines plane after they informed
staf of their status, the Global
Times said.
The two, along with an HIV-
negative travelling companion,
were told that their tickets had
been cancelled.
All three sued the budget air-
line, accusing it of discrimination
and demanding an apology as well
as compensation of 48,999 yuan
(US$8,000), the paper said.
It was the rst lawsuit against
an airline for discriminating
against an HIV-positive person in
China, it added.
China has a long history of dis-
crimination against those with HIV.
It bans them from becoming civil
servants, and they face the possibili-
ty of losing their jobs if their employ-
ers discover their status, while some
have sought hospital treatment only
to be turned away.
China only lifted a long-stand-
ing ban on HIV-positive foreigners
entering the country in 2010.
Under Chinese law air carriers
can deny transport to infectious
patients, people with mental ill-
ness or passengers whose health
condition may endanger others or
themselves.
Liu Wei, the plaintifs lawyer,
said that did not mean Spring
Airlines had the right to reject the
trio, as there was no evidence their
presence on board would infect
anyone else.
The airlines president Wang
Zhenghua told a Chinese media
outlet that the company did not
discriminate against HIV carriers,
and blamed the incident on staf
anxiety.
But he also blamed the pas-
sengers, and said the rm would
not deny HIV-positive travellers
transport in future, as long as they
did not make themselves overly
noticeable to avoid scaring other
customers. AFP
Airline
sued over
HIV ban
SYDNEY HONG KONG
A CHINESE zoo has unveiled new-
born panda triplets billed as the
worlds rst known surviving trio,
in what it hailed as a miracle giv-
en the animals famously low repro-
ductive rate.
The mother panda, named
Juxiao, meaning chrysanthemum
smile, delivered the triplets at
Guangzhous Chimelong Safari
Park in the early hours of July 29,
but was too exhausted to take care
of them afterwards.
A video from the zoo showed
Juxiao sitting in the corner of a
room as she delivered her cubs for
four gruelling hours, licking them
after they were born.
By the time it came to the deliv-
ery of the third cub, she was lying
on her side from exhaustion.
Her cubs were initially put into
incubators while Juxiao regained
her strength but have now been
brought back to their mother for
nursing and were being attended to
by a round-the-clock team of feed-
ers, the zoo said last week.
It was a miracle for us and [the
births] exceeded our expectations,
the safari parks general manager
Dong Guixin said on August 12.
Its been 15 days. They have
lived longer than any other triplets
so far, Mr Dong said.
An official from Sichuan Wo-
long National Nature Reserve,
which is considered the foremost
authority on pandas, said the trio
were too young to be officially
recognised as surviving but that
they were the only known panda
triplets alive.
We can only say they are surviv-
ing once they reach six months. For
now they are indeed the only sur-
viving triplets, said an ofcial from
the centre who gave her name only
as Ms Zhao.
The cubs were naturally con-
ceived when the 12-year-old Juxiao
was paired with the 17-year-old fa-
ther, Linlin, at the zoo, Mr Dong
said.
In September last year, we
made them neighbours so they
could see each other and get famil-
iarised with things such as smell.
Juxiao also had to do more ex-
ercise to strengthen herself [for the
pregnancy], he said.
The triplets can be described as
a new wonder of the world, a state-
ment from the safari park added,
describing mortality rates among
pandas as extremely high.
Pictures of the triplets taken
earlier this month showed the pink-
coloured cubs inside an incubator
with their eyes closed and bodies
thinly covered with white fur.
The zoo described them as being
between 83 and 124 grams (2.9 and
4.4 ounces) and smaller than the
size of a human palm at birth.
The mother and babies were in
good condition, but the adorable
newborns were particularly inspir-
ing, the zoo said.
The gender of the cubs can-
not be determined until they grow
older and they will be given their
names at a later date.
The rst known case of triplets
from a giant panda was recorded
in 1999, when a 15-year-old mother
gave birth following articial in-
semination in the southwestern
Chinese city of Chengdu.
However the youngest of the trio
died three days after because of a
bladder disorder.
Pandas, whose natural habi-
tat lies in mountainous south-
western China, have a notori-
ously low reproductive rate
and are under pressure from
factors such as habitat loss. China
has about 1600 pandas living in the
wild.
Their normal breeding season is
mid-April to May. AFP
Three cheers for panda mum
Panda triplets in an incubator at Chimelong safari park in Guangzhou, China, in a photo released August 12.
Photo: AFP
Climate
change
threatens Gt.
Barrier reef
Climate change remains the most seri-
ous threat to the Great Barrier Reef and
the outlook for the natural wonder is
poor, an Australian government re-
port has warned.
The World Heritage site on the
north-east coast is under pressure
and its capacity to recover could be
weakening, said the report from the
Great Barrier Marine Park Authority,
released on August 12.
Climate change, poor water qual-
ity from land-based run-of, impacts
from coastal development, and some
remaining impacts of shing remain
the major threats to the future vitality
of the Great Barrier Reef, it noted.
It added that the overall outlook
for the Great Barrier Reef is poor.
Greater reductions of all threats at
all levels, reef-wide, regional and local,
are required to prevent the projected
declines in the Great Barrier Reef and
to improve its capacity to recover.
The report, which included con-
tributions from the Australian and
Queensland state governments, came
two months after UNESCO deferred
listing the reef as in danger.
The UN cultural body gave Aus-
tralia until February 1, 2015, to submit
a report on what it was doing to protect
the biodiverse site.
Environment Minister Greg Hunt
said he is condent his government
will be able to do enough to stop the
reef from being listed as in danger,
such as reducing port developments.
The report is a mixture of pressure
and progress, he told media.
The World Wildlife Fund said bil-
lions not millions of dollars need to be
invested in the reef to reduce pollution
and repair degraded ecosystems.
Conservationists have criticised the
approval of a major coal port expansion
on the reef that requires the dredging
of three million cubic metres of mate-
rial from the seabed so freighters can
dock. AFP
THE PULSE EDITOR: WHITNEY LIGHT light.whitney@gmail.com THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014

G
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T

Y
O
U
R

F
I
N
G
E R
S

O
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I
T
Photo: Emperor
Covering
the kings
As iconic rock band
Emperor turns 30 this
year, theyre celebrating
with the release of
a special collectors
album and a concert
unlike any other
the pulse 49
www.mmtimes.com
T
HE album will include four CDs and about 50 tracks,
said lead vocalist and national rocknroll icon Zaw
Win Htut. This is for fans who want to listen to our
songs in one album, because some albums you cant
get at the music store.
In addition to putting out the special set to mark Emperors
three-decade anniversary, Nine Planets Entertainment is also
organising an ambitious concert, coming this November and
featuring the band alongside a new generation of local rockers.
Young musicians will play covers of some of Zaw Win Htuts more
than 200 original songs.
They are the bedrock of Myanmar rock, and they created a
unique sound, said Nine Planets owner Gai Choke.
Initially he had been planning the special concert without
informing Zaw Win Htut. He asked around for new rock bands
to send in demo tracks. In the end, however, he approached the
famous rocker for permission to cover his songs.
I thought he wouldnt agree, because we planned to change
all the arrangements, said Gai Choke. Thats why I prepared all
the data and was ready to show him, so he would trust me 100
percent. Unexpectedly, he agreed.
I dont care if new bands cover my songs, said Zaw Win
Htut, looking comfortable in his trademark 502 brand jeans,
long hair tied in a pony tail and silver chains dangling from his
wrist. Theyre welcome to do it. Ive thought about how I could
support them, and how we can perform together on the same
stage. Thats why I allowed it.
As soon as he agreed to do the concert, Gai Choke announced
the news to all the bands who might participate. Ive already got
some lined up, and Ive put the call out. I estimate about 15 bands
will play this concert.
The difcult part was familiarising the young musicians with
Zaw Win Htuts songs, he said. Most of the musicians are about
20 years old too young to have known rst-hand the golden age
of Emperor.
Theyre all amazed after listening to these songs, Gai Choke
said. They only know pop songs, and they thought these songs
were copies. But they arent, actually.
Each band that has auditioned for the concert has been given
10 minutes to improvise a version of an Emperor song. Then Gai
Choke and Zaw Win Htut select the best groups.
Hes also planning to put any funds the event earns into
a new rock music award, which he hopes to give next year.
Theres no rock award in Myanmar. Some prizes have been
handed out, but they were based on stupid judgments. A rock
music award that is judged by rock heroes and audiences
might be more worthy.
Zaw Win Htut thinks the new generation of rock bands is
creative and smart.
Most have a lot of creativity, and some are writing songs by
themselves. So theyre smarter than me, he said.
Zaw Win Htut would prefer not to charge for tickets to the
concert.
Gai Choke chose Peoples Park for the venue, and it should
be free, he said. Were planning a rock festival, not a concert.
Everybody should be able to participate.
A free show would also be better for the young bands, Zaw
Win Htut said, since it would bring them greater exposure.
In 1980, Emperor started with ve members: Zaw Win Htut
on vocals, his brother Zaw Myo Htut on lead guitar, Maung
Maung Lwin on keyboard, Wai Htun on drums, John OHara on
acoustic guitar and Cin Khan Pan on bass.
Over the years the members have changed. Myat Moe has
come aboard as bassist, and Ye Linn has taken over drums.
Our group is very independent, Zaw Win Htut said. Some
left the band because they got bored, or wanted to follow another
career. But everyone was always ready to help when Emperor
needed. There arent any contracts or promises. Every member
can play in our band.
They released their rst album in 1983, just Zaw Win Htut
and his brother Zaw Myo Htut. But Lann Thit (New Way) didnt
get much play. Their style was new for Myanmar at the time, and
people didnt accept it readily.
My dad produced that album, Zaw Win Htut said. I handed
it out at some teashops around my neighbourhood, and people
told me next time not to sing with a throat problem.
He came from a musical family. His mother, Htarr, was a
famous singer, and his grandfather Shwe Taing Nyunt wrote
musicals. When he was 16, his father, U Kyi Khin, built the
Master recording studio and went into music production.
The young Zaw Win Htut dreamed of being as great as the
Beatles. He played drums in a band called Oasis before forming
Emperor.
I grew up with music. Then I became a musician, and I
wasnt interested in education, said the 51-year-old. I loved
music and trusted it. If people say God is real, I might not believe
it, but I believe in and trust my music.
Emperor went on to release more than 20 albums and
appeared on many more compilations.
They started to write their own songs in 1990. The desire
to innovate led to the hugely successful A Hnai Mae (Nothing
Compares to the One I Love) and A Chit Myar Thu Si Mhar (All
My Love Belongs to Her).
Zaw Win Htut said he has decided he must play music all
his life. If he reaches a point when he cant rock, hell do blues
or jazz. Hes also carried his passion into a day-job as managing
director of Bagan FM and Bagan Entertainment.
I cant live without music, he said. I dont have a new group
yet. Im thinking about it, but right now Im playing blues with
my friends at home.
LWIN MAR HTUN
lwinmarhtun.mcm@gmail.com
50 the pulse THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014
T
HE Miss Globe Myanmar
crown has been transferred
again. The moving of the
crown from Ju San Tha to
Hla Yin Kyay was the rst
switch-up of the problematic award.
Now the crown has been moved to Aye
Chan Myae.
National director of Miss Globe
International, Hla Nu Tun, oversaw the
transfer. She said that after the rst
changing of the crown, Hla Yin Kyay
was attacked and threatened on social
media including Facebook, prompting
her to transfer the crown yet again.
Hla Yin Kyay was not a competitor
in Miss Globe Myanmar, and the haters
bashed her when I gave her the crown,
Hla Nu Tun said. She decided to award
the crown instead to Aye Chan Myae,
who placed fourth in the nal top ve
during the Miss Globe competition at
Karaweik Palace Hotel on March 4.
Some fans have accused the director
of manipulating the competition and
of taking back the crown because of
a personal disagreement with Ju San
Thar.
Hla Nu Tun wrote on her Facebook
page that Ju San Thar contacted rival
agencies, spoke rudely to her and would
not sign a contract.
Ju San Thar admitted that she had
spoken rudely in a phone message, but
she had since apologised and Hla Nu
Tun had ofered her forgiveness.
She also admitted asking a rival
agency to help sponsor an evening
dress for the upcoming Miss Globe
International pageant in Azerbaijan
later this month. She nagged me for
that, Ju San Thar said. I was wrong,
but I apologised, and she said she was
okay and well do things together in the
future.
Hla Nu Tun sent Ju San Thar
a contract to sign on July 23 and
announced the next day that she was
taking back the crown.
She sent the contract draft to my
home on July 23, but my father was
sick and went to see the doctor. My
family was so busy with my father. I
couldnt decide to sign the contract in
that short time without discussing it
with my family, said Ju San Thar, who
is 17.
According to the draft contract,
the national director of Miss Globe
would be entitled to 30 percent of the
prots earned by Ju San Thar over the
course of three years. It also requires
the crown-holder to refrain from rude
conduct, cursing, drug use and going to
night clubs.
Ju San Thars mother, Thin Thin
Yee, said the contract was so restrictive
that she needed time to discuss it with
lawyers.
The controversy over the contract
had the public wondering why
competitors were not informed about
the rules and regulations in advance
and why the Miss Globe agency did not
plan to sign a contract sooner.
I believed her and her mother, Hla
Nu Tun said in defence. They told me
they would sign the contract any time
and they would give me 30pc of prots.
Thats why I did not plan to sign the
contract earlier.
She also said she told Ju San
Thar not to contact other agencies,
but the beauty queen disobeyed and
posted photos of herself with other
organisations on Facebook.
I called her, not to sign the
contract, but to discuss the contract,
Hla Nu Tun said. She told me she
couldnt come because of her father,
but I know she worked for other
organisations and did a shoot with
Channel 7 at that time.
Now Aye Chan Myae, a second-year
medical student and wushu martial
arts player, is Miss Globe Myanmar
and set to compete in the Miss Globe
International pageant in Azerbaijan on
August 26.
She has signed the three year
contract with the national director.
Scandal mars
Miss Globe
competition
Beauty pageant director takes back crown twice
ahead of international competition
Ju San Thar speaks at a press conference addressing her loss of the Miss Globe
crown at Parkroyal Hotel on July 25. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
CHIT SU WAI
suwai.chit@gmail.com
ART
Aug 1-31 City of Small photography
by Thet Htoo. Witness Yangon
Documentary Art Space, 3
rd
foor,
4A Parami Rd, Pyan Hlwar Building,
Mayangone 12-5pm
Aug 15-Sept 20 14 AM TS1 Gallery,
Lanthit Jetty, Seikkan 10am-5pm
Aug 18 Made in Myanmar Lokanat
Gallery, 1
st
foor, 62 Pansodan Street
9am-5pm
FILM
Start times at Mingalar (1, 2), Thwin,
Shae Shaung (1,2) and Nay Pyi Taw
cinemas are 10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm,
6pm and 8pm.
Start times at Junction Square and
Maw Tin are 10am, 1pm and 4pm daily
and 7pm and 9:30pm on Friday and
Saturday.
Start times at Mingalar San Pya are
10am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 6:30pm and
9:30pm.
Nay Pyi Taw Cinema 1, near Sule
pagoda
Guardians of the Galaxy. Directed by
James Gunn. Based on the Marvel
comics.
Nay Pyi Taw Cinema 2, 3, near Sule
Pagoda
The Expendables 3. Directed
by Patrick Hughes. A group of
mercenaries must take down one of
their own.
Mingalar Cinema, at Dagon Center 2,
Myaynigone, Sanchaung
Hercules. Directed by Brett Ratner.
The hero battles a tyrannical warlord.
Shae Shaung Cinema 1, Sule Pagoda
Road, Kyauktada
Hercules.
Shae Shaung Cinema 2, Sule Pagoda
Road, Kyauktada
The Expendables 3.
Junction Square Cineplex,
Kamaryut
Rage. Directed by Paco Cabezas.
A reformed criminal (Nicolas Cage)
seeks justice when his daughter is
kidnapped.
Guardians of the Galaxy.
Mingalar San Pya Cineplex, Phone
Gyi Street and Anawrahta, Lanmadaw
Guardians of the Galaxy.
The Expendables 3.
MUSIC
Aug 22 The Yangon Vibe R&B, party
anthems and a dose of house. Mojo
Bar, 135 Inya Road, Bahan 10pm
Aug 23 Htoo Eain Thins Music
Festival. Tickets K10,000-K30,000
at 4TV Showrooms, City Mart,
myasiaticket.com. Myanmar Event
Park 6pm
Aug 23 DJ Sleems Funkadelic Show.
Free entry. Mojo Bar, 135 Inya Road
Bahan 10pm
MISC
Aug 19 International comedy night,
50
th
Street Bar, 9-13 50
th
Street 8 pm
Aug 24 ASEAN Gourmet Festival,
celebrating ASEANs 47
th
anniversary.
Opening lunch costs US$30 per
person. Tickets at 01-544500 ext 6287,
6253. Emporia Restaurant, Chatrium
Hotel, 40 Natmauk Road, Tarmwe
12:30pm
Got an event?
List it in Whats On!
whatsonmt@gmail.com
AUGUST 18 - 24
the pulse 51 www.mmtimes.com
Photo book emphasises
nostalgia over relevance
Aung San Suu Kyi: A Portrait in Words and Pictures
By Christophe Loviny | Hardie Grant Books, 2003 | K29,000 at Monument Books
BOOK REVIEW
J
UST when you thought the
days of uncritical praise for
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were
over, along comes French
photographer Christophe
Lovinys hagiographic Aung San Suu
Kyi: A Portrait in Words and Pictures.
The 132-page hardcover book
employs photographs, brief
biographical excerpts and quotes in
the service of perpetuating a carefully
burnished image of the National
League for Democracy leader.
The content is presented
chronologically, and many of the
images in the early pages are sourced
from Daw Suu Kyis own private
collection. There are photos of her as a
child in Yangon, as a university student
in India, and as a wife and mother in
England and elsewhere.
One early family portrait shows
an infant Suu Kyi held in the arms
of her mother Daw Khin Kyi, while
father Aung San smiles and clutches
his two sons to his chest. Two pages
later, we see Daw Khin Kyi with her
three children gathered around her.
The absence of Aung San, who had
been assassinated a year earlier, weighs
heavily on the image.
These family photographs are
the strongest and by far the most
engaging aspect of the book. But as
the daughter of Burmas independence
hero, Daw Suu Kyi was never destined
to enjoy a quiet domestic life.
Contextual photographs help
illustrate the major events that
propelled her to the forefront of
Burmas pro-democracy movement,
including the untimely death of her
father, the 1988 uprising against the
military government and her rst
public appearances in support of these
protests.
The book takes a strange turn about
halfway through with the introduction
of a series of awkward portraits of
Daw Suu Kyi shot by Loviny on the
veranda of her home on University
Avenue: they show her posing at a table
pretending to write, and standing with
an open volume of Japanese poetry as if
perusing the pages.
The photos are meant to evoke the
period during which Daw Suu Kyi was
under house arrest, even though they
were actually taken sometime following
her release.
But its not so much their uneasy
staginess that disappoints; rather,
its their failure to reveal anything
remotely personal about the ordeal of
being conned to home for so many
years. Where did the prisoner cook her
food and eat her meals? Where did
she sleep? How was her famous piano
situated?
None of these questions are
answered. Instead, the photo shoot
is limited to an outdoor area that
has become familiar to the public
through its use as the backdrop for
press conferences with US President
Barack Obama, former US Secretary of
State Hillary Clinton and other visiting
dignitaries.
As such, the photos taken in this
politicised space evoke a public rather
than a private life; they point not to
personal tribulations but to the further
cementing of an iconic persona.
The second half of the book
featuring work by Loviny and Myanmar
photographers Pyay Kyaw Myint,
Minzayar, Aung Pyae, Lynn Bo Bo and
Soe Than Win runs with this theme
by perpetuating the legend of the idol.
We see images of Daw Suu Kyi
being adored by the masses: adored
while standing at the gate of the
NLDs headquarters; adored while
her bodyguards escort her through
frenzied crowds; adored while
campaigning from the sunroof of her
white car.
We see adorers waving ags, adorers
dancing and adorers plastering NLD
ags onto the faces of hapless babies
who have no idea what the fuss is all
about.
A handful of such photos would
have sufced to convey Daw Suu Kyis
popularity, but we get page after page
of mind-numbingly repetitive images.
Cutting out a few of these images
would have left more space for the book
to live up to the dust jackets promise to
evoke the formidable challenges that
still lie ahead. The photo of Daw Suu
Kyi in parliament surrounded by army
representatives does not come close to
accomplishing this goal.
Neither does the accompanying
text, which cites the need to end long-
standing ethnic and religious conicts
that have plagued the country but
makes no reference to the scrutiny
Daw Suu Kyi has faced over her
noncommittal, lukewarm approach to
solving these same problems.
But this is precisely what would
have been necessary to create a book
that stood for something greater than
simple nostalgia, that went beyond
pining for the days when Daw Suu
Kyi was idealistically viewed as being
beyond reproach and incapable of
issuing an unwise directive.
The reality is that Daw Suu Kyis
election to parliament in 2012 has
forced her to become entangled in the
complex realities of Myanmar politics.
With the NLD expending tremendous
amounts of energy to amend the 2008
constitution for the benet of their
party leader, serious questions must be
asked about her tness to be president.
In order to successfully evoke the
formidable challenges of the coming
years, Loviny would have done better
to scrap some of the idolatrous images
and instead include a few contextual
photos that vividly illustrate the
conicts over which the blood of Daw
Suu Kyis countrymen continues to be
spilled.
The war in Kachin State, the squalid
refugee camps in northern Rakhine
State and anti-Muslim pogroms would
have been good places to start.
Their inclusion would have served
to emphasise the need for Daw Suu
Kyi to take a more determined stand
on certain vital humanitarian issues,
while at the same time making the
book substantially more relevant to
Myanmars current state of afairs.
Aung San Suu Kyi in the hospital with her firstborn son Alexander in April 1973. Photo: Getty Images/Aris Family Collection
DOUGLAS
LONG
dlong125@gmail.com
O
N a research assignment in
2013, Ben Bansal, a writer
and graduate of the School
of Oriental and African
Studies in London, arrived
in Myanmar for the rst time. It was
unlike any place I had been before,
yet somehow familiar at the same
time, he wrote by email recently.
Fascinated by Yangons colonial
buildings and understated
modern architecture, he decided
to start collecting material for an
architectural guide, enlisting the help
of friends and colleagues Manuel Oka,
an architect and photographer, and
Elliott Fox, an NGO worker.
The goal for the book is to
ofer readers context for Yangons
built environment, crucial for
understanding history in places
where the past is often shrouded in
mystery, Bansal said. The guide will
come out in early 2015 through DOM
Publishers, which specialises in books
by architects and has published 50
other city guides.
Bansal, Oka and Fox
corresponded with The Myanmar
Times about their research and
favourite Yangon places.
What was your rst experience of
the city?
Manuel Oka: It was the pictures of
Yangon that Ben sent to me during
his trip that really triggered the
inception of this project and gave me
the idea to visit Myanmar myself later
that year.
Elliott Fox: I checked in at the
YMCA, and the next morning had
naan and tea on Thein Phyu Road at
this perfect little place with a massive
tandoor, beneath one of those big,
colonial-era canopies. It sat right
across from the Secretariat. They
since tore the canopy down and that
place is now gone, sadly.
What gap did you see in the
literature on Yangon architecture?
MO:There is some information
available, primarily on Yangons
heritage architecture. The Association
of Myanmar Architects 30 Heritage
Buildings, written and researched by
Sarah Rooney, is probably the most
accessible and useful guide to the
citys colonial heritage architecture.
Its widely available in Yangon. Old
Rangoon by Noel F Singer really
brings colonial Rangoon back to life
and has plenty of old photos and
illustrations.
Ben Bansal: There is no pure
architectural guide out there per
se, especially one that covers a little
more than just the superstar
buildings found mainly in Kyauktada
township. There is also precious little
material available covering the post-
independence period. And while that
may not be on everyones mind when
coming to Yangon, these buildings
are an indispensable part of the citys
history.
How does your research enrich
your experience of the city?
EF: Often its the buildings journey
from its original function to how it
was repurposed after independence
thats really interesting. For example,
several of the heritage buildings
along Strand Road were built by
trading rms Scots, Armenians and
others before assuming diferent
incarnations over the years. But I
hope the guide will get readers to
stop at some of the more humble
buildings too. Every single one has
meaning to a particular community
or speaks to a specic historical
moment, or both. They are Yangons
collective memory.
BB: The crowd-sourcing element of
the book has been very enriching as
well. Knowing the omnipresence of
Facebook in Yangon, we set up a page
and posted some of Manuels photos
with a very short blurb. (Therell be
more in the book.) Were nearing
5000 followers and have a group of
regulars adding their insights and
anecdotes. Its very rewarding.
MO: Weve also met fascinating
people through the project. One of
them is Bob Percival, who runs the
excellent Yangon Walking Tours and
helps us with research.
BB: Many others have contributed
their expertise, among them built-
heritage conservation specialist
Kecia Fong and architect and
preservationist Zaw Lin Myat.
Should the public take more
interest in 20
th
century
architecture?
BB: Absolutely. Yangon was a
surprisingly cosmopolitan city
in architectural terms until well
into the 60s, and Modernism and
International style have left behind
some traces. Some of the buildings
have been refurbished nicely, such
as the Thamada cinema and hotel.
Others are left to decay, such as the
Nat Mauk Technical High School,
which is said to have been a present
from the US government. Other
superpowers also left their mark: for
example, the Soviet Union, with the
Inya Lake Hotel, and China, with the
National Theatre.
Are you hopeful that the city will
preserve its heritage?
EF: Hopeful and optimistic. The
Yangon Heritage Trust is doing
essential, inspiring work. Theyve
demonstrated leadership and instilled
greater awareness among decision-
makers. I think, in the long run,
Yangon will achieve a better balance
between conservation and new
construction than some of its regional
neighbours.
What are your favourite places?
MO: The old glass factory which got
destroyed by Cyclone Nargis has great
salvaged and repaired glassware.
As far as street food is concerned,
I found the best on and around
19
th
Street. I like Aung Mingalar
on Nawaday Road for soups and
dumplings and the place across from
it for delicious Myanmar curries.
EF: 19
th
Street. As touristy as it
sounds, I also have a thing about the
Strand Bar but only when its really
quiet and empty.
See www.facebook.com/
YangonArchitecture for more info and
updates on the project.
China enlists lm prostitute for culture battle
WHITNEY LIGHT
SHANGHAI
CHINA is turning to a 1930s
prostitute with a heart of gold
played by a doomed actress to
arouse a cinematic renaissance and
fend of a cultural onslaught from
Hollywood.
The 1934 silent movie The Goddess
was made during a golden period
for the Shanghai lm industry,
when its studios were the centre of
Chinese-language cinematography.
In the lm, a woman is driven into
prostitution to educate her young son
after her husbands suicide. Gossipy
neighbours reveal her profession to
the boys school, forcing him to leave.
She eventually murders a gambler for
stealing her money, ending up in jail.
A new digital restoration of the
movie was recently shown at the
Shanghai Film Festival, after the
state-backed China Film Archive set
up in 1958 by then-Premier and the
guardian of the countrys cinematic
history Zhou Enlai opened up
its vaults. It is one of several re-
masterings that come as Beijing tries
to extend its soft power by exporting
Chinese culture around the world,
and build a stronger movie industry
able to compete internationally.
The Goddess deserves being seen
as the pinnacle of the Chinese silent
lm era, said Sun Xianghui, director
of the archive.
Overseas audiences saw the new
print of the movie, many for the rst
time, a few weeks ago in Paris.
China has in the past been very
backward on lm preservation, said
Linda Johnson, lecturer on Chinese
lm and convener for the lm club
of the Royal Asiatic Society (RAS)
in Shanghai. But the refurbishment
drive is helped by the selection
of lms which match the ruling
Communist Partys view of history.
Other movies chosen for the
project include Labourers Love from
1922, said to be among the earliest
examples of Chinese lm, about a
fruit-seller.
A Chinese academic, who declined
to be named, said, The Goddess is
representative of a leftist critique
of society, so the Communist Party
has all along held the movie in high
esteem.
Lady Linda Wong Davies, founder
of the KT Wong Foundation which
commissioned a new musical score
for The Goddess, described the project
as China restoring its own past, its
own great history.
As China re-joins the world as
a major industrial nation, theyre
very keen to let the rest of the world
understand who we are, she said.
The Goddess is virtually unknown
to Western audiences, but critics say it
compares favourably to foreign silent
lms of the same era, in large part
due to lead actress Ruan Lingyu, who
plays the cheongsam-clad prostitute.
Ruan acted in 29 lms, only nine of
which survive, before killing herself
over two unfaithful lovers at the age
of 24 in 1935. Tens of thousands of
people lined the streets of Shanghai
for her funeral procession.
She was the most popular actress
of her day, said Johnson of the RAS.
Ruan Lingyu is marvellous in the
way she can convey emotion, almost
dialogue, through her body language.
But restored lms have found only
a niche audience in China compared
to Hollywood blockbusters. Shanghai
held just two screenings of The
Goddess, though viewers paid more
than $30 for tickets.
Restoring this kind of lm is not
very protable from a commercial
angle, said Chinese lm critic
Raymond Zhou.
In contrast Transformers: Age of
Extinction had its Chinese premiere
at the same lm festival and went on
to earn more than US $300 million,
becoming the biggest-)grossing movie
ever in the country and prompting soul-
searching among cultural ofcials. The
Chinese government said in June it will
invest $16 million annually to fund ve
to 10 inuential lms, and ofer the
domestic industry some tax breaks.
It must be recognised that we
are in a full state of competition with
American lms, the head of Chinas
lm bureau, Zhang Hongsen, was
quoted by state media. This is about
defending and ghting for cultural
territory. AFP
BILL SAVADOVE
A film set display illustrates Shanghais old Nanjing Road, at an exhibition at the
Shanghai Film Museum on August 6. China is re-mastering several old films as
part of an effort to extend its cultural soft power around the world. Photo: AFP/
Johannes Eisele
In buildings,
authors nd clues
to Yangons
past
In the spotlight...
The Governors Residence (1920) was once occupied by the Kayah State governor. Since 1997 the building has been used
as a luxury hotel. Photo: Manuel Oka
the pulse 53 www.mmtimes.com
WEEKLY PREDICTIONS
JULY 18 - 24, 2014
AUNG MYIN KYAW
4
th
Floor, 113, Thamain Bayan Road, Tarmwe township, Yangon.
Tel: 09-731-35632, Email: williameaste@gmail.com
GEMINI | May 21 June 20
Virtue alone is sufcient to
make you great, glorious
and happy. Every negative
thinker distrusts himself,
belittles himself and
downgrades himself because he lacks
certain aspects of character. Life is full of
imperfections, but you should live well
and contribute as long as possible. You
are made to grow.
SAGITTARIUS | Nov 22 Dec 21
The path of the righteous is
like the light of dawn, which
shines brighter and brighter
through the day. The
expectations of the wicked
come to naught. Good acts assure a
future of independence, security and
consideration. Being righteous with little
is better than great revenue with injustice.
TAURUS | Apr 20 May 20
Life without industry is guilt
but industry without art is
brutality, noted William
Morris. Most of your dreams
can come true if you have
the courage and optimism to pursue
them. Know what you want, but also
notice what you will give up to get it.
Compromising doesnt mean giving up, it
means being creative.
SCORPIO | Oct 23 Nov 21
One cannot advance without
wisdom. Your cheerful heart
is a good medicine, but a
downcast spirit always dries
up the bones. Many seek the
favour of a generous person, and
everyone is a friend one who gives.
Present yourself to society as amiable
and generous, spreading peace, joy and
health.
ARIES | Mar 21 Apr 19
Concealment and
disclosure are equally
powerfully strategies. You
should play accordingly.
Dont respond to direct
questions unless your answer will
advance your social position and dignity.
Self-love is not arrogance but an
emotion of self-respect. Be aware of the
two big motivators in life: family and
health.
LIBRA | Sept 23 Oct 22
No ill befalls the righteous.
The righteous has enough to
secure his appetite. There
will be a safe and sound
future if you nd wisdom,
and you will have hope. Know that old age
is not given to the wicked. The light in
your eyes should inspire the hearts of
others. Turn away wrath.
CANCER | June 21 July 22
See, accept and experience
the present in order to
know the value of the
present. Live with an
optimistic outlook, but pay
more attention to the manners of
others. As long as you continue to stay
in the present you will nd reality. Your
mindset must be clear and simple.
CAPRICORN | Dec 22 Jan 19
According to Jesus, what is
born of the esh is esh,
and what is born of the spirit
is spirit. Do not invite
stupidity through your errors
nor bring on destruction with your hands.
Recognise the weakness of your own
wisdom and your unsound theology. Do
not fear suffering but rid yourself of evil.
PISCES | Feb 19 March 20
A well-timed emotional
outburst can sometimes get
your opponent to agree to
your terms. A righteous man
knows the rights of the poor
but a wicked man does not. You should
pay more attention to the soul of your
home and its needs. True love cannot
remain silent when one is going astray.
VIRGO | Aug 23 Sept 22
Your spiritual tasks are high
and virtuous but self-
discipline is required. Notice
that surprising negative
events and sensual
temptations lead to delay in reaching your
goals. You can alter your life by altering
your attitude. You must always be
reasonable and logical in your actions.
AQUARIUS | Jan 20 Feb 18
It is very important to
identify the centre of the
problem before you plunge
in. Otherwise, the plan you
implement may not work,
and it could actually worsen the
situation. Dont mistake a symptom for
an underlying problem, and put your
duty before yourself. Your decision-
making could be under conditions of
great risk.
LEO | July 23 Aug 22
Endings only
mean new
beginnings. Every
beginning and
every direction is
difcult. Carefully
observe the
changes of social
manners and
styles. Recurring worries about social
responsibility and love affairs may see a
good change, and you can ensure your
personal development. In love, act your
part.
Remembering
Robin Williams
A brush with greatness and a farewell to a particular kind of pain
I
FIRST became aware of Robin
Williams from the 70s and 80s
television show Happy Days,
where he appeared as a guest
star. I remember seeing regular
cast member Ron Howard describe
in an interview how Williams electric
performances put the rest of the cast
in awe of him and, in some ways, to
shame by comparison.
Over the years, I watched
Williams as the alien Mork in another
television show, Mork & Mindy. In
1987, I became a die-hard fan when
I watched his hilarious portrayal of
disc jockey Adrian Cronauer in Good
Morning Vietnam, a lm in which
he not only entertains the troops,
but also falls afoul of the established
powers by doing impressions of
Richard Nixon and Walter Cronkite.
All through his career, he played
characters so genuine, so talented,
so far beyond the run-of-the-mill,
that he inevitably changed the game
and upset others who rode easily on
the establishments back.
In Dead Poets Society Williams
played an English professor at an
East Coast prep school who makes
a profound diference in the lives
of his students by inspiring them
to break out of their shells only to
be later dismissed by the schools
stodgy authorities.
That same theme surfaced in
Patch Adams, in which he played a
doctor who heals his patients with
humour and comes into conict
with the hospital administration.
In Mrs Doubtre he played a
father so desperate to be with his
children that he dresses up like an
old Scottish woman and gets a job
as their maid fooling even their
mother.
Later, Williams won an Oscar for
his performance as a good-hearted
Boston psychiatrist who helps a
troubled young man (Matt Damon)
overcome the trauma of childhood
abuse in Good Will Hunting.
Following such comedic
and dramatic fame, Williams
demonstrated a remarkable acting
range by playing creepy and
believable villains in One Hour
Photo and Insomnia, in which he
starred alongside Al Pacino.
But what I remembered most
about Robin Williams was his
afection for Jonathan Winters, a
TV and radio funny man that hed
idolised during his own youth,
and later befriended. Interestingly,
Winters also sufered from serious
depression. One of the funniest
things Ive ever seen is a video of
Williams and Winters together
doing impromptu comedy, going
from one hilarious skit to the next,
doing voices of various characters,
acting out everything including
Iraqi Army drills.
So it was about 2004, when I
was making one of my weekend
trips from Tucson, Arizona, where
I wrote for the Tucson Weekly,
to Scottsdales best shopping
centre, Fashion Square, that I had
my Robin Williams brush with
greatness. My practice was to go
shopping for clothes and then have
lunch in the food court, followed by
a movie.
Id been standing in line to
see the comedy The 40-Year-Old
Virgin and was heading toward the
popcorn counter when I spotted
Williams standing there all alone,
waiting for somebody. I knew I
couldnt miss my chance, so I went
and ofered him my ticket, saying
Please, take my ticket as a gift to
you for all the times you made me
laugh. It was kind of ham-sted,
but I couldnt think of anything else
to say.
Ill never forget his reply. In his
deep voice, he said, Noooo ... go
enjoy your movie. He had probably
endured these kind of approaches
from thousands of people like
me, but I went on to tell him how
important and healing were all
the times hed incited me to side-
splitting laughter the kind that
makes you sore around the middle.
When I heard on August 11 that
Williams had taken his own life, it
made me sad but then I thought
he wont be sufering any more
either.
In our world of strife and scurry,
where people get bombed and
shelled every day in places like Gaza
and Ukraine, perhaps Williams,
facing old age after a lifetime of
battling addictions to alcohol and
drugs, thought he had already given
his best to the human population.
Maybe he didnt see any point in
carrying on. Such is the razors edge
between genius and depression.
If only I could have been there
to talk to him. I would have loved
saving his life by talking him out
of it but maybe I would have just
postponed the inevitable. Were all
mortals after all.
But youre gone now, Robin,
and all we can say is, thanks for
the laughter and the joy for your
heart as big as the ocean and your
remarkable talent for comedy that
made us laugh so hard it hurt.
Were hurting now. Thanks for all
the good pain, Robin Williams.
Your star shone so bright that you
upset the rest of the stars but
they forgave you when they saw the
vastness of your generous spirit.
STUART ALAN
BECKER
stuart.becker@gmail.com
Robin Williams (centre) poses with actors Matt Damon (left) and Ben Affleck (right) after they won an Academy Award
for the film Good Will Hunting. Photo: AFP
Living well in Myanmar
The myth
of vitamins
More doesnt
necessarily mean
better health
Photo: US Food & Drug Administration
CHRISTOPH
GELSDORF,
MD
livingwellmyanmar@gmail.com
F
OR some reason the
word vitamin is
associated with good
health. Its believed
around the globe
that taking daily vitamins is
a benecial behaviour. People
assume that they will be more
energetic day-to-day and prevent
illness in both the short and long
term. In the United States it is
estimated that 40 percent of the
population takes multivitamin
supplements, an industry that
generates $28 billion per year.
While we dont have vitamin-
usage data for Myanmar, personal
experience tells me that most
people who visit a local doctor or
pharmacist leave with a vitamin
included in the pill bundle they
receive. Often this happens
because patients generally expect
that going to the doctor means
getting prescribed medicine.
Vitamins, therefore, are a colourful
way for the physician to promote
patient satisfaction.
But do vitamins actually
promote health? The
overwhelming majority of medical
research says no. A recent issue
of the Annals of Internal Medicine
ofers three articles that solidify
the case against the usefulness
of vitamins. The rst group of
researchers reviewed 27 clinical
trials involving 400,000 adults and
concluded there was no long-term
benet in terms of extending life
or preventing against heart disease
or cancer.
The second study directly
followed 6000 men for 12 years
and found no diferences in
cognitive performance or verbal
memory in those who took
vitamins compared to those who
did not.
The third paper evaluated
whether vitamins might benet
men and women who recently
had a heart attack. It found
no additional protective efect
against further heart problems in
the 1700 people enrolled in the
study.
In fact, over the decades there
has been almost no research
showing health benets to the
average person from vitamin
consumption. Furthermore, some
supplements, such as vitamin
E, beta-carotene and possibly
high doses of vitamin A actually
appear to cause people to die
sooner. Using vitamins as a general
strategy to prevent disease is not
justied, and for most people they
should be avoided.
Vitamins are organic
compounds that the body needs
in small amounts to facilitate
the chemical reactions involved
in body functions. Having an
oversupply doesnt mean the
body is functioning better. As an
analogy, a car needs oil for its
engine to be able to use gasoline,
but adding extra oil wont help it
to function better.
Vitamins are almost exclusively
obtained from food. A deciency
in a particular vitamin can cause
a specic physiologic problem, but
these deciencies usually occur
only in patients with diseases
that impair the gastrointestinal
uptake or metabolic processing
of a vitamin. Most typical diets in
this country provide an adequate
supply.
For Myanmar, the public health
implications of this research
are signicant. When doctors in
community clinics or township
medical ofces give people
vitamins, they are rarely doing
so because of a known vitamin
deciency in that patient. Blood
tests for vitamin levels arent
common. While some segments
of the rural and urban poor are
vitamin- and nutrient-decient
because of dietary choices or
access to food, identifying and
treating these groups needs to be
part of a national health-screening
and treatment policy. For example,
folic acid, a vitamin found in green
vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and
meat, should be routinely given
to women early in pregnancy to
prevent neural tube defects. It
should not, however, be prescribed
as a response to illness in a woman
of child-bearing age.
Even vitamin C, which seems
to be a cross-cultural vitamin
supplement used to ght the
common cold, has been evaluated
in at least seven high-quality
studies and found to be no better
than a placebo at reducing the
severity and duration of cold
symptoms.
The tendency of individual
doctors, both in Myanmar and
abroad, to give vitamins to ill
patients is at best clinically
inefective and at worst an ethical
violation of the doctor-patient
relationship.
Christoph Gelsdorf is an American
Board of Family Medicine physician
who sees patients in Yangon and
California (www.gelsdorfMD.com). He
is a member of the Myanmar Medical
Association. Reader thoughts and
questions are welcomed.
The Global Gossip
US actor Mickey Rourke shows
off his Putin T-shirt, priced at
1200 rubles (US $33) in Moscow
on August 11. Photo: AFP/Kirill
Kudryavtsev
Acclaimed director
Roman Polanski said
on August 12 he would
not attend the Locarno
film festival in a bid to
defuse anger over his
appearance. Photo: AFP/
Valery Hache
Legendary actress
Lauren Bacall, an icon
of Hollywoods golden
age who lit up the silver
screen in a series of
classic movies opposite
her husband Humphrey
Bogart, died August 12,
aged 89. Photo: AFP
The traditional British public house
is quickly becoming a thing of the
past, according to the Campaign
for Real Ale. Photo: UK Ministry of
Information/Smith Jack
LONDON
Iron Maiden singer raises voice for disappearing British pubs
Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson called for a ght to save the traditional British
pub as the Great British Beer Festival got under way on August 12.
The front man for the British heavy metal pioneers blasted the rise of soulless,
US-style bars pumping out really awful music and blamed it on chain owners
seeing pubs as cash cows rather than
community hubs.
The Great British Beer Festival
transforms Londons Olympia exhibition
hall into the biggest pub in the world,
serving an expected 55,000-plus punters
over ve days.
The event is staged the Campaign for
Real Ale, which says pubs are closing at an
increasing rate currently 31 a week and
being turned into supermarkets and estate
agencies. Meanwhile other pubs are
being revamped as bland, commercial
drinking haunts.
There needs to be an appreciation
that the pub should, in effect, be the same
as the coffee shop, Dickinson said. AFP
WASHINGTON
There may be such a thing as
too much exercise
Running more than 4 miles a day could be
dangerous to your health, according to a
study out August 12 that examined how much
exercise is too much.
Researchers focused on 2400 heart attack
survivors and found that the more exercise they
did, the less risk they faced of dying from heart
disease up to a point.
Benets began to decline among those who
ran more than 30 miles (48 kilometres) per
week.
Among walkers, benets started to be lost
among those who did more than 46 miles (74
kilometres) per week, or 6.5 miles per day.
A statistically signicant cardiovascular
risk was associated with the highest levels of
exercise, said the study led by Paul Williams
of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
and Paul Thompson of the Department of
Cardiology at Hartford Hospital.
The researchers cautioned that since their
study focused on heart attack survivors, their
results might not be generalisable to the
population at large.
MOSCOW
Mickey Rourke shows off Putin
T-shirt in Moscow
Hollywood star Mickey Rourke became the
latest actor to offer his praise to Russian
President Vladimir Putin on August 11.
I like this guy, said the 61-year-old
star of Iron Man 2, pointing to his new
T-shirt emblazoned with the leaders face
haloed with owers. I am going to
wear it everywhere.
He put on the Putin shirt in GUM,
Russias oldest department store
across from the Kremlin, where a new
brand was launching its Putin line.
The most polite of men is the
slogan of the collection a play on the
polite men nickname given to Russian troops when they appeared on the Black
Sea Crimea Peninsula in February to oversee its annexation to Russia.
Young designers Anna Yefremova and Ivan Yershov developed the brand as part
of a project to glorify Russias latest victories, such as the Winter Olympics in
Sochi and the seizure of Crimea, the organisers said.
Russia and the United States are in the midst of their worst standoff since the
Cold War.
PRAGUE
Toilets rule at Pragues new museum of
relief
Toilets, bedpans and other must-haves for
natures calls from around the world are on
display at a museum in Prague that claims to be
the largest of its kind.
We bought a 10
th
-century fortress near
Prague and discovered a historic toilet there, Jan
Sedlacek, a 59-year-old civil engineer and head
of the Museum of Historical Chamber Pots and
Toilets, told AFP.
Thats how it started: we wanted to know how
people did it back then.
The museum, which opened at the fortress in
2010 and moved to Prague this year, now boasts
2000 items, putting it ahead of similar venues in
India and Spain.
We keep looking for items with history, he
said, pointing to a bedpan made out of a World
War II German army helmet.
Sedlacek has spent around 10 million koruna
(US $480,000) of his own money on the collection.
the pulse food and drink 55 www.mmtimes.com
SOME buzz in the social media
sphere led me to discover AVs, a
non-descript South Indian breakfast
and snack shop across the street from
the Theinbyu Road tennis courts. One
expat vouched for the authenticity of
the place, lauding food that aroused
fond memories of backstreet Mumbai
snack houses. It didnt disappoint.
Clearly catering to the tastes of the
local and expat Indian community,
the menu is somewhat daunting
to those who dont immediately
recognise dishes like tikia chola and
dahi puchka. It ofers no translations
and no pictures, and the staf, while
friendly and helpful, cant explain
much in English.
Thats just as well, however,
because every item is delicious. The
best strategy is to order several dishes
all are small and inexpensive and
see what you like. As far as I can tell,
there are basically three categories
on ofer: deep-fried pastries like
samosa; small dishes of potatoes and
pulses covered in sweet tamarind
chutney and yogurt (best shared); and
slightly more substantial, meal-like
fare, namely idly sambar (Indias
unsweetened, rice-our answer to the
madeleine, K1000) and dosa (a giant,
crisp crepe).
The quality of the dosa alone
cements AVs recommendation.
Theyre available plain or lled with
masala potatoes and paneer, cheese
or onions (K2200). While dosa is
certainly available in other Indian
restaurants around town, these are
remarkably light and without a
trace of oil. The same goes for the
accompanying curries and coconut
chutney.
On the heavier side is chola
bhatura, a popular Punjabi dish of
spicy chickpea curry served with thin
deep-fried atbreads that come to the
table pufed up like balloons.
Among the snack plates, I prefer
tikia chola chickpea curry and
potato patties topped with yogurt,
chutney and a sprinkling of sev (ne,
crispy noodles). Very similar is the
samosa chat, a cut-up samosa with
the same toppings, and the dahi
puchka (K1000), in which potatoes
are spooned into delicate deep-fried
pastry shells and, again, topped with
chutney and yogurt.
If there is one weak spot, its the
samosas, which are tasty but on the
doughy side. But Im nitpicking.
Wash all of this down with a
cup of masala tea (K400), which is
mercifully thinner, spicier and less
sweet than the local brew.
In terms of atmosphere, there
isnt much, just several tables for four
under orescent lights and hospital-
pink walls. There is, however, quite a
fantastic display case of Indian sweets
featuring more ornate and candy-
coloured confections than could be
listed here. You might also want to try
some of the take-home boxes of dry
snacks. The channa masala (crunchy,
spiced chickpeas) is wicked hot yet
addictive and delightful with beer.
Search for the perfect dosa ends at AVs
Food 10
Beverage 7
Service 7
Value for money 10
X-factor 7
Restaurant Rating
WHITNEY LIGHT
AVs Indian Sweets,
Snacks & Fast Food
76/80B Ba Nyar Da La Street (Opposite Theinbyu tennis courts)
Phone 09-730 333 38
A perfect dosa. Photo: Yu Yu
Restaurant Review
A trip to
Chinatown
yields
ingredients
that inspire
Japanese-style
snacks
BABY SHIITAKE
MUSHROOM FRITTER
Serves 4
4 eggs
50g dried shiitake mushrooms
(small size)
1 tsp Kikkoman soy sauce
1 tsp mirin
tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Wash the mushrooms and drain
well.
Mix mirin and soy sauce in
a small bowl. Mix the oils in a
separate small bowl. Set aside.
Beat the eggs with half of the soy
sauce mixture.
Pat dry the mushrooms with
kitchen paper or a towel. Add 1 tbsp
of the oil mixture to a non-stick
frying pan. Heat on high, then saut
the mushrooms. Cover the pan with
a lid and fry 2-3 minutes.
When the mushrooms are soft,
transfer them to a bowl.
Add the remaining oil to
the pan and heat. Bring the
mushrooms back into the pan and
spread them around. Beat the egg
and pour over the mushrooms.
Make sure the eggs cover the
whole pan. Cover with a lid and
fry 2-3 minutes.
Lift the omelet slowly using a
spatula. If the bottom is cooked, ip
it and fry another 2-3 minutes, until
egg is cooked through.
I like to serve this with pickled
daikon (white radish) or kimchi. It
can also be served with rice.
Tip: Use a small frying pan so
the omelet is easy to ip.
PHYO ARBIDANS
phyo.arbidans@gmail.com
W
HILE I was
making Japanese
recipes with
wasabi last week,
I also came
across some of my favourite
Japanese fusion recipes.
One is deep-fried lotus root
chips, which have a delicious,
carmelised sweetness. So I made
a visit to Chinatown looking for
ingredients and little restaurants
where I used to eat.
I found big, fresh lotus roots
and bought several. The roots are
nice for garnishing plates, and I
love to serve the chips as a side
dish. Its easy, but you need time
to do it. Im okay with that as
long as I can crack a nice bottle of
white wine in the process.
The second recipe is a fritter
an Italian-style omelet made with
Japanese ingredients. I made this
with another ingredient found in
Chinatown, small dried shiitake
mushrooms.
CRISPY LOTUS ROOT CHIPS
Serves 4
650-700g of lotus roots
cup vegetable oil
Dash of sesame oil (optional)
Salt
Wash the lotus roots thoroughly.
Cut both ends and discard. Peel
and slice thinly. Spread slices
on a tray. Sprinkle with a couple
pinches of salt. Set aside.
Pour the oil into a sauce pan
and heat on high. When the oil
is hot, add the lotus slices slowly,
just to cover the width of the pot.
Fry until golden, then transfer to a
plate lined with kitchen paper.
Serve with salt and pepper.
Beer is a good match, too.
food
Impress with lacy lotus roots
Photos: Phyo
THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014
Socialite
Carine and Shane
Gekko hosted a
performance by
American jazz
musician Aaron
Gallegos on
July 5. The solo
guitarist blends
together jazz,
blues, amenco
and world
music.
The Yangon Gallery played host to a three-day musical festival August 11-13.
On the opening day, audiences were treated to a performance by British
violinist Sebastian See-Schierenberg and his ensemble. The festival also
included a performance on August 12 by the Gitameit Jazz Band and a violin
workshop.
Jazz and
blues night
Monsoon Art Festival
Kai and Nyshi Robin and James
Torben Alfred and John Holmes
Gill and Greg
Aaron Gallegos Adam, Jeremy and Vansa
Hamimah Emily, Emily, Saskia and Alastair Melina and Lixia
Yangon Gallery team and artists
Myo Myo and Thondri
www.mmtimes.com
Socialite
Photos:
ima/Emmanuel
Maillard
imaphotodesign@
gmail.com
Also as part of the Monsoon Art
Festival at The Yangon Gallery,
Side Efect, YDNP and DJ Jay
performed on August 13, adding
indie rock and hip-hop to the
mix of events. The festival also
featured a workshop on turn-
tabling.
More Monsoon fest
Paul, Hazel and Zara
Htay Win, Shine Phyo Aung, Thaw Kaung Lwin, Wai Phyo Aung, Hein Aung and Htay Lin
Yoon and Ye Yint
Nuu San Mai Htet Htet and Jeff Jackson, Nick and Peter Jun Kie, Phay Khin, Aung Zay Nyana
Symmetric Zaw Min Latt, Cho Yin Mon and Aye Su Mon Yamin and Aye Yu Zaw
Goesta and James
Min Mon Chan, Lwin Moe Thu, Wah Wah Sanp and Jan Htoi Bu
Y
a
n
g
o
n

G
a
l
l
e
r
y

t
e
a
m

a
n
d

T
h
a
n

H
t
a
y
Sebastian and Ignacio
58 the pulse travel THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014
DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES
Domestic
6T = Air Mandalay
W9 = Air Bagan
YJ = Asian Wings
K7 = AIR KBZ
YH = Yangon Airways
FMI = FMI AIR Charter
Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines
7Y = Mann Yadanarpon Airlines
Subject to change
without notice
Day
1 = Monday
2 = Tuesday
3 = Wednesday
4 = Thursday
5 = Friday
6 = Saturday
7 = Sunday
Domestic Airlines
Air Bagan Ltd. (W9)
Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102
Air KBZ (K7)
Tel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport),
Fax: 372983, Hot Line: 373766
Air Mandalay (6T)
Tel : (Head Ofce) 501520, 525488,
Fax: 525937. Airport: 533222~3, 09-73152853.
Fax: 533223.
Asian Wings (YJ)
Tel: 951 515261~264, 512140, 512473, 512640.
Fax: 951 532333, 516654
Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5)
Tel: 95 9 400446999, 95 9 400447999,
Fax: 01 860 4051
Yangon Airways(YH)
Tel: (+95-1) 383 100, 383 107, 700 264,
Fax: 652 533.
FMI Air Charter - Sales &
Reservations
Tel: (95-1) 240363, 240373 / (+95-9) 421146545
Mann Yadanarpon Airlines (7Y)
Tel: (+95-1) 656969,
Fax: 656998, 651020.
YANGON TO NAY PYI TAW NAY PYI TAW TO YANGON
Flight Days Dep Arr Flight Days Dep Arr
YH 828 2 7:00 8:10 FMI A2 1,2,3,4,5 8:50 9:50
FMI A1 1,2,3,4,5 7:30 8:30 FMI A2 6 10:00 11:00
FMI A1 6 8:00 9:00 FMI B2 1,2,3,4,5 13:00 14:00
FMI B1 1,2,3,4,5 11:30 12:30 FMI A2 7 17:00 18:00
FMI A1 7 15:30 16:30 FMI C2 1,2,3,4,5 18:05 19:05
FMI C1 1,2,3,4,5 16:45 17:45
YANGON TO MANDALAY MANDALAY TO YANGON
YH 917 Daily 6:10 8:30 Y5 233 Daily 8:05 9:15
Y5 775 Daily 6:15 7:25 YH 918 Daily 8:30 10:25
W9 7143/YJ 143 Daily 6:20 8:25 W9 7143/YJ 143 Daily 8:40 10:05
6T 401 6 6:20 8:25 6T 401 1 8:45 10:45
K7 222/7Y 111 Daily 6:30 8:40 6T 402 6 8:45 10:45
YJ 201 2,3,4 6:30 7:55 K7 223/7Y 112 Daily 8:55 11:00
YJ 233 1,6 6:30 7:55 W9 201 Daily 9:10 11:05
YJ 211 5,7 6:30 7:55 YH 730 4 11:00 16:25
6T 401 1 7:00 8:25 YJ 212 5 11:30 16:30
YH 824 1 7:00 8:40 W9 153/YJ 7153 7 12:45 19:30
YH 828 2 7:00 8:40 W9 153/YJ 7153 2,5 12:45 18:50
YH 828 6 7:00 11:25 YH 825 1 13:20 14:25
7Y 851 1,3,7 7:05 11:20 7Y 742 2,5 14:00 18:18
W9 201 Daily 7:30 8:55 YJ 235 6 14:00 15:25
YH 729 4 8:00 11:00 YH 829 6 14:15 15:40
7Y 741 2,5 9:00 13:45 YH 829 2 14:20 15:45
7Y 841 4,6 10:00 14:15 YJ 235 1 14:25 15:50
YH 826 4 11:00 12:40 YJ 203 2 14:25 15:50
YH 727 1 11:00 13:10 7Y 852 1,3,7 14:25 18:40
YH 729 2 11:00 14:00 7Y 842 4,6 14:30 18:15
YH 737 3,5,7 11:00 13:10 W9 7152/YJ 152 1,3,6 15:05 16:30
W9 151/YJ 7151 1,3,6 11:00 14:45 YJ 213 7 15:15 16:40
W9 7153/YJ 153 2,5,7 11:00 12:25 7Y 632 2,4,6 16:15 17:40
7Y 631 2,4,6 11:15 12:40 YH 728 1 16:30 18:35
K7 224/7Y 221 Daily 14:30 16:35 6T 502 7 16:50 18:55
6T 501 7 14:45 16:10 K7 225/7Y 222 Daily 16:50 19:00
W9 211 1,2,3,5,6 16:00 17:25 YH 738 3,5,7 17:10 18:35
W9 7211/YJ 211 4 16:00 17:25 YH 827 4 17:20 18:45
Y5 234 Daily 17:45 18:55 YH 730 2 17:45 19:10
Y5 776 Daily 19:35 20:45
YANGON TO NYAUNG U NYAUNG U TO YANGON
YH 917 Daily 6:10 7:45 YH 918 Daily 7:45 10:25
6T 401 2,5,6 6:20 7:40 W9 7143/YJ 143 Daily 7:55 10:05
W9 7143/YJ 143 Daily 6:20 7:40 6T 401 6 7:55 10:45
K7 222/7Y 111 Daily 6:30 7:50 K7 222/7Y 111 Daily 8:05 11:00
K7 224/7Y 221 Daily 14:30 17:25 6T 401 2,5 8:55 10:45
6T 501 7 14:45 17:20 YH 728 1 17:15 18:35
W9 211 1,2,3,5,6 16:00 18:10 6T 502 7 17:35 18:55
W9 7211/YJ 211 4 16:00 18:10 K7 225/7Y 222 Daily 17:40 19:00
W9 211 1,2,3,5,6 18:25 19:45
W9 7211/YJ 211 4 18:25 19:45
YANGON TO MYITKYINA MYITKYINA TO YANGON
YJ 211 5 6:30 9:20 YH 825 1 11:55 14:25
YJ 233 1,6 6:30 9:20 YJ 203 4 12:25 15:15
YJ 201 2,3 6:30 9:20 YH 829 6 12:50 15:40
YH 824 1 7:00 10:05 YH 829 2 12:55 15:45
YH 828 6 7:00 10:00 7Y 852 1,3,7 13:00 18:40
YH 828 2 7:00 12:55 YJ 212 7 13:20 16:40
7Y 851 1,3,7 7:05 12:45 W9 7152/YJ 152 1,3,6 13:35 16:30
YH 826 4 11:00 14:05 7Y 632 2,4,6 14:50 17:40
W9 7151/YJ 151 1,3,6 11:00 13:15 YH 827 4 15:55 18:45
W9 7153/YJ 153 2,5,7 11:00 13:55 W9 7154/YJ 154 7 16:35 19:30
7Y 631 2,4,6 11:15 14:35 W9 7154/YJ 154 2,5 16:35 18:50
YANGON TO HEHO HEHO TO YANGON
YH 917 Daily 6:10 9:15 YH 918 Daily 9:15 10:25
6T 401 1,2,5,6 6:20 9:20 6T 402 1,2,5,6 9:35 10:45
K7 222/7Y 111 Daily 6:30 9:30 K7 223/7Y 112 Daily 9:45 11:00
YJ 201 3 6:30 11:30 W9 201 Daily 9:55 11:05
7Y 851 1,3,7 7:05 10:35 7Y 741 2,5 13:15 18:18
W9 201 Daily 7:30 9:40 YH 730 2 12:25 19:00
YH 729 4 8:00 13:35 YH 730 4 13:35 16:25
7Y 741 2,5 9:00 13:03 YJ 235 1 13:40 15:50
7Y 841 4,6 10:00 13:30 YJ 203 2 13:40 15:50
YH 729 6 11:00 17:50 7Y 841 4,6 13:45 18:15
YH 729 2 11:00 12:25 7Y 852 1,3,7 15:10 18:40
YH 727 1 11:00 12:25 YJ 213 5 15:20 16:30
YH 737 3,5,7 11:00 12:25 YJ 203 3 15:25 16:35
K7 224/7Y 221 Daily 14:30 15:45 YH 728 1 15:45 18:35
K7 224/7Y 221 Daily 16:00 19:00
YH 738 3,5,7 16:25 18:35
YH 730 6 17:50 19:00
YANGON TO SIT T WE SIT T WE TO YANGON
6T 607 1 11:15 12:40 6T 608 1 13:00 15:00
6T 605 5 11:15 13:15 6T 606 5 13:35 15:00
W9 7311/YJ 311 4 11:30 13:20 W9 7311/YJ 311 4 13:35 15:00
W9 311 2 11:30 13:20 W9 311 2 13:35 15:00
YANGON TO MYEIK MYEIK TO YANGON
YH 633 3,4,5,7 7:00 9:15 YH 634 3,4,5,7 11:25 13:25
K7 319/7Y 531 Daily 7:00 9:05 K7 320/7Y 532 1,3,5 11:20 13:25
K7 320/7Y 532 2,4,6,7 11:30 13:35
YANGON TO THANDWE THANDWE TO YANGON
6T 605 5 11:15 12:10 6T 605 5 12:25 15:00
6T 607 1 11:15 13:50 6T 608 1 14:05 15:00
YANGON TO DAWEI DAWEI TO YANGON
YH 633 3,4,5,7 7:00 8:25 YH 634 3,4,5,7 12:15 13:25
K7 319/7Y 531 1,3,5 7:00 8:05 K7 320/7Y 532 1,3,5 12:20 13:25
K7 319/7Y 531 2,4,6,7 7:00 8:10 K7 320/7Y 532 2,4,6,7 12:25 13:35
YANGON TO LASHIO LASHIO TO YANGON
YJ 211 7 6:30 8:55 YJ 202 3 12:50 16:35
YH 729 4 8:00 10:00 YJ 213 5 14:15 16:30
7Y 741 2,5 9:00 10:38 YH 730 4 14:40 16:25
YH 729 2,6 11:00 13:00 7Y 742 2,5 16:40 18:18
YH 730 6 16:35 18:50
YH 730 2 16:45 19:10
YANGON TO PUTAO PUTAO TO YANGON
YH 824 1 7:00 11:00 YH 825 1 11:00 14:25
YH 826 4 11:00 15:00 YH 827 4 15:00 18:45
W9 7153/YJ 153 2,5,7 11:00 15:05 W9 7154/YJ 154 7 15:25 19:30
W9 7154/YJ 154 2,5 15:25 18:50
YANGON TO CHIANG MAI CHIANG MAI TO YANGON
W9 9607/ YJ 7607 4,7 14:20 16:10 W9 9608/ YJ 7608 4,7 17:20 18:10
the pulse travel 59 www.mmtimes.com
GMA to launch
direct ights to
Chiang Mai
D
IRECT ights to Chiang
Mai from Yangon will
begin next month, a local
airline has announced.
Golden Myanmar Airline
(GMA) marketing executive Ko John
Htut said the ights would start on
September 23.
Myanmar people like to visit
Chiang Mai, and international
tourists come to Myanmar from
Chiang Mai, he told The Myanmar
Times.
The aircraft will be an ATR-72,
carrying 72 passengers every Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday for US$59
one-way.
We will arrange a domestic route
for tourists who want to go to Bagan
or Mandalay, since we y twice a day
to Mandalay, he said.
A private airline, GMA started
up in January 2013 and now has
two airbuses and two ATRs ofering
daily ights to Singapore as well as
domestic routes.
Another private airline, Air Bagan,
ies to Chiang Mai every Thursday
and Sunday, and Bangkok Airways
will also link Yangon with Chiang
Mai.
EI EI THU
Chiang Mai is increasingly popular among tourists in Southeast Asia. Photo:
Khemkhaeng/Wikimedia Commons
International
FD & AK = Air Asia
TG = Thai Airways
8M = Myanmar Airways International
Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines
PG = Bangkok Airways
MI = Silk Air
VN = Vietnam Airline
MH = Malaysia Airlines
CZ = China Southern
CI = China Airlines
CA = Air China
KA = Dragonair
3K = Jet Star
QR = Qatar Airways
KE = Korea Airlines
NH = All Nippon Airways
SQ = Singapore Airways
MU=China Eastern Airlines
DD = Nok Airline
BG = Biman Bangladesh Airlines
TR = Tiger Airline
Subject to change
without notice
International Airlines
Air Asia (FD)
Tel: 251 885, 251 886.
Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)
Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102
Air China (CA)
Tel : 666112, 655882.
Air India
Tel : 253597~98, 254758. Fax: 248175
Bangkok Airways (PG)
Tel: 255122, 255 265, Fax: 255119
Condor (DE)
Tel: + 95 1 -370836 up to 39 (ext : 303)
Dragonair (KA)
Tel: 95-1-255320, 255321, Fax : 255329
Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5)
Tel: 95 9 400446999, 95 9 400447999,
Fax: 01 860 4051
Malaysia Airlines (MH)
Tel : 387648, 241007 ext : 120, 121, 122
Fax : 241124
Myanmar Airways International(8M)
Tel : 255260, Fax: 255305
Silk Air(MI)
Tel: 255 287~9, Fax: 255 290
Thai Airways (TG)
Tel : 255491~6, Fax : 255223
Vietnam Airlines (VN)
Fax : 255086. Tel 255066/ 255088/ 255068.
Qatar Airways (QR)
Tel: 379845, 379843, 379831, Fax: 379730
Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG)
Tel: 371867~68, Fax: 371869.
Nok Airline (DD)
Tel: 255050, 255021, Fax: 255051
Tiger Airline (TR)
Tel: 371383, 370836~39 Ext: 303
Day
1 = Monday
2 = Tuesday
3 = Wednesday
4 = Thursday
5 = Friday
6 = Saturday
7 = Sunday
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULES
YANGON TO BANGKOK BANGKOK TO YANGON
Flights Days Dep Arr Flights Days Dep Arr
PG 706 Daily 6:15 8:30 TG 303 1,2,3,5,6,7 7:55 8:50
8M 335 Daily 7:40 9:25 PG 701 Daily 8:50 9:40
TG 304 1,2,3,5,6,7 9:50 11:45 8M 336 Daily 10:40 11:25
PG 702 Daily 10:30 12:25 TG 301 Daily 13:00 13:55
TG 302 Daily 14:55 16:50 PG 707 Daily 13:40 14:30
PG 708 Daily 15:20 17:15 PG 703 Daily 16:45 17:35
8M 331 Daily 16:30 18:15 TG 305 Daily 17:50 18:45
PG 704 Daily 18:20 20:15 8M 332 Daily 19:15 20:00
TG 306 Daily 19:45 21:45 PG 705 Daily 20:15 21:30
YANGON TO DON MUENG DON MUENG TO YANGON
DD 4231 Daily 8:00 9:50 DD 4230 Daily 6:20 7:05
FD 252 Daily 8:30 10:15 FD 251 Daily 7:15 8:00
FD 254 Daily 17:50 19:10 FD 253 Daily 16:20 17:00
DD 4239 Daily 21:00 22:45 DD 4238 Daily 19:30 20:15
YANGON TO SINGAPORE SINGAPORE TO YANGON
8M 231 Daily 8:00 12:25 SQ 998 Daily 7:55 9:20
Y5 233 Daily 10:10 14:40 3K 581 Daily 8:50 10:45
SQ 997 Daily 10:35 15:10 MI 533 4,6 11:35 12:55
3K 582 Daily 11:20 15:50 8M 232 Daily 13:25 14:50
MI 533 4,6 13:25 20:50 MI 518 Daily 14:20 15:45
MI 517 Daily 16:40 21:15 TR 2826 Daily 17:05 18:25
TR 2827 Daily 19:05 23:40 Y5 234 Daily 15:35 17:05
3K 584 Daily 19:15 23:45 3K 583 Daily 18:00 19:30
YANGON TO KUALA LUMPUR KUALA LUMPUR TO YANGON
8M 501 1,3,5,6 7:50 11:50 AK 504 Daily 6:55 8:00
AK 505 Daily 8:30 10:15 MH 740 1,2,3,4,5,7 10:05 11:15
MH 741 Daily 12:15 16:30 8M 9505 Daily 10:05 11:15
8M 9506 Daily 12:15 16:30 8M 502 1,3,5,6 12:50 13:50
8M 9508 Daily 15:45 20:05 8M 9507 Daily 13:30 14:40
MH 743 1,2,3,4,5,7 15:45 20:05 MH 742 Daily 13:30 14:40
AK 503 2,4,6 19:30 23:45 AK 502 2,4,6 17:50 19:00
YANGON TO BEIJING BEIJING TO YANGON
CA 716 3,7 23:50 0550+1 CA 715 3,7 19:30 22:50
YANGON TO GAUNGZHOU GUANGZHOU TO YANGON
8M 711 2,4,7 8:40 13:15 CZ 3055 3,6 8:40 10:25
CZ 3056 3,6 11:25 16:15 CZ 3055 1,5 14:40 16:30
CZ 3056 1,5 17:30 22:15 8M 712 2,4,7 14:15 15:50
YANGON TO TAIPEI TAIPEI TO YANGON
CI 7916 1,2,3,5,6 10:50 16:15 CI 7915 1,2,3,5,6 7:00 9:55
YANGON TO KUNMING KUNMING TO YANGON
CA 906 Daily 12:15 15:55 MU 2011 3 8:25 11:40
MU 2012 3 12:20 18:20 CA 905 Daily 10:45 11:15
MU 2032 1,4,6,7 14:50 18:20 MU 2031 1,4,6,7 13:30 14:00
YANGON TO HANOI HANOI TO YANGON
VN 956 1,3,5,6,7 19:10 21:30 VN 957 1,3,5,6,7 16:50 18:10
YANGON TO HO CHI MINH CITY HO CHI MINH CITY TO YANGON
VN 942 2,4,7 14:25 17:15 VN 943 2,4,7 11:50 13:25
YANGON TO DOHA DOHA TO YANGON
QR 919 1,4,6 8:35 11:10 QR 918 3,5,7 20:30 6:35+1
YANGON TO PHNOM PENH PHNOM PENH TO YANGON
8M 403 3 16:50 19:15 8M 404 3 20:15 21:40
YANGON TO SEOUL SEOUL TO YANGON
0Z 770 7 0:35 9:10 KE 471 Daily 18:45 22:35
0Z 770 4 0:50 9:25 0Z 769 6 19:50 23:45
KE 472 Daily 23:35 8:05+1 0Z 769 3 20:05 23:40
YANGON TO HONG KONG HONG KONG TO YANGON
KA 251 1,2,4,6 01:10 05:45 KA 250 1,3,5,7 21:45 23:30
YANGON TO TOKYO TOKYO TO YANGON
NH 914 Daily 21:45 06:50+1 NH 913 Daily 11:00 15:40
YANGON TO GAYA GAYA TO YANGON
8M 601 3,5,6 7:00 8:20 8M 602 3,5,6 9:20 12:30
YANGON TO DHAKA DHAKA TO YANGON
BG 061 1,4 19:45 21:00 BG 060 1,4 16:30 18:45
YANGON TO INCHEON INCHEON TO YANGON
8M 7702 Daily 23:35 8:05 8M 7701 Daily 18:45 22:35
8M7502 4,7 0:35 9:10 8M 7501 3,6 19:50 23:25
MANDALAY TO BANGKOK BANGKOK TO MANDALAY
PG 710 Daily 14:05 16:30 PG 709 Daily 12:00 13:20
MANDALAY TO SINGAPORE SINGAPORE TO MANDALAY
MI 533 4,6 15:55 20:50 MI 533 4,6 11:35 15:00
Y5 233 Daily 8:05 14:40 Y5 234 Daily 15:35 18:55
MANDALAY TO DON MUENG DON MUEANG TO MANDALAY
FD 245 Daily 12:45 15:00 FD 244 Daily 10:50 12:15
MANDALAY TO KUNMING KUNMING TO MANDALAY
MU 2030 Daily 14:40 17:30 MU 2029 Daily 13:55 13:50
MU 7524 1,3,5 18:20 21:00
MANDALAY TO GAYA GAYA TO MANDALAY
8M 603 4 11:10 12:15 8M 604 4 13:15 16:20
NAY PYI TAW TO BANGKOK BANGKOK TO NAY PYI TAW
PG 722 1,2,3,4,5 19:30 22:30 PG 721 1,2,3,4,5 17:00 19:00
60 the pulse tea break THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014
ACROSS
1 Not for the first time
6 Sound on a track?
10 Mentions further
14 African linguistic
group
15 Drachma replacer
16 Chimney sweeps
grime
17 Successfully
deciphering
20 Thumpers target
21 Tad
22 In a previous time
24 Sheet on a desk
27 Made a heap
28 Rastas smoke
31 Find new tenants
33 Middle of summer?
34 Live through
36 Zero point
38 Sky sighting
42 One kind of panel
43 Artificial flavor
bases
45 Sottish syllable
48 Kind of passages
50 Purposely keep just
out of reach
51 City famous for
steak
53 Bangkok citizen
55 Dino, for the
Flintstones
56 Decide to withdraw
58 Happy-hour perch
61 Period or comma
66 Estrada of classic TV
67 Small valley
68 Quiet craft
69 Weight room
counts
70 Bessemer process
leftover
71 Kind of territory
DOWN
1 TV letters
2 Nosy fish?
3 Amazon predator
4 Desire,
so to speak
5 Microwave,
in slang
6 Tallest NBA player,
typically
7 Warm squeeze
8 Bit for the barker
9 Exclamations of
surprise
10 Computer character
code
11 Creation during a
phone conversation
12 Bumper-car ride
13 Mounts
18 Ending for capital
or social
19 Least forceful,
as threats
22 Mellow,
as cheese
23 Group of
criminals
25 Hanukkah
centerpiece
26 Any of several
Norse kings
29 Moonshine
vessels
30 One on Jasons
ship
32 Slight lead in the
polls
35 Jazzy Dukes
collaborator
37 Anatomical nerve
network
39 90 degrees, on a
compass
40 Water lander
41 Highlanders
tongue
44 Filming locale
45 Burt Reynolds
film
46 Adulterated
47 Mousers mint
49 Performing high-tech
surgery
52 Equine ankles
54 Japanese prime
minister
57 Harbor vessels
59 A single
occasion
60 Land on the
Arabian Sea
62 ___ in a days
work
63 Midafternoon drink,
for many
64 CD type
65 Door opener?
Universal Crossword
Edited by Timothy E. Parker
FUNNY STUFF By Bill Bobb
SUDOKU PACIFIC
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
DILBERT BY SCOTT ADAMS
PEANUTS BY CHARLES SCHULZ
CALVIN AND HOBBES BY BILL WATTERSON
Avenue 64 Hotel
No. 64 (G), Kyitewine
Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp,
Yangon. Tel : 09-8631392,
01 656913-9
Asia Plaza Hotel
YANGON
No. 277, Bogyoke Aung
San Road, Corner of
38
th
Street, Kyauktada
Township, Yangon,
Myanmar.
Tel : (951) 391070, 391071.
Reservation@391070
(Ext) 1910, 106.
Fax : (951) 391375. Email :
hotelasiaplaza@gmail.com
General Listing
Chatrium Hotel
40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe.
tel: 544500. fax: 544400.
The Essentials
Emergency Numbers
For more information about these listings, Please Contact - classied.mcm@gmail.com
Ambulance tel: 295133.
Fire tel: 191, 252011, 252022.
Police emergency tel: 199.
Police headquarters tel: 282541, 284764.
Red Cross tel:682600, 682368
Trafc Control Branch tel:298651
Department of Post & Telecommunication tel: 591384,
591387.
Immigration tel: 286434.
Ministry of Education tel:545500m 562390
Ministry of Sports tel: 370604, 370605
Ministry of Communications tel: 067-407037.
Myanma Post & Telecommunication (MPT) tel: 067-
407007.
Myanma Post & Tele-communication (Accountant Dept)
tel: 254563, 370768.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs tel: 067-412009, 067-412344.
Ministry of Health tel: 067-411358-9.
Yangon City Development Committee tel: 248112.
HOSPITALS
Central Womens Hospital tel: 221013, 222811.
Children Hospital tel: 221421, 222807
Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital tel: 543888.
Naypyitaw Hospital (emergency) tel: 420096.
Workers Hospital tel: 554444, 554455, 554811.
Yangon Children Hospital tel: 222807, 222808, 222809.
Yangon General Hospital (East) tel: 292835, 292836, 292837.
Yangon General Hospital (New) tel: 384493, 384494,
384495, 379109.
Yangon General Hospital (West) tel: 222860, 222861,
220416.
Yangon General Hospital (YGH) tel: 256112, 256123,
281443, 256131.
ELECTRICITY
Power Station tel:414235
POST OFFICE
General Post Ofce
39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library). tel:
285499.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Yangon International Airport tel: 662811.
YANGON PORT
Shipping (Coastal vessels) tel: 382722
RAILWAYS
Railways information
tel: 274027, 202175-8.
UNITED NATIONS
ILO Liaison 1-A, Kanbae
(Thitsar Rd), Yankin Tsp,
Tel : 01-566538, 566539
IOM 318 (A) Ahlone Rd, Dagon
Tsp, Yangon.Tel 01-210588,
09 73236679, 0973236680,
Email- iomyangon@iom.int
UNAIDS 137/1, Thaw Wun Rd,
Kamayut Tsp.
Tel : 534498, 504832
UNDCP 11-A, Malikha St,
Mayangone tsp.
Tel: 666903, 664539.
UNDP 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan
tel: 542910-19. fax: 292739.
UNFPA 6, Natmauk Rd,
Bahan tsp. tel: 546029.
UNHCR 287, Pyay Rd,
Sanchaung tsp.
Tel: 524022, 524024.
UNIAP Rm: 1202, 12 Fl,
Traders Hotel.
Tel: 254852, 254853.
UNIC 6, Natmauk St., Bahan,
tel: 52910~19
UNICEF 14~15 Flr, Traders
Hotel. P.O. Box 1435,
Kyauktada. Tel: 375527~32,
unicef.yangon@unicef. org,
UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward
7, Mayangone. tel: 01-9666903,
9660556, 9660538, 9660398.
email: fo.myanmar@unodc.org
UNOPS 120/0, Pyi Thu Lane,
7 Miles, Mayangone Tsp.
Tel: 951-657281~7.
Fax: 657279.
UNRC 6, Natmauk Rd, P.O.
Box 650, TMWE Tel: 542911~19,
292637 (Resident Coordinator),
WFP 5 Kan Baw Za St, Shwe
Taung Kyar, (Golden Valley),
Bahan Tsp. Tel : 2305971~6
WHO No. 2, Pyay Rd, 7 Mile,
Mayangone Tsp, Tel : 650405-
6, 650416, 654386-90.
ASEAN Coordinating Of. for
the ASEAN Humanitarian
Task Force, 79, Taw Win st,
Dagon Tsp. Tel: 225258.
FAO Myanma Agriculture
Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel:
641672, 641673.
EMBASSIES
Australia 88, Strand Road,
Yangon. Tel : 251810,
251797, 251798.
Bangladesh 11-B, Than
Lwin Road, Yangon.
Tel: 515275, 526144, email:
bdootygn@mptmail.net.mm
Brazil 56, Pyay Road,
6
th
mile, Hlaing Tsp,
Yangon. Tel: 507225,
507251. email: Administ.
yangon@itamaraty.gov.br.
Brunei 17, Kanbawza
Avenue, Golden Velly (1),
Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel:
566985, 503978.
email: bruneiemb@
bruneiemb.com.mm
Cambodia 25 (3B/4B),
New University Avenue
Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 549609, 540964.
email: RECYANGON @
mptmail.net.mm
Candian Embassy
9
th
Floor, Centerpoint
Towers, 65 Sule Pagoda
Road, Yangon, Tel :
01-384805 , Fax :01
384806, Email : yngon@
international.gc.ca
China 1, Pyidaungsu
Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel:
221280, 221281.
Danmark, No.7, Pyi Thu
St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles,
Mayangone Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 01 9669520 - 17.
Egypt 81, Pyidaungsu
222886, 222887,
Egyptembassy86@gmail.
com
France 102, Pyidaungsu
212178, 212520, email:
ambaf rance. rangoun@
diplomatie.fr
Germany 9, Bogyoke Aung
San Museum Road, Bahan
Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 548951, 548952, email:
info@rangun. diplo.de
India 545-547, Merchant
St, Yangon. Tel: 391219,
388412,
email:indiaembassy
@mptmail.net.mm
Indonesia 100, Pyidaungsu
Yeiktha Rd, Yangon. Tel:
254465, 254469, email:
kukygn @indonesia.com.
mm
Israel 15, Khabaung
Street, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 515115, fax: 515116,
email: info@yangon.mfa.
gov.il
Italy 3, Inya Myaing Road,
Golden Valley, Yangon.
Tel: 527100, 527101, fax:
514565, email: ambyang.
mail@ esteri.it
Japan 100, Natmauk Rd,
Yangon. Tel: 549644-8,
540399, 540400, 540411,
545988, fax: 549643
Kuwait
62-B, Shwe Taung Kyar St,
Bahan Tsp.
Tel : 01-230-9542, 230-
9543. Fax : 01-230-5836.
Lao A-1, Diplomatic
Quarters, Tawwin Road,
Dagon Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 222482, Fax: 227446,
email: Laoembcab@
mptmail. net.mm
Malaysia 82, Pyidaungsu
220248, 220249,
email: mwkyangon@
mptmail.net.mm
Nepal 16, Natmauk
Yeiktha, Yangon. Tel:
545880, 557168, fax:
549803, email: nepemb @
mptmail.net.mm
Norway, No.7, Pyi Thu
St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles,
Mayangone Tsp,Yangon.
Tel: 01 9669520 - 17 Fax
01- 9669516
New Zealand No. 43/C,
Inya Myaing Rd, Bahan Tsp,
Yangon.
Tel : 01-2306046-9
Fax : 01-2305805
Netherlands Diplomatic
Mission No. 43/C, Inya
Myaing Rd, Bahan Tsp,
Yangon. Tel : 01-2305805
North Korea 77C, Shin
Saw Pu Rd, Sanchaung
Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 512642, 510205
Pakistan A-4, diplomatic
Quarters, Pyay Rd, Yangon.
Tel: 222881 (Chancery
Exchange)
Philippines 50, Sayasan
Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 558149-151,Email: p.e.
yangon@gmail.com
Royal Embassy of Saudi
Arabai No.6/S, Inya Yeiktha
St, 10
th
Qtr, Mayangone
Tsp, Yangon, Tel: (951) 652-
344, 652-344, Fax: (951)
657-983
Russian 38, Sagawa Rd,
Yangon.
Tel: 241955, 254161,
Serbia No. 114-A, Inya
Rd, P.O.Box No. 943,
515283, email: serbemb @
yangon.net.mm
Singapore 238, Dhamazedi
Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 559001, email:
singemb_ ygn@_sgmfa.
gov.sg
South Korea 97 University
Avenue, Bahan Tsp,
Yangon. Tel: 527142-4,
515190, fax: 513286, email:
myanmar@mofat.go.kr
Sri Lanka 34 Taw Win Rd,
Switzerland
No 11, Kabaung Lane, 5
mile, Pyay Rd, Hlaing Tsp,
Yangon.
Tel: 534754, 507089.
Thailand 94 Pyay Rd,
Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel:
226721, 226728, 226824
Turkish Embassy
19AB, Kan Yeik Thar St,
Mayangone Tsp,Yangon.
Tel : 662992, Fax : 661365
United Kingdom 80 Strand
Rd, Yangon.
Tel: 370867, 380322,
371852, 371853, 256438,
United States of America
110, University Avenue,
Kamayut Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 536509, 535756, Fax:
650306
Vietnam Bldg-72, Thanlwin
Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel:
511305
ACCOMMODATION-
HOTELS
No.7A, Wingabar Road,
Bahan Tsp, Yangon.
Tel : (951) 546313,
430245. 09-731-77781~4.
Fax : (01) 546313.
www.cloverhotel.asia.
info@cloverhotel.asia
Confort Inn
4, Shweli Rd, Bet: Inya Rd
& U Wisara Rd, Kamaryut,
tel: 525781, 526872
No. (356/366), Kyaikkasan
Rd, Tamwe Township,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Ph: 542826, Fax: 545650
Email: reservation@
edenpalacehotel.com
M-22, Shwe Htee Housing,
Thamine Station St., Near
the Bayint Naung Point,
Mayangone Tsp., Yangon
Tel : 522763, 522744,
667557. Fax : (95-1) 652174
E-mail : grandpalace@
myanmar.com.mm
Clover Hotel City Center
No. 217, 32nd Street
(Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 377720, Fax : 377722
www.clovercitycenter.asia
Clover Hotel City Center Plus
No. 229, 32nd Street
(Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 377975, Fax : 377974
www.clovercitycenterplus.asia
Marina Residence
8, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd,
Mayangone Tsp.
tel: 6506 51~4. fax: 650630.
ACCOMMODATION-
HOTELS (Nay Pyi Taw)
Tel: 09-7349-4483,
09-4200-56994.
E-mail: aahappyhomes@
gmail.com, http://www.
happyhomesyangon.com
Happy Homes
REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT
17, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd,
Yankin Tsp.
Tel: 650933. Fax: 650960.
Email : micprm@
myanmar.com.mmwww.
myanmar micasahotel.com
ADVERTISING
SAIL Marketing &
Communications
Suite 403, Danathiha Center
790, Corner of Bogyoke Rd
& Wadan Rd, Lanmadaw
Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel: (951) 211870, 224820,
2301195. Email: admin@
advertising-myanmar.com
www.advertising-myanmar.
com
WE STARTED THE ADVERTISING
INDUSTRY IN MYANMAR SINCE 1991
MAR K E T I NG & COMMUNI CAT I ONS
A D V E R T I S I N G
ACCOMMODATION
LONG TERM
Golden Hill Towers
24-26, Kabar Aye Pagoda
Rd, Bahan Tsp.
tel: 558556. ghtower@
mptmail.net.mm.
Reservation Ofce (Yangon)
123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd,
Dagon Township
Tel : 951- 255 819~838
Royal Kumudra Hotel,
(Nay Pyi Taw)
Tel : 067- 414 177,
067- 4141 88
E-Mail: reservation@
maxhotelsgroup.com
No. 12, Pho Sein Road,
Tamwe Township, Yangon
Tel : (95-1) 209299, 209300,
209343 Fax : (95-1) 209344
bestwestern.com/
greenhillhotelyangon.com
No. 205, Corner of Wadan
Street & Min Ye Kyaw
Swa Road, Lanmadaw
Tsp, Yangon. Myanmar.
Tel: (95-1) 212850 ~ 3,
229358 ~ 61,
Fax: (95-1) 212854.
info@myanmarpandahotel
.com http://www.
myanmarpandahotel.com
PARKROYAL Yangon,
Myanmar
33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd,
Dagon tsp.
tel: 250388. fax: 252478.
email: enquiry.prygn@
parkroyalhotels.com.
Savoy Hotel
129, Damazedi Rd,
Kamayut tsp.
tel: 526289, 526298,
Sedona Hotel
Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd,
Yankin. tel: 666900.
Strand Hotel
92 Strand Rd. tel: 243377.
fax: 289880.
Summit Parkview Hotel
350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon
Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966.
Sule Shangri-La Hotel
223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel:
242828. fax: 242838.
Royal White Elephant Hotel
No-11, Kan Street, Hlaing
Tsp. Yangon, Myanmar.
(+95-1) 500822, 503986.
www.rwehotel.com
Hotel Yangon
91/93, 8
th
Mile Junction,
Tel : 01-667708, 667688.
Inya Lake Resort Hotel
37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd.
tel: 662866. fax: 665537.
KH Hotel, Yangon
28-A, 7 Miles, Pyay Rd,
Ph: 95-1-652532, 652533
MGM Hotel No (160), Warden
Street, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon,
Myanmar. +95-1-212454~9.
www. hotel-mgm.com
No.6, Botahtaung Jetty,
Botahtaung Township,
Yangon. Tel: (951)9010555,
9010535 Fax : (951) 9010536
info@vintageluxuryhotel.com
www.vintageluxuryhotel.com
Sakura Residence
9, Inya Rd, Kamaryut Tsp.
tel: 525001. fax: 525002.
Winner Inn
42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan
Tsp. Tel: 503734, 524387.
email: reservation@winner
innmyanmar.com
Yuzana Hotel
130, Shwegondaing Rd,
Bahan Tsp, tel : 01-549600
Yuzana Garden Hotel
44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd,
Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp,
tel : 01-248944
Hotel Grand United
(Chinatown)
621, Maharbandoola Rd,
Latha Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: (95-1) 372256-58
(21
st
Downtown)
66-70, 21
st
Street (Enter
from Strand Rd), Latha
Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (95-1)
378201
(Ahlone Branch)
35, Min Ye Kyaw Swar
Rd, Ahlone Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: (95-1) 218061-64;
Email: grandunited.
head@gmail.com, www.
hotelgrandunited.com
FLORAL SERVICES
Floral Service & Gift Shop
No. 449, New University
Avenue, Bahan Tsp. YGN.
Tel: 541217, 559011,
09-860-2292.
Market Place By City Mart
Tel: 523840~43,
523845~46, Ext: 205.
Junction Nay Pyi Taw
Tel: 067-421617~18
422012~15, Ext: 235.
Res: 067-414813, 09-492-
09039. Email : eternal@
mptmail.net.mm
FITNESS CENTRE
Balance Fitnesss
No 64 (G), Kyitewine
Pagoda Road, Mayangone
Township. Yangon
01-656916, 09 8631392
Email - info@
balancetnessyangon.com
Life Fitness
Bldg A1, Rm No. 001,
Shwekabar Housing,
Mindhamma Rd,
Mayangone Tsp. Yangon.
Ph: 01-656511,
Fax: 01-656522,
Hot line: 0973194684,
natraysports@gmail.com
No. 20, Ground Floor, Pearl
Street, Golden Valley Ward,
Bahan Township, Yangon.
Tel : 09-509 7057, 01-
220881, 549478 (Ext : 103)
Email : realtnessmyanmar
@gmail.com
www.realtnessmyanmar.com
Floral Service & Gift
Centre 102(A), Dhamazaydi
Rd, Yangon.tel: 500142
Summit Parkview Hotel,
tel: 211888, 211966 ext. 173
fax: 535376.email: sandy@
sandymyanmar.com.mm.
FOAM SPRAY
INSULATION
Foam Spray Insulation
No-410, Ground Fl,Lower
Pazuntaung Rd, Pazun
taung Tsp, Yangon.Telefax
: 01-203743, 09-5007681.
Hot Line-09-730-30825.
ADVERTISING & MEDIA
COFFEE MACHINE
CAR RENTAL
illy, Francis Francis, VBM,
Brasilia, Rossi, De Longhi
Nwe Ta Pin Trading Co., Ltd.
Shop C, Building 459 B
New University Avenue
01- 555-879, 09-4210-81705
nwetapintrading@gmail.com
No. 56, Bo Ywe St,
Latha Tsp, Yangon.
Tel : 01-246551, 375283,
09-2132778, 09-31119195.
Gmail:nyanmyintthu1983@
gmail.com,
Car Rental Service
CONSULTING
Shwe Hinthar B 307, 6 1/2
Miles, Pyay Rd., Yangon.
Tel: +95 (0)1 654 730
info@thuraswiss.com
www.thuraswiss.com
Myanmar Research | Consulting | Technology
Zamil Steel
No-5, Pyay Road,
7 miles,
Tel: (95-1) 652502~04.
Fax: (95-1) 650306.
Email: zamilsteel@
zamilsteel.com.mm
CONSTRUCTION
CONFERENCE
BARS
AUTO LEASING
50
th
Street
9/13, 50th street-lower,
Botataung Tsp. Tel-397160.
The First Air conditioning
systems designed to keep
you fresh all day
Zeya & Associates Co., Ltd.
No.437 (A), Pyay Road,
Kamayut. P., O 11041
Yangon, Tel: +(95-1)
502016-18,
Mandalay- Tel: 02-60933.
Nay Pyi Taw- Tel:
067-420778, E-mail :
sales.ac@freshaircon.
com. URL: http://www.
freshaircon.com
AIR CONDITION
FASHION & TAILOR
Sein Shwe Tailor, 797
(003-A), Bogyoke Aung
San Rd, MAC Tower 2,
Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon,
Ph: 01-225310, 212943~4
Ext: 146, 147, E-mail:
uthetlwin@gmail.com
CO WORKING SPACE
No. (6), Lane 2
Botahtaung Pagoda St,
Yangon.
01-9010003, 291897.
info@venturaofce.com,
www.venturaofce.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Learn to dance with
social dancing
94, Bogalay Zay St,
Botataung T/S,
Yangon.
Tel : 01-392526,
01-1221738
Diamond Palace Jewelry
Shop (1) - No. 663/665,
Mahar Bandoola Rd,
Tel : 01-371 944, 371 454,
Shop (2) - No.1103/1104/
1105, Ground Fl, Taw Win
Center, Tel : 01-8600111
ext :1103, 09 49307265
Shop (3) - No.B 020,
Ground Fl, Junction
Square Shopping Center,
Tel : 01-527 242 ext : 1081,
09 73203464
Shop (4) Ground Fl,
Gamonepwint Shopping
Mall, Kabaraye Pagoda
Rd, Tel : 01-653 653 ext :
8205, 09 421763490
Shop (5) - 229/230, 1st Fl,
Ocean Shwe Ghone Daing
Super Center, Yangon. Tel
: 09-312 91904, 09-732-
03376.
info@seinnandaw.com
www.seinnandaw.com
www.facebook.com/
seinnandaw
GEMS & JEWELLERIES
Best Jewels
No. 44, Inya Road,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 01-2305811, 2305812.
Ruby & Rare Gems
of Myanamar
No. 527, New University
Ave., Bahan Tsp. Yangon.
sales@manawmaya.com.mm
www.manawmayagems.com
Tel: 549612, Fax : 545770.
The Natural Gems of
Myanmar & Fine Jewellery.
No. 30(A), Pyay Road,
(7 mile), Mayangone Tsp,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 01-660397, 654398
spgems.myanmar@
gmail.com
Your Most Reliable Jeweller
Yangon : A-3, Aung San
Stadium (North East Wing),
Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp.
Tel : 245543, 09-73903736,
09-73037772.
Mandalay : No.(4) 73rd St,
Btw 30th & 31st St, Chan
Aye Thar Zan Tsp. Tel : 09-
6803505, 09-449004631.
Naypyitaw : Level (2),
Capital Hyper Mart,
Yazathingaha Street,
Outarathiri Tsp. Tel : 09-
33503202, 09-73050337
GAS COOKER &
COOKER HOODS
Worlds leader in
Kitchen Hoods & Hobs
Same as Ariston Water
Heater. Tel: 251033,
379671, 256622, 647813
BEAUTY & MASSAGE
Myanmar Telephone
Directory & Yellow Pages
15/C, Inya Myaing Road,
Bahan, Ph: 525380, 525384
Yangon Directory
599, Room 7,
Mahabandoola Street,
Thein Gyi Bazar E Complex,
Latha, Ph: 245358,
The Best Conference,
Exhibition & Workshop at
Reasonable Cost in Yangon
MitaMyanmarInvestmentTrade
TechnologyConference.com
maizar@mitaservices.com.sg
09420110451,09420110666
Myanmar
Investment
Conference
25-27 Sept
MYANMAR BOOK CENTRE
Nandawun Compound,
No. 55, Baho Road,
Corner of Baho Road
and Ahlone Road, (near
Eugenia Restaurant),
Ahlone Township. tel:
212 409, 221 271. 214708
fax: 524580. email: info@
myanmarbook.com
BOOK STORES
BOOK STORES
150 Dhamazedi Rd.,
Bahan Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 536306, 537805.
Email : yangon@
monument-books.com
15(B), Departure Lounge,
Yangon Intl Airport.
#87/2, Crn of 26
th
& 27
th

St, 77
th
St,Chan Aye Thar
Zan Tsp, Mandalay.
Tel : (02) 24880.
Marina Residence, Yangon
Ph: 650651~4, Ext: 109
Beauty Plan, Corner of
77th St & 31st St, Mandalay
Ph: 02 72506
Lemon Day Spa
No. 96 F, Inya Road,
Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 514848, 09-732-08476.
E.mail: lemondayspa.2011
@gmail.com
No. 52, Royal Yaw Min Gyi
Condo, Room F, Yaw Min
Gyi Rd, Dagon Township,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel: 09-425-307-717
YANGON
La Source Beauty Spa
80-A, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp.
Tel: 512380, 511252
Beauty Bar by La Source
Room (1004), Sedona Hotel,
Tel : 666 900 Ext : 7167
MANDALAY
La Source Beauty Spa
13/13, Mya Sandar St,
bet: 26_27, bet: 62_63,
Chanaye Tharzan Tsp.
Tel : 09-4440-24496.
www.lasourcebeautyspa.com
Beauty Spa & Reexology
42 (A), Amaka (10)
Kyaung St, Pyay Rd,
Hlaing Tsp, Yangon.
Ph: 01-507070, 01-507141,
09-51 09435, 09-51 43568
24 Hrs International Clinic
Medical and Security
Assistance Service
@ Victoria Hospital
No.68, Tawwin Rd, 9 Mile,
Mayangon Township,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel: +951 651 238
+959 495 85 955
Fax: +959 651 398
www.leomedicare.com
24 Hours Laboratory
& X-ray, CT, MRI, USG
Mammogram, Bone DXA
@ Victoria Hospital
No. 68, Tawwin Rd, 9 Mile,
Mayangon Township,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel: (951) 9 666141
Fax: (951) 9 666135
Japan-Myanmar
Physiotherapy Clinic.
Body Massage - 7000 Ks
Foot Massage - 6000 Ks
Body & Foot Massage -
12,000 Ks
No.285, Bo Aung Kyaw Rd,
Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon.
09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tel : 09-8615036
No.(68), Tawwin Street,
9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp,
Yangon.
Hunt line: +95 1 9666 141,
Booking Ext : 7080, 7084.
Fax: +95 1 9666 135
Email:
info@witoriya hospital.com
www.victoriahospital
myanmar.com,
Facebook :
https://www.facebook.com/
WitoriyaGeneralHospital
Pearl Dental
29, Shwe Taung Tan St,
Lanmadaw Tsp.
Ph : 01-226274,
09-730-39011
9:30 AM TO 9:00 PM
SSC
7, East Shwe Gone Dine Rd,
Bahan, Ph: 544128.
Myittar Oo Eye Hospital
499, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp.
Ph: 09-527381.
Condo (C), Room (001),
Tatkatho Yeikmon Housing,
New University Avenue Rd,
Bahan Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 09 8615162,
09 8615163, 542 375,
546 663, (Ext 1155)
GENERATORS
No. 589-592, Bo Aung
Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein
highway Road. Hlaing
Tharyar tsp. Tel: 951-
645178-182, 685199, Fax:
951-645211, 545278.
e-mail: mkt-mti@
winstrategic.com.mm
HEALTH SERVICES
Crockery
No.196/198,
Ground Floor,
Shwe Bon Thar St(Middle),
Pabedan Tsp, Yangon,
Tel: 253214, 0973098782,
09420049459
DELIVERY SERVICE
CROCKERY
Express Delivery &
Logistic Service
YGN Tel : 01-2301865
MDY Tel : 09-4200-66638
NPT Tel : 09-4920-5684
www.sbs-myanmar.com
Express Courier & Cargo
One Stop Logistic Solution
Ygn, Hot Line: 01-374457
DUTY FREE
Duty Free Shops
Yangon International
Airport, Arrival/Departure
Mandalay International
Airport, Departure
Ofce: 17, 2
nd
street,
Hlaing Yadanarmon Housing,
Hlaing Township, Yangon.
Tel: 500143, 500144, 500145.
98(A), Kaba Aye Pagoda
Road, Bahan Township,
553783, 09-732-16940.
Fax: 542979
Email: asiapacic.
myanmar@gmail.com.
First Class VIP
Limousine Car Rental.
Professional English
Speaking Drivers.
Full Insurance for
your Safety and
comfortable journey
Call us Now for your
best choice
www.mmels.com
MYANMAR EXECUTIVE
LIMOUSINE SERVICE
HOT LINE:
09 - 402 510 003
01-646 330
Vehicle Operating Leases:
Trucks

Semi trailers

Vans and Minibuses

Tractors

Pickups
aung@yomaeet.com
www.yomaeet.com
Strategic PR, Media
Monitoring, Media
Networking, Media
brieng for Executives
#17, ShweThaPyay
Housing 2, Nawaratt St,
10 Quarter, Thaketa Tsp,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel: +959 421027567, +959
5070524, pandpmedia.
com@gmail.com
Executive Serviced Ofces
www.hinthabusinesscentres.com
Tel : 01-4413410
SERVICE OFFICE
Capital Hyper Mart
14(E), Min Nandar Road,
Dawbon Tsp. Ph: 553136.
City Mart (Aung San) tel:
253022, 294765.
City Mart (47
th
St Branch)
tel: 200026, 298746.
City Mart (Junction 8)
tel: 650778.
City Mart (FMI City Branch)
tel: 682323.
City Mart (Yankin Center
Branch) tel: 400284.
City Mart (Myaynigone)
tel: 510697.
City Mart (Zawana Branch)
tel:564532.
City Mart (Shwe Mya Yar)
tel: 294063.
City Mart (Chinatown Point)
tel: 215560~63.
City Mart (Junction Maw Tin)
tel: 218159.
City Mart (Marketplace)
tel: 523840~43.
City Mart
(78
th
Brahch-Mandalay)
tel: 02-71467~9.
IKON Mart
No.332, Pyay Rd, San
Chaung. Tel: 535-783, 527705,
501429. Email: sales-ikon@
myanmar.com.mm
Junction Maw Tin
Anawrahta Rd, Lanmadaw,
Ph: 01-225244.
Junction Square
Pyay Rd, Kamayut,
Ph: 01-527242.
Junction Zawana
Lay Daung Kan St,
Thingangyun, Ph: 573929.
Ocean (North Point)
Pyay Rd, 9 mile,
Ph: 01-652959.
Ocean (East Point)
Mahabandoola Rd,
Ph: 01-397146.
SUPERMARKETS
STEEL STRUCTURE
Design, Fabrication,
Supply & Erection of Steel
Structures
Tel : (+95-1) 122 1673
Email : Sales@WEC-
Myanmar.com
www.WEC-Myanmar.com
Mon - Sat (9am to 6pm)
No. 797, MAC Tower II,
Rm -4, Ground Flr,
Bogyoke Aung San Rd,
Lamadaw Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: (951) 212944 Ext: 303,
09-4200-91393.
info@centuremyanmar.
com.
www.centure.in.th
OFFICE FURNITURE
LUGGAGE
Tel : 01-9000712~13 Ext : 330
09-4200-77039.
direct2u@mmrds.com
Home Outdoor Ofce
99 Condo, Ground Floor,
Room (A), Damazedi Rd,
Kamayut Township,
Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 09-2504-28700
info@decorum.mm.com
Bldg-A2, G-Flr, Shwe
Gabar Housing, Mindama
Rd, Mayangone Tsp,
Yangon. email: eko-nr@
myanmar.com.mm
Ph: 652391, 09-73108896
Bld-A2, Gr-Fl, Shwe
Gabar Housing, Mindama
Rd, Mayangone Tsp,
Yangon. email: eko-nr@
myanmar.com.mm
Ph: 652391, 09-73108896
Room No. 1101, 16
th
Flr,
Tower B, Maw Tin Tower,
Corner of Anawrahta Rd
& Lanthit St, Lanmadaw
Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : (95-1) 218489. 218490
218491
Fax : (95-1) 218492
Email : marketing @
kaytumadi.com, contact@
kaytumadi.com,
kaytumadi@gmail.com.
web : www.rockworth.com
MARINE
COMMUNICATION &
NAVIGATION
Top Marine Show Room
No-385, Ground Floor,
Lower Pazundaung Road,
Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon.
Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597
150 Brand NEW
International Standard
Rental Apartments
Hotline : 09 43 200 845
09 250 516 616
email : rental.starcity@
gmail.com
www.starcityyangon.com
HOUSING
Pun Hlaing Golf Estate
Gated Golf Community
HOUSE RENTAL
APARTMENT RENTALS
SERVICED APARTMENTS
Available Immediately
RENTAL OFFICE
OPEN DAILY 9-5
PHGE Sales & Marketing,
Hlaing Tharyar Tsp, Yangon.
Tel : 951-687 800, 684 013
phgemarketing@gmail.com
www.punhlainggolfestate.com
LANGUAGE
Master Burmese Faster!
Professional Burmese
Language Course for All
Levels
436, Top r, Thein Phyu Rd,
Mingalar Taung Nyut Tsp,
Yangon.
Tel : 09-4316 8422
www.moemyanmar.com
Email: register.mmlc@
moemyanmar.com
HOME FURNISHING
22, Pyay Rd, 9 mile,
Mayangone Tsp.
tel: 660769, 664363.
Franzo Living Mall
15(A/5), Pyay Rd, A1(9miles),
Tel : 01-664026, 01-656970,
09-43205018
www.facebook.com/franzo
livingmall.
Email:palazzofurniture@
gmail.com
HOTEL SUPPLY
Premium Chef Uniform
Building B-1, Room 001,
Myittar Street, TamweLay,
TamweTsp, Yangon.
Tel: 01-556703, 09-
5408885, 09-5067816
Email:
theworkwearmyanmar@
gmail.com
Legendary Myanmar Intl
Shipping & Logistics Co.,
Ltd.
No-9, Rm (A-4), 3
rd
Flr,
Kyaung St, Myaynigone,
Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 516827, 523653,
516795.
Mobile. 09-512-3049.
Email: legandarymyr@
mptmail.net .mm
www.LMSL-shipping.com
Japan Sushi Izagaya
81 (A), Latha St,
Latha Tsp, Yangon.
Ph : 01-371508, 09-51 0 9435,
09-51 43568, 09-312 93852
Enchanting and Romantic,
a Bliss on the Lake
62 D, U Tun Nyein Road,
Mayangon Tsp, Yangon
Tel. 01 665 516, 660976
Mob. 09-730-30755
operayangon@gmail.com
www.operayangon.com
22, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd,
Bahan Tsp. tel 541997.
email: leplanteur@
mptmail.net.mm.
http://leplanteur.net
G-01, City Mart
(Myay Ni Gone Center).
Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 106
G-05, Marketplace by
City Mart.
Tel: 01-523840 Ext: 105
Pizza Mazzi
Ocean Center (North
Point), Ground Floor,
Tel: 09-731-83900 01-
8600056
Monsoon Restaurant
& Bar 85/87, Thein Byu
Road, Botahtaung Tsp.
Tel: 295224, 09-501 5653.
1. WASABI : No.20-B,
Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd,
Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa),
Tel; 09-4250-20667,
09-503-9139
Myaynigone (City Mart)
Yankin Center (City Mart)
Delicious Hong Kong Style
Food Restaurant
G-09, City Mart (Myay Ni
Gone Center).
Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 114
UnionBarAndGrill
42 Strand Road,
Botahtaung, Yangon.
Tel: 95 9420 180 214, 95
9420 101 854
www.unionyangon.com,
info@unionyangon.com
Horizon Intl School
25, Po Sein Road, Bahan
Tsp, tel : 541085, 551795,
551796, 450396~7.
fax : 543926, email :
contact@horizonmyanmar.
com, www.horizon.com
SCHOOLS
English Education Centre
Nursery - Primary
(15 months - 12 years)
55 (B), Po Sein Road,
Bahan Township.
Tel : (951) 546097, 546761.
Email: imm.myn@gmail.com
I nternational
M ontessori
M yanmar
TRAVEL AGENTS
Get your Visa online for
Business and Tourist
No need to come to
Embassy.
#165. 35th Street,
Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: +951 381200, 204020
travel.evisa@gmail.com
VISA & IMMIGRATION
WATER TREATMENT
WEB SERVICE
AMD
Tel: 01-218437~38.
09-5161431, 09-43126571.
39-B, Thazin Lane, Ahlone.
WATER SOLUTION
Water Treatement Solution
Block (A), Room (G-12),
Pearl Condo, Kabar Aye
Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp.
Hot Line : 09-4500-59000
Aekar
Company Limited
Web Services
All the way from Australia
world-class websites/
web apps for desktop,
smartphone & tablets,
online shopping with
real-time transaction,
news/magazine site,
forum, email campaign
and all essential online
services. Domain
registration & cloud
hosting. Talk to us: (01)
430-897, (0) 942-000-4554.
www.medialane.com.au
WATER HEATERS
The Global leader in
Water Heaters
A/1, Aung San Stadium
East Wing, Upper
Pansodan Road.
Tel: 01-256705, 399464,
394409, 647812.
Shan Yoma Tours Co.,Ltd
Ph: 01-9010378, 9010382,
www.exploremyanmar.com
www.exploreglobaltravel.
com
Asian Trails Tour Ltd
73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp.
tel: 211212, 223262.
fax: 211670. email: res@
asiantrails.com.mm
Water Heater
Made in Japan
Same as Rinnai Gas Cooker
and Cooker Hood
Showroom Address
Sany
No. 74, Lann Thit Road,
Nant Thar Kone Ward,
Insein Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 09-
4026-68668, 09-4026-68600
Email : sanymyanmar@
gmail.com.
HEAVY MACHINERY
Serv-Smart
#77/2b, DhammaZedi Rd,
Corner of U Wisara Rd,
SanchaungTsp, Yangon.
Tel: +95 931 323 291
info@serv-smart.com
www.serv-smart.com
Orange
Myittar Yeik Mon Housing,
Tamwe, Ph: 09-8623381.
Orange
Mahabandoola St, Top of
19
th
St, Latha
Ph: 01-397146.
Orange Super Market
103, Thu Damar Rd,
Industrial Zone, North
Okkalar, Ph: 9690246
Executive Serviced
Ofce, Registered
and Virtual Ofce, Hot
Desking, Meeting Rooms
Tel: +(95) 1 387947
www.ofcehubservices,com
Luggage
No.196/198,
Ground Floor,
Shwe Bon Thar St(Middle),
Pabedan Tsp, Yangon,
Tel: 253214, 09420049459,
0931569998
Schenker (Thai) Ltd.
Yangon 59 A, U Lun
Maung Street. 7 Mile
Pyay Road, MYGN. tel:
667686, 666646.fax:
651250. email: sche
nker@mptmail.net.mm.
No. 5, U Tun Nyein
Street, Mayangone T/S,
Yangon.
Tel : 01-660 612, 657928,
01-122 1014, 09 508 9441
Email : lalchimiste.
restaurant@gmail.com
a drink from paradise...
available on Earth
@Yangon International
Hotel, No.330, Ahlone Rd,
Dagon Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 09-421040512
Quality Chinese Dishes
with Resonable Price
@Marketplace by City Mart.
Tel: 01-523840 Ext.109
Good taste & resonable
price
@Thamada Hotel
Tel: 01-243047, 243639-41
Ext: 32
RESTAURANTS
Bo Sun Pat Tower, Bldg
608, Rm 6(B), Cor of
Merchant Rd & Bo Sun
Pat St, PBDN Tsp. Tel:
377263, 250582, 250032,
09-511-7876, 09-862-4563.
Heaven Pizza
38/40, Bo Yar Nyunt St.
Yaw Min Gyi Quarter,
Dagon Township.
Tel: 09-855-1383
World famous Kobe Beef
Near Thuka Kabar
Hospital on Pyay Rd,
Marlar st, Hlaing Tsp.
Tel: +95-1-535072
Horizon Restaurant & Bar
KH Hotel Roof top
No. (28-A), 7 Miles,
Pyay Road, Mayangone
Township, Yangon.
Ph: 95-1-652532, 652533
INSURANCE
Fire, Motor and Life
Insurance
44, TheinPhyu Road,
Tel : 01- 8610656
Mob : 09-5055216
Email: maythet@gw-
insurance.com
www.gw-insurance.com
Moby Dick Tours Co., Ltd.
Islands Safari in the Mergui
Archipelago
No.89-91, Rm No.2, Gr Fr,
32
nd
St (between Maha
Bandoola Rd and Merchant
Rd), Pabedan Tsp, Yangon.
E-mail: info@islandsafari
mergui.com. Website: www.
islandsafarimergui.com
PLEASURE CRUISES
REAL ESTATE
For House-Seekers
with Expert Services
In all kinds of Estate Fields
yomaestatemm@gmail.com
09-332 87270 (Fees Free)
09-2541 26615 (Thai Language)
PAINT
TOP MARINE PAINT
No-410, Ground Floor,
Lower Pazundaung Road,
Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon.
Ph: 09-851-5202
Sole Distributor
For the Union of
Myanmar Since 1995
Myanmar Golden Rock
International Co.,Ltd.
#06-01, Bldg (8), Myanmar
ICT Park, University Hlaing
Campus, Hlaing Tsp,
Yangon. Tel: 654810~17.
Worlds No.1 Paints &
Coatings Company
Crown Worldwide
Movers Ltd 790, Rm 702,
7
th
Flr Danathiha Centre,
Bogyoke Aung San Rd,
Lanmadaw. Tel: 223288,
210 670, 227650. ext: 702.
Fax: 229212. email: crown
worldwide@mptmail.net.mm
REMOVALISTS
Re a l Es t a t e Age nt
No Fees for Cl i ent s,
Contact Us : 09 2050107,
robin@prontorealtor.com
Relocation Specialist
Rm 504, M.M.G Tower,
#44/56, Kannar Rd,
Botahtaung Tsp.
Tel: 250290, 252313.
Mail : info@asiantigers-
myanmar.com
Matrix System
No.77, Lanthit Street,
Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon.
Tel: 01-221944, 225374.
matrixoffice.mm@gmail.com
Ofce Culture Co., Ltd
Taw Win Center, 3
rd
Flr,
Rm 4031/4033, Pyay Rd,
Dagon Tsp, Yangon.
Ph: 09-2540 14097
Email: bd1@bristol.com.mm
www.bristol.com.my
Property General
HOW TO GET A FREE AD
BY FAX : 01-254158
BY EMAIL : classied.mcm@gmail.com
BY MAIL : 379/383, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Township, Yangon.
HOW TO GET MORE BUSINESS FROM
AS LITTLE AS K.5,000.
BUY SPACE ON THESE PAGES
CALL: Khin Mon Mon Yi - 01-392676, 392928
FREE
Housing for Rent
OFFICE SPACE TO LET
3100 sqm available over
5 foors in a 12-storey
building with car park,
restaurant, multi function
hall and apartments.
Please Contact -
Ph : 09-431-34381.
Email : offce-mm@
uni t eammari ne. com,
web : www .facebook.
com/offcespaceyangon
DAGON Condominium:
Near Parkroyal Hotel,
1 master Bed Room, 1
Single Room, Parquet
Floor, 3AC, Line Phone,
Fully Furnished, 1250
Sqft, USD 1200 per
month, Ph: 09-312-
87827, 09-2500-26350.
MANDALAY, on road,
length 160'x width 33'.
Included building, water,
Electricity, ready to
use. Suitable for offce,
school, Bank etc $ 10000
per month, Contact: 09-
517-8019.
M Y A N I G O N E
Sanchaung, Min St, First
Flr, all furniture, One Bed
Rm, One Kitchen, One
Bathroom (The balcony),
1 RC, 1 (month) 600 US,
Ph: Shan Shan - 09-731-
92603, Moe Hein - 09-
4250-18442.
HOME (or) offce for
Rent (Fair price): New
building, 5 Bed Rm, full
air con, Generator, Car
Garage, Large Parking
Area, Garden, Very
Good surrounding,
Golf range, National
Swimming pool, Horse
race course are in
Surrounding (Shwe
Pin Lon Residential
Area). (20 minutes to
Downtown/ Airport), Ph:
09-512-5342, 09-528-
0578, 09-493-33318.
BAHAN, Po Sein Rd,
near Holiday Hotel,
2 Stories building, 3
private rooms with
toilet, parquet foor,
suffcient carparking,
US$ 2500 per month.
Ph: 09-312-87825, 09-
2500-26350.
(1).Near Park Royal,
Hotel,1100Sqft, 2MBR,
F.F, 5F, 10Lakhs (2).
Near Ruby Mark,
1500Sqft, 1MBR,1BR,
F.F, Lift, 10Lakhs
(3).Near Inya Lake,
1900Sqft, 2MBR, 2BR,
F.F, Lift, 13Lakhs (4).
Near Hladan center,
1000Sqft, 1MBR,
2BR, Lift, 10Lakhs (5).
Near Yuzana Plaza,
1250Sqft, 2MBR,
1BR, Lift, 10Lakhs (6).
Near China Embassy,
2100Sqft, 2MBR, 2BR,
Lift, $5500. Ph:09-
4211-77105.
HLAING, Shwe Hinn
Thar Condo, 6 1/2 mile,
Pyay Rd, 2600Sqft, 2
MBR, 2 SR, Furniture,
Swimming pool,
Gym, Internet (Fiber),
Satellite, Ph line, fully
air-conditioners, Water
heater, USD 5500 per
month (Nego:), Ph:09-
3106-6005.
OFFICE SUITES for
Lease, Pearl Centre,
Bahan, Kabar Aye
Pagoda Rd. 500-
10,000 sqft available
at affordable rates.
Contact: 09 430 30 288
slee888@gmail.com
BAHAN, University
Avenue Condo,
1350Sqft, 1MBR,
2SR, Furnished,
Skynet satellite, air-
conditioners, Water
heaters, USD 1800 per
month (2)Mayangone,
Kabaaye Pagoda Rd,
Near Inya lake Hotel,
0.2Acre, 2 storey
building, Garden, 3MBR,
2BR, Water heaters,
Air-conditioners, Semi-
furnished, USD 2200
per month (4)Yankin,
0.2Acre, 2 storey
building, Big garden,
1MBR, Air-conditioners,
Ph line, Generator line,
Furnished, TV, Skynet,
Internet, Water heater,
USD 2500 per month
(Nego:), Ph:09-3106-
6005.
FULLY furnished 4BR
homes with modern
western style kitchen.
4BR house divided
into 3 spacious 2BR
apartments in a gated
compound. Easy
access to & from
the downtown area.
Shops, supermarkets
& restaurants 10 mins
away. All apartments
have en-suite and large
living space. Shared
entrance and furnished
living room, dining room
furnished and kitchen
includes refrigerator, gas
cook top microwave and
cabinet lockable cabinet
for each apartment,
Washing machine.
Facilities management,
minimart, swimming pool
and bbq area. Phyo: 09-
4210-27567
(1.PANSODAN TOWER,
1800 sqft, 2 privates
rooms, 2 Hall, 2 Bath
Rooms & 2 Toilets,
2lifts, parquet foor (New
Rm) (2).2RC, Near by
diamond condo, 2MBR,
3BR, Parquet foor. Ph:
09-731-54071.
BAHAN, Moe Ma Kha St, a
pleasant location inside,
30' x 110', 3 stories. fully
furnished containing 5
bedrooms with air-cons,
3 BR, toilets, spacious
living room, dining
room, kitchen, 6 AC. car
garage, servant quarter.
USD $5200 per month
(negotiable). Ph:09-500-
0520, 09-2560-29866,
TAMWE, Po Sein Rd,
65'x80' USD $5000
(nego) Ph : 09-2506-
49342, 09-507-3521.
BAHAN, Moe Myint San
Codo, 2400 sqft, Fully
furnished, Ph:09-518-
8320.
INYA RD, 2 RC, 3008 sqft,
3 MBRE, 2 BR, 1 living,
1 dinning, 1 praying, 1
kitchen, 1 common toilet,
1 car garage, 2 store
room, 1 ph line, AC 6,
water heater 5, Internet
line, All bedroom are
bathroom attached.
Price 3500 U$, quite &
power save place. 30/I,
Inya Rd, kamayut, near
Inya hotel. Ph: 09-512-
6285, 09-3224-9796.
Housing for Sale
MAWLAMYINE, 2RC
(water + electricity
included), 60'x80', on
Bogyoke Aung San
Rd, near Mawlamyine
University. Price:
negotiable. Ph: 09-515-
8738.
GOOD LOCATION V.I.P
Quarter in Taunggyi 2
stories RC Building with
car garage 2 stories on
land area 0.08 Acre, near
school, on main road.
Ph: 09-204-2457.
Want to Rent
REQUIRED small condo
or apartment in new
building with 1 bedroom,
1 living room, kitchen
with or without furniture
for foreigner. Shared
house also welcome.
Ready to pay upto US$
1500/- per month. No
agent fees will be paid.
Please contact 09-4344-
4455"
Education
GRADE 10 & 11
English, Math, Physics,
Chemistry Teaching
and Guide. Ph: 09-731-
23045.
TEACHING and guide,
Kg to Primary6, Int'l
school. Tr. Hnin : 09-
4200-87050.
PHYSICS Home Tution,
Sayar U Myint Thein:
Yangon University,
Grade X,XI. IGCSE. SAT
II. Ph: 09-730-52859.
Email: umtedu@gmail.
com
GUIDE for ABE Level
6- Graduate Diploma in
Business Management
students, Strategic
Marketing Management
Strategic Human
Resource Management,
Managing in Organiza
tion Corporate Strate
gy & Planning, Int'l
Business Case Study.
Contact: 09-319-45385
TEACHING and guide,
KG to Primary 6, For
Int'l school, (MIS. YIS.
MISY. ILBC. CISM. ISM.
PISM. TOTAL. Horizon.)
Ph:09-4200-87050
MATHS Tuition for all
international school
students from class 4th
to 10th. I did my PG in
maths from India and
having 8+ years of
teaching experience. I
can teach only in English
& Hindi language.
Interested students pls
contact at shilpi_19sep@
rediffmail.com or shilpi.
19sep@gmail.com
MATHEMATICS, Is your
child from ILBC, YIS, ISY,
ISM, Yangon Academy,
MIS, MISY, SIS, PISM,
ALBA, DSY or all
international schools
(KG to Sec 3 or Grade 9)
weak in Maths, doesnt
understand problem
solving, no one can help
him or her in practicing
or learning? If your
child is willing to learn &
practise, I will teach him
or her to develop the
required skills to improve
in Maths from present
situation. Please contact
and come to Daw Naing
Naing Aung, B.Com
(Q), No.(6), Thuketa St,
Baukhtaw, Yankin. Ph:
09-500-4993, 544594.
OIEC IGCSE Training
Centre : IGCSE
Training Class Primary-
Secondary Training
class, Enlish grammar
class, English Listening
class, English speaking
practice class, Myanmar
Language class . Ph:
09-513-9298, 09-732-
55281
L I T E R A T U R E
&language art study
for SAT up to 12 Grade
, it is right to enjoy
reading classic novel,
short stories and critical
thinking . Writing for
story map,summery,
play script , biography,
factual writing can be
practiced. If you had
tried as much as you
can to follow the lesson
and you will get good
experiences and skill.
This program will help
you capability and fll
your luck of knowledge..
Middle school students
can study in a small
class. U Thant Zin :
28-3/B, Thatiphtan St,
Tarmwe. Ph: 09-3102-
1314, 09-503-5350.
GALAXY International
Education Center :
Kindergarten (Focus on
Scholastic Curriculum).
Age 2 to 6 years old.
Monday to Friday on
9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.
weekend English
Courses. Age 5 to 15
years old. Saturday and
Sunday on 9:00 a.m to
12:00 a.m. Contact Vs:
No.(5/6), Thiri Gone
Avenue, Opposite of
Aung Yadana Hospital,
Thingangyun, Yangon.
Ph:09-31855521, 09-
730-29538.
HOME Tution & Guide:
For Pre - KG, Primary
& Secondary level.
Specialize in Maths &
Biology Tr. Daw Khin
Swe Win (B.E.H.S
Thuwunna) Rtd. Ph: 09-
730-99679.
GIVE your child the
best possible start to
life at International
Montessori Myanmar
(English Education
Center), accredited by
IMC Bangkok (Since
1991). Learning through
play. 55(B), Po Sein Rd,
Bahan, Yangon, Tel:
546097, 546761. Email:
imm.myn@gmail.com
IGCSE, Secondary 3, 4
Physics, Maths B, Pure
Maths. Practice with 15
years old questions. Ph:
09-4500-25213.
SAYA Saw Aung (Ex.A.P),
Chemistry Classes for
Int'l School (Sec-Levels),
IGCSE, Cambridge Int'l
AS & A Level & SAT-2,
Ph: 09-500-5470.
Expert Services
I DO translate
English ~Myanmar &
Myanmar~English and
also teach Myanmar
language (4 skills) for
foreigners. If you want
to contact, call me,
Katherine Ph:09-516-
8697.
REGISTERED Tourist
guide in English, French
is available for immediate
appoint ment, please
ring 09-3019-9028.
CORPORATE Profile
Writing Service, Wanting
to have a business profle
which does not merely
give information about
your business yet it goes
an extra mile to seal new
business opportunities in
a professional manner?
Golden Miracle Co.,
Ltd: 09-512-0462 for
professional profile
writing service.
Experienced business
profle writers across
different industries.
A business profle is
more than a bunch of
information, rather, it
is something which
gives you a head start
to limitless stream of
opportunities.
ZCL(Y.U.F.L) Translation
Service, Translate from
English to Myanmar,
Myanmar to English.
Ph: 09- 250- 666325
email : atar1990@gmail.
com
E X P E R I E N C E D
Domestic Helper avail
able know how to care for
infants, old-age people,
cooking, washing,
ironing, etc. Interested
please call: 09-2506-
49927, 09-2505-98349.
SKYPE VOIP, Skype
10$: 11000 Ks, Unlimited
World :12500 Ks, Korea
400 Minutes : 7500 Ks,
Malaysia 400 Minutes:
10000Ks, Unlimited
Singapore or US :
8000Ks, MEB Talk2 (10
Euro) : 12500 Ks, Rynga
& Free Call (10 Euro) :
15500 Ks 40(B), 3rd
Flr, Yangon-Insein Rd,
Hledan. Ph : 09-509-
1820.
RENTAL Services
of Condos, Landed
Houses, Offces and
Commercial Properties.
Our lists can be checked
in http://goo.gl/tyCuoe.
Myat Estate Agency,
Hotline: 09-4308-3781.
SUN (General Painting
Group) Unitex - 80, 150,
200, 220. Orient-160,
250, 280. Premier-225,
350, 700. Nippon-400,
500, 750. Ph:09-4207-
24608 , 09-731-31261
TRAINED House
Maids Services : We
provide experienced
stay-in housemaids to
do washing, ironing,
cleaning, taking care of
infants, old-people etc..
Interested please call :
09-315-75765.
LYNN Home Medical
Service : 09-3212-1352.
GOLDEN LAND Real
Estate : For sale, buy
& rent, Pls contact to
Ph: 3940532, 09-730-
08848, 3920853
For Rent
COLD STORAGE, 100
M/T capacity situated at
Hlaing Thar Yar Industrial
are at reasonable rate.
Aye Chan Win Co., Ltd :
85, Htay Thinn Ah Twin
Wun U Chain Rd, Zone
2, Yangon. Ph: 682011,
685846, 09-500-8845.
Email: ayechanwin-
coltd2611@gmail.com
TAXI 2007 Model,Probox
GL, Yankin, Deposit
2 Lakhs, Owner fee
9,000./-Daily. Ph: 09-
502-8640.
For Sale
TOYOTA Fielder, E E/....
Model 2002, 1500cc, 115
Lakhs. Ph: 09-516-5340,
09-4210-6276.
CAR, KIA Sorento, Brand
New 2013 SUV, Cosmic
Blue colour, 2.2 Diesel
Manual and Automatic,
7 Seater. Call for more
inquiries 09-731-07892.
RARE COIN AUCTIONS,
Over 100 years old
Myanmar Coins, Inida,
China & America Coin
are available. Try
this address- http://
downloadzilla.weebly.
com. Ph:09-731-250 43.
MK HOTEL, Myakyauk
Yangon City Hotel. No.1,
Wut Kyaung St, Yay
Kyaw, Pazun Taung Tsp,
Yangon, Myanmar. Ph:
01-297274, 01-202187,
01-8610640.
Language
WE can teach Korea
language Basic & 4 skills
for all. Ph: 09-2505-
65793, 09-721-35423,
09-310-24812.
WE DO teach Myanmar
language 4 skills for
Foreigners by Teacher
TUN. Available home
& group class. Basic
Class - 3 months,
Intermediate Class- 3
months, Advanced
Class- 3 months. English
for adults and young
learners. We do teach
4 skills face or group
class. Available home
tuition or group class.
CHINESE language for
all grades and classes.
Taiwan Teacher Mr. Lin;
William Lin ( BM, IDCS
(UK), TW Civil (Taiwan),
USB Accounting, Yunan
Uni Dip (China)) teach
4 skills to be a native
speaker. Intend to go
abroad study or work
students. Can contact us.
Basic Class - 3 months,
Intermediate Class- 4
months, Advanced
Class- 6 months, Super
Advanced Class- 6
months. We do service
of interpreting Chinese-
Myanmar service.
Japanese for all students
who want to go to Japan
for work or study. We do
teach 4 skills and practice
very well. Mr. William Lin :
Ph: 09-4211-47821.
MYANMAR Access
Int'l provides English
Language Training for
workplaces & Project
Management Training
Programmes in every
month by collaborating
with Project Manage ment
Institute from America &
Comprehensive English
Center from Malaysia.
We are offering,
English business
writing skills course
business writing skills
course. How to make
an impact with your
presentation. How to
communicate better in
English at the work places.
English proficiency
from elementary
to pre intermediate
l evel s course
English profciency inter
mediate levels course
English proficiency
advance levels course
Project Management
Awareness Training
Project Management
Fundamental Training
If you are interested
in it, please feel free
to contact :09-731-
18749, 09-732-40764
or kaungsanthu1994@
gmail.com
HOME Tutuion in English,
Myanmar language.
Can be arranged at
learner's suitable time
and residences. Ph: 09-
3019-9028.
WANT TO LEARN
Myanmar Language ?
group class and one
by one.you will got the
surprise within one
month can talk fuently.
Please contact Ms.May:
09-4921-4276.
JAPANESE Language 4
skills JLPT N5 To N1 We
are avaliable Monday To
Friday Classes, Sat &
Sun Classes and Home
teaching. Ph:09-4440-
12654
TEACHING Myanmar
language for foreigners
Near Myay Ni Gone City
Mart, Sanchaung. Tel:
09-4200-30782 http://
www. f acebook. com/
ronald.large.92
TEACHING English for
adults Near Myay Ni Gone
City Mart, Sanchaung.
Ph: 09- 4200-30782
OXFORD English
Language centre :
Daw Khtheleen Thein,
B.A(Eng), Dip in ELT,
TESOL (Canada), Dip
in Franch. Starters,
Movers, Flyers. IELTS
(Preparation). Four skills.
No. 10, Marlar Myaing St,
Yankin. Ph: 09-5026470.
Training
BASIC, DTP (Page
maker, Corel Draw,
Graphic Design (Page
maker, Corel Draw (or)
Illustrator, Photo shop),
Web Design, AutoCad
(2D/3D), AutoCad
(CIVIL Only), AutoCad
(Mechanical Only),
3dsMax, Micro station,
Excel special, Ms Access,
LCCI I,II (Mon, Tue 7-9
am, Fri, Sat 6-8 pm),
LCCI III, MYOB, UBS,
Peachtree, Auto Count,
Japanese language
(N-5,N-4,N-3) ICTC
Computer Technology
Center. Ph: 09-2540-
86001, 09- 4925-5368
YOGA CLASS only
for females by Indian
instructor. Interested
persons pls contact
at shilpi_19sep@
rediffmail.com or shilpi.
19sep@gmail.com
Travel
GO GO UP Travel & Tours
Limited : Hot price to
Thailand Bangkok -
Pattaya, USD 460 (Hot
Price) 4 days 3 nights.
Bangkok - Pattaya -
Ayuttaya, USD 560 (Hot
Price) 5 days 4 nights.
Honeymoon Package
@ Paradise Island USD
550 (Hot Price) 4 days 3
nights. Tel : (01) 523602,
09-732-07333, 09-4480-
13235
MYAT THU Car Rental,
Various types of car rent
for daily or monthly use.
Alphard, Surf, Prado,
Super Custom, Grand
Carvin. Ph: 09-4500-
20233, 09-540-1236
Email : mt.carbusiness@
gmail.com
TOE TET PAING Car
Rental Service "Any kinds
of car for your any trip.
We can fully provide to
be satisfed" Contact:09-
4210-78565, 09-
4480-00375 Email :
toetetpaingcarrental@
gmail.com
OUR POWERFUL
Travel arrange
Inbound & Outbound
Tour packages, Air
Ticketing (International
& Domestic), Car
Rental Services, Hotel
Reservation, Guide
Services & other
travelling services.
Call : 01-378045, 09-
4306-5349 Email:
power f ul t r avel 72@
gmail.com, powerful
company9@gmail.com
"ASIAN Bliss Myanmar"
Travel & Tour (Car Rental
Services) Bldg 289,room
3 east yankin 09-519-
1785, 09-731-18957
Public Notics
MiTA Myanmar
Investment, Trade &
Technology Conference,
Workshop and Exhibition
will be held during
25-27 Sept 2014
UMFCCI, Yangon.
The Best Conference,
Exhibition & Workshop
@ Reasonable Fees
in Myanmar! for more
info, please visit: www.
Mi t a My a n ma r I n v e
stmentTrade Technology
Conference.com, Ph:
09420110451, 09-4201-
10666, Email: maizar@
mitaservices.com.sg
We provide the following
Training, CISCO, CCNA,
CCNP, MICROSOFT,
MCSA, MCSE, LAB,
EC-COUNCIL CEH,
SECURITY ADMIN.
www. f acebook. com/
imcscompany, 09-4500-
16040.
Employment
FREE THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014
UN Positions
THE UNITED Nations
World Food Programme,
is seeking (1) Senior
Programme Assistant
GS-6, Magwe. For more
information, please visit
to http://www.themimu.
info/jobs-for-myanmar-
nationals. Please Email
the applications with UN
P-11 to wfpmyanmar.
v a c a n c y @wf p . o r g
<mailto:wfpmyanmar.
vacancy @wfp.org>
COB 26 August 2014.
THE UNITED Nations
World Food Programme
is seeking (1)
Programme Offcer,
NO-A Maungdaw (Re-
advertisement) (2) Field
Monitor Assistant,
GS-4 Taunggyi (Re-
advertisement) For more
information, please visit
to http://www.themimu.
info/jobs-for-myanmar-
nationals. Please Email
the applications with UN
P-11 to wfpmyanmar.
vacancy@wf p. or g<
mai l t o: wf pmyanmar.
vacancy@wf p. or g>
COB 19 August 2014.
Embassy
EMBASSY of the
Republic of Korea is
seeking (1)Admin
Assistant - M/F 1 Post
: Fluent in both written
&spoken English, self
-motivator, computer
literate, good knowledge
in Korean language is
preferable. University
degree holder, Minimum
2 years of experience
in Administration. (2)
Economic Researcher-
M/F 1 Post : Fluent in
English 4 skills, self-
motivator, Computer
literate. University
degree holder, having
knowledge in collecting
& updating information
especially in Economic
& Energy feld. Send
updated CV to 97,
University Avenue,
Bahan. Ph: 01-527142~4
or through the mail
kor eaembassymm@
gmail.com .
Ingo Positions
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
Rescue Committee is
seeking (1)Field Health
Offcer - 2 posts in
Loikaw, Kayah State:
M.B., B. S, BComH, BSc
Nursing or other related
professional of health
developmental science.
2 years experience.
Good skill in Microsoft
offce package. Good
command of English
& Myanmar. (2)Health
Promotion Offcer :
Related qualifcation
in public health, or
community health, or
social science. 2 years
practical experience in
appropriate community/
camp health programs.
Fluency in Myanmar,
good in English. (3)
project Manager (MCH)
1 post in Kayah State:
M.B., B.S/ B.CommH
or other degree related
to health disciplines.
3 years experience.
Skilled in Microsoft
offce package. Good
command of English and
Myanmar. (4)Senior
Field Health Offcer -
1 post in Kayah State:
M.B., B.S, B.CommH,
BNSc, Diploma in
Midwifery or other health
related disciplines. 3
years experience. Good
Myanmar & ability to
communicate in English.
(5)AEI Manager
(Health Governance) 1
post in Loikaw, Kayah
State: Bachelor of
Development Studies or
health related science,
with post graduate
degree in Development
Studies/ Social Science/
Public Administration/
Public Health or other
related community
development science.
3-5 years experience in
setting up and managing
complex community
development programs
in a humanitarian
UN/ INGOs/ LNGO
contex. Excellent
communication skills,
fuent in Myanmar &
English. Good computer
literacy. Pls submit a
Cover letter & CV to
the HR Department
Application will be
accepted by email at:
MaiMyaMyintZu.Tin@
rescue.org or by delivery
to the IRC offce : 33/A,
Natmauk Lane Thwe
1, Bocho (2) Quarter,
Bahan, Yangon. Closing
date: 19 August, 2014.
(1)M & E Offcer (CPP)
1 Post (2)RFL Offcer
1 Post. (3)Branch
Development Offcer-
1 Posts. Application
process: Please send
application letter, CV
& related documents
to Myanmar Red
Cross Society (Head
Office) Yazatingaha
Rd, Dekkhinathiri,
Nay Pyi Taw.
Ormrcshrrecruitment@
gmai l .com For
more information &
application, www.
my a n ma r r e d c r o s s
society.org Please
mention Position Title
in subject if you apply.
HELVETAS Swiss
Intercooperation, a
Swiss based INGO, is
seeking a dedicated
person to work as
Administration &
Finance Offcer in
Yangon Program Offce:
5 years experience;
Familiarity with
accounting software;
database development
& management,
Fluent in Myanmar
and Good in English.
Deadline is August 19.
Application with at least
3 referees can be sent
to helvetasmyanmar@
gmail.com or In person
or by mail: C1, Sein
Lei Yeik Thar, New
University Avenue,
Bahan 11201, Yangon.
AMDA is seeking a
dedicated person to
work as a "Medical
Coordinator" in Kokang
Se l f - a d mi n i s t e r e d
Zone, Northern Shan
State: M.B.B.S, 2 years
experiences (INGO
experience would be
an asset). Strong data
analysis skills. Good
command in English.
Strong computer skill.
Please enclose a C.V.,
copies of testimonials
(references) & passport
photo to Senior Offcer,
Admin/ Finance Unit,
AMDA Myanmar
Program Offce 19/B,
Thukhawaddy Rd,
Yankin, Yangon. Tel:
578353, Email: sr.afo.
a md a @g ma i l . c o m
Closing date : 18
th

August 2014.
THE INTERNATIONAL
Rice Research Institute
(IRRI) is in need of the
following positions :
HR Business Partner-
Country Office,
Assistant Scientise-
Agronomy, Offcer-
A d m i n i s t r a t i v e
Coordination, Offcer-
Accounting. All
positions are based at
IRRI Myanmar Offce,
Yangon, Myanmar. For
further details about
IRRI and above job
opportunities, please
visit jobs.irri.org.
Interested candidates
should submit CV with
a cover letter stating
motivation to apply for
the positions. Candidate
should apply online at
jobs.org (go to search
the IRRI job board" and
look for the position
titles above, click and
apply. IRRI is an Equal
Opportunity Employer
that values diversity
Women and minorties
are encouraged to apply.
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
Rescue Committee
is seeking(1) Senior
Field Health Offcer 3
Posts in Paletwa/ Kan
Pet Let, Chin State:
M.B., B.S B. CommH,
BNSc, Diploma in
Midwifery or other health
related disciplines.
2 years experience
in community health
volunteer capacity
building and training of
MCH service providers.
Good Myanmar &
ability to communicate
in English. (2) Senior
Health Offcer (M&E) 1
post in Kanpetlet Tsp,
Chin State: M.B.,B.S /
B.ComH or other health
2 years experience
in project data base
management and health
database management,
especially - MoH HMIS.
(3)Junior Health
Offcer (M&E) 2 posts
in Paletwa/ Kan Pet Let,
Chin State: M.B.,B.S/
B.ComH or other health
2 years experience
in project data base
management & health
database manage
ment, especially - MoH
HMIS. Good command
of English & Myanmar.
Pls submit a cover
letter & CV to the HR
Department by email at:
MaiMyaMyintZu.Tin@
rescue.org or by delivery
to the IRC offce: 33/A,
Natmauk Lane Thwe
(1), Bocho (2) Quarter,
Bahan, Yangon, Closing
date :18 August, 2014.
JHPIEGO is seeking
(1) MNCH Quality
Improvement advisor:
8 years experience in
developing MNCH HR
structures & policies with
a Bachelors degree in
health, education, or
related feld; Masters
degree preferred.
(2)MNCH Clinical
Advisor: 5+ years of
mid- to senior-level
experience designing
& implementing clinical
feld-based programs in
MNCH. (3)Midvifery
Education Advisor:
5+ years demonstrated
experience implement
ing & managing feld
based education
programs in MNCH with
an advanced clinical or
educational degree in
midwifery or nursing
(MPH preferred). (4)
In-Service (Clinical)
Training Advisor:
Midwife or health
worker with 5 + years
of experience as a
midwifery clinician and
tutor. With knowledge
of clinical training
content. (5)Monitoring
& Evaluation Manager:
8 years experience
(preferably in MNCH)
plus a masters in public
health, epidemiology,
statistics, or related
social science degree
(6)HR for Health / MNH
Qqality Inprovement
Advosor: 8 years
experience in program
development / manage
ment experience in
program development
/ management in pre-
service education with
a bachelors degree in
health, education, or
related feld. Please
submit a detailed CV
& a letter of interest,
including the position for
which you are applying,
on or before August
22, 2014 to career@
myanmarhumancapital.
com. www.jhpiego.
org. Pls contact Ma
Tazin Aung at 09-
3635-5516. www.
com
JHPIEGO is seeking
(1)Monitoring &
Evaluation Offcer :
3 years experience in
M&E plus an advanced
degree in public health,
epidemiology, statistics,
or related social science.
(2)Program Offcer : 3
~ 5 years experience in
MNCH plus a bachelors
degree (3)Program
Assistant : 3 years
of MNCH experience,
handling administrative
& programmatic matters,
and a bachelors degree
(4)IT Offcer : 3 ~ 5
years experience as a
system administrator
and a degree in
Information Technology,
or related feld (with
equivalent certifcations
& experience) (5)
Logistics Officer:
4 years in Logistics
management plus a
bachelors degree (6)
Procurement Offcer: 3
years experience plus a
bachelors degree (MBA
preferred) (7)Field
Coordinator : Advanced
degree in public health
or education with 3+
years experience.
Please submit a detailed
CV & a letter of interest,
including the position for
which you are applying,
on or before August
22, 2014 to career@
com. www.jhpiego.
org. Pls contact Ma
Tazin Aung at 09-
3635-5516. www.
com
(1)FIELD OFFICER
(Minbyar) 1 Posts (2)
Field Supervisor (Nant
San) 1 Posts (3)M & E
Offcer (NayPyiTaw)
1 Post (4)Project
Assistant (NayPyiTaw/
Yangon) 1 Post. Please
send application letter,
CV & related documents
to Myanmar Red
Cross Society (Head
Office) Yazatingaha
Rd, Dekkhinathiri,
Nay Pyi Taw. Email:
Ormrcshrrecruitment@
gmai l .com For
more information &
application, please visit to
www. myanmarredcross
society.org Please
mention Position Title
( 1 ) D Y .
DIRECTOR(Admin &
Finance) - 1 post (2)
National Consultant
- 1 post (3)HR Offcer-
1 post. Application
process: Please send
application letter, CV
& related documents
to Myanmar Red
Cross Society (Head
Office) Yazatingaha
Rd, Dekkhinathiri,Nay
Pyi Taw. Ormrcshr
recruitment@gmail.com
For more information &
application, please visit to
www.myanmarredcross
society.org Please
mention Position title
Local Positions
T R A N S A L AT O R :
Profcient in Myanmar
& English, Interpret
legal terminology
(Eng-Myanmar, vice
versa), Translate Laws
and Notifcations from
different Government
Organizations, Proof
reading and editing
fnal translated versions.
Provide clients with a
grammatically correct,
well-expressed final
version of the translated
text. Requirements:
3 yearsexperience.
Strong knowledge of
legal terminology. Good
awareness of current
affairs, cultures and
politics. Preferable who
has Legal knowledge/
background It is an
advantage to have a
knowledge of and/or
interest in specialist
areas such as law,
pol i t i cs/ government /
public administration,
economics, marketing
& fnancial affairs. Pls
send CV to ppo@
kcyangon.com with Last
drawn, expected salary
& availability period.
GREATER MAN Intl
Services Co.,Ltd is
seeking (1)Service
Center Manager - M
1 post : University
graduated with manage
ment studies (or)
Engineering Degree
more preferred. 3 years
experience. Age above
30. Good in English. Can
use Microsoft Offce. (2)
HR Manager - M/F 1 post:
University graduated.
Age 27~ 35. 3 years
experience. Can travel
(3)Admin Manager -
M/F 1 post : University
graduated with manage
ment studies (or)
Administration more
preferable. Age 27-35.
3 years experience. Can
travel. Good in English.
Can use Microsoft Offce.
(4)Service Center
Supervisor - M 1 post
: University graduated
with management
studies (or) Engineering
Degree more preferred.
1 year experience.
Age above 25. Good
in English. Can use
Microsoft Offce. (5)
Admin Offcer - M/F 2
posts : Any graduate,
2 year experience.
Age 25 & 30. Good
in English. Can use
Microsoft Offce. (6)HR
Offcer - M/F 2 posts :
Any graduate. 2 years
experience. Age 25 ~ 30
years. Good in English.
Can use Microsoft Offce.
(7)Service Engineer
- M 5 posts : Bachelor
Degree in Mechanical
Engineering. Computer
literat. (8)Spare Part
Engineer - M/F 2 Posts:
Degree in Mechanical
Engineering or other
Engineering discipline.
2 years experience. (9)
Admin/HR Assistant
- M/F 5 posts : Age 20
~ 25. Any graduate,
2 years experience,
Verbal and written
communication skills
in English is a must.
Excellent computer
literate. (10) Security
- M 5 posts : Age 20 ~
40. 10 standard. Able
to work both day and
night. Please summit
CV with a recent
photo, with necessary
documetnts to 4,
Dagon St, Aungmingalar
highway bus station. Ph
: 09-863-1155, Email
hr.greatermanservice@
gmail.com Closing date:
31th, August, 2014.
F&N Foods Pte., Ltd
(Yangon Branch Offce)
is currently seeking
highly energetic &
motivated candidates for
the following positions
- Admin & Finance
Manager - 1 Post,
Information System
Manager/ Executi ve
- 1 post, Business
D e v e l o p m e n t
Executive - 1 post,
Trade Marketing
Executive 1 post,
Brand Executive
- 1 post, Trade
Marketing Executive
- 1 post, Route to
Market Development
Executive - 1 post.
Interested Candidates
should apply with full
CV/Resume indicating
expected salary, position
of interest, qualifcations,
educational background
and recent photo not
later than (22.8.14).
For all posts : Good
command in English
& computer skill. Only
short list candidate will
be notifed by phone for
interview. Please submit
to No (39), Aung Theikdi
Avenue, (1) Lane,
Ward (3), Mayangon
Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 01-
522674 (or) Email
: 100pl usmyanmar @
gmail.com
ADMIN MANAGER -
M/F 1 Post USD$ 500
- 700 (2)Logistics
Supervisor - M/F 3
Posts USD $ 350-450 (3)
Assistant Accountant
- F 3 Posts USD $ 100
(4)Admin Supervisor
- M/F 2 Posts USD $
250-350 (5)Admin Staff
- M/F 5 Posts USD $100
(6) Purchaser - M/F 5
Posts USD $200 (7)
Offce secretary -
M/F 3 Posts USD 350
above (8) Marketing
staff - M/F 8 Posts USD
150-200 (9)Warehouse
Helper - M 3 posts USD
100-150 (10)Finance
Manager - M/F 1
Posts USD 1000-1500.
Please send CV & a
cover letter, including
salary expection to email
-miss.starmagnolia@
gmail.com. Only short-
list candidates will be
notifed by phone for
interview.
ASAHI GLASS Co.,Ltd,
Japanese Firm, biggest
manufacturer of glass in
the world is looking for
appropriate candidates
for the staff, especially for
Marketing in Myanmar.
Applicants to be
University graduate,
Age 30 ~ 45 years,
preferable. Versed in
English & Myanmar
languages. With
experiences in foreign
companies as marketing
staffmore than 5 years,
preferable. With
Technical knowledge
is for architecture is
preferable. Please send
an application letter
along with a current CV,
passport photo and
copies of any references
or testimonials to Rm
802, Shwe Hnin Thar
Tower (A), Shwe Hnin
Thar St, Hlaing.Yangon.
Gmail: o.ikeya@gmail.
com Closing date : Aug
22,2014.
PERSONAL assistant
wanted: Private
household with soon
four members and a
small family business
is looking for a personal
assistant to take care
of various tasks. You
are a young graduate,
motivated and you
s p e a k / u n d e r s t a n d
English well then please
contact 09-515-2532,
09-511-1032.
(1)FINANCE Director-
M/F 1 Post (800-1800
USD) (2)General
Manager (Finance) -
M/F 1 Post (800-1500
USD) (3)General
Manager (Hydro + Coal)
- M 1 Post (800~1500
USD) (4)GM / Sr
Manager (Commercial
& Co-ordination for
Thermal Power Plant)
- M 1 Post (800-1500
USD) (5) Planning &
Controlling Manager
- M/F 3 Post (800-1500
USD) (6) Business
D e v e l o p m e n t
Manager - M/F 3 Posts
(500-1000 USD) (7)
Commercial Manager
- M/F 3 Posts (500-
1000 USD) (8) Public
Relation Manager -
M/F 3 Posts (500-1000
USD) (9) Technical
Manager - M/F 3 Post
(500-1000 USD) (10)
Finance Manager -
M/F 3 Posts (500-1000
USD) (11)Project Imple
mentation Manager-
M/F 3 Posts (500-
1000 USD) (12)Chief
Auditor - M/F 3 Posts
(500-1000 USD) (13)
Personal Assistant -
M 3 Posts (400-800
USD) (14)Project
Engineer (Investigator)
- M 3 Posts (400-800
USD) (15) Technical
Coordinator - M 3
Posts (400-800 USD)+
(16)Assistant Manager
(Project Coordinator,
Mandalay) - M 1 Post
(400-800 USD). Please
send CV & cover
letter, including salary
expectations, to Email:
thelondoner007@gmail.
com. For more details :
www.myanmarjobsdb.
com, www.myanmar-
network.net, www.work.
com.mm. Closing date :
19th August, 2014.
PAN ASIA Majestic Eagle
Ltd is now seeking
the following talented
positions based in
Naypyitaw for serving
our expansion plan and
Application deadline
is 29th Aug 2014. (1)
Lawyer - 2 posts (2)Site
Engineers ( Civil ), Male
- 5 posts (3)Assistant /
Translator - 1 post (4)
Hunter Coordinator -
1 post (5)Site Hunter-
3 posts. Please send
CV to sandar.htun@
panasiatower.net, hr@
panasiatower.net or
Bldg 15, First Flr, Rm
202, Hlaing, MICT Park,
Yangon.
BAGAN Thiripyitsaya
Sanctuary Resort is
seeking: (1)Financial
Controller - 1 post
: 5 years experience,
B.Com (or) D.A (LCCI),
Excellent knowledge of
Accounting Software,
Microsoft Excel &
Opera PMS, Good
communication &
leadership skill.
Foreigners welcome to
apply. (2)Front Offce
Manager - 1 post:
3~5 years experience,
any graduate, fuent
in English, Good
communication & leader
ship skill, problem solving
& Computer literate. Pls
submit an application
letter, CV with a recent
photo, copies of NRC &
Labour registration card,
Educational Certifcate
& others testimonials to
HR Department: Bagan
Archeological Zone,
Old Bagan, Mandalay
Division. Email: pm.
thiribagan@gmail.com
Tel: 061-60048~49.
Closing date: 30th
August 2014.
BES GROUP Myanmar
is seeking Engineers for
the following Positions.
Scope to undertake
commercial construction
Yangon. Very high level
of English language
skill. Having overseas
work experience
highly regarded. Initial
application by email
only. Senior Electrical
Engineers with Auto Cad
skill. Senior Mechanical
Engineer with Auto Cad
Skill. Senior Mechanical
Engineer Plumbing with
Auto Cad skill. Senior
construction Scheduler
with Q/S skills. Q/A
engineers. Supervisor/
junior engineers all
trades. Salary offered
will be in line with
experience. Start date
July September. BES
Group email: hrbes.
yangon@gmail.com
ELEGANT Myanmar
Travels & Tours is
seeking Operation
Assistant - M/F 2 posts
: Any graduate, Please
submit CV, Photo with
necessary documents to
20/E, Pearl St, Mya Yeik
Nyo Hotel Compound,
Bahan. Ph:01-401261,
09-4211-07472. email :
info@elegantmyanmar.
travel
GREAT Golden Glory
Co., Ltd is seeking
(1)Technical Sales
Representative - M/F
2 Posts: B.E. (Chemical)
or B.Sc. (Chemistry, IC
or Microbiology). Age
25 ~ 35, (2)Assistance
Accountant - F 1 Post:
BA. Eco. or B.Com,
LCCI (Level 1, 2). Age
25 ~ 30, (3) Customer
Service - 1 Post: Any
graduate. For all posts :
Fluent in English. Good
computer skill. Great
Golden Glory Co., Ltd:
85-87, 3
rd
Flr, 32
nd
St,
Pabedan, Yangon. Tel:
387366, 387431, Email:
3g@ggglory.com.mm,
3gmyanmar @gmai l .
com. Closing Date: 22
August 2014.
TRADING Company is
seeking (1)Assistant
Engineer (Civil) - M
1 post, (2)Business
Development Execu
tive - M 1 post, (3)
Senior Accountant - F
1 post (4) Cashier - F 1
post (5)HR Department
Ph: (01)651888,
651999. email : hr.ho@
pristinemyanmar.com
BOXCO, one of Indias
Top Freight Forwarder,
Logistics & Supply
Chain Management
service provider
maintaining extensive
network across the
globe covering over
100 countries. We are
looking for suitable
candidates in areas of
Agencies, Forwarding
& Logistics operations
for our extensive
business activities in
Myanmar. Candidates
with experience in
above related felds
may apply for following
positions: (1) Senior
Management. (2)
Marketing & Sales.
(3) Customer Service.
(4) Documentation.
Freshers open to Learn
and with Can Do attitude
are also welcome to
apply. Applicants should
submit an Application
letter, Curriculum vitae,
Recent Photograph
with other relevant
documents to: uditm@
boxcoworld.com
THE WELL established
Sales & Distribution
Company is seeking
(1).Sales Promoter -
5 posts : Preferable
female, Age 20 ~ 25
years, Any University
graduate, 1 ~ 2 years
experiences especially
in FMCG, Good
communication English
skills (2).Driver - 3 posts
in Yangon :Basic High
school education, Age
above 30, Valid driving
license with 2 ~ 3 years
experiences work as
a professional driver,
Thorough knowledge of
road rules & regulations,
Able to travel, Salary
offered will be in line
with experience. Please
submit a detailed CV via
email : fmcgmyanmar@
gmail.com and Please
mention "position title" in
subject if you apply OR
call 09- 4211-25584, 09-
2542-30 851
66 Sport THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014
ATHLETES from Ebola-hit countries
in west Africa have been barred from
competing in some sports in the Youth
Olympics that open in China at the
weekend, the International Olympic
Committee and Chinese organisers
said August 15.
Athletes from afected areas will
not compete in combat sports and it
was also decided that no athletes from
the region would compete in the pool
they said in a statement.
The decision, which afects two
athletes in combat sports and one in
pool events, was made with regard to
ensuring the safety of all those partici-
pating in the Games taking place in
the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing,
they added.
They did not reveal the nationali-
ties and names of the athletes afected
by the decision.
According to the Youth Olympics
website, there were a total of 25 people
on the team lists of Ebola-hit Sierra
Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria.
Sierra Leones six-name team com-
prised a weightlifter, four members of
the beach volleyball squad and 17-year-
old swimmer Saidu Kamara.
Guineas four-name team was
made up of two track and eld ath-
letes, swimmer Alhoussene Sylla and
judoka Mamadama Bangoura, both of
whom are 16 years old.
The two-name team from Libe-
ria included a track and eld athlete
and 15-year-old swimmer Momodou
Sombai.
Nigerias squad was the larg-
est, with 13 members, all of them
track and eld or beach volleyball
competitors, apart from 16-year-old
wrestler Bose Samuel.
It was not immediately clear how
many of the 25 competitors had al-
ready arrived in Beijing, nor why only
one swimmer had been barred, given
that there were three from the afected
countries.
In their joint statement, the IOC
and the organisers said that all those
in delegations from west Africa will
be subject to regular temperature
and physical assessment during the
Games.
We have been reassured by the
health authorities that there have
been no suspected cases and that the
risk of infection is extremely unlikely,
they added.
The Youth Olympic Games are be-
ing held in Nanjing, Chinas former
capital, from August 16 to 28, and fea-
ture more than 3700 competitors aged
15 to 18 -- some of whom hope to build
towards a place in the 2016 Olympic
Games to be hosted by Brazil.
The worlds worst-ever outbreak of
Ebola in west Africa has killed 1069
people so far and sparked internation-
al alarm, with several major airlines
cutting ights to the region.
Guinea, at the epicentre of the epi-
demic, has declared a health emer-
gency and imposed strict border
controls, and the United States has
ordered diplomats families evacuated
from Sierra Leone.
The World Health Organization
says the Ebola outbreak is being vastly
underestimated and extraordinary
measures are needed to contain the
spread of the virus. AFP
Athletes from Ebola-
hit nations barred from
Youth Olympics events
GENEVA
Despite no invite, North Korea
submits athletes for Asian games
NORTH Korea has submitted a list
of athletes for the upcoming Asian
Games in the South, organisers in
Seoul said August 14, despite stalled
negotiations on its participation in the
event.
The list submitted August 13
named 150 athletes to compete in 14
sports including football, swimming,
boxing and judo, said a spokesperson
for the Asiad preparatory committee.
It also listed a separate group of
202 coaches, referees and administra-
tive staf, he said.
Pyongyang has also suggested
sending 350 cheerleaders to the Games
to be held in the port city of Incheon
from September 19 to October 4.
But cross-border talks held last
month to coordinate logistics fell apart
after Pyongyang walked out, accusing
the South of arrogance and insincerity.
Seoul reportedly proposed to break
from its past custom of nancially
supporting visiting sporting delega-
tions from the North, to move into line
with international sporting standards.
The North bristled at the change
and threatened to boycott the event.
No talks have been held or pro-
posed by either side since then.
The Asiad organisers said they
would push through the paperwork
even without conrmation of the
Norths attendance.
We will watch how the govern-
mental talks turn out but, in the mean-
time, will do what we have to do, the
spokesperson said.
An ofcial from the North is sched-
uled to travel to Incheon for the Au-
gust 21 draw for events like football.
Cross-border tensions have been
high of late, with North Korea con-
ducting an extended series of rocket
and missile launches. AFP
SEOUL
F
rances Mahiedine Mehkis-
si-Benabbad was stripped
of his gold medal in the
3000m steeplechase at the
European athletics cham-
pionships last week after peeling of
his running vest before he crossed
the line.
Entering the home straight with
a hat-trick of titles already in the
bag, he removed his French singlet,
put it between his teeth and im-
plored the crowd to acclaim him as
he ran bare-chested down the home
straight to complete a convincing
victory in 8min 25.30sec.
But the 29-year-old appeared to
contravene rule 143.8 of the Interna-
tional Association of Athletics Fed-
erations, stipulating that bibs may
not be obscured in any way.
The two-time World Champion-
ship bronze medallist initially re-
ceived a yellow card warning but a
protest was lodged by the Spanish
team and upheld, prompting a coun-
ter protest by the French that was
rejected.
Yoann Kowal, Mehkissi-Benab-
bads French team mate, was up-
graded from silver to gold, with
Krystian Zalewski of Poland pro-
moted to second and Spains Angel
Mullera to third.
I would like to get justice for the
winners behaviour, said Mullera.
Mekhissi-Benabbad said: When
I took of my vest it was because of
my joy of course. It was the pleasure
of winning. I was so happy to defend
my title. I did not know I was going
to get a yellow card for that.
The Frenchman has a reputation
as the bad boy track and eld, hav-
ing pushed mascots after winning
the European steeplechase nal in
Barcelona in 2010 and in Helsinki
in 2012.
He was also given a suspended
sentence by the French athletics
federation, ned 1,500 euros and
ordered to perform 50 hours of
community service after getting
into a st ght with fellow French-
man Mehdi Baala after a Diamond
League 1500m race in Monaco in
2011.
August 14 also saw a protest in-
volving another French athlete.
In the mens 110m hurdles -
nal, Dimitri Bascou nished third
behind Sergey Shubenkov of Russia,
who prevailed in 13.18sec, and Brit-
ains William Sharman.
However, he was subsequently
disqualied for stepping out of his
lane, prompting the promotion of
fellow Frenchman and strong fa-
vourite Pascal Martinot-Lagarde
from fourth to third.
I came here to get the gold,
said Martinot-Lagarde. If it is not
the gold, I want no other medal. I
might give my bronze to Dimitri
Bascou.
There was a straightforward
French success in the mens triple
jump nal, Benjamin Compaore
winning his countrys rst gold in
the event with a distance of 17.46m.
This medal is not the most beau-
tiful thing in the world for me, he
said.
The most beautiful thing is my
little daughter Cassandra, who is 15
months old. She is here in the sta-
dium. I fought for her.
Former Olympic champion Bar-
bora Spotakova had to ght from
behind in the womens javelin nal,
nailing gold with a fth round efort
of 64.41m.
In doing so, the Czech athlete
maintained the unbeaten streak she
has enjoyed since giving birth to a
son in May last year.
The womens pole vault was
equally dramatic Russias Anzhelika
Sidorova snatched gold with a third
time clearance of 4.65m after risking
defeat by passing at 4.60m. AFP
ZURICH
French strip-
show highlights
night of drama
Outrage and
excitement
abound at
European
Athletics
Championship
When I took of my
vest it was because
of my joy of course.
It was the pleasure
of winning.
Mahiedine Mehkissi-Benabbad
Sprinter
Mehkissi-Benabbad after winning the steeplechase. Photo: AFP
Sport
68 THE MYANMAR TIMES AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014 SPORT EDITOR: Tim McLaughlin | timothy.mclaughlin3@gmail.com
A DELEGATION from the Myanmar
Disabled Sport Federation will com-
pete in at the Asian Para Games this
October in Incehon, South Korea, fed-
eration leaders conrmed last week.
The games will be held October
18-24 and will include about 4500 ath-
letes from 41 countries.
U Myo Myint, vice president of
the Myanmar Disabled Sports Fed-
eration, said local athletes are con-
rmed to compete in track and eld,
swimming, volleyball and archery
against athletes from across the
continent.
In addition to giving the athletes
valuable international experience, U
Myo Myint said the federation would
use the event to choose which athletes
will be representing Myanmar in the 8
th

Southeast Asian Para Games, scheduled
for next December in Singapore.
After this competition, we will
choose athletes for the 8
th
disabled
SEA Games and well start training U
Myo Myint told The Myanmar Times,
making it clear that besting their
neighbors in the region is the main
goal of the federation.
The 7
th
Southeast Asian Para Games
was held at Nay Pyi Taw in January of
this year. The Myanmar delegation
won 34 gold medals, 26 silver medals,
and 36 bronze medals but placed fth
overall.
L
UIS Suarez on August 14
failed to win a reprieve
from his four-month ban
for biting Italys Giorgio
Chiellini at the World
Cup, but got a green light to resume
training.
In a hotly awaited ruling, the
Court of Arbitration for Sport said
it had found Suarez guilty of assault
during Uruguays World Cup match
against Italy.
The decision means that the
27-year-old striker remains unable
to make his debut for his new club
Barcelona until October 25, but can
at least train with his team mates
and be involved in promotional ac-
tivities.
He is also barred from taking to
the pitch with Uruguay for nine con-
secutive ofcial matches.
Barcelona said that the striker
would train for the rst time on Au-
gust 15 and be presented to the fans
on August 18 when the Spanish gi-
ants play the Joan Gamper Trophy
match at their Camp Nou home.
The CAS Panel found that the
sanctions imposed on the player
were generally proportionate to the
ofence committed, the court said in
a statement.
It has however considered that
the stadium ban and the ban from
any football-related activity were
excessive given that such measures
are not appropriate to sanction the
ofence committed by the player and
would still have an impact on his
activity after the end of the suspen-
sion.
Suarez, accompanied by his law-
yers and representatives of Barcelo-
na and the Uruguayan Football Asso-
ciation, had on August 8 pleaded his
case in person at a closed-door ses-
sion of the Swiss-based CAS, which is
the nal court of appeal in the sports
world.
Suarez, who has a record of bans
for biting opponents, was barred
from all foot-
ball-related ac-
tivity for four
months after
biting Chiellini
on the shoul-
der during
Uruguays nal
Group C game
on June 24 in
the Brazilian
city of Natal.
Uruguay ad-
vanced thanks
to an 81st
minute goal
from Diego Godin, sending Italy
packing 1-0.
Suarez has already served one
match of his nine-game national
team ban, having missed Uruguays
2-0 loss to Colombia in the World
Cup round of 16 on June 28.
In addition to suspending Suarez,
world footballs governing body FIFA
has also ned him ned 100,000
Swiss francs (112,000 dollars), and
the CAS kept that penalty in place.
FIFA adopted a tough stance at
the World Cup because Suarez at rst
showed no remorse, though its boss
Sepp Blatter later dubbed the pun-
ishment harsh.
But after being sent home from
Brazil, Suarez apologised.
The truth is that my colleague
Giorgio Chiellini sufered the physi-
cal result of a bite in the collision
he sufered with me, Suarez said on
Twitter on June 30.
I deeply
regret what oc-
curred. I apolo-
gize to Giorgio
Chiellini and
the entire foot-
ball family, he
said, vowing
that there would
never be another
incident.
Suarez sub-
sequently left
English gi-
ants Liverpool
for Barcelona,
after a 95 million euro ($127 million)
deal with the Catalan powerhouses.
The international players un-
ion FIFPro slammed the CAS deci-
sion, claiming the punishment was
disproportionate.
FIFPro does welcome the fact
that CAS has cancelled the four-
month ban from all football-related
activity, which was unfair to Suarez
as it infringed his right to work at
club level, said a FIFPro statement.
FIFPro regrets that CAS has not
decided to reduce the length of both
playing bans in exchange for an ob-
ligation for Suarez to receive treat-
ment.
Suarez and the Uruguayan Foot-
ball Association turned to the CAS af-
ter a failed appeal to FIFA, and were
joined by Barcelona in the case.
Barcelona have been anxious to
tap the striking skills that saw Suarez
notch up 31 goals in 33 matches with
Liverpool last season.
Suarez was backed in his appeal
by world players union FIFPro,
which had called the sanctions dis-
proportionate, notably because the
ban on all football-related activity in-
fringed his right to work for his club.
His lawyers had expressed con-
dence they would get the ban slashed
to two months.
That would have made him avail-
able to play from August 25, thereby
only missing Barcelonas opening x-
ture of the season, at home to lowly
Elche the day before.
Suarez has never explained his
propensity to bite opponents.
He earned a 10-game ban for bit-
ing Chelseas Branislav Ivanovic in
2013, after being sidelined for seven
matches with Dutch club Ajax in
2010 for the same ofence against
PSV Eindhovens Otman Bakkal.
On August 13, English Premier
League boss Richard Scudamore said
that while Suarez was a great foot-
baller, he was also an accident wait-
ing to happen.
GENEVA
Myanmar
athletes to
compete at
Para Games
in S Korea
Suarez
four month
training ban
lifted
But the four-
month ban
on competing
remains
Suarez just after biting Giorgia
Cheiellini. Photo: AFP
96
Medals won by the Myanmar athletes
during the Para games in Nay Pyi Taw i.
French runner stripped of gold
medal for shirtless celebration
SPORT 66
I deeply regret what
occured. I apologize
to Giorgio Chielini
and the entire
football family.
Luis Suarez
KYAW ZIN HLAING
kyawzinhlaing91@gmail.com

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COM ISSUE 742 | AUGUST 18 - 24, 2014

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