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DAILY EDITION

ISSUE 35 | TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2015

NEWS 4

President calls for

early political dialogue
U Thein Sein wants to leave a
peace-process legacy for the next
administration, but ceasefire talks
point to a difficult road ahead as
fighting continues in Kokang.

NEWS 6

Congestion tax divides

Yangon residents
The Yangon Supervisory Committee
for Motor Vehicles has got motorists
fuming over a proposal to levy a
congestion tax on cars entering the
city centre.
BUSINESS 8

Chief minister talks up

Kayin State prospects
Kayin States economy is ready to get
rolling after decades of instability, with
hopes resting on closer integration with
Thailand and the Mekong sub-region,
says chief minister.
BUSINESS 9
Rescue workers bring coffins containing human remains exhumed from a mass grave for burial at a Muslim cemetary on May 3. The bodies were found at an abandoned
jungle camp in Thailands southern Songkhla province bordering Malaysia. Photo: AFP

Mass graves point to

more death camps
After Thailand exhumed 26 human remains believed to be refugee seekers from Rakhine
State, rights advocates claim a much large trafficking crisis has been revealed. NEWS 3

KBZ chosen as stock

exchange settlement bank
Myanmars largest bank says it faces
challenges to run settlements and
clearing operations for Yangon stock
exchange.

2 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES MAY 5, 2015

CRIME IN BRIEF
Elephant tramples man

A man has died after being trampled

by an elephant. U Kyaw Htay, 52, was
trampled beside Byuhar Road in Yangons rural Taikkyi township on April 29
while returning from Shwe Nyaung Pin
village with his sister and brother-inlaw. The other two managed to escape
from the elephant.

Elderly man plummets to death

A 93-year-old man died after falling

from the eighth floor of a building in
Mingalar Taung Nyunts 121st Street on
April 29. The man, U Marmat Jin Nu,
was washing his face in the kitchen
when he fell out a window.

Two arrested for pick-pocketing

Police have arrested a 15-year-old

boy for allegedly taking a womans
purse from her bag at the entrance
to the Happy World Amusement Park
in Dagon township. Similarly, police
arrested a 60-year-old man accused of
trying to take K5000 and a mobile phone
from the bag of a 24-year-old man.

Jewellery uncovered in bra

Police have recovered jewellery allegedly stolen on the outskirts of Yangon

in the bra of a 65-year-old woman.
Ma Tin Tin Yu from Kayin State
reported jewellery valued at K42.5 million missing, telling police it had been
inside a purse that she accidentally left
on a bench outside her mothers house
in Seikkyi Kanaungto.
Police found most of the jewellery,
valued at K31.55 million, inside the
bra of a nearby resident. They are still
searching for the remaining K10.95
million.

Yangon residents walk past Gandhi Hall in downtown Yangon, which was saved from demolition following an outcry. Photo: AFP

YCDC, heritage trust to press

on with conservation law
Yangon Heritage Trust says two draft conservation laws recently published by the Ministry of Culture in state
media will not offer effective protection to the citys heritage buildings, and further legislation will be needed

Wife commits suicide

A woman, 35, has committed suicide at

the urging of her husband. The couple,
from Ayoe Taung village in Twante township, had fought on April 28, after which
the husband handed his wife insecticide
used for betel plants. Police said he told
her that if she wanted to die, she should
drink it, and then he watched her down
the insecticide. Toe Wai Aung, translation by Khant Lin Oo

Jade blocks, dried beef seized

Illegal jade blocks worth nearly K12.5

million were seized on April 30 by a police and customs task force, Mandalay
Region Police announced yesterday.
The raid took place at the jade trade
compound in Maha Aung Myay township, Mandalay.
Also seized was more than 1000
kilograms of dried beef, subsequently
auctioned for K4.69 million. Officials
from the forestry and mines departments also took part in the action. The
jade and the beef were found in four
cars without official documents.
Than Naing Soe, translation by
Khant Lin Oo

CHERRY
THEIN
t.cherry6@gmail.com

THE release of two draft heritage

protection laws last month blindsided Yangons main heritage preservation group and the municipal
authorities, who have been working
together on a conservation law to
protect the citys heritage buildings.
However, both say a dedicated
conservation law for Yangon will still
be needed, even if the new draft laws
are enacted.
Drafted by the Ministry of Culture, the laws were published in
state-run media on April 19 and 20.
Contacted for comment after the
laws were released, both Yangon
Heritage Trust and Yangon City Development Committee said they had
not yet read the drafts and requested
more time to comment.

A spokesperson for the nonprofit Yangon Heritage Trust told

The Myanmar Times last week that
the drafts focused mostly on nonurban conservation and there was
no way they could provide sufficient protection to the citys heritage architecture.
We can see no way for this law
to apply effectively to dynamic, livedin urban centres such as Yangon
with heritage buildings dating from
all periods and with many different
types of significance, said spokesperson Daw Shwe Yinn Mar Oo.
This law does not seem to cover Yangons urban heritage. It also
doesnt clearly define conservation.
The group has been working with
YCDC on a dedicated urban conservation law for Yangon that remains
in draft form, awaiting regional government approval.
U Toe Aung, an urban planner at
YCDC, said yesterday that the municipal body would proceed with this
conservation law.
There are many historical buildings

in Yangon. We need to protect and preserve them because they are Yangons
heritage, regardless of what the Ministry of Culture also does to protect them,
he said.
Department of Archeology, National Museum and Library deputy
director general U Thein Lwin said
the drafts updated the earlier law
to ensure better protection of heritage sites and objects across the
country.
He said the ministry welcomed
feedback on the drafts and subsequent by-laws.
We welcome all suggestions and
advice from all related fields, including Yangon Heritage Trust, he said.
But please dont be too hasty to
judge. We need more cooperation.
The laws the Protection and
Preservation of Ancient Buildings
Law, and the Protection and Preservation of Ancient Antiquities Law
are effectively an update of the
1957 Antiquities Act, which only protected structures made before 1886,
the year colonial rule was formally

introduced across then-Burma.

The new laws would protect antiques and buildings that are more
than 100 years old and have historic, cultural, artistic, antique or
archaeological value.
Anyone found to have damaged,
removed or destroyed heritage
buildings will face a prison term of
three to seven years, as well as a fine.
Those caught attempting to smuggle
ancient objects will face five to 10
years imprisonment with a fine.
The penalties will help the ministry enforce regulations banning
development inside cultural zones,
particularly at Bagan, where a number of hotels were constructed illegally during the military government era.
It changes some formal words
and penalties to tackle problems
at [cultural] sites, U Thein Lwin
said.
We expect these drafts can be
helpful for protecting and preserving heritages sites and objects in the
country.

www.mmtimes.com

NEWS EDITOR: Thomas Kean | tdkean@gmail.com

News 3

Bodies found in mass graves hint at

larger network of secret death camps
LAIGNEE
BARRON
laignee@gmail.com

WHEN Thai police discovered human

remains in shallow graves at a makeshift camp just a handful of kilometres from the Malaysian border, they
only scratched the surface of a much
larger operation, according to migrant
rights activists.
The 26 bodies exhumed from a
mass grave in the southern tip of Thailand on May 1 represent just a slim
fraction of the human cost incurred
along what has become a well-worn
trafficking route, said U Maung Kyaw
Nu, president of the Burmese Rohingya Association of Thailand. Thousands
more mostly Rohingya refugee seekers who are officially referred to as
Bengali in Myanmar are likely being
held hostage in hundreds of such brutal jungle camps while their captors
attempt to extort ransom from overseas families, he said.
I dont even have words to describe how dire it is, U Maung Kyaw
Nu said. This is more than smuggling, more than trafficking these are
death camps.
Thai deputy national police chief
General Chakthip Chaichinda yesterday was set to meet with investigators
in Songkhla province to verify the extent of the camps in the area.
The condition of the exhumed bodies indicates the recently found detention camp has been in operation for
some time, according to the government news bureau. Some remains
were skeletal while other victims had
died just days before police raided the
abandoned camp. Many showed signs
of having starved to death.
At least one survivor who had
allegedly been left for dead after
spending nine hellish months at the
camp is bedridden at the nearby
Padang Besar Hospital, the Bangkok
Post reported.
I saw at least 40 people die while
I was staying at the camp. Ten were
Bangladeshis and the others were
from Myanmar or Rohingya. They
died because of malnutrition, starvation or being beaten to death, he told
the Rohingya Association.
Rights advocates said such death
camps where smuggled refugees
whose families cannot afford a 50,00070,000 baht ransom are held indefinitely have existed under the blessing of local police officials for decades.
Recently they have received a popula-

Rescue workers and forensic officials dig out skeletons from shallow graves covered by bamboo at the site of a mass grave at an abandoned jungle camp in the
Sadao district of Thailands southern Songkhla province bordering Malaysia on May 2. Photo: AFP

tion boom with swells mainly of Rakhine State refugees fleeing sectarian
violence.
The situation there became appalling after the 2012 violence in Rakhine State when massive numbers
of Rohingyas started fleeing by boat,
said Chris Lewa of the Arakan Project.
Those who cannot pay [the boat
smugglers] are kept for months detained in these jungle camps and often
beaten to put pressure on them. Their
health conditions deteriorate rapidly.
Most deaths are due to sickness, especially beri-beri for lack of vitamin B1
combined with beatings, she said.
But while advocates have for years
been raising alarms about the camps,
which a Reuters investigation termed
gulags, Thai authorities have been
loath to respond until recently.
Its because of international pressure mainly from the US and also from
the EU. There was no political will before, said U Maung Kyaw Nu.

Teachers pressure govt

THE government is afraid of educating
the people, teachers were told on May 3.
The accusation was made at the conference of the Myanmar Teachers Federation, held in Myanmar for the first time.
Federation chair U Thuta called on
the international community to pressure the government to improve education. There is a lot of oppression in
education, he said, citing the controversy surrounding the National Education Law. The government violently
cracked down on student protestors.
When the U Thein Sein administration
took office, we were promised educational reform, but weve seen none so
far ... Id like to call on the International
Labour Organization and UNESCO and
foreign embassies to put pressure on
the government to make changes, he
said.
One delegate, from Monywa township, Sagaing Region, said, Not only
did the government crack down on the

students, they also broke the promises

they made to them. They have sent students to jail. The governments attitude
toward education is clear: They are
scared Myanmar people will become
educated.
The conference, which took place
in Mandalay on May 2-3, demanded
the release of detained students, the
enactment of a Teachers Law and the
amendment of the National Education
Law in accordance with agreements
reached at the four-party talks, as well
as teacher participation in drawing up
related laws on basic and higher education and university charters.
The conference also denounced the
authorities action in enacting university charters without including students
and teachers.
In addition to teachers, embassy officials and NGO staff also attended the
conference. Maung Zaw, translation
by Thiri Min Htun

This is more than

smuggling, more
than trafficking
these are death
camps.
U Maung Kyaw Nu
President of the Burmese Rohingya
Association of Thailand

At a press conference yesterday,

Thai police announced the arrest of
four suspects: three local administration officials and one alleged Myanmar human smuggler.
But observers are sceptical about
whether the crackdown will go beyond
the surface to root out the camps.
Its big money involved, U Maung

Kyaw Nu said.
The high-profile raids and arrests
have done little to solve the situation
for the fleeing refugee seekers: Smugglers in hiding are now abandoning
their charges at sea.
Consequently, thousands of Rohingya and Bangladeshi boat people
we estimated 7000 to 8000 are
trapped at sea on boats turned into
offshore camps but mostly unable to
disembark anywhere, said Ms Lewa.
Dozens [have] already died at sea.
The landed survivors from the
camps arent anticipated to fare
much better. With no country wanting to accept the Rohingya refugee
seekers, the survivors exchange one
no-mans land for another, according
to the advocates.
Rohingya often end up in indefinite
administrative detention in the Thai immigration lock-up, or in a shelter operated by the Thai government. In either
case, they are left in a permanent limbo

unless they decide to escape and make

their own way, or agree to be handed
over to brokers in the guise of a so-called
soft deportation, said Phil Roberston,
deputy Asia director for Human Rights
Watch.
Its the Myanmar governments
rights-abusing policies that are
squarely to blame for the growing
Rohingya exodus that feeds these trafficking gangs in Thailand.
But Myanmar authorities claimed
yesterday they were not aware of the
problem.
It had not been confirmed where
they came from yet, said Police Brigadier General Win Naing Tun of the
anti-human trafficking police.
U Sein Oo, director general of consular and legal affairs at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, said he had not received
any information about Myanmar corpses recently found in mass graves.
Additional reporting by Nyan
Lynn Aung and the Bangkok Post

Myanmar crew on ship seized by Iran

WA LONE
walone14@gmail.com
THE 13 Myanmar crew members of
the Maersk Tigris cargo ship seized by
Iran in the Straits of Hormuz on April
28 were reported yesterday to be well
and in contact with their families.
Myanmar-based Uniteam Marine,
a shipping management company,
confirmed there were 13 Myanmar
crew on board out of a total of 21.
The company declined to give further details, saying that the ship was
operated by Singapores Rickmers Shipmanagement and chartered by Danish
shipping company Maersk Line.
Maersk Line said yesterday it had
met officials of the Ports & Maritime
Organization in Iran, while the Danish
ambassador in Iran met the Iranian
ministry of foreign affairs.
We have yet to receive any

written notifications (court ruling, arrest order or similar) pertaining to the

seizure of Maersk Tigris or the cargo
case, Maersk said in a statement.
Iran said it seized the ship over a
case dating back years over debts arising from uncollected cargo. Iran said
last week the vessel would only be let

The situation on the

ship is better. They
can use phones and
internet to contact
their families.
Ma Ton Ton
Sister of Myanmar crew member

go once the debt case was settled.

Ma Ton Ton said her younger brother Ko Win Lwin Thaw, a crew member,
had called yesterday by telephone. He
said the situation on the ship is better.
They can use phones and internet to
contact their families, she said.
U Toe Myint, director of the Department of Maritime Administration,
said he had just been in a ministerial
meeting but that he had no information about the ship. I have nothing to
say, he said.
U Ye Win Htut, vice secretary of
Myanmar Maritime Workers Federation, said the identities of the seamen
involved would be released soon.
The Maersk Tigris issued a distress
call after an Iranian vessel fired shots
across its bow, prompting the US Navy
to send the destroyer USS Farragut toward the scene as well as a reconnaissance aircraft.

4 News
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THE MYANMAR TIMES MAY 5, 2015

President calls for quick

start to political dialogue
GUY DINMORE

YE MON

PRESIDENT U Thein Sein declared

yesterday that his government wanted
to start a political dialogue with armed
ethnic groups as soon as possible to
leave a peace process in place for the
next administration that will take office after parliamentary elections later
this year.
Despite the presidents appeal,
talks among selected ethnic faction
leaders in the Wa border stronghold
of Pangkham indicated that finalising
a nationwide ceasefire agreement a
pre-condition for political dialogue
to begin could take longer than
expected.
As examples in other countries
show, it is difficult to achieve peace
within a single term of an elected government. My governments objective is
to leave a foundation for the next government to build on one where there
is no more fighting and political dialogue has started, U Thein Sein said
in his monthly radio address.
All parties have accepted that the
only way to resolve armed conflict is
through a political solution.
Therefore we are trying our best
to begin political dialogue as soon as
possible, he said.
Government representatives and
the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) representing 16
armed ethnic groups signed a draft
ceasefire accord in Yangon on March
31 to bring an end to six decades of onoff conflict and launch the process of

reaching a political settlement.

The government has been waiting
since then for leaders of the various
ethnic groups to endorse the ceasefire
pact. At the same time it has refused
to recognise or talk to the Myanmar
National Democratic Alliance Army
(MNDAA), an ethnic Chinese group
engaged in heavy fighting with government forces in Shan States border
region of Kokang since February 9.
MNDAA military commander Peng
Deren is among leaders of 12 ethnic
groups taking part in a conference to
discuss the draft ceasefire accord organised by the allied United Wa State
Army (UWSA), the most powerful of
Myanmars armed ethnic groups with
close ties to China.
Mr Peng, who has been wanted for
arrest since 2009, was photographed
by Myanmar media in his military
uniform taking part in the Pangkham
talks where UWSA leaders said all
armed groups must be included in the
ceasefire. It is not clear if he transited
China to reach the meeting.
The talks began on May 1 and are
scheduled to conclude tomorrow. The
agenda for today sees a tour of tea and
coffee plantations in the Wa-administered enclave that has profited over
the years from trading in narcotics.
Underlining the close ethnic and
economic ties binding some of the
ethnic groups with China, the summit yesterday issued a communiqu
in Chinese saying participants had set
out their views on the peace process.
The UWSA, which has so far demonstrated no interest in taking part in
this years elections, also used the occasion to press their demand for the
creation of a Wa state inside Myanmar.
A sense of urgency was injected by
Hkun Okker, a leader of the Pa-o Na-

tional Liberation Organisation, who

was quoted by the Shan Herald as saying all participants agreed that a nationwide ceasefire agreement should
be reached as soon as possible and
with least errors.
NCCT leader Naing Han Thar said
the March 31 draft could be modified
by all of the ethnic groups and that
those revisions would then be negotiated with the government. Speaking
to The Myanmar Times by telephone
from Pangkham, he declined to say
what elements would be added to the
draft.
The NCCT intends to call a separate summit of the 16 groups it represents to finalise a new version of the
ceasefire accord that will then be put
to the government. The timing and
venue of that summit have not been
announced. In an apparent reference
to the conflict in Kokang, U Naing
Han Thar said it was important to
stop all fighting while peace talks were
held with the government.
My government is ready to finalise the nationwide ceasefire agreement and is waiting for the outcome
from the ethnic summit, U Thein Sein
said, without making any reference to
the current talks hosted by the Wa.
Reaching a ceasefire deal and
launching political negotiations would
give the presidents ruling Union
Solidarity and Development Party a
significant boost ahead of parliamentary elections expected to take place in
early November.
Maintaining political stability was
crucial to ensure fair and peaceful
elections, the president said in his radio address.
I stress again that the 2015 elections will be a defining moment for
our democratic transition, he added.

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MAUNG ZAW
mgzaw.mmtimes@gmail.com
FIRST, the good news: the
turnout in Mandalays municipal election on May 3 was
a surprising 60 percent. That
is to say, 60,249 of the 99,312
people eligible to vote in the
four townships where the poll
was conducted actually cast a
ballot.
However, when compared
to the citys population of
1.2 million, the proportion
shrinks to precisely 5pc.
Local democracy took another blow when it emerged
that in one of the four townships, none of the three candidates could be elected because
the turnout in that township,
Chan Mya Tharsi, was less
than half the eligible number
of voters, rendering the election void.
The number of townships
being contested had already
fallen from the original total
of six because in one, Aung
Myay Thar San, not a single eligible candidate had
come forward, while in Maha
Aung Myay township just one
registered, and was therefore
returned unopposed.

We cant say at
this point how we
will proceed. We
will have to hold
a meeting.
Electoral official

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MCDC
vote
cancelled

A traffic jam in Yangon, where officials hope increased public transport will lead to fewer accidents. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

Officials urge public transport

investment to cut road toll
AYE NYEIN WIN
ayenyeinwin.mcm@gmail.com
INVESTMENT in public transport will
protect children from road accidents,
a road safety seminar heard yesterday.
U Lian Cin Mang, director of the Road
Transport Administration Department,
told the Third UN Global Road Safety
Week seminar at the University of Public Health that unless action was taken,
road deaths would only increase.
According to WHO statistics, 1.3
million people die and 50 million people are injured or disabled by road accidents each year, meaning about 3500
die every day and 146 die every hour.
Road accidents are the ninth-deadliest
cause of death, and the WHO predicts

by 2030 they will be the fifth-deadliest.

The recent influx of millions of cars
has also brought more death to Myanmars roads.
The indications are increasing year
by year, whereas in ASEAN countries
generally the number rises and falls. If
we dont act now, the situation will get
worse, said U Lian Cin Mang.
The development of public transport lagged behind the increase in cars,
he said.
We need to favour and upgrade
public transportation. Doing so would
also reduce congestion, he said, adding that the government had set a
target to cut the number of road accidents by half.
U Chit Ko Ko, sub-secretary of the

National Road Safety Council and chief

of the Road Transport Administration
Department citing the motto adopted
by the government, Lets Protect the
Children said, If we do not implement this, millions of children will die.
Road accidents are a leading cause
of death for children under five, he
said, adding that road safety education should begin in schools.
The Health Department has already
appointed actress Paing Phyo Thu, who
trained as a doctor, as road safety ambassador to educate children in school.
By educating the children, we can
get them to tell their parents about
the disciplines they learn, so that
the parents can learn too, said Paing
Phyo Thu.

Of the three townships that

elected candidates, the results
were as follows: in Chan Aye
Thar San township, U Aung
Htay won with 3238 votes; in
Pyigyitagun township, U Tin
Maung Aye won with 7281
votes; and in Amarapura township, U Ye Mon emerged the
victor with a whopping 10,788,
according to the election commission.
Afterward, U Tin Maung
Aye said, I think my win in
the election is a reflection of
the goodwill people have for
me. I always consider the
people, so the people vote
me. I want to improve healthcare and transportation in my
township.
But the winners term of office expires in November, when
fresh elections are held to coincide with national elections.
In the fourth township being contested, Chan Mya Tharsi,
only 13,643 voters out of 27,598
eligibles came to the polls, representing 49.44 percent of an already diminished electorate. An
electoral official said, We cant
say at this point how we will
proceed. We will have to hold a
meeting.
Defeated candidates have
seven days to object to the result, provided they submit a
K100,000 deposit to the MCDC
election commission.
There were a total of 12
candidates: three in Chan Mya
Tharsi, four in Chan Aye Thar
San, two in Pyigyitagun and
three in Amarapura township.
Translation by
Thiri Min Htun

News 5

www.mmtimes.com

Lab technicians call for laws,

standards to protect patients
SHWE YEE SAW MYINT
poepwintphyu2011@gmail.com
LABORATORY practitioners are
demanding stronger laws governing lab testing in order to protect
patients and improve standards. U
Aung Sun Oo, secretary general of
the Myanmar Medical Technologists
Association, told The Myanmar
Times yesterday that his association
planned to draw up a law updating
laboratory services and requiring licences for testing.
The laboratory professionals met
at the Continuous Medical Technology Education program held at the offices of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce
and Industry (UMFCCI) on May 3.
Professionals say that in the absence
of a strong legal support framework,
laboratory testing is unreliable and
subject to fraud.
Both government and private
laboratories and technicians are unlicensed, U Aung San Oo said. Better regulation would provide better
protection for patients as well as

Both government
and private
laboratories and
technicians are
unlicensed.
U Aung San Oo
Myanmar Medical
Technologists Association

MRATT
KYAW THU
mrattkthu@gmail.com

A medical technician tests a blood sample for HIV at an NGO-funded clinic in

Yangon. Photo: AFP

raising professional standards.

The MMTA, which is recognised
both by the Yangon region and Union governments, has about 800
members, including laboratory practitioners and medical technicians.
U Tin Tun, safety manager and
bio-safety coordinator at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, said high-quality laboratory
services were essential in maintaining healthcare standards.
Laboratory services in Myanmar are not reliable because there

are not enough laboratories and

technicians in the country, and
legal enforcement is deficient,
he said. That is holding back the
development of healthcare standards in Myanmar. The government
should take the lead in implementing the law.
The University of Medical Technology, in both Yangon and Mandalay, and the University of Institute of
Nursing and Paramedical Science in
Yangon train about 400 medical and
laboratory technicians each year.

Banned sayadaw
preaches in Sagaing,
Ayeyarwady regions
AUNG KYAW MIN
aungkyawmin.mcm@gmail.com
A PROMINENT monk has defied a
ban by the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and given sermons in
Sagaing and Ayeyarwady regions.
Shwe Nya Wah Sayadaw U Pinnyasiha gave the sermons in Ngazun
on April 30 and Pantanaw on May 2.
The sermons were given at the invitation of residents in the towns, he said.
Sangha committee officials made
no attempt to stop him from preaching at either of the events.
As I have previously said, their
notification banning me is not legal
because I have not yet received a
copy, he said.
They should send it to me and
explain clearly why they are doing
it I preach to my people only the
truth.
One of the sayadaws followers
said the sermons had attracted large
crowds.
The township Sangha committee
and other government officials did
not interfere during the ceremony,
the follower said.
The sayadaw learned on March
25 that a plenary meeting of the
47-member State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee the previous month
had decided to impose a nationwide
ban on his preaching.
The order set no time limit, but
the committee, which is better
known as Ma Ha Na, said it had been
imposed for allegedly speaking out
of line with Buddhist doctrine and
not following the instructions of his
seniors.

Student union
plans ceremony
to mark arrests

Shwe Nya Wah Sayadaw speaks at a

press conference in Yangon in 2011.
Photo: Kaung Htet

Shwe Nya Wah Sayadaw told The

Myanmar Times that the order violated the rights of citizens outlined
in the constitution, and that he was
considering filing a writ in the Union Supreme Court to have the order
rescinded.
Shwe Nya Wah Sayadaw has
courted controversy before and has
been known for his criticism of the
anti-Muslim 969 movement, which
is backed by nationalist Buddhist
monks. In 2013 he acted to calm
communal violence between Buddhists and Muslims that exploded in
the central city of Meiktila, and has
also spoken out in defence of political prisoners.

THE All Burma Federation of Student

Unions will hold a ceremony next
week to mark both its 79th anniversary
and two months having passed since a
police crackdown on student demonstrators at Letpadan in Bago Region.
The event will be held at the Yangon Free Funeral Service Society on
May 10, from 10:10am the time student leaders say police began their
crackdown. More than 130 people
were subsequently detained, and
about 70 are still being held at Tharyarwady Prison on charges including incitement, rioting and staging
an illegal protest. They face years in
prison if convicted.
The ceremony will feature performances showing how the students
were beaten by police, as well as
speeches from the parents of detained
students and a photo exhibition.
Ko Aung Nay Paing, a spokesperson
for the ABFSU, said the group wanted
to hold the event to show were still
active.
We plan to show that we are still a
force and to issue our demands to the
government, he said.
Since the clash at Letpadan, the

government has attempted to round

up senior ABFSU members who were
not detained on March 10.
Recently, one student from its
branch in Myingyan, Mandalay Region, was arrested for allegedly removing a flag during a protest at the towns
university.
Given the groups status, the Yangon Free Funeral Service Society is
the obvious choice of location for the
event. Established by well-known actor and government critic Kyaw Thu,
the organisation allows groups to use
its hall for political and social events
free of charge.
Society administrator Daw Ayeyar
Maung Maung said the authorities
had previously interrupted events
organised by students on its premises
but she was hopeful the May 10 ceremony would be allowed to proceed.
We have agreed with students to
let them use the place. We wont cancel, whatever anyone does to try and
stop it, he said.
The authorities havent contacted
us yet, so maybe they dont even know
it is planned. But certainly most other
venues would not allow the students
to host this kind of event.
Asked whether he expected the
government to use the gathering to
make further arrests, Ko Aung Nay
Paing said, Our security depends on
the government. If they make arrests,
thats their business. But well hold
this event as best we can.

6 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES MAY 5, 2015

Should there be a
congestion tax?
U Than Oo, 45, tour guide,
downtown resident
This is good news. I expect to see a big
change in the appearance of the city
if this is implemented. Im not sure
which townships would be affected
by the tax, but I am glad to see it as
a start. If it works out well, the policy
should be extended to other areas too.
As a constant traveller, I know how
hard it is to get from place to place
today. Sometimes, even the tourists
get impatient. Two weeks ago, I was
taking a couple to Shwedagon Pagoda.
I told them walking would be a better
option, but they said they were too
tired, so I hired a cab. We spent 20
minutes just at Mingalarzay intersection. The weather was scorching hot,
which made the situation even worse.
They were very disappointed. I had
to appease them. I personally think
this would be a good solution to our
everyday problem, though it might
upset bus and cab drivers. Thats
understandable. But certainly most
people would benefit.

Ko Maung Sann, 26,

fruit seller, Dala township

Cars, buses and pedestrians cross the busy Sule Pagoda Road in downtown Yangon yesterday. Photo: Naing Wynn Htoon

Congestion tax proposal

divides Yangon residents
Yangon Regions vehicle supervisory committee floats plan for tax on all cars entering downtown area

AYE
NYEIN
WIN
ayenyeinwin.mcm@gmail.com

A PROPOSAL to levy a congestion

tax on cars entering downtown
Yangon has prompted a fierce response from motorists, who say it
will do little to reduce traffic and
may even create more jams.
The debate was prompted by U
Ba Myint, from the Yangon Supervisory Committee for Motor Vehicles,
which is better known by its Myanmar acronym Ma Hta Tha. Last
week he publicly recommended
that the government impose a levy
on cars entering the six downtown
townships of Botahtaung, Kyauktada, Lanmadaw, Latha, Pabedan and
Pazundaung.
He said the levy would discourage motorists from entering downtown for non-essential reasons.
There are many ways to solve
traffic jams, one of which is collecting a tax on cars. Many countries
around the world are practising this
system, he said.
Lets assume that people come
and eat something in downtown. It
might cost K500. If they are taxed
K500 when they enter downtown,
they will surely reconsider whether
to come.
Yangon City Development Committee has been non-committal on
the idea. Spokesperson U Hla Win
said experts were still discussing
how to solve the congestion issue
and nothing had been decided.
They dont know exactly what the
best way to approach the issue is, he
said, adding that they would first conduct a pilot before introducing any

Congestion tax plan

Lanmadaw
township

Latha
township Pabedan
township Kyauktada
township

Yangon

Pazundaung
township

Vehicles would
pay a tax to enter six
downtown townships,
if a new proposal is
adopted.

Botahtaung
township

River

sweeping measures.
The proposal is the latest in a series of suggestions to ease Yangons
traffic woes, which stem from a 2011
policy decision to ease taxes on
imported cars. While making cars
more affordable, it has resulted in
hundreds of thousands of additional
vehicles on Yangons underdeveloped road network.
As in most cities, the traffic jams
are worst during morning and evening peak hours, but there is also little let-up during the day. So far the
government and traffic officials have
responded by building overpasses
at busy junctions, improving some
stretches of road, adding traffic
lights and assigning traffic police
to monitor intersections. They have
also introduced a system to coordinate traffic lights, although there is
no central control centre yet due to
a lack of funding.
A number of major cities around
the world employ congestion taxes,
including London, Stockholm and
Milan. Singapore was the first to
introduce the scheme, back in 1975,
charging motorists based on the size
of vehicle and time of day.
Research appears to show that
while congestion taxes have a positive
short-term effect in terms of reduced
private vehicle use and increased public

transport patronage, traffic levels eventually return to normal.

However, the tax creates significant revenue that can be spent on
improving infrastructure: In 2012-13

If YCDC or Ma Hta
Tha implement this
plan, they will only
be doing it to serve
their own interests.
U Moe Thee
Taxi driver

the congestion charge in London resulted in net revenue of 132.1 million (US$204.2 million at the current exchange rate). In most cases
residents initially opposed the tax,
but over time came to marginally
support it, according to research
collated by the publication Government Technology.
The response in Yangon has been
mixed, although some have expressed
concern about the governments ability
to efficiently and transparently carry

out such a project.

I think it is stupid idea, said
U Aung Soe from Mingalar Taung
Nyunt township. If they collect a
tax, drivers will still enter by paying
the tax. It is impossible [to reduce
congestion through the tax] and its
likely to cause so many problems.
Taxi driver U Moe Thee from
the Kyaukmyaung area of Tarmwe
township said he was concerned
that it would increase congestion
due to drivers having to stop and
pay the tax at a gate.
There are so many other ways to
solve this problem. If YCDC or Ma
Hta Tha implement this plan, they
will only be doing it to serve their
own interests, he said. Based on
how things normally work here,
they will call a tender and a private
contractor will do it.
Even some officials from Ma Hta
Tha question whether a congestion
tax would be worthwhile.
Chair U Hla Aung said it would
be difficult to introduce. If the
government does it, it will not happen any time soon, he said.
But deputy chair U Hlaung
Thaung Myint said toll gates could
be positioned at entrances to downtown to collect the tax.
Some people drive to downtown
for no real reason maybe just to eat
something or go window shopping.
Thats one reason why there are so
many cars in downtown, he said.
U Ba Myint added that the levy
needed to be fair, and suggested that
on days with lower congestion, such
as weekends, it could be waived
completely.
We need to consider carefully
how to collect the tax, he said. For
example, it shouldnt be collected
for public transportation, because
it will just mean commuters have to
pay higher fares.

I dont pay much attention to local

news, but this sounds great. This new
tax would help reduce the number of
cars in downtown areas. In just four or
five years, the number of cars in the
country has proliferated noticeably. I
even heard some people saying cars
can be exchanged for candy. That was
two years ago, but even back then it
was no joke. I am a commuter. Four
or five years ago, I could start selling
fruit at 9 or 10 in the morning. But
now I have to get here by 7:30am
because the buses get too crowded
after that. My fruit will start to rot if
Im stuck on a hot bus. If I take the
bus later than 8am, the congestion is
terrible.

U Zaw Win, 49, Thingangyun

I heard YCDC was going to spend
millions of dollars installing more
efficient traffic lights. They also said
building more overpasses was part of
the plan to abate congestion. I think
its a good start. Seriously, you would
regret travelling during peak hours.
The roads are all blocked with cars.
Its worse in the evenings because
thats when people are anxious to get
home. I really think this new tax could
help solve the problem, which affects
everyone. I dont know which six townships would be affected, but Im sure
the change that this policy brings will
be an example for other townships to
copy. They should have started building overpasses four years ago. Places
like Tarmwe definitely need more of
them. In Bangkok, I saw overpasses
arching over one another. In fact, that
is a very effective road system. I think
there should be a separate lane for
buses on main roads because they
drive very recklessly. Bus travel is
dangerous. The government should
do something about that too.

U Sein Lwin, 54,

retired, Insein township
This is definitely a very good way to
resolve the congestion that we are
experiencing every day. I find that the
congestion has been greatly reduced
in Myaynigone since they built the
overpass. I think the government should
build more of them. I have a shop on
27th Street. Since I retired, my sons have
been running it. They are always telling
me how hard it is to ride a bus these
days. They now close the shop at 4pm in
order to avoid the congestion. Its not just
downtown, but all over, sometimes even
in Insein. I rarely go out. Mostly I stay at
home. I dont how much tax will be levied, but anyhow the change will be big, I
guess. I hope its not too much because
otherwise it would hurt the drivers who
dont earn much. Nay Zaw Aung Win

News 7

www.mmtimes.com

Views

Maintaining momentum in Myanmar

AXEL VAN TROTSENBURG
newsroom@mmtimes.com

YANMAR is undergoing a historic transition.

After decades of armed
conflict and economic
stagnation, the country is
beginning to make important strides
toward realising its potential and the
aspirations of its people.
Our engagement in Myanmar
started more than 60 years ago when
the nation became a member of the
World Bank soon after gaining independence from British rule.
Back in 1955, the banks first
economic report stated that the
lack of security remains a disrupting
influence on the economic life of the
country, while the long term economic potentials are bright on account of moderate population growth
and abundant natural resources. It
also noted the importance of encouraging private sector enterprise to
improve the standard of living of the
people.
These are topics that continue
to resonate in todays development
discourse.
In the early 1950s, Myanmars
per-capita GDP was comparable to
those of Thailand, South Korea and
Indonesia. Like others in the region,
Myanmar was coming out from
colonial rule and a period of struggle.
Sixty years on, Myanmar has a per
capita GDP just above US$1100 less
than one-third the average for ASEAN
countries and one of the lowest in
East Asia.
The good news is that Myanmar
has begun the catch-up process.
Major political and economic reforms
since 2011 have increased civil liberties, reduced armed conflict, and
removed constraints to trade and
private enterprise that long held back
the economy.
The results thus far are encouraging. Economic growth has accelerated from 5 percent in 2010 to
8.5pc in 2014-15, exports are up by
70pc, foreign direct investment has
increased five-fold to $5 billion a year
and tourist arrivals are up 10-fold to
3 million a year.
Myanmars increased openness
offers opportunities to help address
pressing development needs. The
challenge is to sustain reforms and
development gains over the long
term, including through lasting peace.

World Bank officials greet residents in Kanpetlet, Chin State, in May 2014. Photo: Supplied

While the development effort lies

in the hands of the people of Myanmar, the international community,
including multilateral institutions
such as the World Bank Group, can
play an important supportive role.
I am visiting Myanmar this week
to launch the new Country Partnership Framework between Myanmar
and the World Bank Group. It is a
momentous occasion, since it marks
our renewed full engagement with
Myanmar.
The new partnership framework
is the culmination of extensive
consultations with a wide range of
stakeholders, including the government, the private sector and civil
society organisations. On this basis,
the CPF outlines how the World Bank
Groups global knowledge and financing can help Myanmar and its people
transform their country.
We will focus efforts on helping
to reduce rural poverty, investing in
people and in effective and inclusive
institutions that empower people,
and supporting private sector job
creation.

Over the next three years we plan

to commit about $2.6 billion to support the people of Myanmar in their
development. Of that, $1.6 billion will
be in concessional credits involving zero interest and about 40 years
maturity from the International
Development Association for investments in health, education, agriculture and electricity. The International
Finance Corporation, our private
sector arm, expects to provide up to
$1 billion in investments and $20
million in technical assistance to

BILLION US$

2.6

Amount the World Bank Group plans

to commit to Myanmar over the next
three years

boost private sector-led growth and

help create jobs.
But these figures are just one indicator of the World Bank Groups commitment to the people of Myanmar.
Just as important, if not more so, is
how we work and that is by helping
to put the governments peoplecentered approach into action on the
ground in the projects and programs
we support.
The National Community Driven
Development (CDD) Program, the
first World Bank-supported project
after a 25-year hiatus, is working to
empower communities by providing
them the tools, resources and skills to
decide their own development priorities and to shape their own futures.
When we visited a participating
community in Chin State last year,
a member of the community told
us, This is the first time in my life
where Ive witnessed a project which
is chosen by the communities not
from the top authorities but from the
bottom.
A similar approach is used in the
Decentralizing Funding to Schools

Project, which lets principals, teachers and parents decide together on

what most needs to be purchased for
classrooms.
For the World Bank, achieving
Myanmars development goals such
as universal access to healthcare by
2030 requires a comprehensive
approach that builds on an inclusive
model of local participation as well as
continued strengthening of governments institutions.
The Myanmar-World Bank relationship was forged in 1951, more
than six decades ago. With the new
Country Partnership Framework, the
World Bank Group looks forward to
standing with the people of Myanmar
as a development partner for the long
term.
We, along with other development
partners, are privileged to accompany Myanmar on its journey toward
a more prosperous and peaceful
future.
Axel van Trotsenburg is World Bank vice
president for East Asia and the Pacific.

8 THE MYANMAR TIMES MAY 5, 2015

Business
HPA-AN

Chief minister
says Kayin
State ready to
move ahead
SU PHYO
WIN
suphyo1990@gmail.com

KAYIN States economy is ready to

take off after decades of instability
and isolation, with hopes resting
on development of infrastructure
leading to closer integration with
Thailand and the Mekong sub-region, according to the states chief
minister.
Speaking to The Myanmar Times
in the state capital Hpa-an, U Zaw
Min said conflict in Kayin, formerly called Karen State, had led to a
mass migration of workers and human resources, mostly to Thailand.
Kayin was too sensitive and
vulnerable, during that period, he
said. But that era is hopefully coming to a close with progress made
toward signing a nationwide ceasefire accord. Once that stage is finished, then the region will develop
well, he said.
If one is going to another country to get a job, if he is already fully
educated and finds a good position
with higher salary, that would be
fine. But for those who are not well
educated and migrate without options, we have to create opportunities in our country, he said.
According to a 2009-2010 UN
study, Kayin State, with a population
of some 1.5 million, has about 17 percent of households living below the

poverty line, against a national average of 26pc. Almost 30pc of children

are stunted and nearly half do not
complete primary school on time,
with 13pc having no access to schooling at all.
The state compares particularly
badly on health and sanitation issues with other areas of Myanmar,
with 26pc of households lacking
what the UN defined as improved
sanitation and 8pc not using toilets.
The chief minister spoke of the
need to develop vocational training
for workers in the newly opened
Hpa-an industrial zone, which covers 400 hectares but so far has only
seen a handful of factories constructed. He said there were also
plans to build low-cost housing for

Kayin State chief minister U Zaw Min

speaks to reporters. Photo: Thiri Lu

Machinery is displayed at one of Kayin Regions modern factories. Photo : Thiri Lu

workers in the zone.

Much of the ministers optimism
hinges on Kayin State benefiting
from its location along the route of
the East-West Economic Corridor, a
project backed by the Asian Development Bank that is years behind
schedule on the western Myanmar
end of the proposed corridor. A
1450-kilometre (900-mile) highway,
in various stages of development, is
intended to link Vietnam starting
in Da Nang with Laos and Thailand
and then pass through Kayin state
to the port of Mawlamyine at the
mouth of the Thanlwin (Salween)
river.
Jamie Leather, ADB transport
specialist, said the project would
improve connectivity within Kayin
State and with Thailand.
Improved connectivity will
stimulate and sustain economic
development, reduce travel times,
and support economic development
within the corridor and beyond,
lifting many in this poor region of
Myanmar out of poverty, he said.
The ADB is providing financial
support for improvement of 66km of

road in Kayin State between Eindu

and Kawkareik. The completed road
will have two traffic lanes with wide
paved shoulders for improved safety,
as well as being raised to cope with
flooding.
The minister said a 45km stretch
from Kawkareik to the border crossing of Myawady, a key trading point
with Thailand, was 90pc complete.
Electricity transmission lines
are being laid from Mawlamyine to
Myawady and distribution transformers have already been installed
under the governments budget, the
minister added.
We want low interest loans and
assistance from other countries, but
sometimes we have to start with
our government budget to finish the
projects in time, U Zaw Min said.
MPT and its foreign rivals Telenor and Ooredoo are expanding
their telecommunications networks
in the state. Tourism is also developing with more hotels and restaurants opening.
The chief minister said economic growth for the fiscal year 201415 reached its target of 15.4pc. This

year the growth target is 10.4pc but

the minister says he is confident it
will be surpassed.
U Khin Kyuu, Bamar nationality
minister and owner of the Zabudate Rubber Plantation, notes that
more than 60pc of state income
comes from agriculture, particularly rubber plantations, which cover
400,000 acres, and coffee.
Conflict in the area is known as
one of the worlds longest-running
civil wars, and bilateral ceasefire
agreements signed between armed
ethnic groups in Kayin State and
neighbouring Mon State with the
government still break down from
time to time. The instability was a
factor in delaying development of
Hpa-ans industrial zone.
Karyin groups protested last
year that industrial investment
plans focused on expanding transport networks were a cover to facilitate military operations. But there
are hopes that the draft nationwide
ceasefire accord signed with the
government in March will lead to
the start of a real political dialogue
and a more enduring peace.

Traders yuan-der about China exchange

AYE THIDAR KYAW
ayethidarkyaw@gmail.com
A YUAN-KYAT trading centre has
opened near the main overland ChinaMyanmar trade portal, though businesspeople say it may take some time
to catch on.
Traders usually clear payments
through informal hundi networks rather than formal banks, particularly for
border trade.
The gateway between Ruili in China
and Muse in northern Shan State has
become Myanmars largest overland
trading point, though local facilities
have not kept up with rising volumes
of goods passing through.
Ministry of Commerce adviser U
Maung Aung said the exchange is an
example of efforts by the two countries
to facilitate trade.
In border areas, the government
will allow trading in kyat, Chinas yuan
and the US dollar.
The China Daily reports that Chinese authorities have consildated four
existing currency exchange agencies

into the centre. The new centre aims to

form an index number for Ruili, gradually standardising the yuan-kyat market and also promoting bilateral trade.
Although some traders in the area
say they are put off by the informal nature of financing arrangements, most
see no reason to move over to the official exchange centre.
U Soe Naing, managing director of
Maha Nyiko Trading companies, which
specialise in selling Myanmar agricultural products to Ruili, said official
exchange centres and bank branches
often are too restricted to be effective.
The official counters often limit
daily exchanges to below 30,000 yuan
(US$4800), though traders often need
several times this amount each day,
he said. The [informal] way has been
suitable for traders for years. Opening
banks or exchanges centres will not
help to increase trade volumes, he
said. I dont think selling in the informal markets is uncomfortable, and I
never feel it is unsecure.
Muse-based rice trader U Sai Kyaw
said he is aware of the official exchange,

which opened at the end of March, but

he has not used it.
Most rice traders open a bank account in China, in Ruili or Jiegao, and
use it for their business. To repatriate
profits in kyat, he makes use of informal currency exchanges, he said.
State banks, such as Myanma
Investment and Commerical Bank
and Myanma Foreign Trade Bank,
often do not have enough branches
to serve traders on the remote borders, while routing money through
Myanma Economic Bank means the
traders have to pay tax.
Traders also say that transferring
money between accounts can take
a long time and cause bottlenecks,
while the hundi system is much
more responsive.
Commercial banks also place restrictions on trade in Thai baht and
Chinese yuan, which hundi does not.
U Tin Ye Win, a government official who worked at Muse until April,
said most traders currently use kyat or
yuan through hundi, but it ought to be
changed over time.

Traders have their own ways. They

buy goods and use currencies of each
country, but not officially. It is convenient to some extent, but not for all
but this should be changed, he said.
Trade between China and Myanmar reached about US$6 billion
in 2014-15, with about 80 percent
completed overland, according to
official figures.
Myanmar extensively imports Chinese consumer goods, while exporting
resources from the extractive industries, as well as agricultural products
such as rubber, pulses and fruit.
U Tin Ye Win said armed groups
on the border often look to profit
from exporting items such as timber,
jade and mined products. However,
their illegal take has slowly been
dropping off as the government asserts control, he said.
Rebels had attacked a branch of
Myawaddy Bank in Muse last week,
an example of threatening the public
and other businesses, he said.
Additional reporting
by Khin Su Wai

China
Muse
Mandalay

Nay Pyi Taw

Yangon

Muse in northern
Shan State has
become Myanmars
most important
overland trade portal

BUSINESS EDITOR: Jeremy Mullins | jeremymullins7@gmail.com

Greek debt talks getting

somewhere as Finance
Minister sidelined

Rising oil costs put

pressure on Indonesias
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BUSINESS 11

BUSINESS 10

Exchange Rates (May 4 close)

Currency

Buying

Euro
Malaysia Ringitt
Singapore Dollar
Thai Baht
US Dollar

DHSHD considers giving

Yangon land to communities

K1182
K303
K805
K32.5
K1086

Selling
K1215
K318
K825
K35
K1095

ICT zone
planned for
Thanlyin
AUNG KYAW NYUNT
aungkyawnyunt28@gmail.com

CLARE
HAMMOND
clarehammo@gmail.com

AS Yangon develops under the 2040

city plan, authorities are considering
options to help ensure illegal residents
are not forced out of their communities, according to Daw Hlaing Maw Oo,
assistant director of the Department of
Human Settlement and Housing Development (DHSHD).
We are considering many options
for the relocation of squatters, with the
help of NGOs, she said yesterday at the
New Urban Topologies seminar hosted
in Yangon by Swedens Frgfabriken in
collaboration with Pun + Projects.
Illegal residents often live in a community for many years, and are generally only asked to move out to allow for
the redevelopment of a building or a
plot of land.
We have low cost housing and affordable housing options, as well as
the option to relocate, but we would
prefer to keep people on site, said Daw
Hlaing Maw Oo.
The Yangon government has set
aside K100 billion (US$97 million) to
build 10 affordable housing projects
in fiscal year 2016, a senior DHSHD
official told The Myanmar Times earlier this year, with units provisionally
priced at around K10 million each.
However, if you give land to the
poor, even a small piece of land,
they often choose to sell it and to
squat somewhere else, said Daw
Hlaing Maw Oo.
Then businessmen will buy several

Workers prepare the foundation for a Yangon low-cost housing project. Photo: Naing Win Tun

of these plots of land to build a new

development. We are still working on
that problem because its very difficult
to control business people right now.
New York University has offered
to carry out a study and to help
provide solutions to some of these
problems, she said.
An idea we have is to give land not
to individuals but to communities, of
lets say 30 to 50 people. They will propose their plan for how to use the land,
and we will propose ours, and we will
discuss it. That way they will be able to
have development but they will not be
able to sell out, as it will not belong to
Mr A or Mr B but to the community.
She did not elaborate on how this
scheme would be funded, or who the
stakeholders might be.

Working with NGOs has made

the process of negotiating with local communities easier, said Daw
Hlaing Maw Oo.
Previously we would have been doing this by ourselves which would have
led to a lot of confrontation, because
some people dont trust government
workers, she said. But with the NGOs
people are more open.
On a broader scale, the DHSHD
wants to involve the people of Yangon
in city planning, she said.
But we cant give them an open
sheet and say, Everyone come up
with a plan, as it would be so chaotic. So we are working with NGOs and
experts to come up with a framework
that is usable, and then we will hold
workshops in every township, to find

KBZ chosen as settlement bank

for upcoming stock exchange
KYAW PHONE KYAW
k.phonekyaw@gmail.com
KBZ, the countrys largest private
bank, has been chosen to run settlement and clearing operations for the
forthcoming Yangon Stock Exchange,
according to KBZ senior managing director U Than Cho.
The bank has the widest network
among private banks and has the digital integration necessary for a settlement bank, he said.
We can serve buyers and sellers
as soon as possible on the stock exchange, he said yesterday.
The Yangon Stock Exchange is slated to launch later this year, marking
the countrys first modern securities
market.
KBZ had competed with five other
private banks to be the settlement
bank, which is responsible for delivering the stocks and money payments
after trades have been agreed on. If
the broker or dealer representing the
buyer cannot immediately make a
payment, it will be KBZs responsibility to provide the funding short-term.
KBZ was ultimately selected by the
Securities and Exchange Commission
of Myanmar, and is currently the only

designated settlement bank for the

market.
The SECM plans for the Yangon
Stock Exchange to use a modern Delivery Versus Payment system, where
the cash payment to the seller comes
before or at the same time as the security goes to the buyer.

This is a new field

for us. We face
challenges that
require experienced
employees and also
leaders.
U Than Cho
KBZ Bank

The settlement bank must ensure

it has sufficient liquidity to support
these transactions and the infrastructure in place to complete exchanges,
including digitally linking to different

trading and banking systems.

U Than Co said human resources
are one of the first priorities.
We will gather together employees who can do the job, and we will
also nominate some of our existing
employees, he said. At the same time,
we are open to foreign employees
who have experience. We have to find
managers and a managing director on
time.
KBZ will open a new branch near
the stock exchange building to fill its
role as settlement bank, with preparations having already begun, according
to U Than Cho.
This is a new field for us. We face
challenges that require experienced
employees and also leaders. We will go
to study in Thailand, Singapore and
Japan before we open, he said. Then
we will ask for help from our foreign
alliance banks like Sumitomo Mitsubishi for solving the human resources
problem.
KBZ has already formed a separate
IT department, he added. We are already the leading retail and wholesale
bank in the country. Now we have the
permit to be the settlement bank [for
the Yangon Stock Exchange]. We are
one footstep ahead of the others.

out what the people want.

However, in answer to a question
from a member of the audience, she
said that a public debate on the future
of Yangon would not be practical.
We have too many stakeholders
already, and each has their own interests. I do agree with public debate
in principle but open public debate
for the time being will not lead anywhere, said Daw Hlaing Maw Oo.

THE Myanmar Computer Federation

(MCF) is scoping out a site in Yangons eastern Thanlyin township for
an ICT centre, according to U Zaw
Min Oo, secretary general of the MCF.
The federation is currently in discussions with potential land owners,
looking to emulate the success of
MICT park in Hlaing township.
We estimate the ICT zone will be
finished by the end of the year. The
ICT zone is to collect together the IT
sector, said U Zaw Min Oo.
MCF president U Khun Oo said
there will be many work opportunities on the site for ICT professionals
after it is up and running.
U Zaw Min Oo said the site is slated to sit on up to 300 acres, eventually including a business zone, training
centre, call centre and a number of
other facilities. It hopes to eventually
have tens of thousands of ICT professionals at the site, he added.
Industry professionals say they
welcome efforts to add more places
for ICT businesses to work.
MCF should be developing more
than one ICT park, said U Zaw Zaw
Myo Lwin, CEO of Yangon Heardz
Media and Business solution.
The existing MICT park in Hlaing
township was begun in 2001, with a
consortium of 50 private companies.

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Notice is hereby given that our client ANTHEM ASIA MYANMAR
LIMITED a company organized under the Laws of the Republic
of the Union of Myanmar and having its principal office at Floor
3, Bo Soon Pat Condominium, and No. (608), Merchant Street,
Pabedon Township, Yangon, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of
the following Trade Marks:-

Myanmar Registration
No.5000/2015

Myanmar Registration
No.5001/2015

The above two Trade Marks are to be used in respect of: - Health
and fitness club services, namely providing facilities, instruction
and equipment in the field of physical exercise and fitness.
Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trade
Marks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with
according to law.
By Instruction,
Legal Steps Legal Consulting Limited
Room (113), Building (1), Hotel Yangon,
8 Miles, Mayangone Township, Yangon.
Ph- 667708 (Ext-113), 0973087545
Date: 5th May, 2015

10 International Business

THE MYANMAR TIMES MAY 5, 2015

JAKARTA

SYDNEY

China overtakes US to
be largest investor in Oz

An Indonesian farmer dries harvest paddy in

Cianjur, West Java. Indonesia, the worlds thirdlargest producer of rice, harvested some 60.83
million tonnes of the grain in 2014. Photo: AFP

Oil rebound pushes up Indo inflation

INDONESIAS inflation accelerated
to 6.79 percent in April spurred by
higher fuel costs after global oil prices rebounded, official data showed
yesterday.
The year-on-year consumer price
index rose from 6.38pc in March, the
statistics agency said.
At the start of the year, Southeast
Asias biggest economy almost completely abolished a decades-old fuel
subsidy regime which had proven
to be extremely costly and let prices

float with the market.

The decision came at a time when
oil prices had fallen dramatically, and
prompted steep drops in the price of
fuel and a slowdown in inflation.
However, global oil prices rebounded by about 20pc in April
owing to several factors, including
concerns about unrest in Yemen, the
weakening dollar and fewer US rigs
in operation.
Pump prices in Indonesia rose, as
did the price of public transport.

The biggest contributor to inflation is the petrol price, said statistics agency chief Suryamin, who like
many Indonesians goes by one name.
Slowing inflation in February
prompted the central bank to cut its
key rate by 25 basis points, to 7.50pc,
as it sought to boost growth which
has sunk to a five-year low.
However the move caused the
rupiah to plunge, and the bank has
maintained the rate at the same level
since. AFP

CHINA has for the first time overtaken the United States as Australias
largest source of foreign investment,
according to official data, laying out
A$27.7 billion (US$21.8 billion) in
2013-14 as real estate purchases more
than doubled.
The Asian economic giants spending in Australia for the year ending
June 30, 2014, far outstripped the
A$17.5 billion from the United States
which was the biggest investor for
more than a decade and Canadas
A$15.4 billion, the Foreign Investment
Review Board (FIRB) said in its annual report.
The Chinese surge was driven by
A$12.4 billion in approved investments
in property, the report released last
week said. That compares with A$5.9
billion in the previous financial year.
For the first time, China was the
largest source of proposed foreign investment in Australia, mainly driven
by a large increase in residential real
estate approvals, the report said.
The new report followed the Australian governments move in February to enforce foreign investment
rules as concerns grow that foreign
buyers are squeezing local house seekers out of the market.
Chinese investment for 2013-14
also included A$3.3 billion in the
manufacturing sector, A$5.7 billion in
mining and A$6.2 billion in services.
Rounding up the top five foreign
investors were Malaysia at A$7.2 billion and Singapore at A$7.1 billion.
The Australia government in Feb-

ruary highlighted plans to crack down

on illegal property purchases and
charge application fees on all foreign
investments.
Cashed-up foreigners, many from
China, have been blamed for driving up prices in Australian property
markets, particularly Sydney and Melbourne, and placing home ownership
out of reach of many locals.

For the first time,

China was the
largest source of
proposed foreign
investment in
Australia.
Foreign Investment Review Board

In March, the government ordered

Chinas Evergrande Real Estate Group
to sell a Sydney mansion worth A$39
million, saying it was bought illegally
under foreign investment rules.
The FIRBs annual report said overall approved foreign investment in
residential real estate in 2013-14 was
A$34.7 billion from A$17.2 billion in
the previous corresponding period.
China is already Australias largest
trading partner. AFP

TOKYO

Billionaires daughter turned CEO

shows the leadership flare Japan lacks
ANYONE wondering why Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is crusading to get more
women running Japans male-dominated corporations should meet Miwako
Date, daughter of Japanese billionaire
property developer Akira Mori.
Four years after Ms Date became
president of Mori Trust Hotels & Resorts, a unit of Mori Trust Co, the company is forecasting hotel revenue to
grow 26 percent in the latest fiscal year.
That compares with an average 5.4pc
gain at the five largest hotel operators
in the same period, the year ended
March 31, according to an estimate by
Mizuho Bank Ltd.
So Mr Mori has picked Ms Date, 43,
to take over his Mori Trust, the closely
held development firm with 149.7 billion yen (US$1.3 billion) in revenue,
94 office buildings and about 30 hotels including the Conrad Tokyo, the
year-old Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo
Station and the Suiran, a Japanese-style
luxury hotel in Kyoto, which opened
last month in collaboration with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.
She is very ambitious, and she is
very capable, the 78-year-old Mori, the
current chief executive officer, said in
an interview in which he credited his
daughter with the success of the companys hotel business and confirmed
shell take his place in the near future,
without giving a date.
As Mr Abe seeks to increase female
managers to 30pc Japan-wide by 2020,
Ms Date is an unusual leader in a sector
dominated by men. Although women
account for about 40pc of the real-estate workforce, according to the Statistics Bureau of Japan, only 1.6pc of the
industrys managers are female, a report by the Ministry of Health, Labour

Miwako Date (left), president of Mori Trust Hotels & Resorts Co., a unit of Mori
Trust Co., and her father, billionaire Akira Mori, president and chief executive
officer of Mori Trust. Mr Mori has picked his daughter Ms Date to take over his
Mori Trust. Photo: Bloomberg

and Welfare said. Its 4.9pc on average

in Japans private sector, government
data show.
Japans largest companies must
produce more top female leaders going
forward, said Yasuhiro Matsumoto, a
Tokyo-based senior manager at ABeam
Consulting Ltd. A woman at the helm of
Mori Trust will be a role model.
Japan cant truly thrive unless all
citizens reach their fullest potential, the
prime minister wrote in a Bloomberg
commentary published last week.
The question is no longer whether
to pursue the advancement of women
but what positions and roles they
should take on, and how soon, Mr Abe
wrote.
Ms Date is the granddaughter of the

late property tycoon Taikichiro Mori,

who six decades ago founded Mori Fudosan. After his 1993 death, sons Minoru and Akira split the company in
two Mori Building Co. and Mori Trust,
now Japans biggest closely held developers. Mori Building, which spent years
planning and completing the Roppongi
Hills complex in central Tokyo, focuses
on multibillion-dollar complexes. Mori
Trust sticks to single or twin structures.
Ms Date credits her father and
grandfather with fostering her ambitions and goals. When she was young,
they frequently peppered her with
questions, prompting her to think indepth and consider the best ways to
respond and explain, she said in an
interview in January.

Ms Date attended Sacred Heart

private girls school in Tokyo, where
Empress Michiko was educated. She
received a masters degree in media and
governance from Tokyos Keio University, and joined Mori Trust in 1998 after
a stint at a Japanese consulting firm
that helped her establish a track record,
Date said.
After she entered the family business in her 20s, her father would
present challenges for me and ask me
to come up with suggestions and solutions, said Ms Date. The experience
informs her managerial style with employees today, she said.
Instead of giving them a methodology, I tend to also give my people opportunities to resolve issues on their own,
she said.
While her career rise may be due
to family position, theres no question
about her ability, said Hiro Kosugi, director of Japan sales, marketing and
operations at Marriott International
Inc, who worked with Date to develop
the Courtyard, which Mori Trust operates under franchise.
She would have been successful no
matter what, said Mr Kosugi. She has
that talent, inner strength and vision.
The Tokyo Station property is different from Marriotts other beige-oriented Courtyards around the world: It
features colorful guest quarters with
names such as creators room, editors
room, photographers room and curators room.
She talks a lot about innovations,
and Courtyard Tokyo is one of the examples, said Mr Kosugi. Instead of
running a regular business hotel, she
wants to bring in new types of designs
and concepts.

The editors room, which costs as

much as 40,000 yen a night, contrasts
dark-gray walls with a white bed. A
black lamp with a pattern of a white
moon and mountain is meant to evoke
Zen design. Purple coffee cups match a
purple carpet.
Its not a Marriott way, but Ms
Dates way, incorporating her sense of
design, Mr Kosugi said.
The hotel is booked with 88pc occupancy in April, higher than the 70pc
Mori Trust forecast.
She is very talented in visual presentation and she is good with overseeing numbers, said Mr Kosugi. She is
somebody who really pays attention to
details. Because of that, its keeping a lot
of her managers on their toes.
Japans hotel industry had been
dominated by domestic brands through
the early 1990s, until the opening of a
Four Seasons Hotel, the Park Hyatt Tokyo and the Westin Tokyo. After Japans
asset bubble burst, it took a decade for
another round of foreign hotels to come
in, and Mori Trust became one of the
first to aid their return. In 2002, two
years before Ms Date was made managing director in charge of Mori Trusts
property development, she helped persuade the companys partner in building a new office tower to invite Hilton
Worldwide Holding Incs Conrad Hotels
& Resorts to come and manage its first
Tokyo property, which opened in 2005,
according to information provided by
Mori Trust.
Since Ms Date took on the development role, Mori Trust has added 2000
hotel rooms to its portfolio, 1200 of
them internationally branded. She has
plans for more projects ahead of Tokyos
Olympics in 2020. Bloomberg

International Business 11

www.mmtimes.com
BRUSSELS

Greek debt progress as minister sidelined

GREECE and its European creditors are finally making progress
only days after combative Finance
Minister Yanis Varoufakis was effectively sidelined from talks on its
enormous debt, EU sources said on
May 3.
Negotiators said there were encouraging signs from meetings
over the weekend in Brussels on
reforms which Athens must push
through in exchange for 7.2 billion
euros (US$8 billion) in desperately
needed bailout funds.
There has been a lot of progress, we are approaching an
agreement, said a spokesperson
for Greek Prime Minister Alexis
Tsipras. Everything is going to be
decided this week.
The talks, which began April
30, were the first led by economist
and junior foreign minister Euclid
Tsakalotos, who last week replaced
the controversial Mr Varoufakis as
the head of Greeces team of negotiators on the issue.
After months of acrimonious
deadlock, the revamped [Greek]
Brussels group have clearly improved the process, with a clear
schedule for the discussions ... and
with more experts present with
more details, one source said.
Talks are constructive, the
source added. I would even dare to
say encouraging. They were to continue today and could last until at
least May 6, which is a good sign,
the source said.
Mr Varoufakis had a notoriously
difficult relationship with his countrys lenders, and was reportedly
isolated by his fellow European
finance ministers after a stormy
meeting in Latvias capital Riga two

weeks ago.
A second EU source confirmed
there had been convergence on
some issues during talks over the
weekend, though more work was
needed on others.
Greeces semi-official ANA news
agency also reported progress and
an improved atmosphere in talks.

The fact that

some media are
portraying as if
he is replacing me
in the talks is just
another proof of
how low journalistic
standards have
sunk.
Yanis Varoufakis
Finance Minister

Mr Varoufakis has insisted however that he is still in charge of

Greeces overall handling of the
talks.
Yes, Im in charge. Im still responsible for the talks with the
Eurogroup, he told the weekly Die
Zeit on April 30.
Im supported by various government members, not least by
good friend Euclid Tsakalotos. The
fact that some media are portraying
as if he is replacing me in the talks

Greek Finance Minister Yianis Varoufakis briefs the media last month. Photo: AFP

is just another proof of how low

journalistic standards have sunk,
he said.
Discussions between Athens
and its creditors are hung up in
particular on cuts to pensions and
deregulation of the labour market,
a difficult pill to swallow for Mr

OPINION

SHANGHAI

HSBC should not delay in

making a return to Hong Kong
WILLIAM PESEK
IN retrospect, HSBCs decision in
1993 to abandon Hong Kong for Londons Canary Wharf was one of modern historys worst business moves.
It seemed perfectly wise at the time,
just four years ahead of Hong Kongs
return to China and amid the early
stages of Europes common currency
boom. When the 1997 Asia financial
crash arrived, it probably left its
chair William Purves and his colleagues feeling pretty happy about
their decision.
Just a dozen years later, being
based in Europe seemed much less attractive. First there was Wall Streets
subprime debacle. That was followed,
in short order, by the euro crisis, the
Libor controversy, the chipping-away
of Swiss banking secrecy and a British tax clampdown that cost HSBC
US$1.1 billion in 2014. It should be
no surprise that current HSBC chair
Douglas Flint now thinks returning
to Hong Kong would be potentially
interesting. Indeed, the only real
question is, what is Mr Flint waiting
for?
HSBC finds itself in an enviable
negotiating position. Hong Kong
leader Leung Chun-yings superiors
in Beijing would relish having one
of the worlds premier financial institutions choose greater China over
the West. President Xi Jinping would
herald the move as a vote of confidence in Chinas economic stability
and his partys broader legitimacy. It
also would send a message to Hong

Kongs pro-democracy street protesters that their public agitation cant

derail big business.
HSBC would probably be rewarded with as many deals and partnerships in the Chinese market as its
bankers can handle. That would
cheer the banks long-suffering shareholders. But theres more at stake in
Mr Flints decision than share prices
and balance sheets. A move by HSBC
could accelerate the pace of Chinese
economic reforms.
The Communist Party has tended
to keep a relatively tight grip on the
flow of money in China, but an entity of HSBCs size would expect to be
granted more freedom in its business
transactions. The banks presence in
Hong Kong would give Mr Xi strong
incentive to loosen capital controls
and make the countrys banking system more transparent.
That would probably trigger a
number of beneficial effects for the
Chinese economy. Consider what
happened after other Asian governments accelerated the internationalisation of their banking and trade systems after the regions financial crisis
in the 1990s. Once countries lowered
their financial defenses, businesses
had no choice but to adopt global
practices and stomach greater competition. Similar shifts would likely
occur in China after any HSBC move.
State-owned banks that hoped to operate in HSBCs orbit, for example,
would have to improve their corporate oversight and the quality of their
assets.

Tsiprass radical government that

was elected four months ago promising to end years of austerity that
has ravaged the economy.
The Tsipras spokesperson said
Greeces creditors are opposed to
bringing back collective labour
agreements and are seeking further

reductions in pension payments.

Until now the Greek government has shown itself to be very
flexible, the spokesperson added.
[We] need the same thing from
our creditors from now on.
Mr Varoufakis claimed on May 2
that Greece could manage without
a new loan if its existing debt was
restructured.
Asked if it could do without bailout funds, Mr Varoufakis told the
Efimerida ton Sindakton daily, Of
course it can. One of the conditions
for this to happen, though, is an important restructuring of the debt.
He also took a swipe at the eurozone, warning that if it doesnt
change it will die, and adding, No
country, not only Greece, should
have joined such a shaky common
monetary system.
Nevertheless, he said it was
one thing to say we shouldnt have
joined the euro and it is another to
say that we have to leave, because
backtracking now would lead to an
unforeseen negative situation.
Meanwhile, the maverick economists 90-year-old father, who still
heads one of Greeces leading steel
producers, Halyvourgiki, jumped to
his sons defence, claiming his European counterparts were jealous
of him.
Giorgos Varoufakis told the
Greek daily Ethnos that the ministers critics want to run him down
because he is competent. He is not
like them. That is why they attack
him.
Yanis is a very good boy, and is
always telling the prime minister
what to do, which is why he adores
him, he added.
AFP

It wouldnt be a seamless relocation, but the Hong Kong Monetary

Authority, created just after HSBC departed for Britain, is ready to oversee
the transition. In just two decades,
the HKMA has built a formidable
track record. It has protected a dollar
peg from numerous speculative assaults and steered the citys economy
through myriad financial and health
panics. It has also pursed an aggressive loan-to-value policy thats kept
default rates low and worked with international institutions in ways that
have enhanced Hong Kongs standing
as a financial center.
True, the HKMA has never been
responsible for a financial institution thats too big to fail. (Make
that too big to save: With a balance
sheet of $2.6 trillion, HSBC is nine
times the size of Hong Kongs entire economy.) HKMA head Norman
Chan will have to expand operations
and hire loads of new regulators and
analysts. But the HKMA believes its
up to the challenge and says it takes
a positive attitude should HSBC consider relocating.
Reformers in Beijing should, too.
HSBC returning to its roots would be
a clear win-win, for the short term
and long term. The bank may have
erred in uprooting itself some 20
years ago, but its time to let bygones
be bygones.
William Pesek, a Bloomberg View
columnist based in Tokyo, writes on
economics, markets and politics in the
Asia-Pacific region.

China promotes
startups to boost jobs
as economy slows
CHINA pledged new steps to encourage entrepreneurship and boost
job creation last week, as economic
growth slows and employment pressures rise.
The State Council plans to support startups to boost employment
growth, according to a statement
posted on the governments website.
The council will support small businesses efforts to hire university graduates and encourage skills training,
especially for unemployed and rural
residents.
The statement follows Chinese
Premier Li Keqiangs call last week
for more proactive policies to relieve pressure on the job market. The
country saw its slowest growth since
2009 in the first quarter, weighing on
Mr Lis effort to once again beat his
target for creating 10 million urban
jobs this year, a goal which the country exceeded by 3.2 million last year.
More young Chinese are looking
past government jobs to try their
fortunes at startups, as state-backed
companies falter in the slowdown.
Theyve been encouraged the success of entrepreneurs such as Alibaba Group Holding chair Jack Ma
while the Communist Partys yearslong crackdown on graft has made
the civil service less prestigious and
lucrative.
The State Council cited plans announced last month to increase tax
breaks and subsidies to some enterprises to support job creation. Such

measures include giving guaranteed

loans of as much as 100,000 yuan
(US$16,000) for small companies and
providing social security subsidies to
those that hire university graduates.
The ratio of jobs available to job
seekers in China dropped to 1.12 in
the first quarter from 1.15 in the October-December period, indicating the
labor market is getting slightly weaker, according to a statement from the
Ministry of Human Resources and
Social Security on April 21.

MILLION

10

Number of urban jobs Chinas premier

aims to create this year, a goal which
was exceeded last year

Chinas official manufacturing

Purchasing Manager Index was at
50.1 in April, according to numbers
released May 1, suggesting growth
may be starting to stabilise after the
government eased monetary policy
and spurred infrastructure investment. A number above 50 indicates
expansion. Bloomberg

12 THE MYANMAR TIMES MAY 5, 2015

13

World

WORLD EDITOR: Fiona MacGregor

Motorbike rides outlawed

for unmarried couples in
N Indonesia

Hunting ban raises

human-elephant
conflict in Botswana

WORLD 14

WORLD 15

KANO, NIGERIA

SYDNEY

Boko Haram captives describe ordeal

AT least three women were killed
in a landmine explosion and others
crushed to death by tanks as Nigerias
military moved in to rescue them from
Boko Haram, one freed hostage has
said.
The deaths happened in the Islamists Sambisa Forest stronghold, from
which soldiers have freed hundreds
of women and children seized during the bloody insurgency in Nigerias
northeast.
The military said on on May 3 that
275 women and children had been
taken to a relief camp in the Adamawa
state capital, Yola.
More than 700 women and children
have been found in the dense forest
over the past week, raising hopes the
219 girls snatched from their school in
Chibok, Borno state, in April 2014 were
among them.
The teenagers plight caused global
outrage and brought unprecedented
world attention on the conflict, which
has left at least 15,000 dead and made
some 1.5 million homeless since 2009.
Nigerias National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the 275,
some of them traumatised and malnourished by their ordeal, would undergo rehabilitation in Yola, including trauma counselling.
Eight women and 15 children have
been taken to the hospital for treatment for injuries they sustained during the rescue operation, spokesperson Sani Datti said.
Binta Abdullahi, who was kidnapped from a village near Madagali,
in the north of Adamawa, more than
a year ago, described the hostages ordeal as the soldiers moved in.
When the military stormed the
camp where we were being held, our
captors told us to take cover under
trees and shrubs to avoid military

shelling, the 18-year-old told reporters

in Yola.
Some women who hid under trees
were crushed by military tanks which
mowed them down without knowing
they were there.
After soldiers subdued Boko Haram fighters and rescued us they loaded
those too weak or sick to trek into vehicles and asked the rest of us to walk
behind ... to avoid stepping on land
mines planted by Boko Haram all over
the place.
At least three women and some
soldiers were killed when a mine exploded after a woman stepped on one.
Boko Haram have used kidnapping as a tactic throughout the past six
years. Amnesty International said last
month more than 2000 women and
girls have been seized since the start
of last year.
Ms Abdullahi said she had been
held in two places before being moved
to Sambisa last month, including Boko
Harams headquarters in Gwoza,
from where the Islamic State group
affiliate declared a caliphate last year.
Her two sisters, who were also
kidnapped, managed to escape but
she stayed as she was looking after
three children, aged four and three,
whose mothers were not among those
kidnapped.
I couldnt leave them, she said.
Her testimony chimed with that of
other former hostages, who described
forced labour, marriage, and sexual
and psychological abuse by their captors, as well as being compelled to fight
on the front line.
They asked us to marry Boko Haram members but we told them there
was no way we could get married because we were already married to our
husbands, she said.
They said since we would not mar-

ry them they would sell us as slaves at

the right time.
Lami Musa, 19, was four months
pregnant when Boko Haram fighters
stormed her village of Lassa, near Chibok, five months ago.
She said she was not married off
because she was pregnant but was told
she would be after she gave birth.
Fortunately I was rescued a day
after giving birth. I thank God, she
added.
The authorities in Yola have recorded the former hostages personal
data, including their names, age, and
place of origin, according to NEMAs
Mr Datti.
But how long they will remain in
the camps is unclear. Earlier this year,
nearly 200 women released by Boko
Haram were held in a government
camp in Yobe state for more than a
month.
Most of them looked tired and
traumatised. They were unkempt.
From their looks they havent had a
bath for days, said Mr Datti.
The women and children were provided with food, mattresses, blankets,
mosquito nets, soap and detergents.
Nigerias defence headquarters
said on may 3 that 260 women
and children who were stranded
after fleeing a Boko Haram attack
had been located in Adamawa and
returned to their communities in
Madagali.
President Goodluck Jonathans
handling of the Boko Haram crisis was
seen as a key reason for his election defeat and the recent military successes,
while welcomed, viewed as too little,
too late.
Mr Jonathan hands over power to
former military ruler Muhammadu
Buhari on May 29, having pledged to
defeat the militants. AFP

IN PICTURES
Photo: AFP
Israeli police use water
cannons during heavy
clashes with Ethiopian
Israelis demonstrating
on May 3 in central Tel
Aviv against alleged
police brutality and
institutionalised
discrimination. Some
demonstrators threw
stones, glass bottles
and chairs from nearby
restaurants after
attempting to storm the
Tel Aviv municipality
building. The protests
came three days after a
stormy demonstration
in Jerusalem sparked by
footage showing two police
officers beating an Israeli
soldier of Ethiopian origin
in uniform. More than
135,000 Ethiopian Jews
live in Israel, most having
immigrated to the Jewish
state in two waves in 1984
and 1991.
KATHMANDU

Two shot dead as gunmen fire on

Mohammed cartoon event in Texas

Focus on shelter provision as US

military planes join Nepal relief effort

POLICE shot dead two gunmen and a

security guard was wounded outside a
Prophet Mohammed cartoon contest
in Texas on May 3, authorities said, as
a bomb squad investigated the attackers car.
The American Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI) organized the event in
a suburb of Dallas, featuring far-right
Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who
has been outspoken against Muslims.
Police said two men drove up to
the conference center in Garland,
Texas, and began shooting at a security guard.
Garland Police officers engaged
the gunmen, who were both shot and
killed, the city of Garland said in a
statement.
The security guard suffered injuries that were not life-threatening,
the statement added.
Mr Wilders has also long been targeted by Islamists because of his extreme views on Islam.
I am shocked. I just spoke for half
an hour about the cartoons, Islam and
freedom of speech and I had just left
the premises, Mr Wilders said.
This is an attack on the liberties
of all of us. He added that he was safe
with police.
The identities of the shooters has
yet to be confirmed, but the SITE Intelligence Group reported that an

US transport aircraft were to begin

shuttling rescue teams and supplies
yesterday to remote areas of Nepal
that are desperately awaiting aid,
nine days after a devastating earthquake that killed more than 7300
people.
The United States Air Force C-17
aircraft and four tilt-rotor Ospreys
arrived in Kathmandu late on May 3
and gave another much-needed shot
in the arm to the aid effort.
An American general said pilots
were due to begin flying sorties out
of the capital Kathmandu to remote
areas yesterday.
Theyre going to make an immediate difference, US Brigadier General Paul Kennedy told reporters.
Weve got search and rescue
teams waiting to go out to the remote
areas. Weve got relief supplies, especially shelters.
Most people dont understand
that a shelter is the most pressing
need, so were going to take these
things out starting tomorrow [May 4]
morning, Brig Gen Kennedy added.
The hope is that the sorties start
today, an unnamed US embassy official said yesterday.
While the latest official death toll
for Nepal stood at 7250, with some

WASHINGTON

Dutch MP Geert Wilders speaks in

Washington DC on April 30. Photo: AFP

Islamic State (IS) fighter claimed on

Twitter that the shooting was carried
out by two pro-IS individuals.
In a series of tweets and links, a
jihadist named as Abu Hussain AlBritani, which SITE said was British IS
fighter Junaid Hussain, claimed that
2 of our brothers just opened fire at
the Prophet Muhammad exhibition in
Texas.
They Thought They Was Safe In
Texas From The Soldiers of The Islamic State, added the tweet.
About 200 people were inside the

event, said local police spokesperson

Joe Harn.
Police said they suspect the gunmens vehicle may contain an incendiary device and a bomb squad was
on the scene yesterday.
The bodies are still outside near
the car. Once that car is cleared then
well take care of the bodies, Mr Harn
told reporters.
The process of checking the car for
explosives could take several hours, he
added.
AFDI offered a US$10,000 prize for
the winner of the cartoon contest that
was billed as a free speech event.
Organizers said extra security was
at the event due to the general risk of
an attack.
AFDI co-founder and political activist Pamela Geller called the shootings a war on free speech.
What are we going to do? Are we
going to surrender to these monsters?
she wrote on her website.
The war is here.
Many Muslims find depictions of
the Prophet Mohammed offensive
and such cartoons have triggered
violent protests, including when the
Danish daily Jyllands-Posten published 12 satirical cartoons in 2005,
triggering deadly protests in some
Muslim countries.
AFP

14,000 injured, authorities warned

the final tally would be much higher.
More than 100 people were also killed
in neighbouring India and China.
A Nepalese official said the US
aircraft would also airlift victims out
of remote areas which experienced
some of the worst devastation of the
7.8-magnitude quake on April 25.
They are also assisting any casualties in mostly the eastern side of
Nepal ... places worst-hit like Sindhupalchowk, Gorkha area, Suraya Prasad Silwal, a spokesperson for Nepals
home ministry, told AFP.
Finance Minister Ram Sharan
Mahat said the death toll was likely
to jump once relief teams reached
mountain villages flattened in the
worst quake to hit the nation in more
than 80 years.
There are still villages where we
know that all houses have been destroyed, but have not yet been able to
reach, Mr Mahat said.
The aftershocks have not receded and we expect the final casualty
numbers to climb much higher, the
minister said, as he appealed for hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign
donations to help rebuild the country.
Around two dozen countries have
been helping in the relief effort. And

while the international rescue teams

have been welcomed by the Nepalese
authorities, they have also created a
logjam at the countrys only international airport on the outskirts of
Kathmandu.
Authorities said on May 3 that
Tribhuvan International Airport has
been closed to heavy planes over concern about the condition of the single
runway after the quake and a series
of strong aftershocks.
But although airport managers

issued a notice saying that aircraft

with a total weight exceeding 196
tonnes would not be allowed to land,
it did not prevent the arrival of the
giant US planes.
While no survivors have been
found alive in the ruins of Kathmandu since April 30, rescuers did
pull a 101-year-old man alive from his
ruined home in a rural district on
May 2, a week on from the disaster.
Funchu Tamang was rescued with
only minor injuries to his ankle and

A USAID officer watches as a US military C-17 cargo plane taxis to a stop at

Kathmandus international airport on May 3. Photo: AFP

hand in Nuwakot district, some 80

kilometres (50 miles) northwest of
Kathmandu.
He was brought to the district
hospital in a helicopter. His condition
is stable, police officer Arun Kumar
Singh said.
Police also pulled three women
survivors from under rubble on May
3 in Sindhupalchowk, one of the
worst-hit districts, although it was
not immediately clear how long they
had been trapped.
Police have found more than 50
bodies, including those of six foreigners, in Nepals popular Langtang trekking region following last weekends
devastating earthquake, a senior local official said Mau 3.
Another 100 foreign tourists are
still feared to be missing in the Langtang area north of Kathmandu.
Climbing firms SMay 3 called
off their Everest spring expeditions,
after the quake-triggered avalanche
killed 18 on the worlds highest
peak.
With ongoing aftershocks and
tremors we cant continue expeditions, said two-time Everest
summiteer Dawa Steven Sherpa of
Kathmandu-based Asian Trekkers.
AFP

After deaths, Oz police

chief defends alerting
Indonesia to Bali Nine
AUSTRALIAN police yesterday defended alerting Indonesia to a Bali
drug-smuggling ring despite knowing
offenders could face the death penalty, but said they regretted that two
of them were executed.
Nine Australians were arrested
in the resort island of Bali in 2005
over their involvement with a syndicate bringing drugs to Sydney, with
Andrew Chan, 31, and Myuran Sukumaran, 34, killed by a firing squad
last week despite pleas for mercy
from Canberra.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said he regretted that Indonesia executed the
men, but did not believe he owed Mr
Chan and Mr Sukumarans families
an apology.
We cant apologise for the role
that we have to try to stop illicit drugs
from coming into this community, he
said.
However, the BBC yesterday reported that Mr Colvin admitted one
of the investigating officers asked to
be removed from the team because
he was upset about the risk the
gang members might face the death
penalty.
Mr Colvin said that faced with an
identical set of circumstances but
using newer guidelines which were
updated in 2009, police investigators
may well not choose to go down the
same path they did in 2005.
The newer guidelines call on police to consider the risk of the death
penalty at a much earlier stage in
investigations and have, at times,
restricted dealings with foreign
partners.
But Mr Colvin stressed that to
crack down on transnational crime,

Australian police had to work with

other countries, including those with
the death penalty.
He denied reports that the Australian investigation was triggered by
a tip-off from the father of one of the
Bali Nine, saying police were already
looking into the syndicate but did not
have enough evidence to make any
arrests prior to their departure for
Indonesia.
Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Mike Phelan said he agonised
over the decision to ask for assistance
from Indonesia rather than arrest the
drugs mules on their return to Australia, but said he was driven by a desire to stop the syndicate.
To let them come back through
to Australia, we may have grabbed
a couple of mules, but we would not
have been able to have any evidence
in relation to the wider syndicate, he
said.
Mr Phelan said his decision was
made in the knowledge that Australians could be exposed to the death
penalty.
Yes, I knew full well, by handing
over the information and requesting
surveillance, if they found them in
possession of drugs theyd take action
and expose them to the death penalty, he said.
And every time I look back, I
still think its a difficult decision, but
given what I knew at that particular time and what our officers knew,
I would take a lot of convincing to
make a different decision.
Australian police were able to arrest and convict six other people in
Sydney and Brisbane on the information received from the Indonesians.
AFP

GUWAHATI, INDIA

Nagaland insurgents
kill eight troops close to
Myanmar border
HEAVILY armed separatist rebels
have ambushed a paramilitary convoy in Indias remote northeast, killing eight soldiers and injuring six,
officials said yesterday.
The militants opened fire on the
troops before exploding a small bomb
during the attack on May 3 in undeveloped Nagaland close to the border
with Myanmar, the states police chief
said.
Militants first resorted to firing
and then triggered an improvised
explosive device, killing eight troopers on the spot and seriously injuring
six more, Nagaland police chief LL
Doungel said.
Another four Assam Rifles troopers were missing, with a search underway in the area, about 200 kilometres (124 miles) north of the state
capital Kohima, an official said on
condition of anonymity.
Police suspect the attack was carried out by the outlawed National
Socialist Council of Nagaland, which
has been campaigning for decades

for a homeland for indigenous Naga

tribes to be carved out of Indias
northeast states.
Last month a faction of the council called off a longstanding ceasefire, saying New Delhi was not serious about meeting the movements
demands.
The troopers in two vehicles came
under attack as they returned to their
camp from collecting drinking water
nearby, the police chief said.
There was heavy firing with the
troopers retaliating but it was not immediately known if there were any
casualties on the militants side, Mr
Doungel said.
A massive operation has since
been launched in the thickly forested
area, he said.
Indias seven northeastern states
have long been plagued by insurgent
violence. They are home to dozens
of tribal groups and small guerrilla
armies that resist rule from New
Delhi and often compete against each
other. AFP

14 World

THE MYANMAR TIMES MAY 5, 2015

BEIJING

Chinas Xi in
rare meeting
with Taiwans
KMT leader
XI Jinping, Chinas Communist Party chief, held talks with the visiting
leader of Taiwans ruling party yesterday, state media reported, the first
such meeting for seven years.
Mr Xi, who is also Chinas president, welcomed Kuomintang (KMT)
party head Eric Chu, the official Xinhua news agency reported in a brief
dispatch.
Pictures showed the two men
smiling and shaking hands at the
Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Relations between the political
parties that fought a civil war decades ago for control of the mainland
have been improving since the 2008
return to power in Taipei by the KMT,

2005
Last year a KMT leader visited
mainland China

which has a non-confrontational

stance toward the mainland.
China and Taiwan split at the end
of the civil war in 1949, and Beijing
still regards the island as a province
awaiting reunification, never ruling
out the use of force to achieve it.
In 2005 veteran Taiwanese politician Lien Chan made the first trip to
the mainland by a KMT chief since
1949.
That visit came as tensions with
China mounted under then-president
Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic
Progressive Party, whose pro-independence views are anathema to
Beijing.
Mr Liens landmark visit helped
pave the way for relations to warm
after the KMTs Ma Ying-jeou succeeded Mr Chen in 2008. The same
year KMT chair Wu Po-hsiung visited
the mainland, the last holder of the
post to do so.
In June 2010 the two sides signed
a trade pact known as the Economic
Cooperation Framework Agreement,
widely seen as the boldest step yet
toward reconciliation.

MANILA

Mr Ma was re-elected in 2012 but

public sentiment in Taiwan has since
turned against cosying up too snugly
with Beijing, with voters saying trade
deals have been agreed in secret and
not benefited ordinary citizens.
In March last year around 200 students occupied parliament for more
than three weeks to demonstrate
against a controversial services trade
pact, while thousands rallied in support of what became known as the

Sunflower Movement.
The KMT suffered its worst-ever
showing in local polls in November
seen as a barometer for presidential
elections in 2016 and Mr Ma eventually stepped down as party chief, replaced by Mr Chu.
The meeting comes in the wake of
Taipeis application to join the Chinaled Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank being rejected, with Beijing saying the island could join later under

an appropriate name.
Taiwans official name is the Republic of China, but the International
Olympic Committee refers to it as
Chinese Taipei, and at the Asian Development Bank it is known as Taipei, China.
Mr Chu said at a forum in Shanghai on May 3 that he was optimistic
about the island joining the development bank.
AFP

BANDA ACEH, INDONESIA

US most wanted Filipino

confirmed dead by MILF
A FILIPINO on the United States
list of most wanted terrorists
has been killed in a firefight in the
southern Philippines, Muslim rebel
leaders and the military said yesterday.
Abdul Basit Usman was killed in a
remote mountainous area while being escorted by members of the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the
nations biggest rebel group, its vice
chair Ghazali Jaafar said.
We can confirm that Usman is
dead and his body was buried in
accordance with Muslim tradition,
Mr Jaafar said, but he refused to say
who killed him.
The MILF is seeking to finalise
an accord, signed last year, with
the government to end four decades
of fighting in which about 120,000
people have died.
Security forces had been hunting
Mr Usman since he escaped from a
January police raid that killed Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir, an alleged
bomb maker who was the subject of
a $5-million US government bounty.
Mr Usman, accused of repeated
bomb attacks in the southern Philippines, was the subject of a $1-million US bounty.
The January raid, conducted
in MILF territory, also led to the
deaths of 44 police commandoes as
rebels fought back, setting back efforts to finalise the peace deal.
The MILF has since then been
under intense political pressure to
show it is a reliable peace partner.
Mr Jaafar said Mr Usman was
killed as MILF rebels were escorting
him to the groups leaders to surrender, adding that he probably did not
know he was being taken back to
the MILF leaders.

Eric Chu (left), chairman of Taiwans ruling Kuomintang (KMT) party, shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping
during a visit to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 4. Photo: AFP

There was a firefight along the

way. Mr Usman could have sensed
that he was being double-crossed,
Mr Jaafar said.
However he refused to give any
more details as to who killed Mr
Usman, saying only that the circumstances of the firefight were under
investigation.
Military chief General Gregorio
Catapang said Mr Usman had been
killed, but that it remained unclear
who killed him.
Basit Usman is dead. As to the
circumstances of what happened
during that encounter, its up to
[the investigation], Mr Catapang
told reporters.
The military said five of Mr Usmans followers had also died in the
battle, and that some of his own
men may have double-crossed him.
Security forces accuse of Mr Usman of carrying out at least nine
bombing incidents in the south, including an attack in the port city of
General Santos in 2002 that killed
15 people and wounded 60 others.
The US State Departments
website describes him as a bombmaking expert with links to the
Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf
Group terrorist organisations, leading him to be considered a threat to
American and Filipino citizens and
interests.
As part of the peace pact, the
MILF, which has about 10,000 fighters, agreed to give up its independence ambitions in exchange for an
autonomous homeland.
The government and the MILF
are racing to finalise the accord by
the middle of next year, when President Benigno Aquino has to stand
down. AFP

Unwed couples banned from

sharing motorbikes in N Indonesia
UNMARRIED men and women have
been barred from riding together on
motorbikes under a new laws passed in
a district of Indonesias Aceh region, a
lawmaker said yesterday.
The ruling is the latest new Islamic
regulation in the conservative province.
Members of parliament in North Aceh
district last week approved the regulation, which will come into effect in a
year, said lawmaker Fauzan Hamzah,
adding that authorities were making
efforts to implement sharia law fully.
Unmarried people sitting closely
together on a motorcycle is clearly
against Islamic sharia as it could lead
to sinful acts, Mr Hamzah said,
Aceh, on the northern tip of

Sumatra island, in the worlds most

populous Muslim-majority country,
implements Islamic law. Gay sex, gambling and drinking alcohol are already
punishable by caning.
The province began implementing
sharia law after being granted special
autonomy in 2001, an effort by the central government in Jakarta to quell a
long-running separatist insurgency.
The latest move to ban shared motorbike rides, which will affect more
than 500,000 people on North Aceh,
came after one city in Aceh in 2013 requiring that women sharing bikes with
men should sit side-saddle.
The new regulation was the most
eye-catching in a series of Islamic by-

laws approved in North Aceh on April

30, which also included a ban on live
music performances and the separation of male and female students in
school. The new rules will take effect in
May 2016 after a one-year grace period.
Mr Hamzah did not say what punishments unmarried couples caught
together on a motorbike would face.
He did list several punishments that
could be implemented for all the new
Islamic laws, which ranged from a formal reprimand to fines and people being expelled from their villages.
We will make efforts so that deeds
which can lead to sin are eliminated
gradually in North Aceh district, he
added. AFP

HONG KONG

$3.6 million ransom suspect arrested

HONG Kong police yesterday arrested
one of six suspects who fled with millions in ransom money after a kidnap,
the citys new police commissioner
Stephen Lo said.
City authorities embarked on a
massive operation to hunt down six
suspected kidnappers after the release
of a textile tycoons grandaughter on
April 28 following a ransom payment
of HK$28 million (US$3.61 million)
from her family members.
The arrest was made during the
polices latest search efforts yesterday
morning.
We arrested one of the suspects
relating to this kidnap case in Lo Wu
this morning, Mr Lo, who has replaced Andy Tsang Wai-hung as the
citys police chief, told reporters.

Mr Lo said the search for other suspects had been extended to the mainland.
At the moment, we are still doing
everything we can to look for other
culprits. We are having very close cooperation with mainland authorities
in order to find the wanted persons,
Mr Lo said, without giving further detail.
Television footage showed that officers also descended on rural border
town Sha Tau Kok, setting up road
blocks.
A police spokesperson declined
to comment on whether any ransom
money was retrieved.
Hundreds of armed officers have
combed through the citys rural areas, including country parks and vil-

lages, since the release of 29-year-old

Queenie Rosita Law, with helicopters
and marine vessels also deployed.
Ms Law, who is the granddaughter
of late textiles tycoon Law Ting-pong,
said in a press conference on April 30
that she was not injured.
She was held for at least three days
by the kidnappers.
After returning to Chinese rule in
1997, Hong Kong remains a separate
law enforcement jurisdiction from the
mainland under the one country, two
systems mechanism, guaranteeing
the citys personal freedom and liberty.
The southern Chinese city of 7 million people is for the most part considered to be safe. wBut a series of highprofile kidnapping cases shocked the
city in the 1990s. AFP

World 15

www.mmtimes.com
ABELE, BOTSWANA

Hunting ban
raises new
human wildlife
conflict
SURVEYING her destroyed cornfield
in northern Botswana, Minsozie Kasaira wishes for a return to the days of
elephant hunting.
Until last year, villagers like Ms
Minsozie benefited from local communities being given a quota of elephants
that could be shot.
They often sold the quota to specialist hunting companies, with hunting rights bringing in tens of thousands of dollars.
But Botswana, home to one-third
of all African elephants, imposed an
almost complete ban on hunting wildlife in January 2014.
Now villagers who lose crops to
marauding elephants must find a new
way to protect their livelihoods and
replace the income generated by hunting rights.
All the years when elephants were
hunted, it was not like this, Ms Minsozie, 35, a mother of seven children,
said in the small village of Mabele.
The first time I saw the damage, I was shattered. I thought, The
elephants have eaten it all. Lifes not
good anymore.

As soon as we plant, the elephants

take our crops. Last year we could get
enough food from our field. Now its
devastated. We dont know what to
do.
Once the source of much-needed
income, elephants have become a major nuisance to villagers living on the
edge of Chobe National Park, where
tourists come on safari trips from
around the world.
Tshekedi Khama, Botswanan environment minister, said the tourism
industry was the way forward.
Hunters only employ people during the hunting season. [Tourism] is
throughout the year. Thats why we
prefer it.
Hunting of almost all animals, by
bushmen as well as overseas visitors,
was banned by the Botswanan government to halt the decline of springbok
and other species hit by habitat loss
and illegal hunting.
But some wildlife experts and safari operators fear the ban could be
detrimental.
Hunting of elephants can be used
as a way of sustainably generating

Tourists observe an elephant from the Chobe river in Botswana Chobe National Park on April 20. Photo: AFP

revenue for elephant conservation,

said Julian Blanc, from the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
In many places, tourism doesnt
quite work ... so hunting is an option available to all governments, and
many of them use it quite successfully,
as Botswana did for quite a few years.
Elephant hunting for pleasure hit
global headlines in 2012 when it came
to light that Spains King Juan Carlos
had been on a hunt in Botswana during his countrys economic crisis.
Safari companies say that hunting
can be part of a wider conservation
plan.
During the hunting times, it was
selective killing of the older bulls, the
ones not breeding anymore, Gerhard
Swanepoel, co-owner of Pangolin Photo Safaris, based in Botswana, said.

I will never say that I am prohunting [but] we know theres too

many elephants in the Chobe area.
Mike Chase, co-founder of Elephants Without Borders, believes
almost no elephants were poached in
the country last year.
These animals are highly intelligent. When theyre being disturbed in
another area, they will move to where
they know theyre going to be safe,
Chase said.
And in the case of Botswana, lots
of our elephants are essentially political refugees, fleeing persecution in
neighbouring countries.
After flying over the country for
100 hours, Chase calculates that
130,000 elephants live in Botswana of
a total population in Africa of 470,000.
But across the continent, 20,000 to
30,000 elephants are killed every year

by poachers supplying the Asian market, mainly China, which highly values
ivory products.
Environment Minister Khama is
determined to preserve Botswanas record on protecting its elephants.
The elephants will find refuge in
this country, and we will continue to
assist, because if we dont look after
the species, whos going to? he said.
For Amos Mabuku, chair of the
Chobe enclave conservation trust, the
government has forgotten the everyday reality that there are too many elephants near villages like Mabele.
The attitude of local people has
changed. Its becoming negative, he
said.
We used to tell the community
conserve elephants, so that you get
profit. But now why conserve? he
said. AFP

THE MYANMAR TIMES May 5, 2015

the pulse 17

www.mmtimes.com

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gers o
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n

the pulse editor: Charlotte rose charlottelola.rose@gmail.com

A Buddhist monk Khenpo Rinpoche reads mantras in a prayer room at the Boudhanath temple in Kathmandu. Photos: AFP/Nicolas Asfouri

Quake-ravagedtemple
faces threat from looters

URROUNDED by ochre rubble,

Pannakaji beds down on a mattress
wedged between Buddha statues
at Kathmandus Monkey Temple,
hoping to deter looters from the
quake-ravaged site where his ancestors have
served as priests for 1600 years.
The hilltop Swayambunath Temple complex,
one of Nepals oldest and most sacred religious
monuments, was partly reduced to debris by the
7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck on April
25.
Some of the 7th-century stupas remain intact
and a few statues miraculously survived the
disaster, but those that did now risk being
pillaged by looters or desperate devotees hoping
for a bit of good luck after the devastation.
We have been priests here for the last 1600
years, so I stay, said 61-year-old Pannakaji, who
goes by one name, as he sat barefoot under a
tarpaulin in a makeshift camp with 200 other
temple inhabitants.
The earthquake razed the communitys
small wooden shacks, leaving behind a scene
reminiscent of a war zone, with families
salvaging what they could from the ruins

medicines, cooking utensils and some clothes.

The temple guardians are not only worried
about spending nights in make-do shelters
and the threat of aftershocks that could bring
down the remaining structures but also fear
that looters may come at night to take what
they can.
I dont sleep. I keep watch. I want to stop
people stealing the statues, Pannakaji said as he
twisted wooden prayer beads in his hands.
UNESCO has sent a group of experts to
evaluate the damage to the temple and to try to
protect the unique religious site from thieves.
Archeologist and art historian David
Andolfatto, who is part of that delegation, is
particularly concerned about looting during
Buddhas birthday celebration that takes place
on May 11.
Many tiny statues made out of clay remain
intact in the ruins, and it would be very easy
to take them. I worry that when devotees come
on Monday they may take pieces because the
temple is very important to Nepal and Tibetan
Newar Buddhists, Andolfatto said.
According to the Frenchman, who says he
wept on discovering the extent of the damage

wrought on the temple in the disaster, 70

percent of the World Heritage site has been
destroyed.
A statue of the deity Ajima, who offers
protection against smallpox, stands mostly
intact in one of the temples prayer rooms, and
Andolfatto is worried that people may try to
take a piece of the figure in the hope it may
provide protection.
The theft of art is already widespread in
Nepal, and Andolfatto says that the ruins of
the Monkey Temple would be a honeypot for
professional art thieves hoping to sell artifacts
on the international art market.
Along with a group of volunteers and
experts, he is photographing and cataloguing
all the artifacts as quickly as possible to thwart
them.
He also hopes to persuade the Nepalese
authorities to block the trade of Himalayan
art globally, particularly through prestigious
international art houses like Christies and
Sothebys.
But amid all of the destruction there has also
been some good news.
The sites striking centrepiece, a

white-domed stupa topped with the painted

eyes of Buddha survived the quake.
And inside one of the monuments, the
devastation revealed a series of progressively
smaller statues constructed like a Russian
babushka doll that would have otherwise
remained hidden.
Some unusual coins with Persian inscriptions
were also found, exciting the experts who plan
to have them investigated.
Despite the risk that the few remaining
temple structures could collapse, no one dares
make the temple guardians leave.
Tashi Phuntsok, a monk who has lived there
for 11 years, chose to pitch his tent facing a
panoramic view of Kathmandu and mountains
a perfect spot for meditation.
I stay so I can help, he said, with sunglasses
perched on his nose.
The temples namesake monkeys lounge
on the steep stairs that go up to the temple,
enjoying the absence of tourists, as a group of
novice monks begins to clear the ruins.
As Buddhists, we come to help clear up, as
we can, says Gyurmey Sopa, 21, who has been a
monk since he was 12. AFP

18 the pulse

THE MYANMAR TIMES May 5, 2015

TOKYO

Web addicted teens sent to

internet fasting camp

he Japanese government
has successfully conducted
a trial Net fasting camp
aimed at keeping internetaddicted teenagers away
from smartphones and computers.
The education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology Ministry
said a trial run was conducted in
August last year. According to a
survey conducted three months later,
daily internet usage fell by about 30
percent.
The ministry plans to run the
camp in earnest from this fiscal year.
The test run had certain effects as
they became aware of interesting
aspects of life in the real world,
according to a ministry official, by
distancing themselves from an online
environment and starting to build
new human relationships.
A fiscal 2014 Cabinet Office survey
indicates middle school students
spend an average of two hours and 10
minutes online during weekdays with
three hours and five minutes for high
school students. high school students
using the internet for at least five
hours a day accounted for 19pc. The

hours tended to become longer year

after year.
In some cases, addicted students
started skipping school. Seeking
appropriate measures, the education
ministry decided to hold a nineday, eight-night camp last summer
by outsourcing the project to the
National Institution for Youth
education.
Ten male participants, ranging
from middle school to university
students who spent an average of
10 hours a day online, experienced
life without smartphones as they
stayed at the National Chuo Youth
Friendship Center in Gotemba,
Japan.
There were plenty of activities,
including a hike to Mt Fuji as well as
a barbecue party. They also received
treatment and counselling from
doctors at the National hospital
Organizations Kurihama Medical
and Addiction Center in Kanagawa
Prefecture, which has a special
out-patient clinic to treat internet
addiction.
A survey conducted three months
after the camp showed that daily

average internet use for participants

was reduced to 6.8 hours. Three out
of seven students who skipped school
and played online games at home all
the time for nearly two years were
found to be attending school every
day as of February this year. One of
their parents said their child had
started studying for an hour each day
at home.
But some of the participants
regressed back to their old habits
later on, after a brief period of
spending less time online. The camp
motivated them to spend less hours
online, but being able to keep that up
depends on their situation at home,
an official at the centre said.
This fiscal year, programs such as
cooking will be offered. The education
ministry intends to promote the
camp.
Various activities at the camp
enabled participants to be able to
express themselves and reflect on
their internet-addicted lives through
additional treatment, said Susumu
higuchi, head of the centre. Its
necessary to keep an eye on them in
the future. AFP

A Japanese student surfs the internet on his smartphone. A 2014 Cabinet Office
survey indicated that 19 percent of high school students in Japan use the
internet for at least five hours per day. Photo: AFP

In Yangon, theres no business like snow business

EmilY mOOn
STuarT alan BEcKEr
SIX centuries ago, you had to be a
member of Korean royalty to try the
Korean shaved ice dessert popularly
known as patbingsu. These days,
to enjoy the icy treat you just have
to stroll down to Mahabandoola
Street, where a new branch of Korean
restaurant Snow Factory opened on
April 30.
Snow Factorys owner, Korean
entrepreneur Cho Byoung Kyu, first
came to Myanmar four years ago,
invited by a group of Korean
Christians to support an
orphanage near Shan
States Inle Lake. Born in
Busan, Koreas secondlargest city, Cho
Byoung Kyu was
already the
manager of
an Italian
restaurant
there, but
on his

subsequent visits to Myanmar, he saw

an opportunity to expand here by
popularising the Korean crushed-ice
dessert.
I want to let Myanmar people
have the same food and culture that
we have in Korea, Mr Cho said.
Inside, the employees wear blue
shirts and white hardhats as if they
were working in a factory. exposed
pipes and brickwork contribute to the
factory motif.
With 15 employees at the new
Mahabandoola outlet and another 18
at two other outlets one other Snow
Factory in Pearl Condo that opened
in August last year and one
bakery and barista
training academy,
the World Training
Centre, at
the same
location
Mr Cho is
confident
that all
his
(N)ice to meet you: Korean entrepreneur Cho Byoung Kyu poses with his Snow
Factory team. Photo: Stuart Alan Becker

Snow Factory customers have been devouring their shaved ice desserts like
theres no tomorrow. Photo: Supplied

investments will pay off.

Offerings include the snowflake
dessert in mango, red bean, chocolate,
coconut, green tea, strawberry, melon,
papaya and mixed fruit flavours,
ranging in price from K4300 to K4800
for large and K3350 to K3800 for small.
Salads include ricotta cheese, Caesar,
ranch and taco, ranging in price from
K2860 to K4800.
There are tuna, club and bagel
sandwiches, small and large, from
K3000 to K5750, chicken wraps,
burritos, potato skins, chicken
wings and omelettes, as well as hot
and iced coffee, fruit juices, teas,
and smoothies.
The snowflake dessert is made
with blended milk powder and ice
cream and other fruit, Mr Cho said.
We grind the ice very thinly and we
put it so it seems like snow.
Mr Cho himself has a barista
certificate as well as an expensive
Italian espresso machine.
We hired a chef who used to work

in the American Club and he made

the sandwich menus.
I educate and train the managers
so they can manage the staff by
themselves, he said.
Mr Cho, 48, married with three
children, intends to open his next
Snow Factory in the new Vietnamesefinanced shopping centre now under
construction on Kabar Aye Pagoda
Road, near the Sedona hotel.
I dont want to get rich for myself,
I want to grow with the Myanmar
people. I promised God that I would
share what I have with others.
Mr Cho says he intends to create
10 new original brands and distribute
them through the entire Southeast
Asian region.
hes had a lot of help from other
Korean businesspeople, investing in
his ideas.
I think Myanmars future is quite
positive. Just like China has grown
fast with changes and profits, I think
Myanmar will do the same.

TaiPEi

Scorsese says
movie Silence
inspired by
religion
OSCAR-WINNING director Martin
Scorsese said on May 4 his decision
to shoot the historic-drama Silence
was inspired by his religious
childhood.
Lauded for his direction of often
violent box office hits such as Gangs
of New York and The Departed,
Scorsese said at a press conference
in Taipei that his Christian beliefs
and faith had helped him face the
world.
The subject matter presented by
Shusaku endo was in my life since
I was very very young. I was very
much involved in religion, I was
raised in a strong Catholic family,
he said during a press conference
that wrapped up the shooting of the
film in Taiwan.
Further reflection is how [we]
want to lead our life in the Christian
faith ... so ultimately this book drew
my attention when it was given to
me in 1988.
The film is based on a novel by
Shusaku endo and tells the story
of Portuguese Jesuits in the 17th
century who suffered persecution
while working in isolated parts of
Japan.
It stars Andrew Garfield, Liam
Neeson and Adam Driver and will
be released in cinemas in 2016.
Scorsese and his team also
expressed their gratitude to the
government and the crew in Taiwan
for their support while shooting the
film, which took them to hualien
in the east and western Taichung
among other parts of the island.
Seems like a dream. I dont
know how long I have been in
Taipei, five or six months. Its a
beautiful place, extraordinary.
The shooting of Silence made
headlines in January when an
accident on set killed one worker
and injured three others. AFP

the pulse 19

www.mmtimes.com
Fashion focus

Today
ART

High School Art Exhibition. The

International School of Myanmar High
School presents the eighth annual
student art exhibition created by 160
high school students. New Treasure Art
Gallery, 84/A Thanlwin Street, Golden
Hill Avenue, Golden Hill Valley, Bahan
10am-6pm

MUSIC

Dressed to impress
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, joined the list of cities to host
the ever-glamorous Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last month, with
national and international designers showcasing their collections.
The Dominican Republic is already a firm favourite on the fashion
map: Beloved Dominican designer Oscar de la Renta was one of
the most sought-after names in haute couture before his death last
year. Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, which ran from April 27 to 30,
was the countrys chance to prove that de la Renta has left behind
a great legacy in its up-and-coming designers.
Evening dresses were a key trend on the Santo Domingo runways:
Designers Gustavo Arango and Israeli Idan Cohen stole the show
with their trailing gowns. The red cut-out dress, seen at fashion
weeks everywhere from London to Milan this year, also featured
in Arangos collection, suggesting this is a trend which isnt going
away. Charlotte Rose
Photos: AFP

Live music by The Experience Band.

Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro, 20th floor,
Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San
Road, Kyauktada 7-10pm

MISC

Tuesday Snippets. Gallery Conversation

and drinks. Pansodan Gallery,
Pansodan Street 7-10 pm

WEdNESday 6
NIGHTLIFE

Salsa night. iSalud Salsa Club, 7C

Wingabar Road (next to Clover Hotel),
Bahan 8pm

Mojito Night. The Lab, 70A

Shwegonedaing Road, Bahan 5:3010pm
Girls night out. Mojo Bar, 135 Inya
Road, Bahan 8pm

MUSIC

Jazz music and dinner. Rendez-Vous

restaurant and bar, Institut Francias,
340 Pyay Road 7:30-9:30pm

THURSday 7
ART

Beauties of East and West art

exhibition. Featuring over 40
paintings of Buddhist culture,
Myanmar customs, ethnic
nationalities of Myanmar, Western
landscapes, Native American
subjects, abstracts and nude art
by artists Ye Min (New York) and
Than Soe. Gallery 65, 65 Yaw Min
Gyi Road (Behind Parkroyal Hotel),
Dagon 10am-6pm

MUSIC

Folk on Fire with LNR band. Mojo Bar,

135 Inya Road, Bahan 9:30pm

Got an event? | List it in Whats on! | whatsonmt@gmail.com

20 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES May 5, 2015

DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES

Yangon to MandalaY
Flight
Y5 775
W9 515
YH 909
YH 917
YJ 891
7Y 131
K7 222
YJ 201
W9 201
YH 826
YH 835
YH 909
YH 831
YH 911
W9201
YH 829
8M 6603
YJ 601
YJ 761
YJ 211
YH 729
YH 737
YH 727
W9 251
YJ 151/W9 7151
7Y 241
K7 224
YH 731
Y5 234
W9 211

Days
Daily
1
1,2,3,5,6
Daily
Daily
2,4,6,7
1,3,5
1,2,3,4
Daily
3
1,7
7
4,6
2
1
5
4
6
1,2,4
5,7
2,4,6
3,5,7
1
2,5
1
1,3,5
2,4,6,7
Daily
Daily
4

Dep
6:00
6:00
6:00
6:10
6:20
6:30
6:30
7:00
7:00
7:00
7:00
7:00
7:00
7:00
7:00
7:00
9:00
11:00
11:00
11:00
11:00
11:15
11:15
11:30
13:00
14:30
14:30
14:30
15:20
15:30

Arr
7:10
7:25
7:40
8:30
8:25
8:35
8:40
8:55
8:25
8:40
8:40
8:40
8:40
8:40
8:25
11:05
10:10
12:25
12:55
12:25
14:00
13:25
13:25
12:55
16:45
16:25
16:35
16:40
16:30
16:55

MandalaY to Yangon
Flight
Y5 233
YJ 891
YH 918
YH 910
W9 201
7Y 132
K7 223
YH 830
YH 912
YJ 202
YJ 762
YH 832
YH 827
YH 836
YH 910
YJ 212
YJ 212
YJ 602
YH 732
YH 732
7Y 242
YH 728
K7 225
W9 152/W97152
Y5 776
W9 211
8M 6604
8M 903
YH 738
YH 730
W9 252

Days
Daily
Daily
Daily
7
Daily
2,4,6,7
1,3,5
5
2
1,2,3,4
1,2,4
4,6
3
1,7
1,2,3,5,6
7
5
6
6
Daily
1,3,5
1
2,4,6,7
1
Daily
4
4
1,2,4,5,7
3,5,7
2,4,6
2,5

Dep
7:50
8:40
8:30
8:40
8:40
8:50
8:55
11:05
11:30
12:00
13:10
13:20
13:20
13:20
13:20
15:00
15:00
15:40
16:40
16:40
16:40
16:45
16:50
17:05
17:10
17:10
17:20
17:20
17:25
17:45
18:15

Arr
9:00
10:35
10:45
10:05
10:35
10:45
11:00
14:55
13:25
13:25
17:00
14:45
14:45
14:45
14:45
16:25
16:55
17:35
18:05
18:45
18:45
18:10
19:00
18:30
18:20
19:15
18:30
18:30
18:50
19:10
19:40

Yangon to naY pYi taw

naY pYi taw to Yangon

Flight
6T 211
FMI A1
FMI B1
FMI C1
SO 102
6T 211

Flight
SO 101
6T 212
FMI A2
FMI B2
FMI C2
6T 212

Days
1,3
1,2,3,4,5
1,2,3,4,5
1,2,3,4,5
Daily
5

Dep
7:10
7:15
10:45
17:00
18:00
18:30

Arr
8:00
8:15
11:45
18:00
19:00
19:20

Yangon to nYaung u
Flight
YH 909
YH 917
YJ 891
YH 909
6T 451
K7 222
7Y 131
K7 224
YH 731
7Y 241
W9 129
W9 211
W9 129

Days
1,2,3,5,6
Daily
Daily
4
Daily
1,3,5
2,4,6,7
2,4,6,7
Daily
1,3,5
1,3,6
4
1

Dep
6:00
6:10
6:20
6:30
6:30
6:30
6:30
14:30
14:30
14:30
15:30
15:30
15:30

Days
5
3
1,7
4,6
1,2,3,4
2,4,6
6
2,5

Dep
7:00
7:00
7:00
7:00
7:00
9:10
11:00
11:30

Dep
7:00
8:15
8:35
13:30
18:20
19:35

Arr
8:00
9:05
9:35
14:30
19:20
20:25

nYaung u to Yangon
Arr
8:25
7:45
7:40
8:05
7:35
7:50
7:50
17:25
17:25
17:10
17:35
17:40
17:35

Yangon to MYitkYina
Flight
YH 829
YH 826
YH 835
YH 831
YJ 201
6T 806
YJ 233
W9 251

Days
Daily
1,3
1,2,3,4,5
1,2,3,4,5
1,2,3,4,5
5

Arr
9:40
10:05
10:05
10:05
10:20
11:40
15:10
14:25

Flight
YH 918
YJ 891
YH 910
7Y 132
K7 223
6T 451
YH 910
YH 732
K7 225
W9 129
7Y 242

Days
Daily
Daily
4
2,4,6,7
1,3,5
Daily
1,2,3,5,6
Daily
2,4,6,7
1,3,6
1,3,5

Dep
7:45
7:55
8:05
8:05
8:05
8:05
8:25
17:25
17:40
17:50
17:25

Arr
10:45
10:35
9:25
10:45
11:00
8:45
9:45
18:45
19:00
19:10
18:45

Yangon to HeHo
Flight
YH 917
YJ 891
6T 451
7Y 131
K7 222
7Y 131
Y5 649
YH 505
YJ 751
YJ 761
YJ 233
YH 727
YH 737
YH 727
K7 224
YH 731
7Y 241
W9 129

Days
Daily
Daily
Daily
2,4,6,7
1,3,5
Daily
Daily
1,2,3,4,5,6
7,3,5
1,2,4
6
1
3,5,7
3
2,4,6,7
Daily
1,3,5
1,3,6

Dep
6:10
6:20
6:30
6:30
6:30
7:15
10:30
10:30
11:00
11:00
11:00
11:15
11:15
11:15
14:30
14:30
14:30
15:30

HeHo to Yangon
Arr
9:35
9:10
8:45
9:20
9:30
10:05
12:45
11:55
12:10
12:10
12:10
12:40
12:40
12:40
15:45
15:55
15:40
16:40

Flight
YJ 891
6T 452
W9 201
7Y 132
YH 918
K7 223
YJ 752
YH 506
YJ 762
YH 732
7Y 242
YH 728
K7 225
YJ 602
YH 738
W9 129

Days
1,5
1,3,5,7
2,4,6
2
Daily

Dep
6:45
7:00
11:15
15:30
8:20

Days
1,3,5,7
1,3,6
Daily
2,4,6

Dep
10:30
11:30
11:45
8:00

Arr
8:15
9:05
13:20
17:00
10:40

Flight
Y5 326
7Y 532
K7 320
Y5 326
SO 202

Arr
12:20
12:55
12:55
9:55

Flight
K7 423
7Y 414
W9 309
6T 612

Days
2,4,6
1,2,3,4,5,6
1,3,5
1,3,6
7
1,3,4,6

Dep
8:00
10:30
10:30
11:30
11:00
15:45

Arr
8:55
13:10
11:20
13:50
11:50
16:40

Flight
K7 422
7Y 413
7Y 413
YH 506
W9 309
Y5 422

Days
1,3,5,7
Daily
3,5,7
2,4,6

Dep
7:00
8:20
10:30
11:15

Arr
8:10
9:40
11:30
12:20

Flight
K7 320
6T 708
SO 202
7Y 532

MYitkYina to Yangon
Flight
YJ 202
6T 806
YH 827
YH 832
YH 836
YH 830
YJ 234
W9 252

Days
1,2,3,4
2,4,6
3
4,6
1,7
5
6
2,5

Dep
10:35
10:30
11:55
11:55
11:55
12:30
15:25
16:45

Arr
13:25
11:40
14:45
14:45
14:45
14:55
18:15
19:40

Days
2,4,6
7,3,5

Dep
11:00
11:00

Days

Dep

Arr
10:05
17:40
13:35
18:45
15:40

Days
2,4,6
1,3,5,7
1,3,6
Daily

Dep
10:10
12:35
13:10
13:15

Arr
11:30
13:55
14:55
14:20

Days
2,4,6
1,3,5
7
1,2,3,4,5,6
1,3,6
1,3,4,6

Dep
9:10
11:35
12:05
13:10
14:05
16:55

Arr
11:30
13:55
14:20
14:00
14:55
17:50

Days
1,3,5,7
3,5,7
Daily
2,4,6

Dep
12:25
14:15
14:20
16:35

Flight
YJ 752
YH 730

Days
7,3,5
2,4,6

Dep
Arr
16:10 17:55
16:45 19:10

putao to Yangon
Arr

Air Bagan (W9)

Tel: 513322, 513422, 504888. Fax: 515102

Air KBZ (K7)

Tel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (airport), 373766
(hotline). Fax: 372983

Asian Wings (YJ)

Tel: 515261~264, 512140, 512473, 512640
Fax: 532333, 516654

Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5)

Tel: 09400446999, 09400447999
Fax: 8604051

Flight

Days

Dep

Yangon Airways (YH)

Tel: 383100, 383107, 700264
Fax: 652 533

FMI Air Charter

Tel: 240363, 240373, 09421146545

APEX Airlines (SO)

Tel:95(1) 533300 ~ 311
Fax : 95 (1) 533312

Airline Codes
SO = APEX Airlines
7Y = Mann Yadanarpon Airlines
K7 = Air KBZ
W9 = Air Bagan
Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines
YH = Yangon Airways

Arr
13:35
15:15
15:40
17:40

lasHio to Yangon
Arr
13:00
13:15

Yangon to putao
Flight

Dep
8:35
15:35
11:30
17:15
13:20

dawei to Yangon

Yangon to lasHio
Flight
YH 729
YJ 751

Days
1,5
2,4,6
1,3,5,7
2
Daily

tHandwe to Yangon

Yangon to dawei
Flight
K7 319
SO 201
6T 707
7Y 531

Domestic Airlines

Tel: 656969
Fax: 656998, 651020

sittwe to Yangon

Yangon to tHandwe
Flight
K7 422
YH 505
7Y 413
W9 309
7Y 413
Y5 421

Arr
10:35
10:15
10:35
10:45
10:45
11:00
17:55
14:00
17:00
18:45
18:45
18:10
19:00
17:35
18:50
19:10

MYeik to Yangon

Yangon to sittwe
Flight
7Y 413
W9 309
6T 611
K7 422

Dep
9:25
9:15
9:25
9:35
9:35
9:45
12:25
11:55
15:50
15:55
15:55
16:00
16:00
16:25
16:40
16:55

Mann Yadanarpon Airlines (7Y)

Yangon to MYeik
Flight
Y5 325
K7 319
7Y 531
Y5 325
SO 201

Days
Daily
Daily
Daily
2,4,6,7
Daily
1,3,5
3,5,7
1,2,3,4,5,6
1,2,4
Daily
1,3,5
1
2,4,6,7
6
3,5,7
1,3,6

Arr

YH 826

7:00

11:00

YH 836

1,7

11:00

14:45

YH 831

4,6

7:00

11:00

YH 832

4,6

11:00

14:45

YH 835

1,7

7:00

11:00

YH 827

11:00

14:45

W9 251

2,5

11:30

15:25

W9 252

2,5

15:45

19:40

YJ = Asian Wings
FMI = FMI Air Charter

Subject to change
without notice
Day
1 = Monday
2 = Tuesday
3 = Wednesday
4 = Thursday
5 = Friday
6 = Saturday
7 = Sunday

the pulse 21

www.mmtimes.com

InternAtIonAl FlIGHt SCHeDUleS

YANGON TO BANGKOK

Flights

Days

Dep

Arr

PG 706
Daily
6:05
8M 335
Daily
7:40
TG 304
Daily
9:50
PG 702
Daily
10:30
TG 302
Daily
14:50
PG 708
Daily
15:20
8M 331
Daily
16:30
PG 704
Daily
18:35
Y5 237
Daily
19:00
TG 306
Daily
19:50
YANGON TO DON MUEANG
Flights
DD 4231
FD 252
FD 256
FD 254
FD 258
DD 4239
Flights

Days
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily

8:20
9:25
11:45
12:25
16:45
17:15
18:15
20:30
20:50
21:45

Dep
8:00
8:30
12:50
17:35
21:30
21:00

Arr
9:45
10:20
14:40
19:25
23:15
22:55

YANGON TO SINGAPORE
Days

Dep

Arr

BANGKOK TO YANGON

Flights

Days

Dep

Arr

TG 303
Daily
8:00
PG 701
Daily
8:45
Y5 238
Daily
21:30
8M 336
Daily
10:40
TG 301
Daily
13:05
PG 707
Daily
13:40
PG 703
Daily
17:00
TG 305
Daily
18:05
8M 332
Daily
19:15
PG 705
Daily
20:15
DON MUEANG TO YANGON
Flights
DD 4230
FD 251
FD 255
FD 253
FD 257
DD 4238
Flights

Days
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily

8:45
9:40
22:20
11:25
13:50
14:30
17:50
18:50
20:00
21:30

Dep
6:30
7:15
11:35
16:20
20:15
19:25

Arr
7:15
8:00
12:20
17:05
20:55
20:15

SINGAPORE TO YANGON
Days

Dep

Arr

8M 231
Daily
8:00
12:25
Y5 2233
Daily
9:45
14:15
TR 2823
Daily
9:45
2:35
SQ 997
Daily
10:25
15:10
3K 582
Daily
11:45
16:20
MI 533
2,4,6
13:35
20:50
8M 233
5,6,7
14:40
19:05
MI 519
Daily
16:40
21:15
3K 584
2,3,5
19:30 00:05+1
YANGON TO KUALA LUMPUR

TR 2822
Daily
7:20
Y5 2234
Daily
7:20
SQ 998
Daily
7:55
3K 581
Daily
9:10
MI 533
2,4,6
11:30
8M 232
Daily
13:25
MI 518
Daily
14:20
3K 583
2,3,5
17:20
8M 234
5,6,7
20:15
KUALA LUMPUR TO YANGON

8:45
8:50
9:20
10:40
12:45
14:50
15:45
18:50
21:40

8M 501
AK 505
MH 741
8M 9506
8M 9508
MH 743
AK 503

11:50
12:45
16:30
16:30
20:05
20:15
23:20

AK 504
8M 9505
MH 740
8M 502
8M 9507
MH 742
AK 502
AI 227

8:00
11:15
11:15
13:50
14:50
15:05
18:25
13:20

Arr
0550+1

Flights
CA 905

Arr

Flights

Flights

Days

1,2,3,5,6
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily

Dep

Arr

7:50
8:30
12:15
12:15
15:45
16:00
19:05

YANGON TO BEIJING

Flights
CA 906

Days
3,5,7

Dep
23:50

YANGON TO GUANGZHOU

Flights

8M 711
CZ 3056
CZ 3056
Flights

CI 7916
Flights

Days

Dep

Days

Dep

Flights

13:15
15:55
22:10

CZ 3055
CZ 3055
8M 712

Daily
10:50
YANGON TO KUNMING

Arr

16:10

Flights

CA 416
MU 2012
MU 2032
Flights

Dep

Arr

Daily
12:30
3
12:40
1,2,4,5,6,7 14:50
YANGON TO HANOI

15:55
18:50
18:15

Days

Dep

Arr

Days

Dep

Arr

Days

Dep

Dep

Arr

Days
3,5,7

Dep
19:30

Arr
22:50

GUANGZHOU TO YANGON

2,4,7
8:40
3,6
11:35
1,5
17:40
YANGON TO TAIPEI

Days

Days

Daily
6:55
Daily
10:05
Daily
10:05
1,2,3,5,6
12:50
Daily
13:40
Daily
13:55
Daily
17:20
1
10:35
BEIJING TO YANGON

Days

Dep

Days

Dep

Arr

3,6
8:35
1,5
14:40
2,4,7
14:15
TAIPEI TO YANGON

10:35
16:40
15:50

CI 7915
Daily
7:00
KUNMING TO YANGON

9:50

Flights

MU 2011
CA 415
MU 2031
Flights

Days

Arr

Dep

Arr

3
8:25
Daily
11:10
1,2,4,5,6,7 13:30
HANOI TO YANGON

11:50
11:30
14:00

Days

Dep

Arr

Days

Dep

Arr

Days

Dep

VN 956
1,3,5,6,7
19:10
21:25
YANGON TO HO CHI MINH CITY

VN 957
1,3,5,6,7
16:40
18:10
HO CHI MINH CITY TO YANGON

VN 942

Flights

Flights

AI 701
QR 919
Flights

Flights

2,4,7
14:25
YANGON TO DOHA

17:05

VN 943

1,5
14:05
1,4,6
7:55
YANGON TO SEOUL

Arr

19:50
11:40

Flights

AI 401
QR 918
Flights

Days

Dep

Arr

Days

Dep

Arr

2,4,7
11:45
DOHA TO YANGON

13:25

1,5
7:00
3,5,7
19:45
SEOUL TO YANGON

13:20
0459+1

Days

Dep

Days

Dep

0Z 770
4,7
0:50
8:50
KE 472
Daily
23:55 07:45+1
YANGON TO HONG KONG

KE 471
Daily
18:30
0Z 769
3,6
19:30
HONG KONG TO YANGON

KA 251

5:25

KA 252
KA 250

Arr

Flights

Flights

Daily

YANGON TO TOKYO

Flights

Days

NH 914

Daily

Flights

PG 724
W9 607
8M 7702

Dep

22:10

06:45+1

YANGON TO DHAKA
Days

BG 061
BG 061
Flights

1:10

2
5

Dep

11:45
19:45

YANGON TO INCHEON
Days

Dep

Arr

Days
2,4,6
1,5
4,7

YANGON TO GAYA

Flights

Days

8M 601
AI 236
AI 234

Days

AI 236

Dep

13:10

YANGON TO KOLKATA
Days

AI 234
AI 228
Flights

Dep

3,5,6
7:00
2
13:10
1,5
14:05
YANGON TO DELHI

Flights

Flights

Dep
6:15
11:00
14:30

Arr

Flights

1
5

Dep

14:05
18:45

YANGON TO MUMBAI

AI 775

Days

1,5

Dep

14:05

MANDALAY TO BANGKOK

Flights

PG 710

Days

Daily

Dep

14:15

MANDALAY TO SINGAPORE

Flights

MI 533
Y5 2233

Days

2,4,6
1,2,4,5,6

Dep

15:45
7:50

MANDALAY TO DON MUEANG

Flights

FD 245

Days

Daily

Dep

12:50

MANDALAY TO KUNMING

Flights

MU 2030

Days

Daily

Dep

13:50

NAY PYI TAW TO BANGKOK

Flights

PG 722

Days

1,2,3,4,5

Dep

19:45

Arr

Flights

16:30

AI 235

Arr

Flights

17:20
19:45

AI 227
AI 233

Arr

Flights

Arr

20:50
14:15
Arr

Daily
Days

2
5

Days

Days
2,4,6
1,5
4,7

11:45
Dep

8:30
16:30
Dep

Dep
9:25
13:45
17:20
Dep

2
9:10
3,5,6
9:20
5
15:00
DELHI TO YANGON
Days

Dep

7:00

KOLKATA TO YANGON
Days

1
5

Dep

10:35
13:30

MUMBAI TO YANGON

AI 675

Days

1,5

Dep

6:10

BANGKOK TO MANDALAY

Flights

PG 709

Days

Daily

Dep

12:05

SINGAPORE TO MANDALAY

Flights

Y5 2234
MI 533

Days

Daily
2,4,6

Dep

7:20
11:30

DON MUEANG TO MANDALAY

Flights

15:15

FD 244

Arr

Flights

Days

Daily

Dep

10:55

KUNMING TO MANDALAY

16:40

MU 2029

Arr

Flights

22:45

Dep

GAYA TO YANGON
Days

Days

Daily

Dep

12:55

BANGKOK TO NAY PYI TAW

PG 721

Days

1,2,3,4,5

Dep

17:15

Arr

00:15+1
23:45

INCHEON TO YANGON

Flights

Arr

Arr

22:30
23:40

DHAKA TO YANGON

Flights
Y5 252
7Y 306
W9 608

AI 235
8M 602
AI 233

16:40

Days

Tel: 255412, 413

Air Asia (FD)

Tel: 09254049991~3

Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)

Tel: 513322, 513422, 504888. Fax: 515102

Air China (CA)

Tel: 666112, 655882

Air India

Tel: 253597~98, 254758, 253601. Fax 248175

Bangkok Airways (PG)

Tel: 255122, 255265. Fax: 255119

Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG)

Tel: 371867~68. Fax: 371869

Condor (DE)

Tel: 370836~39 (ext: 303)

Dragonair (KA)

Tel: 255323 (ext: 107), 09-401539206

Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5)

Tel: 09400446999, 09400447999
Fax: 8604051

Malaysia Airlines (MH)

Tel: 387648, 241007 (ext: 120, 121, 122)

Fax: 241124

Myanmar Airways International (8M)

Tel: 255260. Fax: 255305

Nok Airline (DD)

Tel: 255050, 255021. Fax: 255051

Qatar Airways (QR)

Tel: 379845, 379843, 379831. Fax: 379730

Singapore Airlines (SQ) / Silk Air (MI)

Tel: 255287~9. Fax: 255290

Thai Airways (TG)

Tel: 255491~6. Fax: 255223

Tiger Airline (TR)

Tel: 371383, 370836~39 (ext: 303)

Vietnam Airlines (VN)

Tel: 255066, 255088, 255068. Fax: 255086

PG 723
1,3,5,6
11:00
W9 608
4,7
17:20
8M 7701
Daily
18:45
CHIANG MAI TO YANGON

8:20
14:10
15:05

19:35

22:20
21:50

All Nippon Airways (NH)

Arr

TOKYO TO YANGON

Flights

BG 060
BG 060

Arr
8:05
12:50
16:20

2,4,6
1,3,5,7

NH 913

13:00
21:00

1,3,5,6
12:50
14:45
4,7
14:30
16:20
Daily
23:55
07:50+1
YANGON TO CHIANG MAI

Flights
Y5 251
7Y 305
W9 607

Flights

Arr

International Airlines

Airline Codes
3K = Jet Star
8M = Myanmar Airways International

Arr

17:15
Arr

10:45
18:45

AK = Air Asia
BG = Biman Bangladesh Airlines
CA = Air China
CI = China Airlines

Arr

11:55
18:10
22:05
Arr
10:15
14:35
18:10
Arr

12:10
12:30
18:00

CZ = China Southern
DD = Nok Airline
FD = Air Asia
KA = Dragonair
KE = Korea Airlines
MH = Malaysia Airlines
MI = Silk Air
MU = China Eastern Airlines

Arr

12:10
Arr

13:20
18:00

NH = All Nippon Airways

PG = Bangkok Airways
QR = Qatar Airways
SQ = Singapore Airways

Arr

13:20
Arr

13:25
Arr

16:30
14:50
Arr

12:20
Arr

12:50
Arr

19:15

TG = Thai Airways
TR = Tiger Airline
VN = Vietnam Airline
AI = Air India
Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines

Subject to change
without notice
Day
1 = Monday
2 = Tuesday
3 = Wednesday

4
5
6
7

=
=
=
=

Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

22 Sport

THE MYANMAR TIMES May 5, 2015

gOLf

Number 1 McIlroy wins

WGC World Match Play

OrlD number one

rory McIlroy added
the WGC World
Match Play Championship to his four
majors with a 4&2 victory over Us
journeyman Gary Woodland in their
May 3 final.
Northern Irishman McIlroy, who
turned 26 yesterday, was playing in
his second WGC Match Play final,
having lost to Hunter Mahan in the
2012 championship contest.
McIlroy was a perfect 7-0 in the
first year of the events new format
featuring three rounds of pool play,
followed by knockout rounds.
But he had to rally for several of
those victories including a comeback from 2-down with two to play to
fend off elimination on May 1 and
late rallies in both the quarter- and
semi-finals.
Im really proud of myself with
how I showed a lot of character early
on with coming back from deficits,
said McIlroy, who became the first
number one seed to win the tournament since Tiger Woods in 2008.
I played really solid golf. My second WGC and first win in the states
this year. I couldnt be happier.
Danny Willett defeated Jim Furyk
3&2 to win the consolation match.
McIlroy took control early against
Woodland, notching four birdies in
a row from the fourth hole to take a
commanding lead.
Woodland took the 11th and
12th, but missed a four-footer at 13
that would have gotten him within
1-down.
My putt drops on 13 and its a different ball game, Woodland said.
But I missed that one. and he
was like a shark. smelled blood, and
it was game over quickly.
Woodland bogeyed the 14th to
slide 3-down. He conceded the match
on 16 after missing a birdie chip.
It was a markedly easier victory
than the grandstand finish McIlroy
needed to get past Furyk 1-up in the

Players
answer Call
of Duty in
Electronic
Sports World
Cup
Players greeted like rock stars, cheering fans and a spectacular set; the Zenith
concert hall in Paris was transformed
into a giant play room this weekend
for a global tournament devoted to the
blockbuster Call of Duty video game.
The eight best teams in the world
three of them american, three British and two French were disputing
the title of electronic sports World
Cup champion, one of the main competitions in the video game arena. The
title eventually going to americans
OpTic Gaming.
Playing on stage, a giant screen
above them, each team had to eliminate soldiers on the rival side in the
video game, which since its launch
by activision in 2003 has brought in
more than Us$10 billion, exceeding
box office receipts for smash film franchises such as Hunger Games.
The audience, mostly boys and
men, scrutinised each of the players
actions which were also analysed by
commentators, just like in a football
game.

Rory McIlroy poses with his trophy after his hard fought victory at the WGC Match Play Championship. Photo: AFP

semi-finals at Harding Park.

McIlroy was trailing by one hole
at the 16th after a roller-coaster of
a match when he hit his tee-shot to
within four feet for birdie at the parthree 17th.
He then drained a 44-foot eagle
putt at the last to stun the veteran
american.
Woodland also hit back to defeat
englands Willett 3&2 in a semi-final
no-one expected.
McIlroy, who claimed his second
tournament win of the year after the
Dubai Desert Classic in late January,
admitted after his semi-final win that
he could do without the late-match
dramatics.

I wish I didnt have to finish like

that all the time, he said.
McIlroy needed 22 holes, and a
next morning finish, to beat englands Paul Casey in the quarterfinals.
He finished off the match with a
birdie at the par-five first hole.
Minutes later, McIlroy again birdied the opening hole, but saw Furyk
hole from 15 feet for a half, before
a par on the third was enough for
McIlroy to take the lead in the semifinal.
That was shortlived as McIlroy
bogeyed the fourth, but the four-time
major winner reclaimed the lead
thanks to a birdie on the fifth and

looked like moving further ahead

when he chipped in from short of the
green on the seventh.
However, Furyk followed McIlroy
in from 20 feet there and also birdied the eighth, while a par was good
enough to move one up at the ninth
as McIlroy failed to get up and down
from a greenside bunker.
McIlroy won the 11th and 12th to
go back ahead, but he could not
hold on to his lead once again as
Furyk took the 13th and 15th to edge
into the lead.
The american had victory in his
sights only for McIlroy to snatch it
away from him with two outstanding
holes of golf. AFP

Rugby uNION

Politics blocking best England side

Carl Hayman has hit out at the political decisions that could end up
barring steffon armitage from england duty at this years World Cup.
Former all Blacks prop Hayman
led a Toulon side featuring loose forward armitage to an unprecedented
third successive european title as
they beat French rivals Clermont 2418 in a thrilling Twickenham final on
May 2.
armitage is the reigning european Player of the year and is also on
this seasons shortlist.
yet with england refusing to select overseas-based players, save in
exceptional circumstances, he appears destined to miss out on a home
World Cup.
New Zealand is the only major
rugby nation to still enforce a similarly strict selection policy, with australia having recently softened their
stance.
Missing out on Test duty because
of being based abroad is something
Hayman knows all about, having
effectively scuppered his chances
of playing in the 2011 World Cup in
New Zealand by joining Toulon from
english Premiership side Newcastle
a year earlier.

ELECTRONIC SPORT

Steffon Armitage runs away from the opposition in the May 2 final. Photo: AFP

and he believes england will be

missing a trick if armitage is omitted
from their World Cup squad.
I think steffon armitage definitely
deserves to go to the World Cup this
year with england, Hayman said.
He was european Player of the
year last year and hes made the
shortlist again this year.
Its not playing ability thats stopping him making the squad; its a political decision.

Hayman said rugby union chiefs

had to accept there would be greater
movement of players in the professional era and that it was wrong to
restrict club choices with the threat
of exclusion from Test matches.
The sooner that rugby gets to
grips with the fact its a professional
game and players move around the
better for everyone, said Hayman.
Players would then have more
choice to play where they want,

which they ought to have.

Players shouldnt be restricted
by not being able to move countries
because they wont get selected for
their national team.
Those kinds of decisions restrict
player movement, and I dont think
that should happen.
Players should be able to come
and go to whichever country they
like, and still be available for their
national team.
Meanwhile argentina flanker
Juan Martin Fernandez lobbe, who
plays alongside armitage at Toulon,
said, Ive had the chance to play beside him in the back-row and hes an
amazing player; workrate, the way
he trains, the way hes been working
his socks off to be the fittest guy ever.
and hes been amazing on the pitch.
Hes a world-class player and in
a World Cup you have to have worldclass players.
australias relaxation of their eligibility rules means overseas-based
players with 60 or more caps will
now be considered for Tests, meaning Toulon backs Matt Giteau and
Drew Mitchell could yet find themselves in the Wallabies squad at the
World Cup. AFP

Its impressive.
I play this
too with my
friends, but
it goes way
quicker here.
Louis
Spectator

Its impressive. I play this too with

my friends, but it goes way quicker
here, said louis, 18.
after a game, the players responded to questions from the presenter and
dissected their performances like in
any other sporting event.
This is not the first time that the
Zenith arena has hosted a video game
tournament.
last year, a league of legends
competition took place there, attracting some 5000 people.
Video game or electronic sports
tournaments the world over are gaining in popularity.
In 2013, a league of legends
american final that took place in the
staples Center, home to the los angeles lakers basketball team, drew
18,000 people who had snapped up
tickets in just a few hours.
This phenomenon stems from the
popularity of the games played in such
tournaments but also from the increasingly wide spectrum of players of
all ages and of both sexes.
Video-sharing websites have also
helped promote video game competitions by broadcasting the tournaments live, helping reach a higher
number of people.
as a result, the most-followed competitions can attract more than 30 million viewers.
The craze is such that Twitch, a specialised platform that streams games
and hosts gaming events, was bought
last year by amazon for $970 million.
AFP

Sport 23

www.mmtimes.com
fOOTbAll

Five of the Best ...

Five players who have played key roles
for manager Jose Mourinho in the London
clubs fifth English title triumph
THIBAUT COURTOIS
(BeL; goalkeeper)

IN PICTUREs

Photo: AFP

Players of Germany gather ahead of the Group A preliminary

round ice hockey match against Canada as part of the IIHF
International Ice Hockey World Championship on May 3 at
the O2 Arena in Prague. Canada trashed Germany 10-0 to go
top of Group A with a perfect record.

MOUNTAINEERING

Climbing firms call

off Everest season
Mountaineering companies on
May 3 called off their spring expeditions to Mount everest, marking
the second year with virtually no
summits after a quake-triggered
avalanche killed 18 on the worlds
highest peak.
the 7.8-magnitude quake left a
trail of death and destruction when
it erupted around midday on april
25, bringing down buildings in the
capital Kathmandu and triggering
an avalanche that ripped through
everest base camp.
top climbing firms said they had
cancelled their plans even though
the avalanche spared their teams,
due to fear of aftershocks and destruction of the route to the summit.
With
ongoing
aftershocks
and tremors we cant continue

expeditions, two-time everest summiteer Dawa Steven Sherpa of Kathmandu-based asian trekkers told
aFP.
and there is nothing in place for
climbers anyway ... no ropes or ladders so there is no point in continuing this season, he added.
uS-based international Mountain guides and nepalese outfit Seven Summits expressed similar concerns, while market leader Himex
also cancelled their expedition.
all our members ... are climbing
down now. no more going up now,
not until routes are clear and not until everything is in place for climbers, said Himexs tamding Sherpa.
the decisions come less than a
week after the nepalese tourism
department chief advised climbers

against abandoning their expeditions, saying repairs were under way

while playing down concerns of further quakes and aftershocks.
the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, the agency authorised to set the route that climbers
take up Mount everest, has yet to
take a decision on whether it will
pull the plug on climbing.
Some 800 climbers were on
the mountain when the avalanche
roared through base camp, sparked
by a massive earthquake that left
more than 7000 people dead.
the disaster was the worst to hit
everest and came just one year after
another avalanche killed 16 nepalese guides, sparking an unprecedented shutdown of the 8848-metre
(29,029-foot) high mountain. AFP

ATHlETICs

Bolt ignores dopings ugly head as US triumphs

it was fitting that the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao boxing
fight of the century was just about
to start when rarely defeated usain
Bolt sat down next to a victorious
uS 4x100m relay team that featured
three doping cheats.
the icy relationship between sixtime olympic champion Bolt and
arch-rivals Justin gatlin and tyson
gay was palpable. the Jamaican was
barely able to remain for a group
photo after the americans won the
relay in the Bahamas capital in 37.38
seconds.
Bolt said before the iaaF World
relays in nassau kicked off that
gay should not even be running,
although he accepted gatlins participation because he saw out his
suspension.
gatlin, the 2004 olympic 100m
champion, served a four-year doping
ban, while gay had a two-year ban
controversially cut in half for cooperation. a third member of the winning uS team, Mike rodgers, also

served a nine-month ban for drugs.

i never worry about that. its
part of the sport, Bolt said of racing
against convicted drugs cheats after
the 4x100m relay.
i cant sit around and say its
wrong and whatever.
ive been running against a couple of these guys for years now, so
now its all about me getting into
shape and getting it done.
Bolt says he has no problem with
gatlin, but gay is a different matter.
im relishing the moment gatlin said of Bolt coming back after
last years injury-blighted season.
gay added, For my situation, ive
never deceived any kid in the world
nor america that they cant do anything they want to if they put hard
work in.
My situation was understood by
three organisations and they understood it was a mistake. i went down
the wrong path believing some
supplements were clean and they
werent.

id like to apologise to any kid who

feels they were deceived or think they
could do whatever they want.
gay added, the past is the past,
ive asked for forgiveness for a mistake. But right now im moving forward and double checking everything and go from there.
Bolt, who remained unmoved
during gays words, had a chance for
revenge in the May 3 4x200m relay,
with everyones eyes ultimately on
the World athletics Championships
in Beijing in august.
the uS came out well prepared.
they matched their national record, the Jamaican said. it makes
it more exciting going into the world
championships.
im not totally surprised. Were
not in the best shape as a team, and
personally i know im not in the
best form that i can be. i have three
months to work on that.
But i came here to run so thats
the best ... i take every loss as a
learning curve. AFP

Courtois was not guaranteed a

starting berth when he belatedly
arrived at Stamford Bridge last
year following a three-season
loan spell at atletico Madrid, but
he immediately supplanted Petr
Photo: Chelsea FC/Facebook
Cech in the starting Xi and has
not looked back. the 22-yearold Belgium internationals performances have confirmed his status as
one of the worlds leading goalkeepers, with Mourinho describing him as
phenomenal after he produced a succession of vital stops during Chelseas
1-1 draw at Paris Saint-germain in the Champions League.
JOHN TERRY
(eng; centre-back)
two-and-a-half years on from his
international retirement, terry
remains the outstanding centreback in the Premier League and
with Cech losing his place and
both Frank Lampard and ashley
Cole having left the club, he
is now the only survivor from
Photo: Chelsea FC/Facebook
Mourinhos first stint at Chelsea
who still commands a first-team
place. terry, 34, is one of only five outfield players in the Premier League
including team-mate Branislav ivanovic who have appeared in every
minute of their teams matches this season and he has helped Chelsea
register a league-high 17 clean sheets.
CESC FABREGAS
(eSP; central midfielder)
the sight of Fabregas in a blue shirt
was one of the great novelties of the
seasons early weeks particularly
for fans of his former club arsenal
but since creating a goal for andre
Schuerrle with a gloriously deft
pass in a 3-1 win at Burnley on the
opening weekend, he has looked
perfectly at home. afforded licence
Photo: Chelsea FC/Facebook
to roam and time to pick his passes
by muscular midfield colleague
nemanja Matic, the Spain international has amassed 17 assists a figure better
only by Barcelona great Lionel Messi (18) and Wolfsburgs Chelsea old boy
Kevin De Bruyne (19) in europes five major leagues.
EDEN HAZARD
(BeL; winger)
With 14 goals and eight assists,
Hazard has emerged this season
as the leagues most influential
attacking player and was elected
Player of the Year by his peers in the
Professional Footballers association
awards. the 24-year-old Belgian
forward has added positional
discipline to his game and become
even more effective in the final
Photo: AFP
third of the pitch, culminating in a
string of man-of-the-match displays
and important goals against Queens Park rangers, Southampton, West Ham
united and Manchester united, plus the title-sealing win over Crystal Palace.
DIEGO COSTA
(eSP; striker)
Mourinho complained long and
loud about Chelseas lack of proven
goal-scorers last season, and with the
arrival of snarling Brazil-born Spain
international Costa from atletico, his
prayers were answered. Costas debut
campaign in england has been far
from plain sailing, with a succession
of hamstring problems and a threegame ban for stamping on Liverpools
Martin Skrtel in the League Cup semifinals, as well as accusations of diving
and antagonistic behaviour. But his
19 league goals seven of which were
scored in his first four games pay
testament to his impact. AFP

Photo: Chelsea FC/Facebook

Sport
24 THE MYANMAR TIMES May 5, 2015

SPORT EDITOR: Matt Roebuck | matt.d.roebuck@gmail.com

McIlroy works hard to win

World Match Play Final
SPORT 22

FOOTball

Chelsea
storm
Palace to
end hurt
C

helsea captain John Terry said his side had ended

five years of hurt after they
secured the Premier league
title with a 1-0 win over
Crystal Palace on May 3.
This is what I live for. Its been five
years since weve won it, Terry told
sky sports in an on-pitch interview at
a jubilant stamford Bridge.
The first one [in 2005] was special
and when you go four or five years
without it, it hurts. so Ill really enjoy
it today.
Chelsea prevailed when eden hazard, after seeing his penalty saved by
Palace goalkeeper Julian speroni, followed up to head in on the stroke of
half-time.
Victory enabled Jose Mourinhos
side to establish an unassailable
13-point lead at the top of the table
and claim a first english crown since
2010.
Its an unbelievable feeling, added
Terry, who has led Chelsea to four of

their five english league titles.

Weve worked so hard, so to get
over the line is great. It was a bit nervous. They [Palace] are a good side and
made it difficult.
Thankfully, eden got the goal and
we won the game.
hazard, recently voted Player of
the Year by englands Professional
Footballers association, said, We deserve to be champions, and everyone
at Chelsea is happy today.
The manager [Mourinho] gives
me a lot of feelings and I can play my
best football on the pitch, which is the
most important thing.
I know the team need me and a
player like me. I am here to score, and
this season all the players did well.
Veteran Chelsea striker Didier
Drogba, like Mourinho in his second
spell at stamford Bridge, said, This
one is sweet. Chelsea will always be
my number one club.
Its my third time to win it in front
of the fans and its amazing. AFP

Chelsea celebrates their Premier League title win at Stamford Bridge. Photo: AFP

FOOTball

Golden Girls dominate the Philippines

MaTT ROebuCk
matt.d.roebuck@gmail.com

Khin Moe Wai holds off the challenge of Philippines defenders. Photo: AFF
website

a haT-TrICk from Naw arlo Wer

Phaw put Myanmar in control of
their own destiny yesterday as the
team completed a confident 4-1
comeback victory over the Philippines in Group B of the aseaN Football Federation Championship at the
Thong Nhat stadium in ho Chi Minh
City, Vietnam.
Despite dominating nearly the
whole game, with the stats suggesting the ladies from the Golden
land launched 10 times the attacks
that their Filipina counterparts produced, at half-time the score was 0-1
in favour of the Philippines.
That lead came courtesy of a
Joana houplin spot-kick in the 21st
minute, when the lone striker completed her third goal of the tournament from a penalty that she won
herself, brought down by Wai Wai
aung.
Myanmar dominated the remainder

of the half, piling on attack after attack, twice hitting the crossbar but
ultimately failing to successfully find
their way through a well-organised
Phillipines defence.
ramping up their efforts in the
second half saw immediate results as
Naw arlo Wer Phaw ran around her
markers and shot beyond the reach
of Philippine keeper Inna Palacios.
In the 53rd minute Myanmar took
the lead when a khin Than Wai cross
found Naw arlo Wer Phaw on the
left hand side of the box. The striker
then stood up well, overpowered her
marker and slotted the ball past the
Philippine keeper with ease.
Next it was Naw arlo Wer Phaws
turn to provide as her cross found
khin Moe Wai to finish her second of
the competition.
Now firmly on the ascendency,
Naw arlo Wer Phaw completed her
hat-trick from a pin-point cross from
a khin Marlar Tun counter-attack
that she placed casually past the
keeper with a side-foot volley.

Ultimately the game was a successful venture for a Myanmar side

that took the attack to their lowerranked opposition and eventually
made most of increasingly poor
marking of their dangerous goal
threat Naw arlo Wer Phaw.
Now Myanmar only has to beat
the even-lower-ranked Malaysia on
May 6 to guarantee their place in the
semi-final of the competition.
Their main worry will be that although the Philippines were allowed
few dangerous attacks, the statistics
suggest that many of those attacks
ended in a shot, suggesting a weakness for the Myanmar side in their
defensive third.
such a weakness would far more
likely to be exploited by Group a
sides; australia U20, who are now
qualified from the group after two
successive victories; or Thailand,
who after a 10-1 thrashing of Indonesia on May 5 need only a draw
against laos to secure their advancement from the group stages.