Policy Vision of

the Committee Representing

Peoples' Parliament (CRPP)
On the Reconstruction
of Burma

NATIONAL COALITION GOVERNMENT OF THE

UNION OF BURMA

MAY 2007
 1

Policy Vision of
the Committee
Representing
Peoples' Parliament
(CRPP)
On the
Reconstruction of
Burma

NATIONAL COALITION GOVERNMENT OF THE

UNION OF BURMA

MAY 2007
 2

Published by:
NATIONAL COALITION GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNION OF BURMA (NCGUB)
77 South Washington Street, Suite 308
Rockville, Maryland 20850
U.S.A.

Tel: 301 424 4810

Fax: 301-424-4812
Email: ncgub@ncgub.net
http://www.ncgub.net

The National Coalition Government of the

Union of Burma (NCGUB) is the government in
exile formed by elected representatives of the
1990 general elections in Burma.

ISBN 978 – 974 – 8349 – 10 - 7

Printed in Bangkok, Thailand
May 2007
 3

╬ WHAT IS CRPP?
The Committee Representing the People’s
Parliament is a 10-member committee representing the
parliament elected in Burma on 27 May 1990. On 1
September, it was announced that the CRPP was to be
formed, and it was formally established at its first
meeting on 16 September 1998. The CRPP was
established due to the junta’s refusal to comply with
election results, its refusal to allow parliament to
convene for 9 years, and for failing to comply with a
demand which requires state authorities to convene
parliament. Nine CRPP members are from the NLD,
AND THE TENTH REPRESENTS FOUR ETHNIC
NATIONAL PARTIES. These parties are the Arakan
League for Democracy, the Mon National Democracy
Front, the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy
and the Zomi National Congress. The parties
represented by the CRPP hold 433 (or 89%) out of the
total 485 parliamentary seats.

The CRPP will continue its activities only until

a Parliament is convened in accordance with the 1990
Multi-party Pyithu Hluttaw (People’s Parliament)
Election Law. The CRPP undertakes to act on behalf
of Parliament in order to carry out the duties to
represent their constituencies. Of course, the junta has
not taken kindly to the CRPP, and has thus taken
action to suppress its activities.

The CRPP’s establishment is significant for

several reasons. The fact that there is a need for the
 4

CRPP shows that the current military regime is not

meeting the needs of the Burmese people. In a
situation in which Parliament has not been allowed to
convene, the CRPP provides people who have been
under military rule for almost 40 years with a concrete
alternative to the dictatorial ways of the junta.

The junta has also reacted strongly against the

CRPP, which has a significance of its own. It indicates
that the junta sees the CRPP as a serious threat to its
power and influence, as the existence of the CRPP is a
constant reminder of the junta’s illegitimacy. The fact
that the junta has not been able to denounce the CRPP
as an illegal organization, but has instead called for its
dissolution as a condition for dialogue, also proves the
CRPP’s legitimacy, even in the eyes of the junta.

╬ HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Parliament of Burma should have been

convened shortly after the multi-party elections were
held on 27 May 1990. The military regime, however,
reneged on its promise to transfer power when it was
forced to face the fact that the vast majority of the
population supported parties not aligned with it. While
NLD representatives were elected to 392, or 81% of
the seats in Parliament, the military-backed National
Unity Party (NUP) was able to claim only 10 seats,
equivalent to 2%.
 5

Instead of taking steps to transfer power, the

junta found an excuse to deny the process by forming
a National Convention to draft a new constitution. In
statement 1/90 issued 27 July 1990, the position of the
SPDC is explained. First, it says that, “it is hardly
necessary to clarify the fact that a political party
cannot automatically obtain the three aspects of State
power – legislative power, executive power and
judicial power – just because a Pyithu Hluttaw has
come into being.”

The fact that a Parliament came into being is

certainly not enough to give one political party control
of the three aspects of State power. When, however,
one party occupies 81% of Parliament after a multi-
party election, it is safe to assume that the party will
be able to exercise its mandate. As it was the NLD and
not the NUP which possessed the 81% duties of the
elected representatives were suddenly redefined. They
were not to be participants in a democratic system of
governance, but “the representative elected by the
people are those who have the responsibility to draw
up the constitution of the future democratic State.”

The statement explains that the State Law and

Order Restoration Council is a military government
exercising martial law and is thus the only power with
the right to exercise the executive, legislative and
judicial aspects of government. Not only did this
statement show the military’s determination to retain
control, it was immediately clear that an independent
judiciary would not be a reality in a near future.
 6

The junta did state that its control of

government by martial law would continue only until
a new government was formed in accordance with a
new constitution. Upon examining the draft
constitution, however, it is evident that the new
government will also be controlled by the military, as
¼ of all seats are reserved for military personnel who
are recommended by the Chief of Staff of the Defense
Forces.

Why the important of a new constitution

before a power transfer occurred to the junta only after
the multi-party election results is clear. It had not
expected such a resounding defeat, and using the
constitution as an excuse was a way to legitimize its
power and postpone demands for it to relinquish
control. The demands continued unabated, however,
as two days after the SLORC statement was issued,
the NLD released its “Gandhi Hall Declaration,” a
demand for parliament to be convened by September
1990.

In addition to failing to honor the election

results and refusing to meet the demands of the
Gandhi Hall Declaration, the junta stepped up
harassment of pro-democracy groups. The repressive
measures taken by the military regime against the
NLD has made it extremely difficult for
representatives to fully, much less freely, participate in
the functions of the party. Not only were political
party activities difficult, fulfilling their responsibilities
as MPs was impossible. It therefore became necessary
 7

for the MPs to find alternative means to carry out their

duties. The CRPP became such means.

At the NLD Party Congress n 27 May 1998, it

was decided once more to call upon the junta to
convene parliament. Other ethnic nationality parties
and MPs also submitted similar demands to support
the NLD’s demand. On 23 July 1998, the NLD
communicated to the State Authorities that their
demand be met by 21 August. This date passed
unheeded by the junta, so the next step was to
establish the CRPP on 16 September 1998.

In the 20 months since theCRPP was formed,

increasing recognition from the international
community and democratic opposition inside and
outside Burma has strengthened support for its
mandate.

╬ Reference : Burma’s Struggles to Convene the

People’s Parliament (Page 3 – 5)
- Published by – ALTSEAN-BURMA
 8

Members of Committee Representing People's Parliament

(Clockwise) First row: U Lwin, U Aye Tha Aung, U Aung Shwe, U Than
Tun, U Tin Oo
Second row: U Hla Pe, U Soe Myint, U Lun Tin, U Nyunt Wei, Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi

Chairperson of CRPP
U Aung Shwe
Constituency: Mayangone I, Rangoon Division.
Chairperson of the NLD
U Aung Shwe graduated in Arts from Rangoon University in
1940. He served in the BIA, BDA and PBF from 1942 to 1945.
In 1961 he was forced to retire from the Army while serving as
the Commander of the Southern Military Command due to
accusations that he was partial towards elections. He was
appointed as the ambassador to Australia, Egypt, France, Spain
and New Zealand from 1961 to 1975. During the 1990 election,
he was the Chairperson of the POOL before the SLORC banned
the party. While Daw Aung San Sliu K.yi and U Tin Oo were
placed under house arrest he became the Chairperson of the
NLD. He was among the NLD representatives who boycotted the
National Convention on 28 December 1995.
Secretaries of CRPP
 9

U Than Tun
Constituency: Taungtha 2, Mandalay Division
Year of birth: 1921
NLD Central Executive Committee member
U Than Tun was a member of the Myingyan Student Union
during 1937 to 1941.
From 1942 to 1946 he worked for the BIA. He was also the
Secretary of Myingyan District AFPFL from 1946 to 1953. He
was elected to the Constituent Assembly in 1947 and later
became a Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary.
From 1953 to 1962, he was Secretary of the Trade Union
Confederation of Burma. In 1964, he became a member ofBSPP.
U Than Tun was among the NLD representatives who boycotted
the National Convention in December 1995.

U Aye Thar Aung

U Aye Thar Aung represents the Shan National League for
Democracy, Arakan League for Democracy, Mon National
Democracy Front, and Zomi National Congress. He was born in
Myaebon Township, Arakan State. He served as a Sergeant-
Major and worked in Ka-Pa-Sa, the Heavy (Military) Industry
Corporation. He was dismissed and imprisoned in Mandalay jail
due to his underground political activities and released under
amnesty in 1974. He is a member of Central Executive
Committee of ALD. He is also a member of the ALD and UNLD
Secretariats.

Members of CRPP
U Tin Oo (a) General Tin Oo (Retd.)
Deputy Chairperson, National League for Democracy
U Tin Oo was born in 1927 in Bassein, Irrawaddy Division. He
was a general and the Defense Minister from 1974 to 1976. He
was highly respected by the soldiers and the people, but was
dismissed and imprisoned due to an accusation that he was
involved in a coup attempt. He was released under amnesty in
1980 after which he studied and received a law degree. On 2
September 1988, he became the Vice-Chairperson of the NLD
and on 20 December, the Chairperson of NLD. From 20 July
 10

1989 he was put under house arrest and from 22 December 1989,
he was imprisoned for three years.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

General Secretary, National League for Democracy
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was born in Rangoon. She was two
when her father, considered the father of Burmese independence,
was assassinated. She moved to India when her mother was
appointed to be the Ambassador, and later continued her studies
in the United Kingdom. After living abroad for many years, she
returned to Burma in 1988 and became the figurehead of the
Burmese democracy movement. She was one the co-founders of
the NLD and became Secretary-General. She was placed under
house arrest from 19 July '89 to 10 July '95. She has been
awarded numerous prestigious prizes including Nobel Peace
Price in 1991.

U Lwin (a) Colonel Maung Lwin (Retd.)

Treasurer, National League for Democracy
Constituency: Thongwa I, Rangoon Division
U Lwin was the former Deputy Prime Minister and a member of
the BSPP State Council. He served in the BIA, BDA and PBF
from 1942 to 1945. He completed military officers' training at the
Japanese Royal Military Academy and he studied at the British
Royal Military Academy from 1952 to 1954. He also served as
the Military Attache to the USA.

U Hla Pe
Central Executive Committee, National League for
Democracy
Constituency: Moulmeingyun I, Irrawaddy Division
U Hia Pe is a member of the Central Executive Committee of the
NLD and is in charge of Irrawaddy Division. During the
Parliamentary Democracy period, he was an elected
Representative from Mawlamyine Gyunn Township from 1951 to
1961. He was the Secretary of the Township and Divisional
AFPFL. In 1967, he worked as an officer at the Ministry of
Transportation and Communications and retired in 1986.
 11

U Soe Myint (a) Thakhin Soe Myint

Central Executive Committee, National League for
Democracy
Constituency: South Okkalapa Township I, Rangoon
Division
U Soe Myint is a member of the NLD Central Executive
Committee. He was one of the founders of the People's
Revolutionary Party (PRP), which was one of the active
organizations before Independence. He was the Secretary of
Myaungmya Township Dobama Asiayone (We Burma
Association) which was also a pro-independence, anti-Japanese
organization. He was the Regiment Commander of BDA and the
Chairperson of Myaungmya District Socialist Party.

U Lun Tin (a) Colonel Lun Tin (Retrd.)

Central Executive Committee, National League for
Democracy
Constituency: Moulmein Township I, Mon State
U Lun Tin is a POOL Central Executive Committee member. On
9 October 96, he became a member of the NLD Central
Executive Committee and was in charge of Mon State. He served
in the BIA, BDA and PBF from 1953 to 1956. He was
Regimental Commander of Brigade 7 and the Northwest Military
Command. He was dismissed and imprisoned from 1965 to 1967
because of his involvement in the Monks' Strike. He served as
Director-General of the Ministry of Industry I from 1978 to 1983.

U Nyunt Wei
Central Executive Committee, National League for
Democracy
Constituency: Taungoo Township, Pegu Division
U Nyunt Wei graduated from Rangoon Institute of Economics
and got a Master of Arts in Administration from Harvard
University. Between 1952 and 1986, he worked as the chief
manager at the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture, and
as a Supervisor at the Insurance Corporation. On 26 March 1991
following the arrests of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo,
he was appointed treasurer of the Central Executive Committee
 12

of the NLD. U Nyunt Wei was part of the NLD boycott of the
National Convention in December 1995.

Acronyms:

AFPFL = Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League

ALD = Arakan League for Democracy
BIA = Burma Independence Army
BDA = Burma Defense Army
BSPP = Burma Socialist Program Party
PBF = Patriotic Burmese Force
POCL = Patriotic Old Comrades League
SNLD = Shan National League for Democracy
LTNLD = United Nationalities League for Democracy
ZNC = Zomi National Congress
 13

CRPP Members
Name Post Mother Party Constituen Accepted Date
and Position cy (As Member)
1 U Aung Chairman NLD, MP of 16 September
Shwe Chairperson Mayangone- 1998
1, Rangoon
Division
2 U Than Secretary NLD, CEC MP of 16 September
Tun Taungtha-2, 1998
Mandalay
Division
3 U Aye Secretary ALD, Joint Not MP 16 September
Thar Aung Secretary 1998
4 U Tin Oo Member NLD, Deputy Not MP 16 September
Chairperson 1998
Under House
Arrest
5 Daw Aung Member NLD, General Not MP 16 September
San Suu Secretary 1998
Kyi Under House
Arrest
6 U Lwin Member NLD, Treasurer MP of 16 September
Thongwa, 1998
Rangoon
Division
7 U Hla Pe Member NLD, CEC MP of 16 September
Mawlamyine 1998
gyun –1,
Irrawaddy
Division
8 Thakhin Member NLD, CEC MP of South 16 September
Soe Myint Okkalapa, 1998
Rangoon
Division
9 U Lun Tin Member NLD, CEC MP of 16 September
Moulmein-1, 1998
Mon State
10 U Nyunt Member NLD, CEC MP of 16 September
Wai Taungoo-2, 1998
Pegu
Division
11 U Nai Tun Member MNDF, MP of 23 October
Thein Chairman Thanbyuzay 2002
at-1, Mon
State
 14

12 U Fu Cin Member ZNC, MP of 23 October

Shing Chairman Tiddim-2, 2002
Thang Chin State
13 U Khun Member SNLD, MP of 23 October
Tun Oo Chairman Hsipaw-1, 2002
Shan State
14 U Hla Member POCL MP of Kya-in 4 December
Maung Seikkyi-1, 2002
Karen State Deceased
27.11.2003
15 U Soe Win Member PND MP of Pegu- 4 December
1, Pegu 2002
Division
16 U Thein Pe Member Independent MP of 8 December
Kantbalu-1, 2002
Sagaing
Division
17 U Kyaw Member NDPHR MP of 8 December
Min Buthidaung- 2002
1, Arakan
State
18 U Htaung Member UNLD MP of Tamu, 27 January
Kho Htan Sagaing 2003
Division
19 U Yankyin member SSKDP, MP of 13 August
Maw chairman Kunlong, 2004
Shan State
20 Dr. U Saw People's ALD, MP of 16 September
Mra Aung Parliament Chairperson Mrauk-U -2, 1998
President Arakan
State

Acronyms:
ALD = Arakan League for Democracy
CEC = Central Executive Committee
MNDF = Mon National Democratic Front
MP = Member of Parliament
NDPHR = National Democratic Party for Human Rights
NLD = National League for Democracy
PND = Party for National Democracy
POCL = Patriotic Old Comrades League
SNLD = Shan Nationalities League for Democracy
SSKDP = Shan State Kokang Democratic Party
UNLD = United Nationalities League for Democracy
ZNC = Zomi National Congress
 15

Chapter 1
Report of the Committee for Parliamentary
Affairs
Proposal submitted to the committee
Representing People's Parliament (CRPP) by the
Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
Although the National League for Democracy
(NLD) won the Multiparty Democratic Elections
Organized and held by the State Law and Order in
1990 with 82 (eighty two) percent of the seats
contested the government which organized the
elections have failed to convene the Parliament for
more than 9 years after the elections.
In a true democracy sovereign power is vested
in the people and as such a Parliament must be formed
with the Representatives elected by the people in free
and fair multiparty elections with the bounden duty to
undertake the welfare of the country and its people.
The NLD has also repeatedly exhorted the
government concerned to convene Parliament in the
interest of the country and the people. However the
SLORC/ SPDC government merely changed its name
and instead of convening Parliament has resorted to
various means to destroy the victorious NLD and the
party's elected Representatives.
NLD attended the National Convention and
discussed measures to frame a basic constitution based
on genuine democratic principles but the Organizers
of the National convention used then handpick
delegates who were in the majority to adopt basic
 16

principles which are diametrically opposite to

democracy.
NLD standing on its basic policy to be on the
side of the people all the time nevertheless co-
operated in certain matters with an open mind for the
sake of democracy.
In a genuine multiparty democratic system
conditions must be created for the formation of
political parties and freedom to organize and rally.
However, according to conditions prevailing currently,
existing legally constitute parties have been destroyed,
their right to exist nullified and such acts are
tantamount to systematic destruction of multiparty
democratic system.
Prior notice was given to SPDC on August 21,
1998 to convene Parliament but the government did
not comply but instead arrested elected
Representatives and members of NLD's HQ.
NLD, duty bound in accordance with the
authority entrusted by the elected Representative
formed the Committee for People's Representatives
(CRPP) for the establishment of the people's
Parliament in accordance with the law.
At this point in time, the country and the
people as a whole are facing the worst crises
politically, economically, socially and in international
relations.
NLD can no longer turn a blind eye to the
conditions affecting the interests of the country and
the people. As the victorious party elected by the
people and as one entrusted with the mandate of the
elected Representatives, CRPP in order to protect and
 17

defend democracy and undertake the responsibility

given by the people will have to convene the people's
Parliament.
CRPP, having the mandate of the elected
Representatives, has to invite the attendance of elected
Representatives to the first session of People's
Parliament at the appropriate time.
It is proposed that the aforesaid session of the
People's Parliament should conduct its proceedings
according to the Parliamentary Affairs Act (Draft)
attached haircloth.

People's Parliament Affairs Act (Draft)

Preamble
Under Section (3) of the People's Parliament
Elections Law (Law No---14/89) enactment for the
(functioning) of Parliament must be made and
accordingly the first session of the Multiparty
Democracy People's Parliament has enacted the
following Act.

Chapter (1)
Designation and Definition
1. This Act shall be named as the "Multiparty
Democracy People's Parliament Affairs Act".
2. The following words and phrases included in this
Act shall have the meanings given below.
(a) " Parliament" denotes "people's Parliament ".
(b) "Representative of Parliament" means a person
who has been elected to Parliament.
 18

Note: Such Representatives of Parliament must not

include persons who have infringed the provisions of
the Immigration Act.
(c) "Parliament Units" means Permanent Committees
and Committees and Commissions formed by
Parliament for a specified period as situations warrant.

Chapter (2)
3. The Parliament is formed with People's
Representatives elected under People's Parliament
Election Law.
4. The Parliamentary Session is declared a success
with the attendance of elected Representatives at the
first multiparty democracy session held under special
circumstances.
5. The Parliament's term lasts from the date the first
session is held to the date the first session of the next
elected Parliament.

Chapter (3)
Parliamentary Meeting
6. (a) On the first day of the first session of Parliament
a Representative shall be elected as temporary
chairman.
(b) The temporary chairman shall take the oath of
office before the entire assembly.
7. The temporary chairman shall supervise
Parliamentary meetings until such time as a speaker
and Deputy Speaker are duly elected.
8. The duties and authority of the Speaker are
(a) To supervise the Parliamentary meeting.
 19

(b) To supervise the selection and elections of

Committee members.
(c) To guide and direct parliamentary meetings so that
they conform to the provisions of this Act.
(d) When matters requiring decisions to settle issues
arise during Parliamentary meetings decisions shall be
made after due consultations.
(e) When points raised and discussed by
Representatives infringe and contradict any law, rules
and for regulations the speaker shall bring this up
before Parliament in order to take appropriate action.
(f) The Speaker must protect and maintain the rights
and privileges of the Parliament.
(g) The Speaker is the supreme authority and
controller of the Parliament.
9. When the speaker is not present, the Deputy shall
preside over the Parliamentary session.
10. The duties and authority of the speaker and the
Deputy Speaker shall be defined by rules and
regulations.
11. The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker shall remain
in office until the subsequent Parliament holds its
session and elects the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Chapter (4)
Parliamentary Representatives
12. (a) The Representatives shall take their oath of
office before the temporary Chairman.
(b) Representatives who have not yet taken their oath
of office shall do so in front of the Speaker on the day
they attend Parliament.
13. The duties of the Representatives are as under:
 20

(a) To frame a basic constitution embracing multiparty

democratic principles and take responsibility for its
adoption.
(b) To present the views of the electorate who elected
him/her before the Parliament.
(c) To explain to the constituents who elected him/her
the laws, regulations, decisions made and personal
accomplishments in Parliament.
(d) The right freely to debate, oppose and amend bills,
motions and proposals presented before Parliament.
(e) In discussing the bills, draft regulations, motions
and proposal to be mindful of and give weight to the
interest of the entire nation.
(f) To make strenuous efforts for all citizens to enjoy
in full democratic and human rights, individual rights,
personal freedom.
(g) Regular attendance of Parliament sessions.
(h) To perform other tasks entrusted by Parliament.
14. The following are the rights of Representatives.
(a) To submit basic constitution and bills.
(b) To submit motions with permission from the
Speaker.
(c) When Parliament is in recess, Representatives can
make enquiries by letter.
(d) To cast votes when issues before Parliament
require to be decided by votes.
(e) The right to ask to resign for any committee of
Parliament or from membership of Parliament.
15. The privileges and rights of Parliamentary
Representatives are as below.
(a) Immunity from pro cutis for any discussion or
actions at meetings of Parliament or any committee
 21

thereof under any law except under the Multiparty

Democracy People's Parliamentary Affairs Act and its
rules, procedure, regulations.
(b) Parliament shall determine the privileges and
rights of the Representatives as deemed fit when the
occasion arises.
16. Representatives must abide and practice the under
need code of conduct.
(a) Representatives must not take the oath of
allegiance of any country except that of the Union of
Burma.
(b) Representatives must abide by and maintain the
basic constitution, this Act, existing laws and
enactments.
(c) Representatives must be implacable in their
behavior befitting their status.
(d) Representatives must not misuse the responsibility
entrusted by the people who elected them and must
refrain from being self reeking, accepting brides and
intimichalion.
17. Membership in Parliament will be terminated for
infringement of any one of the following;
(a) For carrying out anti multiparty Parliamentary
Democracy propaganda organizing and such activities.
(b) Loss of Representation under the laws.
(c) Resignation in accordance with this Act.
(d) Death.
 22

Chapter (5)
Parliamentary Committees
18. Parliament shall set up the following permanent
committees by electing Representatives for the
purpose.
(a) National Planning and Finance Committee.
(b) National Security and Defense Committee.
(c) International Relations Committee.
(d) Human Rights Committee.
(e) Public Accounts Committee.
(f) Scrutiny Committee for guarantees, promises and
undertakings given by Administration.
(g) Development Schemes for States/Divisions
Committee.
(h) National cultural Affairs Committee.
19. Parliament shall establish the following
committees and commissions with timeframe in
accordance with the requirements of projects and
schemes.
(a) Committee to scrutinize draft bills.
(b) Parliamentary Prurleges Committee.
(c) Screening Committee for Parliamentary
Representatives.
(d) Committees and commissions deemed necessary.
20. The Speaker shall select committees and
commissions and assign duties after attaining the
views of Parliament.
21. Parliament shall enact separately the duties and
authority of the permanent committees and
commissions.
22. The permanent committees and commissions are
fully responsible to Parliament.
 23

23. The tenure of permit committees and commissions

is the same as that of Parliament.
24. Committees and commissions can be set up either
with Representatives or with other suitable citizens
along with Representatives.

Chapter (6)
25. Regular sessions of Parliament must be convened
at least truce yearly without fail. If required, the
speaker can convene especial session or an emergency
session.
26. If there is a demand by one-third of the total
number of Representatives to call a meeting of
Parliament, the Speaker must arrange to convene
Parliament earliest possible.
27. Rules and regulations relating to holding
parliament sessions must enacted.

Chapter (7)
28. The Speaker shall establish a Parliamentary
Affairs office to undertake the work related to
Parliament. The set up of the office, duties, authority
and rights must be defined separately with rules and
regulation.
29. As the Parliament is one that practices
parliamentary democracy the role of the leader of the
opposition must also be defined.
30. Parliament sessions must be held in Rangoon. If it
is not possible to do so the Speaker shall designate
another suitable place to hold the session.
31. Should an occasion arise whereby action has to be
taken against a Representative under a change of
 24

treason, rules and regulations must be enacted to

enable that person to be stripped temporarily of his
duties, prevent his attendance of parliament sessions
and to obtain the confirmation of such measures from
closest Parliament session.
32. Parliament can be disused with the approval of at
least 75 (seventy five) Pont of the entire membership.
33. Parliament can publish necessary acts, law, rules,
regulations, orders, directives and procedures.

Chapter (2)
Report of the Agricultural Affairs Committee of
the Committee Representing People Parliament
(CRPP)

Matters relating to Cultivations’ Right

Part (1)

1. Agricultural economy is the mainstay of

Burma since about 80 percent of Burma’s
population are agriculturists living in rural
areas, that staple food is rice, 40 parent of
the state revenue is provided by rice paddy
trade and capable of providing employment
for the majority of the population.
 25

2. Whether the country’s political, economic,

and social welfare are stable or otherwise
are invariablely related to the effectives or
not concerning the people’s economy and
social issues. The prosperity and
development of the agricultural economy
which provides livelihood for the majority
of the population and is the economic
mainstay exerts vast influence on Burma’s
economic and social stability and progress.
3. However, as things stand at the moment,
the economic situation of the majority of
the population is in a decline. The entire
agricultural economy of the cultivations in
particular is facing and experiencing
disastrous conditionals. Burma’s political,
economic, social, and education situation
without any stability is deteriorating.
4. Burma transformed the feudal agricultural
system during the colonial era. Farming for
self-sufficiency was changed to a system
for merchandizing agricultural produce.
Laws were enacted with a view to promote
the agricultural trading system such as land
ownership and the rights of landowners,
tenancy, lease of farmland, village grazing
grounds, etc.
5. Colonial administrations, however, brought
in their colonial subjects for work on
Burma’s agricultural land. Taking
advantage of the laws these people using
unethical methods and tenancy system
 26

brought about the rise of big landlordism.

The farmers lost land they worked on, had
their privileges and lives were ruined. The
followers of the colonialists became big
landowners and prosperous. A new class of
people like the chatters from India
appeared on Burma’s farmlands.
6. After Burma became independent, laws
were enacted and necessary recursions and
changes made for the benefit of cultivators
during the parliamentary democratic era.
7. The land Nationalization Act (1953) was
enacted with the main objective of
abolishing the system of big landlordism.
For similar reasons, the Tenancy Law
(1953) and regulations were enacted.
8. However, doe to repercussions resulting
from political turuniol in the country little
could be achieved to make it a success.
9. After (1962) during the Revolution
Council era Laws relating to agricultural
affairs were oriented towards a socialist
system.
10. Tenancy Law (1963) and regulations and
the Tenancy Law (1965) were
promulgated. By the Tenancy Law (1965)
tenancy fees were abolished.
11. There laws caused the farmers to lose all
the benefits they were entitled to under the
land Nationalization Act 1953. The
government issued orders regarding the
type of crop to the planted and instructions
 27

to be followed separately. As a result of

these directions the government became
the landlord and the farmers turned into
tenants.
12. That same year (1963) the Protection of
cultivators’ rights law was promulgated but
because included in the laws the farmers
were in a “given but did not receive”
situation.
13. Notification No 4/78 dated September 18,
(1978) stated that failure to plant the
designated crop according to prescribed
rules increase of default toe crop sell the
designated quantity of the crop earmarked
for sale to the government at the prescribed
price during the prescribed period the right
to work on the land would be withdrawn.
Moreover, authority was granted to
subordinate organizations and thus the
farmers were losing landownership and
working rights.
14. It is said that after state Peace and
Development Council took over the reins
of power in 1988 it has switched from the
socialist economic system to the market
economy system. But as far as the living
conditions of the cultivations are concerned
they are not only not enjoying appropriate
opportunities but are facing the loss of
farming right.
15. The state Peace and Development Council
(SPDC) has continued using laws,
 28

regulations and notifications form

Parliamentary Democracy and Burma
Socialist Program Party eras. Thus,
cultivations are still at the stage of having
the right to work on the land. What is
worse is that the authorities break existing
laws and resort to illegal acts such as
arrests, detentions, sun faking, withdrawal
of landownership, suing and imprisonment.
16. In regard to tenancy system, authorities
concerned using arbitrary powers would
fix the paddy quota form forth corning
harvest at totally unfair rates, also termed
paddy for civil servants, goodwill paddy,
army rations, etc, and forcibly seize 8 to 12
baskets per acre irrespective of whether the
yield was good or poor. The farming
population is agonizing under the
“compulsory delivery” paddy imposed
arbitrarily by the authorities whereby a
fixed quantity has to sell to them.
17. The paddy price settled by the authorities
for the purchases made by them was also
half that of the prevailing price. Refusal to
sell would result in the farmers suffering
physical and mental anguish, being
tortured and losing farming rights. Families
have been ruined by losing the right to
cultivate their land.
18. The main requirement for a good yield of
paddy from paddy planting during summer
is an abundant supply of water but their
 29

was insufficient water for most of the

cultivated areas which were forced to be
planted since such forced cultivation was
motivated by the need for produce and
when the yield was not up to expectations
the cultivations had to face losing one’s
labor, cattle, and money. When such
catastrophes occur the government will not
extend any help y forgiving loans or
providing financial aid.
19. After harvesting of paddy is completed,
supplementary crops such as lentils and
beans are planted. It is necessary to have
knowledge about the type of fertilizers,
compatibility of the land for planting beans
and lentils planting costs and experience.
However, being forced to do the planting
without having any previous experience
the farmers had to face losses and suffer
the consequences.
20. Failure to do double cropping during the
summers and supplementary planting of
beans, lentils led to confiscation of land
under Notification 4/87 by the authorities
concerned in certain regions. The farmers
thus lost their only means of livelihood.
21. Cultivations residing in rural areas are
forced to provide free labor for various
types of works undertaken by
governmental organizations. They had to
plow and plant on cultivation plots of the
armed forces without receiving any
 30

payment leaving their own business

neglected and in ruins. Virgin lands of the
army had to be cleared and made ready
without any payment. In some areas people
had to vacate their farms, working plots
and evicted to other places on the grounds
that certain areas were not clear of
insurgents.
22. The authorities did not provide for the
agricultural industry essential assistance,
such imported items as fertilizers,
insecticides, seed paddy, water etc.,
extension lands were also not given to
farmers but to their selected private
investors. Vacant, virgin lands and lands
which were in use and wetlands being
worked by farmers, lakes and contiguous
plots were confiscated from cultivations
private interests ad certain government
interests were given the right to work on
them. Due to such unjust actions farmers
lost their right to cultivate the land they
were working on.
23. If the present situation is studied and
summarized, the plight of the farming
population is the farmers, because of the
dictatorial village administrations and
misguided economic working methods, are
faced with a terrible, oppressive situation
with their lifeblood being sucked. The
entire agricultural industry is in to total
disarray and disintegrating. The
 31

agricultural economy sector is lacking in

stability.

Part (2)

Analysis of Agricultural Legislation

Land Nationalization Act 1953

24. At the Land Nationalization conference the

Prime Minister speech (23-7-1957 Sa-7)
was quoted as “The Land Nationalization
Act 1953 was enacted to uproot big
Landlordism which adversely affected the
lives of the cultivations whose main
livelihood was entirely dependent upon
farmlands, and the state expropriate the
agricultural land owned by big landlords
and not only distribute it to the cultivators
but also to establish a rural economic
system which will make the farming
community enjoy a self sustaining life in
line with modern standards.
25. According to this speech the main
objective of the land Nationalization Act
1953 was the abolition of big landlordism
and make the farmer owner of the land
cultivated by him/her.
26. The Land Nationalization Act 1953 was
not abrogated after the Tenancy Law 1964
was promulgated. The following decision
 32

showed that the Act is still in force and

being applied.
“We cannot accept the contention that the
Tenancy Law in a way a abrogated the
Land Nationalization Act---------“
“Expropriation of farmlands under section
(5) and remission under section (6) of the
Land Nationalization Act are maters still
being carried out after notifications are
published in the Burma Gazette--------“
“It is evident that the Land Nationalization
Act is not inanimate law”-----
It is correct that the Tenancy Law overrides
the Land Nationalization Act but in regard
to other matter not concerning tenancy
contained in the Land Nationalization Act
it does not in one way problem its
application.-------was the decision”
(Judgment in the civil 2nd Appeal No-53
1962 on May 10, 1968 by the State
Supreme Court sitting in Mandalay.)
27. However, the original aim of the Land
nationalization 1953 was being destroyed.
Since the intention of the Tenancy Law
1963was not to give ownership of the Land
to farmers but merely meant giving
tenancy rights to them the state took over
the role of the big landowners.
Accordingly, the cultivations became
owners of working rights instead of
landowners.
 33

Tenancy Law 1963

28. The aims and object of the law were

explained as “The Tenancy Law had to be
promulgated because the Revolutionary
Government will not permit the respective
landlords to grant tenancy rights on all
cultivate land within the Union of Burma
but will supervise the tenancy matter on its
own.”--------
(Part 2 of the explanatory note re. the law’s
objective and authority by the central Land
Committee of the Revolutionary
Government) Sa-- 1
29. The Land Nationalization Act 1953 was to
nationalize all cultivable land, abolish big
landlordism, and give farmers the right to
own the land they work on. The Tenancy
Law 1963 on the other hand was like an
enactment leading to land nationalization
by the state with the stipulation
arrangements. It was noticed that
cultivations lost the right to own land and
could only work as tenants.
30. The right of the farmers to own the land
they cultivated were abolished and they
were only permitted to be tenants and thus
suffered considerable losers. Estimated
acreage of land likely to be affected as
follows
(a) XXXXX
 34

(b) XXXX
(c) XXXXX
(d) After the Land Naturalization was
enacted, exemption granted to farmlands,
nationalized and distributed acreage –
3,345,984 acres
(e) XXXXX
(f) XXXXX
(g) Area cultivated by farmers and land
owned by them (1960-61) -8,990,146 acres
(Explanatory Note No 2 page issued by the
Central Land committee of the
Revolutionary Government of the Union of
Burma in relation to tenancy law,
regulations and notifications showing a
chart of acreage under cultivation)
According to this chart 12,336,130 acres
are estimated to be the area where the
farmers lost ownership.
31. Section (3) of the Tenancy Law 1963 is
instrumental for loss of Land ownership.
That section states
Section 3, The government can by
notification proclaim that any paddy land
from a specific date mentioned in the
notified the landowner ceases to have the
right to rent t land and under this order the
government assumed the role of a landlord
by taking over leasing right of any type of
cultivations, however, lost the right to own
land and attained the status of tenant
farmers.
 35

Notification No 4/78

32 The ministry for Agriculture and Forests

issued Notifications No 1/160 (ka) 78.
According to them failure to produce full
capacity of the prescribed crop according
to standard fixed under the Agricultural
plan, inability to sell to the state the fixed
quantity of the prescribed crop at the
nominated price during the time frame
given, then the farming right can be with
drawn.
33 According to sections 38 and 39 of the
Land Nationalization Act 1953 any
farmland can be used to plant profitable
crops used as prescribed therein. Rules and
regulations can be made for the purpose.
Instructions can be issued in this regard.
Also chapter (6) sections 11 and 12
concern related to farmlands receiving
exemption and those distributed over
montage, sale and leasing. It was stipulated
that failure to bribe by these conditions
would result in confiscation of the land
under sections 29/30/31/32. Conditions for
confiscation of farmlands like those
mentioned in notification No 4/78 were not
inserted or enacted.
34 Moreover, in section (6) of the Tenancy
Law 1963 the government laid down
 36

conditions to be followed by the tenants in

the cultivation of land leased to them by
the state. It was stipulated that if a tenant
failed to cultivate the allotted land without
sufficient cause or transferred the lease to
another person a prison term of six months
or a fine of up to kyat 300/- would be
imposed under section 10. It merely
indicates the punishment and does not
include the order to take away the working
right of the farmers like in notification
4/78.
35 It was stated in Notification 4/78 that
failure to sell in rule the specified crop at
the price fixed during the prescribed them
frame the government have the right to
revoke the working permission. The
farmers working on leased land could
experience natural disastrous like floods,
insect infestation resulting in destruction of
crops chop in yield. In such instances when
the farmers could not sell the specified
quantity of “obligatory” or “goodwill” rice.
They lost the right to cultivate the allocated
land.
36 In addition, cultivations, because they were
derelict in their duty to sell the specified
quantity of “obligatory” rice, had to suffer
terrible suffering and face demeaning
actions such as abusive language, threats,
sun baking, torture, arrests, detentions, etc.
 37

37 Moreover, in making the famous do double

cropping cultivation paddy during the hot
seasons due to shortage of funds and
having to sow crops on land which could
not be worked, and the farmers were
unable to comply with orders they lost
their old holdings under Notification No
4/78. These are all due to the evil
consequences of Notification No 4/78. This
order should be abrogated entirely.

Village Act and Town Act (1907-8)

38. Residents in towns and rural areas

are being made to work as forced
laborers. They are compelled to
abandon their own business and
work without remuneration as
forced laborers and porters in
building dams, roads bridges
departmental cultivation plots and
military operations. They had to
clear virgin lands for the armed
forces without payment. Protection
was sought for such acts claiming
these were lawful section 8(1) (sa)
of the Village Act 190 States that
“when wages stipulated by the
Town council are received armed
forces and police forces stationed
within the villlact tractor near it or
 38

transiting thereby must the

provided with guides porters,
rations, carts and drive elephants,
horses, mules, asses, water
transport such as boats” and Town
Act 1907 No 3 (Ta) States that
“when wages stipulated by the
chairman of the Town council are
received armed forces and police
units posted within the locality or
nearby must be provided with
guides porters, rations, vehicles”
and in section – 7 (Hta) it is stated
that “as much assistance as is
possible must be given to
government rewards and civil
employees” and by making use of
these provisions the authorities are
action arbitrarily.
39. The abovementioned acts are not
consonant with the times besides
which they are causing the loss of
human rights. The farming
community especially is the most
affected. As such acts should not
exist nor should they be applied and
therefore it is absolutely necessary
to suspend them immediately.

Cultivations’ Rights Protection Law 1963

 39

40. It is stipulated in section 3 (1) of

the Cultivation’ Rights Protection
Law (1963) that whatever may be
contained in any current law, by a
degree or order of a court of law-
(a) It is prohibited to issue a
warrant or confiscate
agricultural land, cattle and
farming implements,
agricultural produce.
(b) There must be no proscription
to cultivate the land or to
enter the farming area.
(c) Cattle and farming instrument
used for cultivation, tractors
must not be prohibited from
being moved or sold an used
or disposed of.
(d) No cultivator must be arrested
or detained in connection with
sub-section (a), (b) and (c).

(2) The provisions under sub-section

(1) shall not be applicable for
(a) Action taken in connection with
money due to the government or
(b) Actions pursuant to disputes over
legacies or
(c) Any action taken by the government
security reasons.
 40

41. The provision in this sub-section

(2) item (c) stating “any action
taken by the government for
security reasons” shows the
arbitrary control of the cultivators
by the authorities. It is necessary to
delete such a provision from the
law.
42. This law provides financial
protection for money lenders who
give loans to cultivations. In reality,
it is not the kind of law that can
safeguard farmers’ rights.
43. What is really essential is
legislation that will give farmers
protection form laws and orders
which deprive them of all there
rights and only law which will
shield form forms of oppression.

Protection and maintenance of

grazing grounds
44. It was stipulated in section -41 (2)
of Land Nationalization Act 1953
in relation to protection and
maintenance of grazing grounds
that
“In regard to this matter, apart from
any order issued by the President or
authority appointed by the
President for the purpose, grazing
grounds for cattle land village
 41

community land must continue to

be maintained in good order.
Moreover, the central Land
Committee of the Union of Burma
Revolutionary government in its
Letter No 5 ha pa (9) hta – 64(204)
directed that-
Paragraph (1) “In whatever
condition it may be it may be,
encroachment of a genuine grazing
ground for cultivation will not be
permitted. If in spite of the
prohibition order in paragraph (4) if
anyone is found to encroach and
cultivate on cattle grazing and in
violation of the order, effective
legal action will be taken against
such persons and it is directed that
the agricultural produce form such
encroachment must be confiscated
without exception” and gave
protection to cattle grazing
grounds.

45. However, those in power and the

people close to the authorities are
encroaching and farming on
grazing ground and thus pastures
for cattle are disappearing. There is
scarcity of fodder for the cattle
which are facing diseases death and
scrounging for feed. Hence, there is
 42

a deterioration I farming capability.

Effective legal action must be take
in the aforementioned matter with a
view to restore the grazing lands to
their original state.

Allocation of Alluvial Land

46. Alluvial land is the soft cultivate
islands which appear when rivers
outside. Being land which can be
cultivated for only one year or one
season complications arise over
working rights.
47. According to section to 16 (4) of
the regulations of Tenancy Act
(1963) relation a to A – leasing of
alluvial land the following
principles must be followed in the
allocation.
(a) XXXXXXX There is no
reason to expect to cultivate
more than one year one
season. Accordingly, working
rights on alluvial lands will be
as determined by the
government annually.
(b) XXXXXXX subordinate land
committee will do the
allocation.
(c) XXXXXXX excluding those
cultivations from designated
villages who have land for
 43

cultivation, on landless
farmers, tenant workers and
field laborers must be
selected, it was stipulated.

48. Village and township authorities

ignored the tenancy regulations and
only close relatives, moneyed
people who offered bribes ex-
servicemen and members of these
authorities obtained working nights.
Some who held rights to several
acres sold these rights to others.
Therefore, cultivations, tenant
workers and field laborers lost their
legal working rights.

Part 3

Stabilization of Cultivation Rights and

Farming Animal, Husbandry and Rural Development

49. Basic Principle of agricultural

Economy
(1) The State is the original
owner of all the land.
(2) To establish the basic
principle that farmers
and cultivators who on
the basic of having the
capability to cultivate
 44

one’s agricultural land

and in keeping with
human dignity to be
agricultural to retain the
agricultural land in their
possession (ownership).
(a) To have the tight
to cultivate the
agricultural land
freely.
(b) To have the right
to retain (own)
the agricultural
land.
(c) To have the right
to sell the
agricultural land
(d) To have the right
to pawn the
agricultural land
(e) To make
effective use of
the right to
transfer, partition
the agricultural
land.

50. Program and Methods

The Parliament is to form

agricultural Problem solution
committee and Agriculture, animal
 45

Husbandry and Rural Development

committee to carry out the under
mentioned programs namely,
impending program as the first task
and secondly long term programs.

51. First Step

Impending Program
(1) To amend the regulation
in section 3 of the
Tenancy 1963
(2) To delete the words
“shall not apply to
actions taken by the
government for security
reasons “from section 3
(2) (c) of the
Cultivations’ Rights
Protection Land 1963.
(3) To prevent and abolish
illegal actions arising
from Notification 4/78
and to cancel this
notification 4/78.
(4) To cancel section 8 (1)
(sha) of the village Act
No (60) 1907 and
sections (Ta) and (Hta)
of the Town Act No (3)
of 1907.
(5) To confiscate the cattle,
grazing grounds and
 46

communal land from

those who enervated and
tool possession of them
ignoring existing laws
and directions and to
take action against these
transgressors in
accordance with the law
and directories.
(6) To confiscate the
agricultural land
illegally taken over by
government departments
and service personnel
and grant working rights
to the original farmers
and cultivations on such
land.
(7) With a view to develop
and advance the state
agricultural section to
offer attractive
incentives to investors.
(8) To permit cultivations
and farmers to plant
crops they are
conversant with and
suitable for the land they
will be cultivating.
(9) So as not to let farmers
be disadvantaged to
search for markets to
 47

sell agricultural
produce.
(10) To explore ways
and means to obtain
cultivation expenditure
for farmers.
(11) To study the
grievances and
difficulties faced by the
farmers because of the
rules relation to loans
form Agricultural Banks
and to amend them.
(12) To regulate for
the right to cultivate
transport, mill, store and
sell freely.
(13) As it is desirous
for all levels of the
farming community to
be involved in
discussions and
implementation in
matters dealing with
solving agricultural
problems, rights and
development projects,
the formation of a
cultivations organization
must be encouraged and
to permit formation of
such an organization
 48

free from partisan

politics.
(14) Land receiving
exemption and land
distributed under the
land Nationalization
Act.
(15) To
systematically
investigate and remedy
the wrongs such as
losing working
permission on
agricultural land owned
and cultivated by
owners as a result of
cultivation’ Rights
Protection Law 1963
and Ministry of
agriculture Notification
No 4/78.
(16) To utilize as
vegetable gardens and
other suitable purposes
suitable as agricultural
land and to
systematically control
the misuse of
agricultural land by
other means legislation
in keeping with the
times must be framed.
 49

(17) To take effective

steps in prevention and
treatment of diseases of
draft cattle.
(18) To start small
scale mechanized
farming while there is
insufficient draft cattle
and lack of large scale
mechanized farming.

52. Second Step

Long Term Programs

(1) To enact legislation so

that all farmers and
cultivators have the
rights pertaining to land
ownership, cultivation,
transfer or pawn their
land and to prevent the
revival of big
landownership system.
(2) The price of agricultural
produce must be based
on the open market
system.
(3) To expand the
agricultural banking
system to facilitate
giving short and long
term loans required for
 50

development and
maintenance of
agricultural land.
(4) To take steps for
creation of farmers
banks for a free
agricultural system and
revival development.
(5) To give priority to
cultivate paddy and
agricultural crops whose
quality meet with the
standard required for
sale to foreign markets
and then for increased
production of such
produce.
(6) To prepare charts for
cultivation of crops
appropriate for the
agricultural land to be
utilized and give
guidance to farmers and
cultivations in the
matter.
(7) To arrange for full
utilization of state
owned agricultural
machinery and
mechanical facilities.
(8) To especially encourage
livestock breeding for
 51

self sufficiency in draft

cattle.
(9) Soil conservation plans
should be prepared for
each locality and carried
out accordingly.
(10) To encourage
and assist in changing
the shifting terrace
farming to fixed terrace
farming.
(11) As statistics
relation to acreage
planted and rate of
produce, arable land,
virgin land left
uncultivated are
incurved and available
steps must be taken to
re-organize and expand
the land Records
Department and
Settlement Department
in order to obtain
accurate and reliable
statistics.
(12) Based on the
ruling commodity prices
the wage rates of the
agricultural workers
should be adjusted
abolished and if
 52

necessary, new
regulations drafted after
a study of the
Agricultural Workers
Wages Act 1948-49.
(13) With a view to
have a sufficient number
of personnel well versed
in modern agricultural
sciences efforts must be
made to seek ways to
reach international
standard.
(14) To prohibit
completely marijuana,
opium and narcotic drug
plantations and
cultivation of such
narcotic plants and to
cultivate suitable and
profitable substitute
crops according to
locality involved.
(15) To take
measures to maintain
and protect the
environment.
(16) To promote and
encourage rural farming
community to take up
commercial livestock
breeding and
 53

supplementary breeding
business for additional
income.
(17) The state to take
effective measures in
research and
development programs
relation to the
agricultural sector.
(18) To place
emphasis on measures
to provide sufficient
water for agriculture
inhabitants and cattle.
(19) To inspect
thoroughly whether
existing embankment of
dams and canals are
strong secure and can
distribute irrigation
water effectively or not
and to take steps so as to
obtain optimum benefit
form them.
(20) When
cultivations are unable
to handle any
undertaking individually
and the assistance of a
combined workforce to
help them out.
 54

(21) To encourage
and assist in carrying in
support of the primary
projects to help rural
economy.
(a) To give guidance
in formation of
service co-
operatives (with
the exception of
combined
ploughing) such
service co-
operatives
cultivation and
breeding. Later
on they will be
expanded and
work separately
on essential
projects.
(b) To encourage
and give
guidance for
economic
development
apart from
agricultural
sector for rural
areas in setting
up small scale
industries.
 55

(c) To arrange
supply of
electricity for
industries and
domestic.

53. Rural Development

To arrange the following for the
people in the rural development in
the social and cultivar fields.
(1) To undertake the work
for more improvement
of basic and middle
school level education
in rural areas.
(2) To expand health
programs
(3) To encourage and carry
out programs relating t
hygiene and
beautification of
villages.
(4) To seriously encourage
the development of
traditional culture of
ethnic nationalities
(5) To open state reading
rooms in regions with
good communications to
improve the knowledge
of rural inhabitants.
 56

(6) Special emphasis to be

given in undertaking
development programs
especially in
undeveloped rural
regions of ethnic
nationalities.

54. The two committees formed to

carry on the first step and the
second step for long term programs
are to investigate the various
disadvantages and losses suffered
by the farmers and cultivations and
submit them to the peoples’
parliament for restoration of rights
and privileges, amendment
revocation of laws and
notifications, and enactment of new
legislation.

Report of the Labor Affairs Committee

1. Report of the Labor Affairs committee

regarding steps to be taken relation to
matters concerning labor in the Union of
Burma as decided by the committee
Representation People’s Parliament
(CRPP) on the ninth anniversary of the
multiparty Parliamentary elections held on
May 27, 1990.
 57

2. After Burma attained independence in

1948 and became a full fledged sovereign
country and a member of the United
Nations Burma also became a member of
the International labor Organizational a
special organization a special organization
under UN.
3. Accordingly Burma acceded to the
conventions of ILO and in order to take
effective steps in labor issues conforming
to standards laid down Burma enacted laws
which include labor unionization, wages,
working hours and discipline, settlement of
issues between management and labor,
safeguarding the rights due to injury and
sickness, in other words all the rights and
privileges of workers.
4. However, the Revolutionary Council
which seized power from the parliamentary
government in 1962, passed a law in 1964
defining the basic rights and duties of
workers and directed that labor laws
enacted previously detailed below be
treated as regulations.

Labor Laws enacted from 1948 to 1962

1. Employment and Training Act
2. Restriction of employment Act
3. Apprentice Act
4. Employment of Children Act
5. Regulation of Dockworkers Employment
Act
 58

6. Emigration Act
7. Dock Workers Act
8. Mincing Act
9. Oil fields Act
10. Oil field workers and Social Welfare Act
11. Factious Act
12. Wages Act
13. Agricultural Workers Minimum
14. Minimum Wages Act
15. Heave and Holidays Act
16. Shops and Business Establishments Act
17. Workmen’s Compensation Act
18. Social Welfare Act
19. Labor Disputes Act
20. Workers Unions Act
21. Auditing of Businesses Act
22. The Railways Act
23. Inland Waters Act
24. Burma Airways Act
25. Burma Merchant Marine Act
26. Seaports Act
27. Rangoon Port Act
28. Outside Ports Act
29. Pilotage Act
30. Burma Lighthouse Act

5. Accordingly, Workers’ Rights Duties Law

1964 overrode the previous workers rights
and privileges by the peoples Workers
Councils taking over the leading role.
Hence, the Law of 1964 relation to workers
rights and responsibilities must be worked
 59

and the above acts which were directed to

be treated as regulations must be reviewed
in their original farm as acts in accordance
with democratic principles by enactment.
6. In order to solve the issues relation to this
important Labor question a single central
body comprising unions in which all
workers participate and free from the
influence of political parties must be
established. Only then will the basic labor
unions become strong and united and will
be able to focus their attention purely on
labor questions.
7. We are endeavoring to make the Union of
Burma a parliamentary democratic country
as our main objective. There must
conformity in every respect with the
international community especially as an
integral part of the United Nations.
8. We must therefore, not be at odds with
ILO when labor issues are concerned as
ILO has the power to set standards but co-
operate closely with ILO. Only then,
Burma will be able to obtain skilled
assistance how the United Nations with the
help of ILO.
9. With the emergence of a new modern
developing and progressive democratic
Burma, the worked to improve their status
and enjoy their rights by ILO necessary
enactments must be made.
 60

Chapter 4

Report of the Education Affairs Committee of the

Committee Representing Peoples’ Parliament
(CRPP) elected at the Multiparty Democracy
Elections of 1990

Education is for the purpose of enhancing

knowledge and progress on the heels of cultural
awareness “Beside the 3 “As”', there are advances
made in the art of speech, handiwork and technical
knowledge. For the development of a nation it is
absolutely imperative for the education of children to
move ahead. It is for this reason that article 26 of UN
Human Rights declaration stated as under.
(1) Every one has the right
to receive education. For
compulsory education
must be provided for
elementary and basic
standards at least
elementary education
must be compulsory.
Technical and general
knowledge classes must
generally be open for
enrolment. Moreover,
higher education based
on one’s ability must be
available.
(2) Education based on
development of human
 61

instincts and respect for

human rights and basic
freedoms must be given.
Instruction should be
based on promoting
mutual understanding,
tolerance and friendship
among nations,
organizations and
religions groups. And to
promote lasting peaces,
efforts must be made for
successful achievement
of UN activities.
(3) Parents have to primary
right to select the type
of education for their
children. It was possible
to sign the children’s
Rights Convention at
the UN General
Assembly on November
20, 1989. The
convention came into
effect from July 16,
1991 and Burma
became a signatory.
Article 28/1, subs-
articles (a) and (e) are
shown below.
Article 28/1 sub-
article (a).-Elementary
 62

education must he
compulsory and free.
Article 28/1 sub-article
(e) – To encourage
regular school
attendance and make
arrangements to reduce
school drop-outs.
As a follow up to
the Children Rights
Convention a meeting
was held at fountain,
Thailand in 1990 and
the world Declaration
for All was declared. At
that meeting a
framework was agreed
to on requirements basic
instruction. Education
for all (EFA) 2000 was
set. The goal was for
everyone to be educated
by the year 2000 which
was the high point of the
fountain Declaration.
There are six areas for
action under the EFA of
which some are given
below.
To provide
extensive assistance to
poor families,
 63

disadvantaged people,
and young children
including those with
disabilities.
By the year
2000, all the children in
the world to have
completed education at
the basic elementary
grade.
By the year
2000,to reduce the
number of illiterate
adults to half that of
1990.
To reduce the
rate of illiterate women
to segregate men and
women in instruction.

(Part 1)

Even if a law is enacted to make free primary

education free and compulsory for all, it is necessary
to assess what benefit will accrue to the children in
Burma. Firstly, the actual situation prevailing in the
country needs to be noted.
 64

Basic Education in Burma 1997

No. Subject
1. Area 261,228 Square miles
6,765,777 Square
Kilometers
2. Population 46.4 Million
3. Density 66 8/kilomiter
4. Rural population 75 Percent
5. Population increase 18.4 Percent
annually
6. Ethnic groups 135
7. Languages spoken 100
8. Under 14 year olds 35 Percent
(1)
9. Per capital income 263 Kyat
(3)

It is noticed that education programs for

elementary, middle and high schools have been placed
under the supervision of upper Burma Basic
Education Dept, lower Burma Basic Education Dept
and Rangoon Division Basic Education Dept. The
Academic Year (AY) is fixed from June to March of
the following year and the number of school days as
199. It has been able to record the number of
elementary, middle and high schools, teachers and
students.

*Academic Year (1996-97)

(1) Labor Department and UNIEF report on working
children Women (page 1)
 65

(2) Labor Department and UNIEF report on working

children Women (page 1)

No Schools Teachers Students

1. Primary 35,799 154,062 5,153,000
2. Middle 2,087 53,959 1,571,000
3. High 922 15,510 405,000
Total 38,080 223,530 7,129,000

According to the statistics there were (144)

students in each primary school and a teacher for
(33.33) pupils during the AY 1996-97.

School Student
144
Teacher Students
1 33.33

In 1997 the population was 46.4 of 15 years

were 35% or 16.24 million. The combined total of
primary and middle school students according to the
above statistics being (6,724,000) it will be seen that
(16.24- 6.7) 9.5 millions are unaccounted, preschool
children 1 to 5 years old, or the sick, those failing to
register for schooling dropouts.
 66

Number of primary and middle school students

between1992-1997

Grade 1992- 1993- 1994-95 1995- 1996-

93 94 96 97
Primary 5,919 5,896 5,531 5,337 5,135
Middle 11,109 1,159 1,358 1,475 1,571
19.43% 232.04% 26.48% 19.43%

Average promoted from primary to middle schools =

24.59%

*Basic Education in Myanmar September 1997 (page

5)
#Department of labor UNICEF Report on working
children and women (page 1)
+Basic Education in Myanmar, September 1997
(Table 5)

According to the above table out of 100

primary students (24.95) or 25 students attended
middle schools and it can be roughly estimated that
(75.05) or 75 students were unable to continue their
education for various reasons or were dropouts.
These figures ought to be compared to the
numbers shown in the reports by UNICEF, department
of labor, and the Report on Working Women and
Children. On page 50, the Report stated that on 27%
of the children completed primary education 34%
dropouts and 39% never registered for study in any
school.
 67

A joint research was conducted by UNICEF

and the Ministry of Labor from October 1994 to
September 1995 in south OKalapa Township and
Hlaing Thaya Township of Rangoon Division, and
Chamyethasi and Pyigyitagun Townships, Mandalay
Division including 1163 from 700 families. These
children were divided into 2 groups based on age, on
being 5-9 year olds and the other 10-14 year olds.

Chart Showing education for children (5-9

years old) ,(10-14) years old in South Okkalapa,
Hlaingthaya, Chaunmyathaye, Pyigyi

Status 5-9 years 10-14 Total/Percentage

years
At school330 337 707
79.1% 50.5% 60.8%
Left 23 333 356
School 5.5% 44.6% 30.6%
Did not 64 36 100
register 15.53% 4.8% 8.6%
Total 417 746 1163
35.9% 64.1% 100%

• Department of Labor UNICEF

Report on Working children Page
5, Table 19

A study of the above will show that of the

1163 ten year old children form the 4 townships 356
children or 30.6% had to leave school. It will be
 68

observed that the Ministry of labor continued to

ascertain the reasons why 356 children equal to 30.6%
of the 5 to 14 year olds became dropouts.

• Main Causes for Children

Discontinuing Education

Reasons for 5-9 yrs 10-14 yrs Total Percentage

Leaving
School
Financial 20 87% 185 55.6% 205 57.6%
Domestic 11 3.3% 11 3.1%
Childcare 1 4.3% 5 1.5% 6 1.7%
Family 1 4.3% 16 4.8% 17 4.8%
Business
Daily 40 12.0% 40 11.1%
Worker
Disable/Sick 1 4.3% 6 1.8% 7 2.o%
Staring 4 1.2% 4 1.1%
Business
Not 56 16.8% 56 15.7%
Interested in
schooling
Education 1 0.3% 1 0.3%
Unmake
Others 9 .7% 9 2.5
Total 333 93.5% 356 100%

A study of the above table will show that of

the 1,165 students under review 356 students or 30.69
had to leave school and that 205 or 57.6% left because
 69

of financial problems 23 out of the 356 students were

between 5-9 year old group and 20 or 87% were
reported to discontinue their studies because inability
to meet expenses such as buying text books, exercise
books, writing material, PTA fee school building fund
according to the report of the ministry of labor and
UNICEF experts. The cost of school uniforms and
additional tuition fee must also be taken into account.
*Department of labor and UNICEF Report o
working children and women page 61 Table 28.

O the 356 dropouts 56 or 15.7% are reported to

have no interest in schooling, it is reported.
The above table shows the situation of 356
students out of total of 1,163 the situation concerning
100 students who did not attend school or register in
schools will be given in the following table. (The
original table shows the number according to
townships but this under mentioned table will
underline the combined total.)

*(5-14) year olds; Reasons for not

registering in schools

Main Reasons No Percentage

Financial 57 57%
Domestic 1 1%
Reasons
Child Care 2 2%
Domestic 1 1%
occupation
Daily wage work 1 1%
 70

Disability 5 5%
sickness
Starting Business
Disinterest 9 9%
Education no 1 1%
useful
Others 23 23%
Total 100 100%

It will be seen of the 100% 5-14 year olds who

did not register 57 or 57% did not register because of
financial reasons. It also shows of students or 9% had
no interest in schooling and 1% regarded education as
irrelevant.

Department of Labor and UNICEF Report on

working children and women Page 61 Table 28

Whatever the case may be it will be seen more

than half (57%) of those dropouts and more than half
(57%) of these who did register could not afford to
meet expenses.
Burma’s population was 46.4 million in 1997
with an annual increase of 1.84% keeping this rate as
standard it can be estimated that in 5 years time (1997
to 2002) there will be over 850,000 5year olds ready
to attend primary schools.
The budget appropriation for1999 were
announced on March 31, 1999.

The government appropriation for ministries are as

under;
 71

Expenditure for Ministries and Departments

Description Annual Percentage Capital Percentage

Expenditure Expenditure
Defense 17,538,204,490 40 14,222,999,900 41.1
Education 6,155,600,000 14.1 2,647,713,000 7.7
Other -- -- -- --
Ministries
Total of 43,133,284,200 100 33,332,321,890 100
Ministries
and
Departments
Defense- 11,382,604,490 11,575,286,900
Education

*Department of Labor and UNICEF Report on

working children and women page 61 Table 28

A study of the above table will show the

Defense Ministry used up 40% of the total expenditure
for all Ministries and Department and 41% of he
capital expenditure for all Ministries and Departments.
It is noticed that the Education Ministry used
7.7% of the total expenditure for all Ministries and
Departments.
It will also be seen that the Defense Ministry
used 11.380 million more the Education Ministry.
 72

(Part 2)

It is stipulated that primary must be

compulsory and free for everyone. It will, therefore,
be necessary to study to what extent the children in
Burma are benefiting from this stipulation.
There are 199 school days and the Academic
Year (AY) is from June to March. Curriculum has to
be drawn to conform to the school days. Only then
will it be possible to evaluate a student’s progress at
year’s end. If schools have to be closed now and again
it will be impossible to have 199 school days.
Accordingly, the year’s curriculum cannot be
completed in there. Students will, therefore, not finish
the curriculum drawn up for the year.
The schools’ ratio is 1; 144 and the teacher/
students ratio is 1; 33.31, it is learnt. The density of
population differs from state to state township to
township. There are hardly 40 students in some
primary schools while it has been found that the
student population in some primary schools ranges
from 400 to 700. In some classrooms there are less
than 20 students per teacher while in others a teacher
has to handle 60 to 80 students. According to the joint
research by the Ministry of Labor and UNICEF the
reason why 57.6% of 5-14 year olds became dropouts
was because of inability to meet school expenses.
Similarly, 57% did not register for the same reason.
Nowadays it is possible that a higher percentage of
children from rural and suburban areas will not be able
to attend schools.
 73

It was pointed out that the inability to attend

schools for financial reasons was the high cost of text
books, exercise books, writing materials, contributions
to Parents/Teachers Associations (PTA) and School
development and furniture funds. The prices changed
by GEC to schools are Kyat 250 for a dozen 40 pages
exercise book and kyat 600 a dozen for 80 page books.
English, Burmese and Math text books can be
purchased together form the schools for kyat 40 but
these can be available only in the middle of the AY. It
is learnt that these books are sold outside for kyat 300.
Stationary supplies and school governing
committees are forcing students to purchase expensive
books, writing utensils.
Although there is a stipulation for free primary
education for everyone if a new student seeks
admission or transfers to another school, see are
changed for resignation from a school and admission
to another. For big name schools in large cities,
admission fees ranging from 5 to 6 figures have to be
paid. There are differ variations in fees for school in
suburban and rural areas. On admission parents have
to purchase desks and chairs for their children and
donate these to the school. In addition school
accessories, fluorescent lights building fund etc., have
to be donated.
Parents also have to help in school building
extensions. For example of the cost of a school
building is estimated at kyat 20 million the Education
Department headmaster, school board, PTA have to
take responsibility to fund the balance kyat18 million.
 74

Just as there are generous donors the students are also

made to meet the cost.
School uniforms are also expensive. It costs
about kyat 500-600 for green shorts longyis, and white
shirts/blouses. Two sets are needed costing kyat 2,000
to 5,000. Some are unable attend school if the uniform
gets wet and do not own another set of uniform.

The joint report by the Ministry of labor and

UNICEF stated 15.7% represented only those from
South Okkalapa and Hlaning Townships in Rangoon
Division and Chanmyathisi and Pyigyitaya Townships
in Mandalay Division. They do not represent other
Divisions and States. The aforesaid four Townships
depend on market economy and not agricultural
economy. If statistics could be obtained from
States/Divisions it is estimated there will be more than
15.7% who are uninterested in schooling.
It is said this disinterest is due to the education
system. There is no reason to doubt that parents want
their children to be educated but because of the current
education and economic systems which could not
provide any role for educated persons the thinking
among students and their parents is that educated
people of all levels from matriculates to graduates
have no future non prospect of employment. As the
subjects taught in schools have no relation to reality
they are unable to attract students. The researches
have praised the India education system which has
been able to attract students because it can be applied
to everyday life. It has also been noticed that teaching
methods need to more modern in approach. The young
 75

students who have no interest in schooling become

more involved in helping parents to earn their daily
income for survival. Even children of primary
education level had to engage in peddling snacks in
food processing business, waiting at tables in
restaurants, domestic servants, picking up trash,
looking after younger children while parents work,
tending cattle ( it is said that a cowherd can earn 15
baskets of paddy annually) and laboring at
constructions sites by carrying bricks, stones, sand,
etc., There is less debore for schooling for reasons of
survival.
As a result of helping parents with their daily
chores, school attendance because irregular, backward
in daily lessons due to absences from classrooms
leading to disinterest in education and deterioration in
the system. In Burma although the time frame to
complete primary education is 5 ½ years “it may take
as long as 12.2 years to complete the course. This
figure for rural areas is 25% and for urban areas
22%”according to the researchers from the Ministry of
Labor and UNICEF.
The reasons why students are showing
disinterest in schooling are because teachers in
addition to their teaching duties had to undertake often
outside responsibilities and , therefore, unable to
attend school regularly and thus fail to teach their
students as is customary.
Electricity outages of frequent failures obliged
using kerosene lamps or candles. Rise in kerosene oil
and candle prices made it impossible for students to
 76

study regularly ad this led to lessoning interest in

studies according to some parents.
It became obligatory for parents to send their
children to and form schools when they are situated
far from home. The young students became tired and
bored because of the distance and gradually lost
interest in school education.
The teachers like other public servants are
reeling under the excessive cost of living. Their
salaries are not sufficient for survival most food the
teachers them had to use their know how as capital
investment and started giving tuition as a sideline to
earn extra income.
Accordingly, tuition classes have now become a
regular feature in the present day education system.
Even children in primary classes are generally not free
from tuition mania. Once more students become
involved with tuition classes the teachers get lose in
teaching in school. The students too dependent on
tuition classes begin to miss school attendance with
noticeable loss of interest in school learning. The gap
in educational status between rural and urban areas
can be guided roughly. Urban residents are in a better
position economically than those in rural areas and
able to meet education expenses and thus the children
form urban areas are in a better position to receive
education.
Urban residents being more knowledgeable
than rural inhabitants on the one hand and not owning
any land on the other hand, they are able to encourage
their children by providing education. While the
children form urban areas are still at school those from
 77

rural areas learn just enough reading and writing and

then assist their parents in agricultural work. Urban
school children find it easier to get transportation to
attend school whereas most of the unclean area
children have to proceed with great inconvenience to
then place of education.
Urban area children are able to attend tuition
classes to improve their education but rural area
school children are unable to attend such classes to
help than in their studies.
Urban area children have more time to study
because electricity is more readily available but rural
area students have less opportunity in that respect.
High prices for kerosene oil and candles make them
unaffordable.
There are the reasons for gap in education
between urban and rural children.

(Part 3)

Constructive ideas are needed to bring to

fruition the scheme outlined in the enactment to
provide free compulsory prim any education for
everyone, to encourage regular attendance at school
and to reduce dropouts.
As stipulated the Academic Year is 199 school
days and special attention must be taken to achieve
this aim. This is to prevent frequent absences form
class rooms without sufficient reason. On the basis of
annual population growth of 1.84% there will be
 78

approximately 850,000 5 year olds by the year 2002.

Even at the ratio of 1;144 school/students by the year
of 2002 6,000 primary schools will be needed and
arrangements should begin now. The present ratio of
1;144 is based for the whole country but in heavily
populated areas there are usually 400 to 700 students
for one school and it is any essential to open more
schools. If grand buildings cannot be built, schools
conforming to standard are required. A school must be
established where students are safe, free from hazards
and hot water logged. There must be a playground.
The building must have a roof, walls and flooring,
suffix-light and good ventilation. Clean, fresh water
must be available in the place. Sanitary toilets are
absolutely necessary.
It has been found that the dropout rate for 5-14
year olds is 34% of that 57% had to leave for financial
reasons. If the reason for dropping out is financial then
association lake PTA, school governing brands should
assist the indigent students. The Ministry of labor and
UNICEF researchers have suggested that if the
dropouts are due to other financial reason other than
inability to meet school expenses then educational
systems should be loosened and revised.
Indigent people should be provided with
books, writing materials and if possible school
uniforms free of change such children should not have
to pay admission fees, PTA subscription and
sontribrite to school building and development fund.
To solve the problems relation to attending schools
situated far way or from almost inaccessible places
arrangements should be made to establish boarding
 79

schools, selling bicycles at reduced rates, concession

fares on buses and trains.
Ill fed children have been seen to be weak in
learning and memorizing. It should be arranged to face
young children in schools.
For those not shorwing interest in schooling,
instructions in verbal skills handicraft and mechanical
subjects should be provided.
For those who are helping the family to earn
more income in some way evening schools should be
established so that their education is not disrupted.
During the AFPFL era Agnes Convent in Shan
State (such as Kalaw and others) there were long
holidays during the cold season and short ones in
summer. In like manner arrangement ought to be made
in agricultural townships to split school holidays
according to locality during the planting and
harvesting seasons to enable students assisting in
agricultural work not to have their education
disrupted.
To make the students interested in their studies
sufficient educational materials should be made
available.
Bicycles and such like means of transport
should be provided to teachers to enable them to get to
school in time. When building schools. Housing
should be included for teachers. On else, house rents
should be given to teachers to reside in places near the
school.
To enable teachers to keep up with the times
workshops on teaching methods must be arranged.
Seminars with teachers from other modern countries
 80

should be organized. At large number of teachers

should be sent abroad for observation. Special awards
ought to be given to teachers sewing in rural areas and
distant places.
It is noticed that students under very
knowledgeable teachers of both sexes are not bored
but are diligent. Teachers, on the other hand, being
hard-pressed with school activities are not able to do
any outside reading or improving their general
knowledge. Arrangements should, therefore, be made
to enable teachers of both sexes to visit libraries and
reading rooms to further their knowledge.
*It is seen that in the State Budget for 1999 the
appropriations for the armed services amount to 40%
of the total allotted to all the ministries and
Directorates.
If apart from a few armed insurgents, other
armed groups have ceased fire, the total budget
appropriations should be allocated to the armed
services. Allocations for educational purposes ought
to be more than 14.1% for ordinary expenditure and
7.7% for capital expenditure.
Any received for specific educational projects
should be used for the specific purpose without any
deduction. It should be noted such financial aid is
intended to supplement the original budget
allocations.
After 1993 child care center and pre-schools
were established. It learnt that have are 634 child care
centers and 5 pre-schools in Burma. Only children
between the ages three to five are admitted to these
 81

institutions and there are none yet for those under 3

years.
Child care centers cannot be clarified as
preschools, the reason being that these centers are
under the care of those without any training in
childcare and others. Kindergarten syllabuses are
being taught prematurely. There is an absence of
teaching regarding health, nutrition, psychosocial care
and stimulation.
Young children should be provided with
lessons and necessary assistance to promote their
faculties and development.
In the syllabuses for primary classes there
must be consanguinity in school days and
improvement in testing methods. Teaching should not
be a burden on learning. Educationists should give
guidance as to whether it is appropriate to establish a
standard where the highest grade according to age
must be the target on fix a benchmark where the
minimum level of education is sufficient.
*In order to raise the level of primary
education it was stated in the “Union of Myanmar;
Education For all DFA, 2003” published in May, 1999
that a “Continues Assessment and Progressive System
(CAPS)” was introduced in (1991-92) in 44 schools in
3 townships.
This proposal needs to be discussed at length.
It is also necessary to discuss it soonest without any
delay. This is the time to raise questions.
If it is the intention of CAPS to prevent exam
failures on not to have repeaters that should a student
 82

who does not even meet the lowest grade fixed for his
class be promoted?
If it is not the case in densely populated areas
or schools with a large number of students (for
example, TTC in Rangoon) how can a teacher in
charge of a class 60-70 students continuously assess
and record the capabilities of each and every students?

If it is the intention of CAPS to reduce

dropouts what was the outcome in the schools selected
for EFA which were picked in 1991-92.
If the dropout rate is high because of inability
to meet schooling expenses as a direct cause or to take
up employment to urgent income as another reason,
how will EFA help in such instances?
In any case, if CAPS is intended to increase
the number of schools and improve their capability it
is essential to have people in the teaching field and
those who are daily assessing the situation. It is also
essential to increase the number of fully qualified
teachers in order to have an acceptable teacher student
ratio.
Humankind must of necessity have education
for one’s decent living standard to have dignity and to
be able to take up employment to raise one’s status to
be knowledgeable to reach conclusions based on facts
and for further pursuit of education.
 83

Conclusion

Intelligent and knowledgeable people are

required for any country’s progress and development.
It is not enough to coin slogans like “Only with
education will the nation prosper”. The present
education system is one where education depends on
affordability. The cost of education is indeed
burdensome. The reasons for school age children
being distanced from education are due to financial
problems and high cost of living as we know form
preparing this paper. Funds for education will not be
sufficient so long as there is instability and no real
peaceable condition in the country. Donors are also
hesitant with the fear that their aid and will go to
waste.
It must be emphasized that to achieve stability
and attain peace in the country democracy is an
absolute necessity.

*Union of Myanmar, Education for EFH Assessment

year 2000 page 16
 84

Chapter 5

Report of the Health and Social Affairs Committee

of the Committee Representing People’s
Parliament CRPP elected during the Multiparty
Election of 1990

Report submitted to CRPP on the subject of

Social Affairs fixing the minimum level at state fixing
the minimum level at state hospitals, clinics, rural
health centers and maternity and children health
centers.

Draft Report

At the present juncture under the military

administration the majority of the people is facing
awful conditions in the fields of health education and
social affairs never before experienced though out
history.
After 1985 especially the budget
appropriations for the health sector declined
dramatically. The amount expended in the health
sector in 1985 was kyat 18.7 per Read and this
declined to Kyat 6.9 per hand in 1996. Supportive aid
to ease the health problem was woefully insufficient.
The quality of service provided was also noticeably
inferior. There were only a few government
employees to undertake the task. In 1993 the 95,238
village tracts in the country there were 6074 rural
 85

medical and semi-medical clinics equal to 10% or 470

villages served by one medical clinic.
Regarding children mortality rate, 49.3% was
due to malnutrition, 20% to malaria, 26% to
respitoratary diseases, 15% to dysentery and diarrhea,
2% to measles and 37% to other aliments.
The number of deaths at childbirth was 500 per
100,000 in 1980 which in 1994 it was 230 per 100,000
and later the death toll was 100 in urban and 180 in
100,000 in rural areas, it is learnt.
In Burma today the worst disease is malaria
which is the cause of death of a large number of
people 20% of the hospital parents are from malaria.
In 1991 1 million people were treated as outdoor
patients 22% of the patients who died in hospital were
due to malaria. It is learnt that the frightful diseases
such as HIV, AIDS made the appearance about 5
years ago in Burma and is reported be widespread in
the country. Advance warnings have been received
that in another couple of years or Burma will face this
dreadful disease like those countries in Africa.
Similarly it is learnt that TB is on the increase in
Burma and preventive action must be taken before the
situation gets out of control. Presently, only 60% of
the country’s people population and 47% of the rural
residents can benefit from the government’s health
programs.
60% of the country’s population and 50% of
rural residents now have clean water.
43% of the entire population and 36% of rural
were residents have hygicmic facilities.
 86

Burma’s life expectancy is understood is be

58.4 years which is less than 6 years than that of other
South East Asia nations.
Burma’s general health situation is becoming
inferior and deteriorating. The reasons are because the
governments system to improve the situation is
inadequate and substandard especially since health
workers are not provided with up-to-date training, lack
of necessary equipment shortage of required
medicines and drugs and lack of funds (including
foreign exchange). The abovementioned list of
inadequacies has been taken from publication and
statements issued by UN agencies and its down
countries.

2. To overcome this unsavory situary it will

require a government cognizant of its responsibilities
and act with authority and transparency and only
commendable administration come into being.
The aforesaid deterioration having been
neglected for over then years, it will not be easy to
find a speedy solution. It will certainly need to be
tackled in stages over a period of time. For example, it
will take time to train and have ready the required
number of doctors, specialists, nurses and medical
service employees.
Accordingly it will be necessary to fix the
minimum level to achieve whatever is essential based
on the existing situation and carry out the unavoidable
tasks depending on locality and by stages.
 87

3. Health programs which must be under taken

at a minimum level.
(a) Budget appropriations must be provided at
the rate of kyat 18 per person at least to give medical
assistance to all the nationalities in the country. If
circumstances permit more assistance must be
allocated.
(b) Arrangements must be made to have the
established number of medical provides. Especially,
there must be a full complement of medical provides
at medical clinics set up in rural tracts and
administrative unit.
(c) The whole nation must be invocated against
important diseases.
(d) To eradicate malaria a scheme will be
drawn up for the entire country.
(e) To draw up a scheme for the whole country
to prevent child mortality resulting from malnutrition.
(f) To try best to reduce utmost child mortality
form respitonatory and intestinal diseases.
(g) To regard HIV/AIDS as an important issue
and prevent it, seeking aid from WHO.
(h) Will endeavor to prevent the spreading of
TB and to carry act effective cure of the disease.
(i) To take steps as the government priority to
provide clean water in rural areas as it is the basic
program to promote primary health in these areas.

4. Minimum standards for hospitals health

clinics, rural health centers, and maternity and child
health centers.
 88

(a) There must be at least one medical center

for each village tract. This must be under the control
of a nurse holding midroitery and nursing diplomas.
This person will be responsible for the sanitary
condition of the center and its environment and also
continuously seek the help of residents to obtain
sufficient water. Under the direction of the township
Medical officer the person in charge of the center must
obtain in time preventive and other stipulated
medicines form the township Primary preventive
medical programs including school health and
maternity and child health will be undertaker as a
priority measure.
(b) There must be at least one hospital in each
administrative unit. In every hospital there must be
one doctor and service personnel as per establishment
chart under the control of the Township Medical
officer. Basically, it is their duty to be prepared just
like the medical center. Assistance must be provided
to village residents in their endeavor for school health
and maternity and child welfare.
In every Township, there will be a Health
Officer and service personnel. They will be provided
staff as per establishment chart. The Township
Medical Officer must supervise not only the township
hospital but also hospitals in administrative units,
medical clinics dispensaries, sub-dispensaries and
maternity and child welfare centers. The TMO will be
in charge of lady Health visitors who will tour village
tracts. Responsibility must be taken to see that clean
water is available at all times. Arrangements must be
made to organize villagers in places where sufficient
 89

water is unavailable and the matter reported to the

divisional officer and then endeavor to obtain the
needed water. Responsibility must be taken in timely
fashion to have enough stipulated present time
inoculation drugs and medicines. In addition care must
be taken to see that everything is in order for patients
who are the primary reason for a hospital. All
hospitals and clinics in the township must be
organized to assist the maternity and child welfare in
their work. Lady Health Visitors shall be assigned
their duty. Then main responsibility will be provided
primary medical card for child mortality from
malnutrition. Arrangements will be made with
Township Education Officer for in consultation school
health programs within the township.

Division/ state

The respective Child Medical Officer of a

Division or a state and service personnel must take
responsibility to see that the clinics, hospitals in and
within the township are able to perform their
stipulated minimum standard duties. Assistance must
be given to smooth the way for the townships in
carrying out their tasks. It is important, especially to
ensure that the Ministry of Health’s instruction and
directions and implemented successfully.
Responsibility must be assumed to see that materials,
human resources and assistance needed for the
successful outcome are kept ready and according to
 90

circumstances to co-ordinate and combine these

forces.
(e) The Ministry of Health and Health
Directorate at the center of things must take
responsibility for the succers of the scheme to raise the
country’s health situation the aforesaid minimum
standard. In particular, schemes and programs to
provide clear water, prevention and cure of stipulated
diseases for the whole country must be drawn up by
top responsible persons at the center and specialists
working in co-ordination for the successful emergence
of the objective.
This project is to emphasize primary health
care for eradication of malaria reduction of child
mortality from intestinal diseases and prevention and
cure of TB.
Of the programs laid out in paragraph (4). The
following must be carried out within 6 months to 1
year.
(a) Personnel for hospitals, clinics and rural
medical centers in townships
administrative units and rural tracts will be
appointed.
(b) Stipulated medicines and drags will be
replenished according to the required
quantity.
(c) Arrangements will be made to supply clean
water to hospitals, clinics and health units.
(d) Will ensure the availability of preventive
medicines and drugs aforesaid hospitals,
clinics and health units and timely
inoculations.
 91

Appendix (A)
Committee Representing People's Parliament
(CRPP)
Notification No 24 (4/99)

As the following matters concern all the

people, these should be decided only by the parliament
comprising parliamentary representatives duly elected
by the entire population.
1. The country's population is estimated to
reach 60 million by the year 2000 AD. It has been
reported in the media that the state Peace and
Development Council (SPDC) will undertake the
following projects for self sufficiency in food and
development of rural areas where cultivators vesicle.
(a) To enable the cultivation of 14 million acres for
monsoon rice crop and 4 million acres for summer rice
crop with each acre yielding 100 baskets of paddy
every year.
(b) To increase the acreage for cultivation of
supplementary crops according to locality.
(c) Self sufficiency of edible oil.
(d) To increase the planting of rubber trees in
Tenasserim Division.
(e) To increase breeding of livestock, fish and prawns.
(2). (a) In order to increase the acreage of
cultivable land and yield, thousands of acres of virgin
fallow and wetlands must be converted into cultivable
land. It is stated that in doing so the land being worked
by others (in other words, land being cultivated under
license) should not be included in the acreage allotted
to those receiving special privileges.
 92

(b) It is also stated that the authorities will give

permission to plant oil crops if there are virgin and
fallow land available in order to have self sufficiency.
(3). (a) It is learned that those permitted to
implement the projects are national entrepreneurs.
These people who are co-operating with the
authorities have been dubbed as "comrades". These
entrepreneurs had received the following special
privileges from the authorities. They are;
(1) Those who had contracts for different
projects, especially construction works and thus
became wealthy.
(2) Those who were given import / export
permits in external trade and earned huge profits and
therefore became prosperous in the present era.
(b) List of entrepreneurs who were granted
permits by the authorities is shown in the appendix.
4. It is learned that entrepreneurs with projects
for 5000 acres and above will be granted the following
benefits;
(a) Permission to carry out the project for 30
years (Those who are 20 years now will be 50 years
old by then). It means the rights of the new generation
are controlled from now.
(b) The people who have been permitted to
carry out the project will be allowed to export half of
the rice produced from their land while the remaining
half can be sold within the country.
(c) Machinery, insecticides, fertilizer etc.,
required for agricultural purposes can be imported
from abroad tax free.
 93

(d) The authorities will undertake for their

"comrades" worksites to build roads, bridges,
irrigation, canals and for accessibility also arrange
telephone connection.
(e) The "comrades" can also apply for loans.
5. (a) Mention will be made of cultivating rice
paddy in wetlands. The most important crop in Burma
is rice. In order to keep the country peaceful for
economic development and promote social issues,
Accordingly, serious consideration must be given to
the issue relating to rice cultivation in wetlands and to
revitalize fallow land for cultivation.
(b) In wetland areas there are roughly the
following types of land:
(1) Certain plots of land out of wetlands which
can be cultivated.
(2) Plots of laud where thatch and wild reeds
abound.
(3) Areas where thick bushes and thickest are
abundant.
(4) Natural ponds, lakes and creeks.
(c) It is learned that the entrepreneurs will
undertake to employ the following methods to make
use of cultivable lands from out of the above
categories.
(1) To get hold of the cultivable acreage from
cultivators who own and have been working the land.
(2) To procure the thatch plantations and
ponds, hakes, etc. from the local people who own
these lots.
(3) To take over ownerless land areas.
 94

(d) The local population residing near the

wetland areas use the thatch leaves as roofing
material. The thickets are used for firewood. In
addition, in areas where rice cultivation is possible the
local people try their best to cultivate the crop.
(e) If the wetlands are to be used for rice
cultivation all the rights and privileges mentioned in
5(b) will be lost. The local population will be deprived
of their economic and social rights.
(f ) The cultivators and farmers who are
cultivating the land they own but included in the
wetlands area will lose their farmlands and become
dispossessed. Those engaged in thatch trading,
firewood dealers, and those working in fisheries will
become unemployed. It may be mentioned here that
under the colonial administration laborers from other
countries were recruited for rice cultivation and the
necessary financing was provided by the chattier
community who followed landowners become
landless farm laborers later due to vagaries of weather,
Mauro chattier moneylenders, and disparity in prices
between commoner goods and farm produce and the
world economic crisis. All these factors contributed to
the Burmese cultivators to vise up in arms.
(g) Manpower is essential for rice cultivation
in the wetlands area. It is learned that the authorities
intend to establish " labor villages " with resident farm
workers and cultivators working people and families
from some localities in the township should that be the
case, social problems are found to arise. Town and
city dwellers have no experience in rice cultivation
 95

and they are also bound to lose whatever slight

advantage they are getting at present.
(h) The wetlands act as natural depositary for
rainwater during the monsoon season and other water
flow. This has been the case from the time Burma
appeared in the world. It will be tantamount to
destruction of native if some areas are used for
cultivation in the wetlands. If nature is destroyed the
surrounding areas will be adversely affected and
problems can arise. Crises affecting the economy and
social issues are likely to occur which will also create
political problems. The excess water will flow to other
areas and this will destroy the weather pattern in the
original areas while causing floods in areas where
there was a dearth of water previously. It is absolutely
essential to preserve t he harmonious conditions
governing water resources, weather, and environment
and protect the trees. plants and living creatures which
depend on the ecosystem.
(6) Burma's politics, economy and social
affairs are based on agriculture. Hence agriculture,
especially rice cultivation, plays a dominant role and
every effort has to be made to increase the cultivated
acreage. The wetlands are also part of the scheme for
expanding cultivation. However, such a scheme is not
a recent innovation, in 1963, Burma Socialist Program
Party government drew up a scheme and started
cultivating in the Amara, Seepin, Khin Tandyi and
Kamakathit cooperative villages in Pegu District
wetland areas; another scheme was introduced to
develop new agricultural land in Shwelaung Township
and PyoRon Township in the Irrawaddy Delta region
 96

with loons from the world Bank to grow paddy

categories (1) and (2) but practically no appreciable
improvements resulted.
7. The situation prevailing in Burma's
agricultural section after 1988 will be shown.
(1) The authorities of various stripes are using
the services of the cultivations by granting yearly
tenancies. The majority of the farmer generally has
only 3 to 5 acres of cultivable land each to work on.
(2) Even with the yearly tenancy, the
authorities concerned exercise excessive power. 12 to
14 baskets are forcibly demanded out of the
prospective yield in the guise of provision for public
servants, gifts and for armed services irrespective of
whether the total yield is successful or otherwise.
Payment for such rice paddy is about half or less than
the market value. The cultivations are honest and
fearful, so in order to meet the unfair demands made
by the authorities they had to pawn or sell their
possessions to purchase the quantity needed to
complete the quota at high prices from others, Failure
to do so entailed various types of mental and physical
torture and the cancellation of the tenancy which ruins
the life of the cultivator and his family. For to tool
lack of lure, the cultivator despite his interest in
agriculture will turn his back on it with resultant drop
in output of rice and other crops. The quality also
deteriorated. The produce also cannot be exported
abroad since the rice is below export standard.
Nowadays, the expression " Burma Rice " has
disappeared from the international rice market.
 97

(3) Due to inability to inability to purchase

sufficient fertilizers, the rice output has declined.
(4) With regard to cultivation of summer rice
crop, the authorities forced cultivators to plant rice in
regions where water cannot be provided, ordering
cultivating various types of bean plants in unsuitable
soil and regions. These caused loss of manpower,
waste of cattle energy loss of capital outlay and forced
the cultivators to undergo hellish conditions. Farmers
and cultivators who comprise 80 percent of Burma's
population have been deeply affected.
(5) The people living in rural areas are forced
to work without wages on various projects initiated by
numerous authorities. People had to abandon their
own work and let it go to ruin in order to cultivate the
fields owned by the armed forces without receiving
payment. Also they had to plow and cultivate the
armed forces owned follow land free of change. The
people also had to clear the follow land owned by the
armed forces. In some areas, the inhabitants are forced
to leave their farms, paddy fields and worksites and
relocated elsewhere on the grounds that these areas are
infested with insurgents.
(6) In a nutshell, the people in rural areas are
presently living under unlivable conditions because of
authoritarian village rule and an erroneous economic
system. The entire agricultural industry from its basic
foundation lies in ruins.
(8). (a) Because of the abovementioned
reasons agricultural output has declined and the
quality of the products has deteriorated. It is essential
to raise the standard of living of the cultivator in order
 98

to increase production. The one year tenancy systems

must be abolished. Forced labor practices must be
abandoned. The sale of sufficient fertilizers must be
permitted. Cultivators must be taught scientific
cultivation method seeds which will produce good
quality rice must be developed.
(b) It is estimated that there are about 31
million acres of cultivable land of which cultivators
work on 16 million acres approximately. Priority must
be given to improve the quality and increase the
output in the cultivated acreage. in line with the
market economy system the cultivations must be
given the right to store, mill and sell their produce.
The right to sell includes sale both inland and abroad.
Leans at reasonable interest rates must be provided for
capital financing that may be needed. The right to
cultivate without hindrance must be permitted by
which it is meant people must be persuaded as human
nature demands persuasion.
Forceful methods should not be favored.
Hence, for the aforesaid 31 million acres of cultivable
land and approximately 16 acres of land under
cultivation, the rights and prurleges granted to private
entrepreneurs must also be extended to the existing
farmers and cultivators.
(9) For the 31 million acres of cultivable land
it is noticed that the authorities have not given the
cultivators the incentives that form the basic principles
of the market economy but offered them to their
selected private entrepreneurs. It is learned that large
acreages were secretly given to these entrepreneurs
initially in a matter of this nature affecting the
 99

agricultural policy of the whole country an open

announcement must be made and then allocations of
land decided based on the financial status actual
capacity, experience and capability to undertake the
project. To make the most effective use of the
country's best natural resource-land and achieve
optimal benefits from its use detailed discussions must
be conducted between fully qualified specialists, local
representatives and the authorities.
(10) It was stipulated in Para that the private
entrepreneurs must not include in their list of working
cultivable acreage the land they had acquired from
other landowners by various means. Mention will be
made here of an example worse than that. The powers
that be will undertaking development of unused land,
fallow land and wetlands confiscated ponds, lakes,
fisheries, etc, and handed them over to the private
centre premiers.
(11). (a) It is learned that approximately
20,000 acres of agricultural land and fisheries which
had been cultivated and operated by cultivators for
generations located in 17 villages located west of
Mirhla Township Pegu Division were confiscated and
handed over to a private entrepreneur called Thein
Shwe Company. Accordingly, the people who ate
presently cultivating their paddy fields and working at
the fisheries lost their possessions and are now
unemployed. Some became field laborers. There is no
other source of employment in these areas.
(b) It is also reported that they said
entrepreneur with the help of the luigaluon
Department, has dug irrigation canals and built dams
 100

wherever necessary. The local resident ate therefore,

worried that during the monsoon season areas which
had never been flooded before will now face flooding.
(12) It is learned that private entrepreneurs can
obtain loans from the bindles for funds required for
their projects. When such situations arise it will be
cause for concern if special privileges exceeding
customary banking practices are granted as are being
done in other specific matting as the Burmese banking
system and currency policies will be adversely
affected.
(13) The authorities have proclaimed that Just
as the agricultural sector will develop and progress
only when thousands of private modern agricultural
lands are established the rural areas where farmers and
cultivator reside will flourish. It is evident that such
statements lack clarity, extrapolating the increase in
cultivable acreage with agricultural policy.
(14). (a) For the development of rural areas, it
is essential that every help be given to the cultivators
who are currently engaged in agricultural work by
allotting more cultivable acreage. Financial assistance
for cultivation relation expenditure like fertilizers for
example, and to prevent flooding. A particular need is
for provision of good quality seed paddy and to
improve agricultural knowledge. Moreover, it is
necessary to help the cultivators to conform strictly in
accordance with the market economy, to allow the
export of their produce abroad and to offer
inducements in order to make them attracted to
agricultural work.
 101

(b) Nowadays, in some underdeveloped

countries, the administrations and international
organizations are successfully carrying out the
establishment of rural communities and villages.
Provisions ate made for land, housing, water, food
agricultural implements. In addition, other essentials
such as schools, roads, water connections ate arranged
thus lowing cultivators to produce superior quality
rice with resultant developing economy.
(15). (a) Whoever, the cultivator may be if
there are insufficient fertilizers or good quality crop is
not produced , it will not be possible to sell and export
inferior quality of rice and paddy. In overseas trade,
products have to be sold in competition with other
countries. It will be possible to trade internationally
only if the produce is of comparable standard and the
milling is on par with other nations.
(b) It is learnt the private entrepreneurs will be
permitted to export 50(fifty) percent of rice and paddy
produced from their land while the reaming 50(fifty)
percent can be sold within the country. If that be the
case it cannot be denied that the possibility of these
private entrepreneurs purchasing rice and paddy from
other cultivator will not arise. In such an eventuality it
is extremely important that the purchases are made at
market prices. It is necessary to ban and stop unfair
business practices occurring.
(c) Another important factor is that the
authorities' plan to allocate large tracts of land to
private entrepreneurs to cultivate rice and agricultural
produce should not turn out to be just a pipe dream.
 102

(16) According to news sources a private

entrepreneurs who obtained permission to farm the
wetlands in DaKa village area in Nyaungdon
Township allotted up to 120 acres each to some
cultivators. It is said that these cultivators had to pay
tenancy fees which are more than what the
entrepreneur paid to the authorities. They had to
purchase the necessary machinery engine oil,
fertilizers etc., from the entrepreneurs. It is also learnt
that funds could be obtained as loons from the some
source. At harvesting time the cultivate will have to
tender 10(ten) baskets of paddy known as "duty
performed" paddy to the authorities. Formation goes
that the remaining produce must be sold to the
entrepreneur at kyat 10,000(ten thousand) below
market price. In truth this is an undesirable
profiteering.
(17) However it may be, the state Peace and
Development Council (SPDC) action has caused the
local population to lose their social welfare and
economic rights and privileges farm and cultivators
lost their lands and became unemployed. The poor can
become poorer, the middle class disappear and only
two classes, the poor and the affluent may remain. All
over the world steps are being taken to maintain and
preserve natural surroundings and Burma is part of it.
However, because of the actions presently being
undertaken, there is every possibility that the
environment will be adversely effete.
(18). (a) Moreover, the actions taken directly
concern the farmers and cultivators who comprise the
largest force in the entire population. Such matters
 103

which concern the whole country should be handled

by the Representatives who were duly elected by the
whole nation through free and fair elections conducted
according to democratic practices to attend to issues
that will be of benefit to the country on their behalf.
These elected Representatives will have to conduct
detailed discussions in the Peoples' Parliament and
decide on principles guiding the agricultural sector.

Committee Representing Peoples' Parliament

Rangoon
April 23,1999.

APPENDIX . CHART
Names of Private Enterprises permitted to cultivate
uncultivated land, fallow land and wetlands, together
with location and acreage
Serial Company/
Organizatio Region Township Acreage
n
Allotted
Magwe
Division 198,000
1 Asia World Htae Toe Salin
Kan 10,000
2 Dagon Ye Boke Pwint Pyu
International Gyi 36,000
3 Myanmar Myo Sa Minbu
Billion Po 29,000
Group
4 Yuzana Kyce Minbu
Company Kan Kan Minhla 30,000
 104

5 Service Nga Phe

International Salin 40,000
6 Shwe Koe Bin Sinbaungw
Mithazu e 10,000
7 Shwe Thazin Thazi Sinbaungw
Syndicate e 20,000
8 Olympic Akayit Sinbaungw
Company e 5,000
9 Aung Htike Yedwin Taung
Min Gaung dwingyi 7,000
Shwe Aung Lan
pandaw
10 Small
Projects 11,400
Rangoon
Division 28,500
11 Home Singyan Taikkyi
Ministry 2,000
12 Rangoon Taikkyi
Development 1,500
Committee
13 Dagon Sike Tantabin
Pyoe Ye Taikkyi 18,000
Group
14 Shwe Htair Singyan Taikkyi
Co.Ltd 2,000
15 Satee Stone Hmawbi Tanravin
Agricultural Taikkyi 5,000
Group
Irrawadd
y 244,343
Division
16 S.I.Limited Nyaungdo
 105

n Danubyu 30,000
17 Yuzana Deedok Pantanaw
Mogok South A 20,380
Yoy Kin
18 Olympic Mogok Pantanaw
1,500
19 Small
Projects 170,813
Total
470,323

APPENDIX (B)
Source: New Light of Myanmar (10-2-99) " Tree of
prosperity will grow in the fields "
Part (c)
Reports of the Committee Representing People'
Parliament (CRPP) elected in the Multiparty
Democratic Elections in 1990 relating to;
Parliamentary Affairs Committee
International Relations Committee
Ethnic Nationalities Affairs Committee
Defense Committee
Appendices.
 106

Chapter (2)
International Relations Committee Report
International Relations
The International Relations Committee of the
People's Parliament decided to submit the following
proposals to parliament.
At the conference held at Bandun Indonesia in
April 1955 the five principles of Co-existence were
adopted.
The principles are;
● The integrity and sovereignty of a country to
be respected and acknowledged by another country.
● To refrain from attacking and incurring the
boundaries of another country.
● To refrain from interfering in another
country's internal affairs.
● To achieve equality and promote
development in both countries.
● And peaceful co-existence. Burma will
adhere to these principles.
● Neutralism will be adopted.
● Nowadays, no country can stand alone and
therefore in matters involving politics, economics,
social affairs, education, etc. There is interrelationship
between countries in order to develop mutually.
Burma will, therefore, have friendly relations with
other countries, especially with neighboring countries.
● Burma will join regional organizations.
● Burma will effectively engage with the UN
and UN Agencies (including special UN special
envoys).
 107

Report of the Ethic Nationalities Committee

submitted by the Committee Representing People's
Parliament (CRPP) elected during the Multiparty
Democracy Elections of 1990.

Speech given by U Aye Tha Aung Secretary

of the Committee Representing Peoples
Parliament (CRPP)
February 12, 1999
I am happy and honored to be given the
opportunity to speak on the 52nd anniversary of Union
Day.
Today, February 12, is a glorious, memorable
day for on this day in our country's past, unity was
achieved through discussions and consultations. In
other words, over 50 years ago, on February 12,1947
National Leader General Aung San and leaders of
Shan, Kachin, Chin ethnic nationalities agreed to
establish a Union of Burma and put their signature to
the Panlong Agreement in order to reach accord
discussions and negotiations involving concessions
had to be thrashed out until final agreement was
achieved and in doing so it was also noted that success
was attained only because of General Aung San's
broadmindedness, his detachment from bias and racial
prejudice, love for the whole country. Patience and
tenacity and these attributes resulted in the unity of
purpose. Such admirable precedents must be the
standard which we must adopt. On the other hand we
can clearly see from historical perspective that the
leaders of the ethnic nationalities with firm conviction
and trust that " Only by joining hands with the
 108

Burmese people that we will also achieve freedom

without delay " decided to work and co-operate fully.
Another factor which the Shan Leaders included in
their declaration and guaranteed was " Equality of
status, rights, democratic rights and equal privileges
on par with the Burmese people." and this can be seem
therein. Just as these form the essence of the Panlong
Agreement, they are also the basic principle for the
establishment of the Union of Burma. However, at a
later date, there were deviations from such impeccable
principles. As a result of these deteriorations, the unity
established was shattered and widespread armed
conflicts erupted which in turn will serve as a lesson
in history. At the present time, it has been able to
achieve ceasefire with armed groups but we cannot
deny the fact that basic demands and various political
issues have yet to be settled. These need to be solved
in reality in line with the basic principles.
How will these issues be solved in accordance
with which basic principles? The union of Burma is
not a country where only one nationality resides. It is
one in which several nationalities live together. Hence,
it is not appropriate to have a unitary government but
establish a Union. By Union, it does not suggest
forming a Union in name only but a genuine Union
where every nationality id equal in status. Everyone's
birthright (national rights) must be acknowledged and
every nationality must have the right to determine
their own affairs, enact laws. Every nationality must
have real freedom, equal status, unity as the basis of
 109

genuine freedom. Only by unadulterated equality in

status can unity be established and with unity genuine
peace can be attained.
What is the current state of conditions in the
country? To be can did there is general decay in such
sectors as politics, economy, education and
degeneration in national consolidation and unity. The
political situation which is the key factor and
extremely delicate is demanding in gent necessity to
tackle the issue as a national crisis. Are we going to
blind side and ignore this crisis, doing what we like
for the benefit of one group only, compounding
mistakes? Let us not procrastinate but instead broaden
our outlook and solve the problem through discussions
and negotiations.
At this juncture, we should learn from the past.
There is no need to mention in detail how after
gaining in dependence organizations which shouldered
responsibilities did whatever they claimed fit resulting
in immeasurable loss to the country. Everyone is
aware of the fact. The lessons learnt from the past
deeply detrimental to the interests of the people at
large should suffice. So, how shall we proceed? Are
we going to push the country into a deep abyss
selfishness, holding firmly to self interest, outmoded
policies? If blind faith is pursued I shudder to think of
the future. Therefore, in the interest of the country and
for the sake of all the nationalities, let us discard our
prejudices and hatred, reorient our thoughts and
cultivate national unity, co-ordinate our efforts and
without further delay initiate discussions in order to
solve the current political crisis.
 110

Another factor is that the armed force will

always exist in the nation. Hence, the armed forces
which had always borne a noble tradition should rid
any suspicions they hold and bequeath these noble
tradition to the future. The armed forces after seizing
the reins of power announced to the country that they
would establish multiparty democratic system,
organize elections, hand power over to the victorious
party and then armed forces would return to their
barracks. Those were the promises given by the armed
forces and in accordance with these undertakings they
permitted the setting up of political parties, organized
elections, But in the matter of transferring power to
the victorious party there has been a tremendous
delay. In the meantime, the armed forces issued law
No1/90 and pressured to sign under the provisions of
this Law. Law 1/90, states that after the election Law
and rules and regulations are accomplished the
People's Parliament would be conversed. However,
Parliament has not been convened up to this date and a
National convention was held instead.
At this point in time, no steps have been taken
with regard to the 1990 elections and voices are heard
that another will be held. These are undesirable
precedents and practices which should not be
bequeathed as historical legacies. What needs to be
done is to sustain its original undertaking and honor
the results of the elections which they themselves
organized and in this manner bequeath a praiseworthy
precedent.
In conclusion, I would like to say that
conversing the People's Parliament is a national
 111

requisite at this juncture. It is essential to have faith

for the fulfillment of this objective. All detainees must
be released immediately. I earnestly suggest that all
feelings of distrust and suspicion be cast aside and
commence negotiations and discussions.

U Aye Tha Aung

Committee for Ethnic Nationalities

The Problem of Ethnic Nationalities in

Burma And The Future of the Union
(International Experiences)

In seeking a solution to any problem it is

essential to be objective. When the problem relating to
ethnic nationalities in Burma has to be studied at close
hand it will not suffice to make a judgment based on
the past 50 years' historical perspective. It is necessary
to study the current status of the ethnic nationalities in
Burma jointly with the situational changes in the
international communities. This is because in addition
to the differences due to diversity of the ethnic
nationalities, religions affiliation, traditions based on
culture, national issues arising from the period of
colonial domination also come into play.
Problems affecting ethnic nationalities have
arisen based on polities in different guises not only in
Burma but also in many countries around the world.
In Indonesia, East Timor is endeavoring to
gain independence, and other Indonesian provinces
 112

such as Aceh, Rice, Irian Jaya and East Kalimantan

have shown strong desire for secession. In the
Philippines, the Moro National Front from Mindanoo
Island has resorted to armed struggles to secede
resulting in the death of about 120,000 people. In Sri
Lanka also Tamil people from the Jafna Peninsular are
waging armed struggles in order to secede and this is
causing the loss of many lives and destruction of the
economy. Also in India there have been frequent riots
relating to religion and race and of these the problems
about the Sikhs seeking secession and the current
Kashmir issues are causes for concern. In China with a
population of over a billion peoples Tibetans are
agitating for secession of Tibet from China, Moslems
of Turkish ancestry and the Mongols from Inner
Mongolia are likewise seeking secession. Besides East
Asia and Asian countries where problems regarding
ethnic nationalities exist, Arab countries have
Bedouins who are dissatisfied and armed conflicts
with the Kurds. Political pundits have, therefore,
expressed the view that in the third world countries the
problem relating to ethnic nationalities is the most
import ant.
In Yugoslavia, an East European country,
armed racial conflicts led to the destruction of national
unity and the disintegration of the Federation. In
Kosovo following the disintegration of the Federation,
the racial conflict between Albanians and Serbs led to
military intervention by NATO forces which
developed into an international crisis. In
Czechoslovakia, even after the country was split in
two as the Czechs and the Slovaks could not stay as
 113

one and peacefully established Czech and Slovak

republics, in Czech republic the Moravian and Silesian
Peoples' demand for separate regions came up while in
Slovakia there were agitations by the Hungarian
minority for self-government and Ukrainian ethnic
groups attempted to gain cultural rights.
15 countries which once were part of the
superpower USSR established themselves as
independent states. Later on, armed conflicts
developed in Russian Federation over the demand by
Chechen people to secede from the Federation. Racial
conflicts also occurred Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan
and other republics. It was not only in underdeveloped
and developing countries that racial problems arose. In
Britain both peaceful and terrorist methods are being
deployed to get Northern Ireland to secede and there
are moves by the people of Scotland and Wales for
more self-government. Just as the French speaking
province of Quebec in Canada is attempting to secede,
even in USA problems relating to African Americans
exist.
It will be seen from the instances mentioned
alone that problems relating to ethnic nationalities
prevail in various forms in many countries around the
world and while matters have been settled through
peaceful negotiations and discussions in some of these
countries, in others there are armed conflicts between
the nationalities. Separate states have been formed
peacefully when the people of different nationalities
do not wish to co-exist. Only in some countries armed
conflicts grew in intensity resulting in the destruction
of the Federation because of the lack of unity. The
 114

underlying reason is because there are practically very

few countries in the majority of the world's countries
are established with people of different ethnicity and
such ethnic nationalities in modern times.
(1) Have the desire and intention to stay
together in an atmosphere where rights are equal to
preserve and maintain one's culture and to remain part
of the same ethnic nationality.
(2) In any country where the majority ethnic
nationality exercises dominance and control over other
ethnic nationalities and through acts of discrimination
gains advantages, such behavior create harmful results
for the ethnic nationalities.
(3) In the countries which replaced the
imperialist powers of old, the dominant nationality
held the reins of power and exercised control over
other ethnic nationalities. These are the basic causes
for the problems concerning ethnic nationalities
erupting in many countries in the world in various
shapes and forms as part of political issues. Hence, we
ought to make a brief study and compare the problems
regarding Burma's ethnic nationalities in the context
crisis developed. Finally, as a result of economic
problems and financial difficulties there was popular
uprising leading to the downfall of the Suharto
regime. After the collapse of Suharto administration,
the students and the general population continued
agitating due to dissatisfaction over the involvement
of the armed forces in political affairs and demanding
the transformation to a democratic system. On the
other hand there were intense political agitations for
independence by the people of East Timor which had
 115

been illegally occupied by Indonesia. The ethnic

nationalities in many Indonesian provirus had suffered
suppression and violations of human rights for nearly
50 years under the administration of the Javanese and
the Central Government and the economic exportation
of the Javanese. Because of such conditions, the ethnic
nationalities living in Aceh, Riu, Irian Jaya, East
Kalimantan have expressed strong desire to secede
from Indonesia. In some provinces armed conflicts
have arisen. A review of the current developments
indicates the possibility of disintegrity of unity and
increased tension in Indonesia if efforts are not made
to establish a union practicing a democratic
administration system.
The Philippines is and island state with
approximately 7000 large and small islands. The of
ethnic racial conflicts in some countries out of many.
Indonesia is a country comprising over 3,000
Islands with a population of oveer 130 million. Nearly
200 languages and dialects such as Bahasa Indonesia,
Dutch, English, Java, Sudan, Madure are used in the
country 85 percent of the population are Muslims
while the remaining 15 percent profess Christianity,
Hinduism and Buddhism. Indonesia at one time was a
colony of Portugal, Britain and the Dutch. It gained
independence in 1949 and Sukarno was its first
president. After gaining independence a federal
system of government was adopted in line with varied
nationalities living there but this was replaced in 1950
with a unitary system of government. This resulted in
dissatisfaction among the ethnic nationalities in
various regions of the country. In 1955 the basic
 116

constitution was abrogated and a guided democratic

system was established under which the president was
entrusted with more power and parliament was
transformed into a consultation assembly. There was
unrest and an increase in in regional and provincial
protests and among the ethnic nationalities. In 1967
military commander, Suharto seized power from
Sukarno and became president. Suharto ruled about 30
years like a dictator with the backing of the armed
forces. Because of his dietarian system of government
and nepotism a financial Filipinos belong to the same
ethnic nationality as the Malays and Indonesians.
Tagalong is the national language and English and
Spanish are also spoken. 90 percent of the population
are Christians with the remaining 10 percent
professing Islam and Buddhism. The country was
once a colony of Spain and under American rule at
one stage. It became independent in 1946. The
majority of the population being Christians, the major
portion of the administrations are also Christians. The
inhabitants of Mindanao Island are Muslims and
underdeveloped economically socially and in
education and lag behind in regional development.
Because of generate discontent in the spheres of
religion economy and social issues the Mindanao is
lenders formed the Moro National Liberation Front
and engaged in armed insurrection. The original
objective was to establish an independent nation
armed conflicts over 24 years resulted in the death of
over 120,000 people. In 1976, as a result of the
intervention of the Islamic Organization a ceasefire
was declared and negotiations were conducted.
 117

However, the talks broke down after the National

Liberation Front refused to accept the government's
offer of self-government. In October, 1992,
discussions resumed between the government and the
Moro National Liberation Front through the good
offices of the Malaysian government acting as
intermediary. A successful conclusion was reached
this time and according to the agreement the Moro
National Front brooks their claim to set up a separate
state and accepts the offer of self-government. In this
way, it was agreed to hold regional elections in 1999.
India. It has a population of approximately one
billion people and was the old Mogul Empire: It also
became part of the British colonial empire. It is not
only a country with numerous ethnic nationalities; it is
also one where different religions, races, high and low
castes, languages and dialects exist. Yet, during the
early period just after gaining independence, India's
leaders laid the foundation for and practiced
democratic principles without admixture of racism,
and religion with politics.
Some areas of Asian region situated in North
Eastern India were carved to form new states such as
Mizoram, Megalara, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland
and in like manner some parts of central and southern
regions were partitioned on the basis of ethnic
nationality and language and formed into states such
as Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu,
Lrjarat, and Mahrashtra and in such manner solved
racial problems, It will be seen that in such manner
India with 25 states and 7 regional divisions endowed
with equitable powers together with a democratic
 118

union system was able to maintain national unity.

Even the agitation by the Sikhrationals to establish a
separate state after seeding from Punjab State appears
to have subsided. By a close Study of the situation it
can be seen that whatever the differences may be in
ethnic nationality, religion and language, if democratic
practices and union system are adopted rational unity
will be achieved and the Union will remain strong,
everlasting.
However, India's leaders of a later era and
extremist Hindus are making efforts to deviate from
the noble traditions of the past where there was no
discrimination of racial grounds nor admixture of
religion and politics which form the political
foundation of India. These extremists are attempting
to discriminate against people of different castes and
religions, to create a theocratic Hindu state and such
actions are bound to lead racial and religions strafe.
The Jammu/ Kashmir crisis can be attributed to the
fact that the inhabitants are mostly Muslims and
wherever problems arise there the Indian central
government used extreme measures to curl the
disturbances, particularly the Indian army and police
force violating human rights on innumerable
occasions as a result of which racial hatred became
more entrenched.
Should India fall behind the Hindu extremists'
wishes to discriminate against other nationalities and
adopt Hinduism as the state religion India will be
bound to face racial riots causing countries fatalities
and subsequent uncontrollable problems and
retaliatory racial attacks.
 119

People's Republic of China (PRC) It has a

population of over 1,000 million people with about 56
ethnic nationalities. The Han with approximately 92
percent of the population forms the major ethnic
nationalities. The remaining 8 percent of the ethnic
groups how ever live in over half the country's land
area. There are 5 autonomous regions and 21
provinces. China has a vast expanse of land and
during feudal times, warlords ruled the laud
separately. People of Turkish descent from the west,
and Mongols and Munches from the north infatuated
into the country and ruled the land. Imperialists such
as the Portuguese, British, French and USA also
gained foothold in China.
It was only in 1910 that a unified Republic of
China was able to be established. Under the leadership
of Dr.Sun Yat Sen. later in 1949, the Chinese
Communist Party headed by Mao Tze Tung
established the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Although PRC is administered under a unitary system
with centralities control it can be seen that special
regions have been created for ethnic nationalities who
were also given certain rights and privileges, thus
smoothing the problems relating to ethnic
nationalities. In Tibet, however, there are agitation and
disturbances due to racial issues, religious repressions,
various violations of human rights and demands for
independence. There are also strong desires for
secession by Muslims of Turkic which had been
subjugated by force of arms for a number of years set
up their own states based on their national
 120

characteristics and regained their independence and

sovereignty. Later on, the Chechnya ethnic
nationalities within the Russian Federation resorted to
armed conflicts while there are armed insurgencies in
republics such as America, Georgia, Azerbaijan and
others by ethnic nationalities.
A study of the situation shows that there was a
lot of racial dissatisfaction during Glariest times and
Lenin designated the Glariest Empire as " Ethnic
nationalities Person." The Soviet Union Collapsed and
disintegrated because Soviet leaders after the
revolution adopted the great Russian nation
Chauvinism and oppressed other nations. The nations
which joined the Soviet Union had also been forced to
do so because of subjugation by a stronger power. In
spite of laws enacted outlining the rights and
privileges of the nationalities these could not be
exercised freely because of the centralized
administrative system. Every nationality adores
independence and the dire need for democratic rights
and ardent desire to free itself from centralized
administration which had curbed their national
prerogatives and the chawanism of the Russian people
caused the various nationalities in the Soviet Union to
establish separate countries and the result was the
disintegration of the Soviet Union. Which the Union
was established in a sound, correct format and rights
and privileges of the nationalities were enacted by law
it must be concluded that the collapse was due to not
exercising power democratically ancestry residing in
the northwest and by the Mongols of Inner
Mongolians.
 121

The Soviet Union, which at one time was a

superpower and annexed several small states during
the days of the Gzars and conquered and integrated
several Baltic states into the Soviet Union is now the
Russian Federation after the disintegration of the
Soviet Union into 15 separate independent countries.
With about 100 ethnic nationalities, after the Russian
revolution several enactments were made under which
self-governing republics, Union republics,
autonomous regions, ethnic zones were established
rights and privileges granted to ethnic nationalities in
addition to which the right of secession was also
permitted by law. It may be assumed that compared to
the reigns of the Czars the people enjoyed bawdier
privileges but in base its policy on the people as a
whole but on the dictatorship of the proletariat and a
centralized administrative system the people
comprising different strata and ethnic it did not derive
any advantage.
When liberal thoughts, speed and writing were
permitted and President Gorvacher under his Glasnost
policy the Russian people took part in the struggles for
democracy and human rights and changed the mode of
living Elsewhere in the Union the peoples of other
countries.

Republic of Yugoslavia was formed with 6 states ,

namely Serbia, Macedonia, Goatee, Montenegro,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, with about 9 nationalities
such as Goat's, Serbs, Slovaks, Macedonians,
Hungarians, Turks, Albanians, Bosnians,
Montenegrins living together. The languages used are
 122

Serbo-Croatian, Slovenian, Macedonian, Hungarian

and Hungarian.
Of these people using the Serbo-Croatian
language, 42 percent are Serb nationals while 23
percent are Croatians. These two nationalities have not
been on good terms with one another for centuries.
There are 34 percent Orthodox Serbians, 24 percent
Roman Catholics, 10 percent Muslims. The 6 states
were on their own prior to 1918 while Serbia,
Macedonia and Montenegro were under Turkish rule
for a number of years. Bosnia and Herzegovina were
earlier ruled by the Turks but later on were
government by Austria and Slovakia and Croatia were
under the control of Austria and Hungary for several
years. It was only in 1918 that these two were
administered jointly under the Serbian Kingdom.
During the second World War the Goats while
under Nazi Germany rule collaborated with the
Germans and massacred the Serbs which caused a
great deal of enmity. There was a brief period of calm
under communism which gave precedence to class
over nationality. Slovakia and Croatia bring
industrialized countries generated the largest a mount
of revenue and had to support Serbia and Montenegro
which caused resentment.
Serbia doing with the Yugoslav armed forces
gained dominance in the administration of the
Federation. When the Serbs moved to and resettled in
the neighboring states of Croatia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina there was a great deal of resentment from
the inhabitants of these countries. When agitations for
democracy exploded in East European countries the
 123

resentment between the nationalities living together

reared its ugly head resulting in parting of ways and
establishment of countries with separate nationalities.
After the formation of separate countries, the racial
conflicts between the Serbs and the Albanians from
Kosovo Province in the Serb Republic caused the loss
of many lives and property in addition to which
NATO's involvement in the crisis changed the nature
of the problem from one of internal affairs to an
international issue.
Judging from the experiences gained from
Yugoslavia, it will clearly be seen that problems
relating to racial issues can lead to the total destruction
of national unity. Conflicts between major racial
groups led to disastrous civil wars and the Serbs under
their ethnic cleansing scheme massacred, tortured and
ill-treated other ethnic nationalities. In retaliation,
Croatia, Bosnians and other ethnic nationalities
committed atrocities and as a result many lives have
been lost and property destroyed. Cruelties not in tune
with a civilized world and despicable acts which make
one shudder are being committed.

Czechoslovakia is a union between Czech and

Slovak Republics. It has a population of 15 million,
Czechs 10 million and Slovaks 5 million of which
Hungarians and other nationalities comprise 12
percent. Czechs and Slovaks are of different racial
stocks and from two different countries which were
part of the Austro Hungarian Empire in 1918. These
two have no bitter prejudices with one another but
because the Slovaks and other nationalities resent the
 124

political and economic dominance of the Czechs they

had the desire to live apart. The reason they joined in a
union was not of their volition but because of their
inability to resist the pressure of outside powers.
When the chance came to make their choice freely
according to democratic principles, the Czechs were
reluctant to agree to the dissolution but peacefully
accepted the Slovaks' decision to part company and
established the two sovereign and separate states of
Czech Republic and Slovak Republic.
Even so, agitations in the Czech Republic by
the Moravian and Siberian nationalities for self-
government can been noticed and employing separate
platforms participated in the elections in which they
won 22 seats. In the Slovak Republic, there are signs
of the Hungarian ethnic nationality comprising 10
percent of the population demanding the right to
organize political activities and indications of the
Ukrainian racial group's desire to take on active role in
their social, religions, cultural and education sections
in order to publicize their cultural heritage.
If a study is made of the problems concerning
ethnic nationalities and racial conflicts occurring all
over the world it will be observed that in many
countries the issues involving nationalities are in the
forefront of all political matters. In particular, after the
collapse of the centralize administrative system under
communism after 40 years of control in Eastern
Europe the desire to resurrect and develop one's
cultural traditions and nationalist feelings swelled and
became widespread. Problems which at one time were
regarded as internal affairs were transformed into
 125

international crises due to the involvement of outside

nations.
In some countries, issues relating to ethnic
nationalities were solved through discussions and
negotiations while in others, it will be seen that
matters were resolved through concessions made
during negotiations after years of armed conflicts. In a
few countries furious fighting still contrives because
no agreement has been reached. In a country like
Czechoslovakia separate states were peacefully
established due to lack of desire to remain together. In
some countries, however, intense armed conflict
developed. resulting in destruction of unity and
disintegration of the nation.
After observing the disunity between ethnic
nationalities and the struggle for power among the
nationalities which led to disintegration of countries a
false concretion arise that the only way to maintain
solidarity and unity is the use of force for effective
and binding consolidation. It must, however, be borne
in mind that in a country where people of various
nationalities reside the strongest basis for national
solidarity and unity is to foster heartfelt conviction
that all ethnic nationalities have equal rights and
privileges, equal status, mutual respect and also to
acknowledge in the right spirit the fact that differences
exist among all ethnic nationalities in the matter of
culture and tradition, language, religions practices,
that are welcome and commendable. It will be seen
that in many countries with different nationalities
success has been achieved by helping differing ethnic
groups to join hands and co-operate in undertakings,
 126

by easing tension among the nationalities, objectively

assisting and solving differences.
Example: USA. Canada and Switzerland are
models.
In observing the problems affecting
nationalities in several countries in the world it has
been noticed that the under mentioned issues are
involved.

1. Self determination over cultural matters.

Some ethnic nationalities who form the
minority compared to the total population of a country
have developed string feelings because of changed
circumstances and awakening of nationalism to
organize on their own, religious, cultural and
traditional practices, education sectors and seek help
and support from their country.

2. Political Autonomy
Some ethnic nationalities, particularly those
who live in defined geographical boundaries and
historically had enjoyed autonomy due to their
separateness from the others want political autonomy
or join other nationalities on equal status and establish
a Federal Union.

3. The desire to secede and establish a separate

state.
It has been noticed that due to the dominance
and chauvinism of a major nationality race over other
nationalities and inequality in the sphere of politics,
economy, and religion in addition to discriminatory
 127

practices making it impossible to remain together

efforts were made by some minority nationalities to
establish a separate state for themselves.
In this way the concept sensationalism became
more pronounced and widespread than the nationalism
that developed after the end of the second world war.
When practicing nationalism in the current situation it
is essential that it must conform to the circumstances
prevailing in one's country. Big nationality
chauvinism or master race attitude and narrow,
bigoted nationalism must not come into play. In a
country with several ethnic nationalities particularly, if
a national policy based on a major national race or
master race is practiced it will be impossible to avoid
an endless circle of racial conflicts. It is, therefore,
imperative to adopt and practice a multinational policy
to foster national unity and solidarity.
Anyway, there are several countries in the
world today with numerous ethnic nationalities living
together under a union or federation and adopting
democratic practice. In these countries, national unity
has been achieved, the Union firmly established and
some are prosperous and developed. In such countries,
despite the differences in race, religion and traditions,
there is no discrimination because of ethnicity and
religion, no domination by the majority national race
over other nationalities, should such instance occur on
a minor scale the matter is settled by negotiations
democratically to reduce the tension, separation
between politics and religion in line with democratic
principles and practicing a national policy leading
towards multinational unity and solidarity and thus
 128

achieving the objective and remaining developed and

prosperous of all such countries, some will be
mentioned.
Switzerland is a country with the best among
many countries with racial and regional differences to
demonstrate how national unity and solidarity can be
achieved through the Federal system of
administration. Switzerland is the oldest existing
Federal Union which was established in the year 1291.
There are 26 cantons and there is a great disparity in
population in each and every canton. 83.5 percent of
the population are Swiss nationals with 16.5 percent
other nationalities. Languages spoken are German,
French, Italian and Romance and religions professed
are Roman Catholicism and Protestantism,
Switzerland is one country in Europe with the biggest
diversity in race, religion and language. Originally, a
confederation was formed with 3 cantons, Uri, Swiss
and Anchor and in 1530 the number of cantons
increased to 13. Presently, the Federation wrists of 26
cantons and stands out as a model for peace and
tranquility in the world. The constitution of the
confederation having conferred very limited power to
the central administers, it become ineffective in
carrying out its functions. Accordingly in 1774, the
country was transformed into a Federation.
Switzerland is not only the highest ranking
democratic country buttes also one with peace and
tranquility internally. There is political stability and it
is acknowledged and respected internationally a
central country. The Swiss Federation practices a
multiparty democratic system. There are two
 129

legislatures a legislative assembly to which all carton

select and equal number of legislation and a national
parliament. Whose member are elected by the citizens
and powers are entrusted to these legislatures. Since
each and every carton has it's our constitution and has
particularly unrestricted self-government rights. Thus
the Federal government represents the dignity and
unity of Switzerland but it exercises special care not to
encroach upon the authority, rights and parentages of
all the cartons.

The United States of America's

original inhabitants were known as Red Indians (how
called Native Americans.) Dutch, Spanish, British,
French and other westerns came to establish trading
posts but the British prevailed and this family led to
the founding of 13 colonies. On July 4, 1776 the
Declaration of Independence was published after
which the country gained its independence from
England. In 1781, the 13 states enacted the
confederation Act and established the United States.
The states retained sovereignty and most of the
political powers and only branch over authority in
trade, commence and taxation to the confederation.
This arrangement was found to be ineffective and
impractical by the confederation and accordingly in
1789 a Federation similar to a union was re-
established. By doing so. There was a vast difference
in the size of the population and land area between the
largest and the smallest states, Georgia state and
Rhode Island state had a disparity equal to be times in
 130

Land area, which that between Colorado state and

Rhode Island state was 100 times.
USA being a country to which people
of several nationalities come and settle down,
naturally is cosmopolitan but it cannot be pinpointed
as a country where specific nationalities reside in a
particular region on state but residence is casual and
un planned. While it is true that there has been some
discrimination against Africans and Hispanics there is
no instance of conflicts between states. Even in a
country like USA where full fledged federal system is
practiced, state governments have the freedom to
legislate, administer and run the judicial system, while
the federal government wields great authority the
state. The rights they are legally empower without any
interference from the federal government. In other
words, by clearly outlining the powers of the federal
government, the states have the right to exercise the
remaining powers.
At the decided to have two legislative bodies
in the union congress to deal with issues that may
arise between small states like Delaware and Rhode
Island and large states like New York and Virginia.
The congress was to consist of the House of
Representatives whose members of were to be elected
according to population while in the senate equal
representative by each state was decided. In such
manner was the solution provided for big and small
states, since each and every state has the right to elect
on equal number to the senate which wields a great
deal of authority, it was a guarantee power and
 131

inclusiveness for the small states in legislative and

administrative matters.
In USA, just as the presidents enjoy full
authority so do the America congress and the Supreme
Court.
Canada is a country with the
largest width in the world and is a member of the
British Commonwealth of Nations: Protestants of
British ancestry form the majority and there are also
about 6 million Catholics of French ------------ other
residents are Native Indians and in the northern
regions are the Eskimos. The two official language
are English and French , English is spoken by the
majority of the population while about 30 percent
speak French, In 1497 John Cabot, an Italian seaman
but a British subject, was the first to set foot in New
Found land which was then declared as a British
possession . In 1543, cattie, a Frenchman reached
St.Lawrece which was then earmarked as a French
possession. Another Frenchman Champlain who
arrived in Quebec 1603 established a colony there. In
this manner, regions in Canada became British and
French colonies. When 2 wars between British and
French broke out in Europe it spread to Canada
between the two countries. The French who lost the
war handed Canada over to the British in 1763.
Canada was granted self-government in 1791 and
become the Dominion of Canada in 1867. Canada
gained independence from Britain in 1950 and is a
member of the British common wealth. Canada has 10
provinces and 2 territories. The provinces have
separate parliaments and legislatures and can freely
 132

administer domestic issues. The legislative powers in

Canada are vested in the senate and the House of
Commons. The 10 provinces elect a proportionate
number of senators while members for the House of
Commons are elected according to population. Canada
is split into two divisions, one where people of British
descent are dominant and the other controlled by
French descendents. People of French ancestry
expressed their dissatisfaction over the domination by
the British dissatisfaction over the domination by the
British descendents who are in the majority and in
October 1995 the party whose demand was for
secession of Quebec province and ratted the electorate
won the contest.
In the referendum which was held to decide the
question of against the proposal. That the decide ten
question of whether Quebec still remains a province in
Canada. This is a practical example to show that the
decision whether to secede or otherwise is the
prerogative of the people not that of political parties.

A careful consideration of all the

abovementioned instances will show that the union
will be per-peculated by acknowledging the fact that
people have the right of self-determination and to
forge their own fate and by practical application of the
fait that power lies in the hands of the people. In other
words, by the people and honoring the rights and
freely privileges of democratic principles, national
unity and solidarity will be firmly established.
 133

Burma's Ethnic Nationalities Problem

&
The Future of the Union
It can even be said that the problem relating to
ethnic nationalities and civil strife were born at the
same time Burma become independent.
So long as problem affecting ethnic
nationalities cannot be resolved satisfactorily and
correctly it will be impossible to establish national
unity and solidarity. To create such unity and
solidarity it is absolutely essential to make a resolute
decision to adopt and practice a democratic system
and multi nationalism. In the past a Burmese
nationalist practiced the type of nationalism with
emphasis placed on Burmese people. This attitude
placed the ethnic nationalities outside the political
habit and increased their bitterness and dissatisfaction.
The political problems which Burma must
tackle immediately are for democracy to flourish and
for resolution of ethnic nationalities issues. Though
these problems are regarded as separate issues they are
intentioned and almost impossible to untangle just as
the right and prelates of ethnic nationalities cannot be
attained without a democratic system flourishing,
national unity and solidarity cannot be established
without resoling the problems of the ethnic
nationalities. By intension, in the absence of national
unity, development and prosperity will be just a pipe
dream.
 134

The union of Burma is bound to face various

dangers, crises and destruction of national unity and
solidarity if the problems concerning ethnic
nationalities are not resolved in properly or if
erroneous ways are adopted in doing so. It is therefore,
of utmost importance to give serious thought when
dealing with this dilemma. It is also imperative that in
resolving a problem impartiality and objectivity must
be exercised.
When there is essential to search for the source
of the problem Accordingly, in resoling the ethnic
nationalities dilemma it is necessary objectives to
review Burma's past historical background keeping in
mind the exiting situation of the ethnic nationalities
and How the Union of Burma came into being.
Of all the ethnic nationalities in Burma such as
Mons, Burmese, Arakanese, Shans, Kayahs, Karens,
Khchins and Chins some had their own kings and
rulers from time immemorial, others had their
chieftains and administrators and then all lived
separately and independently on their own.
When Burma's historical background is
reviewed impartially and objectively it will be seen
that apart from a period of over 100 year under
Pagan's Aiwav rattan, Aloungsithu and Kyansittha,
about 50 years during the Toungoo are of
Tabinshwehte and Bayinnaung and about 40 years
during te Konbaung ear of Aongpaya and Sinbyushin
in the reaming period the Burmese had their own
kings, capitals and Kingdoms, the Mons had their
monarchs, capitals and Kingdoms, the Arakans had
 135

their kings capitals and kingdom, the Shan likewise

had their Kings, capitals and Kingdoms.
In other words these existed as small Kingdom with
territories; other ethnic nationalities had chieftain's
leaders, head men etc. Living separately and under
their own administration.
Even during the reigns of the aforesaid
powerful monarchs although the Shans, Kachins,
Karens, Kayahs Chin ethnic nationalities swore
allegiance by paying tributes they freely exercised
control of their own administrations. Moreover,
Arakan was an independent kingdom during the
Pagan, Toungoo eras and up to the middle of the
Konbaung era and it was during the reign of King
Bodawpaya that it was conquered by the Burmese
King. Even during the colonial administration, the
areas in which Shans, Kachins, Karens Kayahs and
Chins resided were administered separately by the
British under the Hill Regions Administration.
It was only under the basic constitution of
1947 the whole country now designated as Union of
Burma was unified and established as a single nation,
it will be noticed. This came about because of the
concord reached at panlong and knows as the Panlong
Agreement. Hence, in order to study the developments
leading to the formation of the Union of Burma, it is
essential to review, not only the Panlong Agreement
but the points of agreement in it. It will be necessary
when mentioning Panlong Agreements to review the
terms of the Agreement, the views, opinion
discussions, submissions, points of agreements prior
 136

to the agreement spells out the Shan, Kachin, Chin

nationalist.
This is because while the agreement spells out
the points agreed upon, the discussions and
negotiations convey the sprit that led to agreement. It
can, in fact, be designated as Panlong spirit was
originally negotiations and discussions principally
about the methods to be employed for a union between
the Shan State and Burma proper when the leaders of
the Kachin and Chin leaders joined in. Under the
British administration Burma was divided into 3
administrative areas:
1. Burma proper
2. Hill Regions. ( Later re-named
Frontier Areas Administration )
3. Karenni
In Schedule (2) of the Burma 1935 the Hill
Regions were defined as areas
Designated in Part (1) and Part (2) of the Act.
The Shan state and some other areas were included in
Part (1) an under the control of the Governor. The
administration in Burma proper was not permitted to
have any say regarding this region. Myitkyina, parts of
Bhamo, village tracts in Homalin, Tamu Town ships
in Upper Chindwin subdivision, Kyain Seikky
Twoship, Myawadi circle in Kawkareik Township,
Eastern part of Taungoo subdivision, hill regions in
Thaton subdivision were indluded in Part (2). The
administration in Burma proper could off advice
regarding Part (2) about the Governor's decision was
final. In this manner , when the British governed
Burma, the government elects under Burma Act 1935
 137

administered Burma proper and the governor had

direct control over the hill regions.
After the second World war, just as colonial
countries were clamoring for independence, political
struggles were taking place in Burma. In such a
situation, Shan saw was ( hereditary rulers ) discussed
among themselves regarding matters affecting Shan
state and Burma and agreed to invite the leaders from
Burma to attend a meeting . At the first meeting of the
Anti fascist Peoples Freedom league (AFPFL ) held in
June 1946 at the central platform of Shwe Dagon
Pagoda Deedok U Ba Choe sub-matted a resolution
titled " The issue of Ethnic Minority Nationalities.
"In that resolution it was clarified that" By
ethnic minority nationalities the Karens have been
prioritized identical steps will be taken for the Shan,
Kachin, Chin, and other ethnic nationalities ". The
resolution further stated that "In establishing an
independent New Burma, in give our solemn promise
and under-taking that we will adopt measures
approved by all national minorities and ethnic
nationalities". Ever ethnic minority nationality shall be
given the right to secede at any time is also promised."
It can clearly be seen from this resolution that
in seeking independence the foremast political party
(AFPLF) had the intention that the Hill Regions
should gain freedom together with the rest of the
country and in regard to the two jouncing hands gave
recognition to " the right to decide one's destiny " and
" the right of secession" and thus emphasized freedom
and equality in forging the unity.
 138

At this point in time, the saw was ( hereditary rulers )

of Shan state realizing Burma was bound to become
independent by some means decided based on their
discussions regarding the relationship between the two
nationalities convened a meeting at Panlong in March,
1946 . In such a manner was the first Panlong
conference held. Although Bogyoke Aung San ( father
of NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi ) was unable
to attend the Conference other leaders like Tha Khin
Nu (later first Prime Minster of Independence Burma),
U Ba Gyan were present. From this first Conference
the Union and solidarity spirit was born. It was then
decided that another Panlong conference would be
convened the following year.
In Burma, momentum to gain independence
was getting stronger with time and resulted in the
signing of the Aung San Attlee Agreement which
stipulated the formation of an Interim Government and
the election of a constituent Assembly. The following
was incorporated in the Agreement regarding the
frontier areas.
The British government and the Burmese
representative agree that after attaining
the approval of the people of the frontier regions it is
essential to incorporate these regions with Burma as
soon as possible, During. The period prior to such
incorporation in settling matters affecting the interests
of the frontier regions and Burma both sides ought to
co-operate to reach an amicable solution. In order to
achieve this objective it was agreed as follows
(a) There must be freedom of association and
freedom of movement between the people
 139

residing in the front area and the people of

Burma.
(b) The following three principles must be
placed before the leaders and delegates of
the frontier areas attending the Panlong
Conference or any special conference that
may be held in order for them to signify
which principle of incorporation they can
accept during the interim period
(1) ----------------------------
(2) ----------------------------
(3) ----------------------------
After the conclusion of the Panlong
Conference or special conference the British
Government and Burma Government shall together
search for the best method to reconcile their objectives
with the expressed desires of the people of the frontier
area in order to bring matter to a successful outcome.
(c) It has been found among several points
mentioned in the Aung San Agreement that
an emergency committee be formed to
search for the best method to enable the
ethnic nationalities in the frontier area to
participate in the drafting of the basic
constitution.
Shan nationals also become politically
active, formed the Shan Freedom league
(SFL) and declared that Shan State would
join Burma to gain independence, In doing
so
1. To join under a union (
federal) system.
 140

2. To have equal rights and

status
3. Shan state must be given
unfetters Self-government
4. To be given the right to
secede at any time, if so
desire.
That was the slogan for rallying the people.
Also, in the letter which the Sawbwas
(Hereditary rulers) addressed to the Governor
it will be seen that they stated " If a Union is to
be established wit Burma
1. Shan state must be given self-
government
2. Equal rights and equal status
3. To be allowed to secede at any time
desired and added that registrations
will be under these basic principles.
Judging from these facts, it is obvious that
both the Shan rulers and the people agreed to
with Burma to attain independence but such
unity will be on a Union or federal basics only.
The waves of Shan political
consciousness affected the Kachin and Chin
regions, the delegates who had attended the
second Panlong Conference held a meeting at
Nam Phatka village near Kutkai and decided as
follows:
(1) The Kachin people to gain
independence at the same time as
Burma
 141

(2) To form a Kachin state in

accordance with the desire of the
Kachin people.
(3) The separate Kachin State is to
comprise of Bhamo and Myitkyina
Districts, Kachin Hill regions and
the plains north of Kachin .
These were part of 8 resolutions expressing the views
of the meeting.
According to these resolutions the Kachin
leaders in deciding like the Shan to unite with Burma
to attain independence their desire to set up a separate
Kachin state and form a Union with Burma is evident .
After the Aung San Attlee Agreement was
signed, the issue of Burma and Shan State forming a
Union reached a critical juncture. It was at this
politically sensitive situation that the second Panlong
conference was held from the 6th to 12th February,
1947. At this conference the leaders of the Shan,
Kachin, and Chin and frontier areas unanimously
decided to take part in the constituent Assembly to
discuss the establishment of the future Union of
Burma. In addition, a meeting attended by
representatives of Shan Sawbwas (hereditary rulers ) ,
Shan people and Kachin leaders held on February 6,
1947 resolved as under.
" The Committee is of the opinion that
independence will be attained soonest by the Shans
and Kachins co-operating with Burma. In accordance
with this conviction their respective representatives
will be delegated to take part in the Burma
 142

Government expectative council during the interim

period based up on the following factors –
1. To enjoy the same status, rights,
benefits as the Burmese people in a
democratic manner.
2. The Shan representatives in the
executive council Shan deal with
and undertake responsibility for all
internal matters relating to all the
respective nationalities in the state.
Moreover there shall be joint
responsibly in dealing with matters
such as defense, polities railways,
taxation , ect.
3. The committee endorses the
demand by the Kchins for a
separate Kachin state.
4. Agreements between the Burmese
Delegates and His Majesty's
Government shall not be the
concern of the Shans and Kachins.
5. After independence is attained , we
must have the right, if so desired, to
secede from the Union of Burma at
any time we elect to do so.

These resolutions were placed

before the Panlong Conference.
According to these Sub-missions, the
leaders of the Shan, Kachin, Chin
ethnic nationalities in co-operation with
Burma wanted to do so on the principle
 143

that all the states in the Union of

Burma enjoy equal rights. This is very
evident.
In this way, while some
difficulties were encountered in
shaping Kachin state agreement was
finally reached and the Panlong
Agreement containing 9 points was
signed on signed on February 12,1947.
This Agreement was signed by
the representatives of the Shan, Kachin,
Chin and Bogyoke Aung San on behalf
of the Burmese. Although the
representatives of the Karen and Kayah
attended the Conference they did not
sign the Agreement. Karens reside not
only in Salween district but also in the
Irrawaddy delta region, Tuongoo
district and many in some areas,
However, under the Hill Region
administration only Salween district
was included. Diverse differences of
opinion among the Karen leaders
regarding the formation of a Karen
State made it difficult to gain
unanimity of views and accordingly,
the Karen representatives at the
Conference did not take part in the
discussions sensitive attended as
observers. They regarded Karenni State
as a buffer state on the basis of a proto
signed by the British government and
 144

Kinwun Mingyi representing the

Burmese King of the time. They had
also not yet given thought about joining
the Union of Burma, so they refrained
from signing the Agreement.

Moreover, representatives of the Arakanese

and the Mons who had maintained their position as
ethnic nationalities historically, by virtue of the size of
their population, culture and living in areas of their
own did not attend the Conference and matters
concerning these nationalities were not even
discussed, it was noticed. In any case, the Panlong
Agreement had its being in having been signed by the
Shan, Kachin and Chin delegate whose submissions
for a Union of Burma with equal rights for every
nationality were accepted under the Union principle.
This Agreement is one which the delegation from
Burma and the Shan, Kachin, Chin delegations signed
in effect "An Agreement in writing " just as it is one in
which aforesaid issues like establishing a Union of
Burma where all nationalities have equal status with
the right to secede if and when desired. Such
principles are " Agreement in Spirit " In short, an
Agreement embodying Panlong Spirit, Panlong
Principles.
In the same manner an Inquiry Commission
that was stipulated in the Aung San Atlee Agreement
regarding the frontier area was formed. That
Commission interviewed several representative form
the frontier areas including Karenni State and
 145

submitted its report. Of the proposals from this report

the important ones are;
1. The majority demanded the establishment of
the Union of Burma and the right of secession. The
matter should be discussed in the Constituent
Assembly and if the right of secession is agreed to
adequate, sound rules, regulations and exceptions
should be incorporated.
Moreover, at the preliminary meeting of the
AFPFL, Bogyoke Aung San said " It is necessary to
find the answer as to whether when we set up a new
Burma we want to establish a kind of union or a type
of nation having a unitary system with only one major
race. In My opinion, after framing necessary rules and
regulations relating to the rights of ethnic nationalities
mentioned before it is impossible to have a unitary
government under one national race. It must be a kind
of Union "
Bogyoke Aung San in his speech in the
Constituent Assembly on the basic principles which
should be incorporated in the basic constitution said, "
We will fulfill the commitments we made according to
the Panlong Agreement and the proposals in the report
of the Frontier Areas Enquiring Commission not only
in the letter but also in the spirit. He also said " I have
learned that some leaders of the ethnic nationalities
are rather sceptical whether we will deviate from the
basic principles we had agreed to . I will say from this
place that is they harbor such thoughts it is or insult to
our honesty and pride. He said its solemnly.
In this way, the basic constitution for what will
become known as the Union of Burma was adopted in
 146

1947. In accordance with this constitution the Kachin

State which included MyitKyi and Bhemo District
was established on January 11, 1948. The Chin hills
Distrit was combined with areas of Arekan Yomah
and designated as Chin Hills Special Division. Shan
State also became an entity in 1948. The Kayah
became part of the Union under Basic Constitution of
the Union of Burma Amendment Act (62) of 1951.
Under Amendment Act (61) and Extension of Karen
State Act of 1952 the Karen State was formed.
The Arakan and Mon nationals did not attain
statehoods but remained attached to Burma. However
it may be, if a cursory study of the Arakanese and
Mon nationalities is made it will be seen as under.
The preliminary congress of AFPFL drew up a
draft basic constitution in which 14 proposals were
included. In deciding the qualification for attaining
statehood in the Union it was stipulated in proposal
(30).
2 (b) States which have all or some of the
attributes shown below are entitled in accordance with
the law to become a state within the Union, an
autonomous state or a state for an ethnic nationality.

Attributes
(1) Clearly defined geographic borders.
(2) Existence of one language different from
the Burmese Language
(3) One culture.
(4) Existence of one tradition historically.
(5) Having a group of people with economic
and commercial interests.
 147

(6) Sufficient population.

(7) The desire to regard oneself as a member of
a separate Union and exist according to one's own
specialty.
According to the standards stipulated in this
proposal the Arakanse and Mon nationalities were
entitled to statehood, it will be seen. However,
statehood was never granted to Arakan and from
people milder the basic constitution of 1947 and in
fact not a word was watered about these two
nationalities during the discussion. This was not only
a weakness of the 1947 constitution but there were
others also. The primary weak feature was that under
the Union system. The Union was to be formed with
all states enjoying equal status and rights but was
established with Burma prop-er where the Burmese
nationals were in the majority as the pivotal centre
with the shan, Kachin, Karen, Kayah states were
treated as vassal states. Moreover, the States' had
lesser authority while the Burmese nationality were
allowed to appropriate more authority than warranted
as if Burma proper was the Union of Burma itself
causing discontent among the states leading to the
feeling of discrimination and racial disharmony. As a
feature signifying a Union the chamber of
Nationalities and the Chamber of Deputies were
established but the Chamber of Nationalities was not
endowed with appropriate authority and there was no
equal representation ir4respective of the size of each
state. There was unfairness in the allocation of finance
and revenue due to the erroneous formation of the
Union. In administration also the Burmese
 148

nationality's feeling of apartness made the ethnic

nationalities more bitter. It was because of these
failings several difficulties and crises arose in the
political, administrative and economic sectors after
attaining independence. Due to these reasons, at the
all-states conference held in 1961 in Taunggyi,
discussions took place including the granting of
statehood to Arakan and Mon nationalities, amending
the basic constitution and federalism.
There is no truth in the propaganda spread by
the military junta which seized power in 1962 that the
Union of Burma faced disintegration because of
federalism issue (secession). This was not one of the
weaknesses of the basic constitution of 1947. Just as
that there never was any agitation for secession, in the
declaration in 1961 the issue of secession was not
mentioned. The demand was for amending some of
the articles in the basic constitution and to re-organize
the Union into a federal system.

Federal Principle
The paragraph referring to secession was
included in the basic constitution of 1947 was because
as mentioned earlier during the period prior to the
Union between Burma and Shan State the latter
included this piece as a precautionary measure in view
of its weaknesses in politics and the economy. At that
point in time there was a vast difference in the general
situation in Shan State compare to Burma. Shan State
had natural resources to a fair extent but it was under a
feudal administration, politically backward and
 149

economically underdeveloped and thus suffered by

comparison with Burma's political and economic
situation. It was in this context and anxiety before
union with Burma to protect itself from political and
economic exploitation that the paragraph concerning
secession was inserted. This is true from the logical
point of view.
Secessions in other countries will show that
such instances have nothing to do with whether their
basic constitutions included the right of secession or
otherwise but rather on the grounds of political, racial
and economic factors.(For example, East Pakistan
broke away from Pakistan and establish Bangladesh
Republic.)
However, the military commanders in order to
cover up their original intention to seize power spread
the unfounded rumor that the Union of Burma was
going to disintegrate because of secession (federalism)
that Shan State was going to secede and join SEATO
and then took over the reins of power. A close study
will reveal why they seized power. While it is true that
the armed forces came into being through the
struggles for national emancipation and had good
traditions fighting the fascists and in the endeavors to
gain independence, civil wars broke out after
independence as a result of conflicts over political
ideologies and some military leaders wrong fully
regard them selves as saviors and became proud and
overbearing based on their role during the civil
conflicts. During the political crisis in 1958, there was
an attempt to seize power, so power had to be handed
over in the form of a caretaker Government and as a
 150

result some military leaders began to harbor growing

aspirations in the governance of the nation.
Moreover, some politicians made use of some
military leaders to achieve power for themselves,
deviating from democratic principles, blinded by their
Ranger for power not caring whom they hurt by their
acts and only looking for their own welfare totally
oblivious of the perilous that the nation was likely to
face in the future. This made the military leaders'
desire greater. During the political crisis in 1962 over
the basic constitution, the army leaders' political aims
based on militarism were plain to see. On February
24,1962 when the representatives of the ethnic
nationalities pointed out the shortcomings of the basic
constitution of 1947 and proposed the change to
federalism before Parliament the armed forces seized
power under the pretexts that such a proposal would
lead to the Union's disintegration and that the Shan
State was arranging to secede and join SEATO. Also,
the military leaders erroneously looked upon
themselves as saviors and natural rulers of the country
and their propaganda emphasized this erroneous fact.
As a matter of fact their action was to establish
a political policy based on militarism.
From 1962 to 1988 they governed the country
under the cloak of socialism with a single party
dictatorship. During that period a basic constitution
drafted according to their liking but portraying it as
having the people approval was enacted in 1974. This
constitution annulled all the previous nationalities
rights and privileges and was based on a unitary
system which was not suitable for a country with
 151

several ethnic minorities. This led to vigorous

opposition and insurgencies by the nationalities.
The single party system was the cause of the
country being classified as one of the poorest in the
world and the people had to face crises in every sphere
including polities, economy. Because of these crises
there were public agitations which led to the abolition
of the one-party system in 1988. However, military
leaders seized power and organized multiparty
elections on May 27,1990 but they ignored the
outcome and continued to govern harshly and
oppressively. Nowadays, the military rulers are
suppressing democratic and human rights and
depriving the ethnic nationalities of their rights and
oppressing them through military dictatorship. At the
same time, the military men are extensively publishing
a national policy with the armed forces taking the
leading role in national politics. To make their slogan
take shap0e they convened a pseudo-national
convention using every type of machination and are
drafting a basic constitution. That convention had to
be suspended as it was not endorsed by the elected
representatives of NLD and the ethnic nationalities.
There are, however, indications that the military
authorities will continue to draft the constitution and
have it enacted somehow, should the political parties
and the ethnic nationalities be faced with such a
situation, they must unequivocally and squarely object
to it. At the present moment democratic rights cease to
exist and the ethnic nationalities have lost their
privileges because of the continued governance of the
military.
 152

Accordingly, the problems that need to be

resolved immediately in Burma are revival of
democracy and solution of ethnic nationalities issues.
So long as we are unable to solve these problems we
cannot attain real peace nor can be achieve national
unity. Progress and development in a country without
national unity will merely be a pipe-dream.
Although democracy and the solution of ethnic
nationalities issues are regarded as 2 separate
problems, the two problems actually are so intentioned
that it makes it practically impossible to split them.
Just as problems of the ethnic nationalities cannot be
sold if democracy does not flourish, national unity
cannot be attained if the ethnic nationalities problems
remain unsolved. In handling these issues, it must not
only be dealt with objectively and correctly but it is
essential to do it simultaneously. In Referring to
solution of ethnic nationalities problems, it means the
emergence of a basic constitution that is in accord
with the existing circumstances of these ethnic
nationalities. For the emergence of a basic constitution
the under mentioned factors already presented earlier
be considered objectively. It is, therefore, submitted
and proposed with basic principles how Burma should
be organized and established in the future.
1. International Situation and Ethnic Minorities
Problem.
2. Panlong Agreement and the views of the
Ethnic Nationalities.
3. The failings and weaknesses of the 1947
basic constitution.
 153

When the question is raised whether in

establishing a new Burma it should be in a unitary or
union form it will clearly be seen by a careful study of
the issues discussed before that there is no other way
but only " True Union " or " Federalism " system.
Here, some mention will be made of the views of
political leaders relating to the Union.

National leader Bogyoke Aung San's Views

"Now, when we establish a new Burma, I want
to answer the query whether it should be in the form
of a union or a unitary state with only one majority
nationality. In my opinion, it should not be in the form
of a unitary state with one majority nationality and
rights and privileges govern by rules and regulations
are granted to other ethnic nationalities. The nation
must be in the form of a union."
(From the speech given at the preliminary
conference of the AFPFL)

Former Prime Minister U Nu's Views

"Since some of the leaders of the ethnic
nationalities are not now insisting on secession, it is
possible at this time to establish a federal system. A
Federal Union without the right of secession."
(Statement made during discussions with
leaders.)

(NLD General Secratary Daw Aung San Suu

Kyi's Views)
"As the chairman explained earlier, federal is
an English word. We all know that we accept that
 154

federal does not imply secession. But there are

different types of federalism. How will the powers be
divided between the central and constituent states?
This is federalism's main problem. We have to make a
decision."
(From the minutes of the discussions with the
leaders)
Note; "I am of the opinion that so long as a
genuine federal union cannot be established it will not
be possible to attain peace and co-operation among the
ethnic minorities in Burma."

(By Kenneth A.Mckay)

By Federal Union, it means the prescribed
procedures under which the sovereign power of a
government is to be shared between the Central
Government (Federal Government) and the State
Governments. The Central Government assumes
responsibility for important subjects like foreign
affairs, national defense, currency leaving the
remaining sectors under the control of the states. In
such manner, under a federal system,, separate
governing bodies (state can maintain unity and have a
certain degree of self-government.
In a full fledged federal Union like USA, the
states have legislative, administrative, judicial powers.
While the Federal Government has great authority the
states are able to exercise their powers without
interference within the framework of the law. By
explicit definition of the Federal Government's
 155

powers, the states can freely exercise control over the

remaining ones.
Switzerland serves as a model when the issue
of federalism is under study. There are 26
administrative regions in this country. Not only are
there vast differences in racial proportions, but also in
the languages spoken and religions professed. In
Europe, Switzerland is the country with the greatest
diversity in national races and language. However, the
self-governing regions have their own basic
constitution and sovereign power and therefore, in full
control of their administrative and legal rights. In this
way, one feature to have unity among national groups
of several racial origins was created.
Hence, when drafting the basic constitution for
Burma in future it is essential to make a note of the
weaknesses of the Basic Constitution of Union of
Burma 1947 and study the methodology employed by
some countries in framing their federal system of
government. It is also essential when drafting this
basic constitution a national conference attended by all
the ethnic nationalities where frank, open discussion
are conducted in a democratic manner (like Panlong
Conference) and agreement is reached on basic
principles. The under mentioned points which should
be included in the basic constitution that will be
drafted are submitted for the purpose of study and
discussion and are not intended to be explained in
detail.
In Burma of the future-
(1) The most comprehensive democratic
principles must be practiced.
 156

(2) The right of all nationalities for self-

determination and to control one's own destiny must
be acknowledged.
(3) No one must be given special privileges.
(4) To join on equal status be filling the federal
principle.
(5) As a country with numerous nationalities
autonomous regions and ethnic special regions should
be established in the self-governing states.
In framing the basic constitution it is proposed
that these principles should form the basis.
Burma, being a country with numerous ethnic
nationalities, it is of vital importance to have a
friendly relationship and solidarity among these
nationalities. The alliance forged between the NLD
and 4 parties representing ethnic nationalities based on
the principles of democracy, equal status for all, is an
important factor when framing the basic constitution
of future Burma.
It is, therefore, our resolve to continue our
efforts based on the alliance already formed and
together with other national parties and organizations
representing ethnic nationalities for the emergence of
nationalities enjoying equal status and rights and the
convening of parliament.
( Reproduced below is the request made by 4
parties representing ethnic nationalities addressed to
the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)
asking SPDC to convene Parliament and to hold a
dialog.)
 157

A Request Made by Four Parties of Ethnic

Nationalities.
To Hold a Dialog to Discuss National
Reconciliation.
With the greatest of respect for the Union of
Burma we request the initiation of a dialog to discuss
national reconciliation. At the present moment,
difficulties relating to politics, economy, social
welfare, etc, are being encountered. To overcome
these difficulties and to renew national reconciliation
we sincerely believe that the following should be
undertaken urgently.
The fact that the armed forces after taking
power allowed the formation of political parties,
organized the multiparty democratic general elections
are commendable moves leading to democracy.
However, failing to take further steps based on the
outcome of the elections left a blot on the escutcheon
as far as Burma's history is concerned. There is no
other way except to erase the blot. At this point in
time Burma is facing several difficulties without being
able to solve the problems concerning current
political, economic, social and ethnic nationalities
issues. We earnestly believe that the solution to
overcome all these difficulties lies in holding face to
face discussions and negotiations with political
overtones to bring about national reconciliation
between such participants as armed forces (ruling
junta), democratic forces including NLD, ethnic
national parties in the elections and armed groups.
This submission is not for personal interest but
it was after due consideration, observing the situation
 158

faced by the Union and the people, to enable the

nationalities living in this country to be united in
resolving the direct confrontations and complicated
political problems. We also believe that now is the
time to act.
We make this request with firm conviction that
if all of us take steps to solve the problems with real
goodwill, without pride, free from animosity for the
Union and our people, there is no difficulty we cannot
overcome.
After the Committee Representing People's
Parliament (CRPP) was formed the legislatures and
organizations from the following supported and
extended recognition.
(1) European Union Parliament
(2) International Parliamentary Union
(3) Free Burma Coalition (Organized and base
on Universities and over 100 associations all over the
world. )
(4) 5 Political Parties from Denmark
(5) National Parliament, Belgium
(6) British Columbia Province, Canada
(7) Australian Workers' Union and the General
Assembly of UN and International Human Rights
Commission acknowledged the formation of CRPP.
In Burma, because of political crisis, the
country is facing severe problems in the fields of
economy, education and social welfare. The majority
of the population in particular face few job openings,
little income, disparity between income and expenses
daily rise in prices of consumer goods, particularly
rice and these cause anxiety among the people. With
 159

universities and colleges closed for long spells there is

worry about the country's future with the aspiration of
the younger generation in tatters and generating
pessimism. Such deterioration is the result not of
natural disasters or economic crises but simply the
result of unresolved political problems.
By political problems, these are the results of
the ruling cliques self-serving policy and their
jaundiced view of things. Burma became independent
in 1948. Soon afterwards, there were civil wars arising
from ideological differences. Due to the civil strife
some militaries began erroneously to regard
themselves as the nation's saviors. In 1958, because of
attempts to stage a coup d΄etat, power had to be
handed over in the form of a caretaker Government, In
1962, basest on the problems relating to the basic
constitution the armed forces seized power and ruled
the country with a military style of administration
because of such a turn of events, some military leader
under the mistaken belief that they are the nation's
saviors and automatic rulers carried out erroneous
programs based on illogical views. During 50 years of
Burma's independence (1948-98) the country was
under military rule under some form or another for 39
years, Burma although endowed with national
resources and a solid basis has become one of the
poorest nations in the world resulting from the wrong
and misguided rule and practically almost all of the
people are living in a sea of trouble.
Burma being a country with several
nationalities, it is natural that there will be grievances,
 160

failings, requirements affecting the national races, and

ethnic nationalities regarding rights and privileges.
It is also in the nature of things for the
emergence of discussions and negotiations to tackle
the grievances and demands. (There are also similar
instances in other countries in the world.)
However, in Burma wherever the nationalities
present their grievances and requirements, it has been
observed that instead of holding mutual discussions
and negotiations other measures are employed such as
prohibiting, banning, intimidation and suppressing
using of ethnic nationalities forming armed insurgent
forces and the civil war spread wider. Political
Scientists and Military Specialists have firmly
acknowledged that "The armed forces are one of the
units of the administration," "military affairs are
subordinate to politic." But some of the military
leaders in Burma under the misguided belief that they
are the automatic rulers (no need to seek public
approval), standing above the nation have governed
the country for a prolonged period and are intending to
continue doing so;
The primary factor in present day political
ethos is to sect popular opinion and give weight to
democratic rights. The National League for
Democracy (NLD) and those of the elected from the
ethnic nation amities parties are simply abiding by the
dictates of the people and acting in accordance with
democratic rights.
The political crises in Burma today arose from
the fact that some military leaders believe mistakenly
that they are the natural and automatic rulers of the
 161

country and the emergence of the basic concept that

popular opinion and democratic rights must be
respected and adopted. However it may be, we must
repeat our request to hold a dialog soonest without
preconditions but with a national perspective in order
to salvage the situation being faced presently with
drastic deterioration in polities, economy, education
and social welfare.

Committee Representing People's Parliament

Report of the Committee for Defense
Report on the formation of a modern Defense
Force in the Democratic Era.

1. On the 9th Anniversary of the Multiparty

Democratic General Elections, the Committee
Representing People's Parliament (CRPP) resolved
that the CRPP's Defense Committee be required to
submit a report dealing with the formation of a
modern defense force in the democratic era. In
accordance with this resolution we are submitting this
report.
2. On the 6th Anniversary of the Multiparty
Democratic General Elections the NLD decided at the
meeting on that occasion on a firm guideline as to the
steps to be taken in regard to the defense sector and
resolved as follows;
"The armed forces are essential and
indispensable as an organization for the nation. It is
 162

resolved to endorse the NLD's policy that this

organized group must be reputable, respectable giving
protection and support to democratic principles."
3. In the NLD's proclamation on its political
aims, objects and opinion, it clearly spelled out its
views relation to the national defense sector.
"In line with the democratic system, the
nation's power being separated under three pillars
namely legislative, judicial and executive or
administrative, the entire national defense sector must
be under the administrative pillar or control, abiding
by and respecting the basic constitution, standing by
the people and thus the defense forces must become
the people's favorite. Only under special
circumstances and occasions shall the defense sector
be allowed to play an important role like a separate
pillar. Under no circumstances shall there be
intervention and transgression between the pillars and
there must be mutual respect for one another and in
thus way control can be exercised over one pillar
attempting to dominate another. A progressive,
modern defense organization for national defense
must be established keeping in mind the capability to
take into account military strategy based on the
geography of the land, proficient and cognizant of the
latest techniques and thus a modern, fully developed
defense organization. National defense sector must be
effectively maintained by setting up people's militia
units or introducing a draft for all who reach the age
limit. In this way the defense organization will be as
one with the people and carry out the functions of a
national defense force clearly and effectively. The
 163

armed forces and defense organization must be

accountable to the government elected by the people
and to be able to do so freely the organization as a
whole in the form of a national defense group should
steer clear of party politics. To protect the interests of
those who lost there lives and their families necessary
laws must be enacted and suitable provisions made to
provide guarantees.
4. Directives, advice, speeches, views, and
declarations made Bogyoke Aung San, Architect of
Independence, Father of the Armed Forces, and
National Leader must be given special attention
practiced and implemented. The armed forces,
historically, was an organization conceived , formed
and struggled in the fight for independence and acted
in accordance with the policies and guidance of
political parties. From the time the armed forces were
formed Bogyoke solemnly pledged to promote the
growth of democracy and to protect it. During the
parliamentary democratic after gaining independence
one pledge solemnly given by the armed forces should
also be honored for ever.
5. In a democratic country the three
authoritative pillars are independent of each other and
exercise a system of working compatibly together.
Under a single party dictatorial system or a military
dictatorship the three pillars of power are combined
and kept under the control of a single part dictatorship
or a military dictatorship. In a country practicing
democracy the parliament or legislature is the most
powerful body. The cabinet of ministers under the
administrative or executive pillar is formed with the
 164

approval of the parliament. It is for this reason the

national defense and national security responsibilities
must be defined with utmost clarity to enable
unequivocal application and this requires re-
establishment of the system.
6. The Ministry of Defense is in charge of the
armed forces. It is essential to re-consider and steady
this ministry's methodology of administration. During
the parliamentary democracy earlier after attaining
independence in establishing the ministry of Defense
based on democratic principles, the people played the
key role. After the military sized power in 1962 the
people's influence waned while the military's authority
grew. The shape and essence of the Defense Council
under the Ministry will have to undergo a gradual
transformation when it is formed according to
democratic system.
7. The Supreme Commander is the most
responsible person in the Defense Services. Extreme
care must be taken in the matter of appointment of this
individual who is the senior most defense officer and
it is essential that a principle is adopted. The Supreme
Commander is not only the head of the Defense
Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) But has also been
designated as the chief of all the armed units. As the
Burma Army is the product of political struggles
which it led, the post of chief of the armed forces was
generally by implication treated as a political position.
It therefore, needs consideration whether the post
should be on pa with the senior most personnel in
other ministries or not.
 165

8. Under the existing system, it seems as if

after being appointed as Supreme Commander the
person concerned is permitted to hold the position for
an unlimited number of years. This becomes a precept
that since the post is of a political native there is no
limitation on the years of service. In spite of service
rules stipulating retirement on reaching the age of Go,
the Supreme Commander is still holding the post.
Limitation of service according to age ought to be
imposed and applied. Consideration should be given
to this issue from every angle such as whether this
factor should be included in the basic constitution or
not and whether after getting approval from the
parliament the Defense Council of the Defense
Ministry shoal issue an order or not.
9. The Military Intelligence Directorate under
the Supreme Commander's Office must undertake its
primary duty which is to improve the battling
capability of fighting units and must be under the
control of the Supreme Commander.
10. The defense and security of the people in
the nation concern the entire populace. In the
transition to democracy it will take a certain amount of
time for the State Defense and Security Council to
take over from the Directorate of Military Intelligence
responsibility for security which should be the duty of
the people. The head of this Council will be the
president appointed under the basic constitution and
the president must be the most responsible person.
11. The Defense must be of high standard,
modern, honorable and ready to protect democracy,
and be at one with the people. Its quality must be
 166

superior to its numbers. After careful consideration of

the country's economic development. progress in
science and technology and human resource then a
defense force appropriate in size must be established.
The armed forces personnel will share the same joys
and sorrows with the rest of the population. It is
important to be within the budget constraints. In doing
so it does not mean that everything will be
accomplished all at once. Things have to be done
stage by stage and within a set time frame. The
parliament will be the arbiter of the methods to be
applied and the tasks to be undertaken.
12. There must be only one Burma Defense
Force. After independence we have experience
establishing militias such as Insurgent Fighting unit,
Union Military Police, Sitwundan force, Pyusawhti
unit, Defense unit, Police Suffering Force. At the
moment, attempts are being made to have only one
force, Burma Army. There are the cease fire groups,
previously armed, and armed units still in conflicts. In
future, in a democratic country, we must endeavor to
have only one Defense organization.
13. We must review the recruitment of officers
for the Defense Force. It is essential objectively to
establish a youthful force able to defend the
democratic country with excellent quality, high
standard, modern and dignified corps of officers.
14. We must endeavor to equip our Defense
Force with modern, top quality weapons. The
armament policy must be based on the country's
geographical and natural background, the military
policy that should be adopted by the nation, to
 167

maintain friendly relations with countries and

constantly observing their military strategy,
particularly the situation as a relatively small nation
bordering two large countries, especially a policy that
will fit in with the country's economic and financial
status. Instead of arming oneself with various types of
arms and ammunition it is preferable to bear in mind
the intention to have friendly relations particularly
with democratic nations and decide our armament
policy. Domestic factories must produce arms and
ammunition and in doing so caution must be exercised
to avoid excessive expenditure arising from
breakdowns of machinery and appliances in big
armament factories armed personal should be giver
unnecessary training involving extra duties, so care
must be taken to adopt one somewhat similar with a
lesser amount of work. For the successful
implementation of such a scheme an advisory group
comprising experts from countries having relations
with us should be set up.
15. Training is an integral part of the armed
forces and covers education to increase knowledge.
While under a single party system a biased, one sided
ideology is the basis of the training, education under
democracy will be related to studies of defense selects
Everyone, from generals to privates has to study the
party, ideology under a dictatorship depending on
rank. The training under democracy will be liberal
with the aim to in compass various studies to provide
a broader range of knowledge. Which will prepare one
for a promising military career. Armed forces
personnel undergo specified skills in order to achieve
 168

their aim to defend the nation. It must also be borne in

mind that the entire nation is responsible for its
defense. The National Defense University must
provide the best training for a military career with this
objective in mind the establishment of the NBU will
be the duly of a group formed by the Cabinet as
decided by Parliament and not by the Defense
Ministry alone.
16. The Defense Force shall undertake only the
main task assigned to it. Our armed forces are
interested in their military services and continue to
serve until terminated for some reason or other. The
civil population also serve according to their desire in
various ministries. Service rules are then interpreted as
desired and under the direction of the Defense
Ministry Officers, senior and junior, NCO and
privates are transferred to other ministers to serve in
posts in existence or newly created and this arrange
should be avoided . It should be done with cabinet
decision in unavoidable instances in the interest of the
country to fill up special position. Such a move is not
to harm the prospects of other competent civil
personnel and to foster unity among all service people.
17. In connection with the role of women in
the Defense Force, it was noted that according to the
statistics of 1998 Burma had a population with the
female population at (23.79) million and the males
(23.46) million, thus females exceed males by (0.33)
million. Hence in the defense and security factor the
female group must assume a proportionate role.
Nowadays, in some countries, women possibly
because of tradition or circumstances, are serving in
 169

the front lines along with men. Women can shoulder

the duties of communications, transportation and in
the medical services. This issue of women's services
will have to be considered after a review of the current
situation and a scheme in line with policy must be
drawn up with the approval of the Parliament.
18. Members of the armed forces if compared
to other service employers have to sacrifice their life,
face severe hardship and undertake life threatening
duties and hence steps have to be taken to frame laws
rules and regulations for their benefit.
19. In Burma presently, a new strata of armed
services members has appeared. It must, however, be
realized that the security and the defense of the nation
devolve not only on the armed forces but also the
people in this country. The armed forces cannot stand
alone without the people support since Burma,
geographically, has between 2 big countries, it cannot
stand up militarily against them. The support of the
entire population is needed. Burma's basic military
principle is to practice Burma's foreign policy which is
not to trespass and attack another country and to
successfully defend one's country against invaders.
Burma's military strategy is a " defense in depth." To
accomplish this strategy successfully in the long run,
the system adopted by the armed forces to do it alone
will not achieve the objective. It is therefore,
necessary to enact the National Service Act to prepare
for the future.
20. In conclusion and with respect, will be
possible to submit a mire comprehensive, detailed
report regarding the establishment of a modern
 170

Defense Force in a democratic country after the

Parliament is convened. On that occasion, it is our
intention conversant with the subject, or matters
related to this subject, who have dealt with the subject,
experienced people, professionals and persons of good
will.

Appendix (A)
Committee Representing Parliament
Notification No (4)
1. There are two meanings for the word
"mandate" in the political commutation. The first kind
derived from the Latin word "mandere" means "an
order given by a superior officer to a subordinate how
to carry out his duty." The second, derived from the
French word " Man day" means that the electorate has
permitted a party or a leader to govern according to
declared policies as the result of an election" or "
permission to govern according to declared policies,
regarded as officially granted by an electorate to a
party upon a decision outcome of an election."
2. In line with the second interpretation in the
Multiparty Democracy General election, it means that
the electorate permitted the party which gained a
working majority a mandate to govern the country
according to that party's declared policy and
principles.
3. During the period under the Burmese way to
Socialism, under the concept of mandate,
Parliamentary Representatives contested the elections
under BWS banner and had to abide by the party's
 171

policy in Parliament. They had to resign if the party

was dissatisfied.
4. It is acknowledged that the responsibility to
fulfill in Parliament the undertaking and promises
made by the political parties before the elections to the
electorate is regarded as mandate.
5. The National League for Democracy
contested the 1990 elections with the main slogan of
abolishing the military administration and establishing
a country under democracy. Out of 485 constituencies
NLD candidate won 392 seats. The elected
representatives must not only abide by NLD policies
but are still fully supporting them and in case of
inability to personally express support because of
many reasons, such representatives have given written
authorization to the Central Executive Committee to
act on their behalf.
6. Accordingly, the demands made by the
Central Executive Committee to the State Peace and
Development Council to convene the Parliament are
on the basis of mandate and the authorization by
elected representatives to act on their behalf
According to section 47 of the Parliamentary Law of
1974 which still remain valid it was enacted that, "
The State Council shall, if 34% of all the members of
Parliament so request, summon a session of the
Parliament at the earliest opportunity." The SPDC
appear to be contravening the provisions of the law.
The authority entrusted to the NLD by 251 elected
representatives exceeds 34% .
7. It is because the authorities are not
respecting and abiding by the law that NLD has to
 172

take steps for convening the Parliament. The general

public is being apprised of the facts as any
consequences arising in future are because of the
remissness of SPDC to be guided by the law.

Appendix (B)
Committee Representing Parliament
Notification No-2(1/99)
Contents of letters dated January 20,1999 addressed to
the Presidents of both Houses of Japanese Legislature
by the Committee Representing Parliament (CRPP)
elected during the Multiparty Democracy Elections
1990 are published for general information.
1. A matter causing deep concern to the elected
Representatives at the elections hold in 1990 is being
relayed to the Honorable Presidents of both the Upper
and Lower Houses of Parliament, Japan, nearly Nine
years after the general elections in Burma, the State
Law and Order Council, previously and now renamed
the State Peace and Order Council, is still refusing to
convene the Parliament. Moreover, using bullying
tactics Representatives are being forced to resign,
jailed, expelled. Some Representatives have left the
country in order to continue their democratic and
political activities.
2. The National League for Democracy (NLD)
which won 82% (eighty two percent) of the seats
during the general elections held in June 1990 asked
the State Peace and Development Council to convene
the Parliament before August 21,1991 in accordance
with the promises given by the authorities that year
 173

(1990). The ruling junta failed to respond to the

request and accordingly NLD declared that the party
would assume the responsibility itself of convening
the Parliament. The ruling junta's response to this was
to unlawfully detain the elected Representatives,
members of the NLD who were actively participating
in the matter and those who were supporting the party.
3. It was because of such actions that on
September 16,1995 the Committee Representing
Parliament was set up to make prior preparations and
arrangements to convene the Parliament. Of the ten
members of this Committee, one of them represented
ethnic nationalities parties namely Shan National
League for Democracy, Arakan League for
Democracy, Mon National Democratic Front, Zomi
National Congress. Of the abovementioned parties, the
first two named parties placed second and third in the
number of seats won during the elections of 1990.
4. From the time the Committee for Convening
Parliament was established, the authorities increased
their pressure and speed in their efforts to wipe out the
activities for democracy. Despicable steps were
adopted to suppress members of NLD and other
organizations agitating for human rights. The elected
Representative U Saw Mra Aung who had been
named as the Chairman of the Committee
Representing Parliament and is also the President of
the Arakan League for Democracy and over 150
elected Representatives were detained unlawfully. The
entire campaign to nullify the outcome of the general
elections of 1990 was organized by the Directorate of
Military Intelligence, Ministry of Defense. It is for this
 174

reason that an invitation to influential members of this

Directorate to come to Japan as guests of the
Government of Japan is causing deep concern and
anxiety.
5. In Japan, members of your Excellencies
House of Parliament and the people of Japan have the
irrevocable right to elect your own Government. We
are making this request with your kind indulgence that
a great country with people possessing such dignified
power should not earn the impression of supporting a
cruel and ruthless military Intelligence organization
whose members are blatantly breaking all civilized
modes of conduct and obliterating activities relating to
democracy and human rights.
6. We have the firm conviction that for the
democratically elected Representatives from Japan
and Burma the time will come when we can work
hand in hand for peace and freedom for our region and
the world in general.
7. It is requested that this communication may
kindly be circulated to the Members of your Houses of
Parliament.

Committee Representing Parliament.

Appendix (C)
Committee Representing Parliament
Notification No-11
1. It is learned that between January and
February, 1998 fighting broke out between Thai and
Burma Naval vessels because fishing boats from the
 175

other nation encroached the territorial waters between

the two countries resulting in loss of lives of sailors
and civilians from both sides. Tension increased and
news spread that the neighboring country had
increased and readied their fighter planes in case of
need.
2. In the course of history, because Burma's
territorial waters had been encroached by fishing
vessels from the other country, Burma in 1977 enacted
the Burma Territorial waters and Zones Law in
accordance with the international mature laws and in
order to hinder poachers had taken action against them
yearly. In those days, there had been a few skirmishes
using firearms between both sides but there was no
tension like the dangerous situation row.
3. Moreover, the other country which had
never raised a voice regarding the sovereignty of
Burma's territorial waters and zones now brought up
the issue over ownership of three isles which had
never been disputed. These had never been any
dispute not only regarding the three isles but also the
size of the territorial waters which had been
acknowledged and honored.
4. We consider this current dispute over
Burma's territorial waters and zones not just as an
incident between the military authorities and the
neighboring country but as one that concerns all the
nationalities in Burma.
5. It is understood that representatives from the
two countries will discuss and try to reach a peaceful
settlement regarding the territorial waters and zones
between them. The military authorities are duty bound
 176

to explain to the people the subject of their discussions

and the stage of these discussion without hiding the
facts in order to make the people understand the
situation clearly. This is because the matter concerns
the entire population and the nation's sovereignty. All
matters discussed, agreed to and steps taken should be
placed before and approval obtained from the
parliament. Only the parliament can give a decision
regard this issue. The Committee Representing
Parliament also has the responsibility to submit it to
Parliament for approval.
6. In settling this dispute between the two
countries the Committee Representing Parliament
announces its belief that the matter can be resolved
peacefully and cordially befitting neighboring
countries.

Committee Representing Parliament

Appendix (D)
Committee Representing Parliament
Notification No-59(10/99)
The Committee Representing Parliament is
distributing for public information the Burmese
translation of its Notification in English dated October
2, 1999 with regard to the seizure of the Burmese
Embassy in, Bangkok by some armed men.
The Committee Representing Parliament is
deeply disturbed on learning that some armed men
seized the Burmese Embassy and took some hostages.
It is understood from the international media reports
that these men described themselves as " Vigorous
 177

Burmese Student Warriors." It is also learnt that they

have demanded the release of all political prisoners in
Burma, and for the Committee Representing
Parliament and State Peace and Development Council
to meet and discuss the formation of an interim
government.
The Committee Representing Parliament while
cognizant of the desires, wishes and suffering of the
students and democratic activists and the pressures
exerted by authoritative organs of power compelling
them to leave the country, at the same time we
unreservedly condemn the seizure of the Embassy and
taking of hostages. Such acts are diametrically
opposite to the principles of peace, justice and human
rights held and protected all along by NLD and the
Committee Representing Parliament.
Our Committee commends and expresses our
appreciation over the Royal Thai Government's
decision to forego the use of arms and the display of
diplomatic acumen and courage by the Deputy
Foreign Minister. The Committee's honest desire is for
an issue which has erupted to be settled peacefully
without causing any damage. It is earnestly hoped that
in the interests of the families of the hostages they will
be happily reunited soonest. In Burma, in agitating for
democracy, activists frequently are separated from
their families in despair and anguish as a result of
harsh and overbearing measures take by the military
government. There is much sympathy for those
serving under such conditions of tyranny and violence.
The Committee would like to bring to the
notice of the international community that the violent
 178

incident that occurred at the Burmese Embassy,

Bangkok is the result of incessant cruelty and injustice
being inflicted in Burma by the military government.
It is violence breeding violence.
NLD and the Committee Representing
Parliament are convinced that democracy will prevail
in Burma because of the people's unwavering tenacity,
courage and efforts and their devotion to peace,
human rights and justice.

Committee Representing Parliament

Appendix (E)
National League for Democracy
Notification No-144 (10/99)
1. Some armed men seized the Burmese
Embassy in Bangkok. Then, the diplomatic staff,
employees and their families, and some foreigners
who had visited the Embassy to apply for visas were
held as hostages.
The world community of nations and
international organizations will not accept as these
armed men as they had committed a criminal offense.
2. However, the world would view this act as
one in which these armed men were unable to witness
the vicious despicable instances of cruelty inflicted
daily upon the people by the military rulers for over
10 years. This, in their opinion, was the principle
factor.
 179

3. The situation in Burma today is prior to the

rule of State Law and Order Council renamed State
Peace and Development Council, in March 2, 1962 the
military staged a coup d΄etat and thus the country had
been continually under military administration for
over 37 years today.
4. On March 2, 1962 a dictatorship called the
Revolutionary Council led by senior military officer
by proclaimed several announcements, changed the
administrative system many times, and ruled the
country. There was no progress in the nation, instead
not only was there regression, there was a lot of
distress among the people. The only thing that
increased was cruel injustice.
5. In 1988, when activists for democracy
demonstrated the military authorities opened fire and
it is learned that over 4,000 people were killed.
6. In the later stages, the military authorities
adopted a more effective way than gunfire, that is
using suppression which causes a living dead
existence. As part of the program to obliterate
opposition, enquiries were made against democratic
activists individually from the lowest ward or village
level up to Headquarters level although working
within the law. After completion of enquires,
individuals or groups of individuals would be arrested
jailed or detained and tortured in several ways so that
even though alive, both body and spirit are under
restraint and this was carried our against one group
after another continuously.
 180

Volume B

Chapter 1

Report of the Finance/Economy/Commerce

Committee to the Committee Representing the
People’s Parliament

Economy

PART A
Preface

1. The economy of the Union of Burma got into

difficulties because of isolationism and policies
based on centralized socialist economic plans, and
began to disintegrate in the early 1980s. The
pressure from economic and social hardships
increased because of the collapse of the market
and high inflation created by a shortage of
manufactured goods and government budget
deficits. The democratic uprising of 1988 followed
the demonetisations of the Kyat in 1987. The
military crushed the 1988 uprising and the State
Law and Order Restoration-SLORC took over
power.

2. The SLORC declared that it would adopt a

market-oriented economy and announced an open
trade policy with foreign countries. When
isolationism and the centralized economic plans of
the Burma Socialist Program Party-BSPP were
 181

abandoned, Burmese traders, farmers and the

general public were given a chance to exhibit their
abilities and the economy acquired momentum.
They also had a chance to enjoy the benefits of
international trade and investment.

(a) SLORC/SPDC Economic Practices and Their

Effects

1. Change of Gross Domestic Product-GDP

The GDP increased by an average of 4.2 percent from

fiscal 1990 to 1994. This seems to be an improvement
over the annual deficits of the Socialist era from
1986/87 to 1988/89. Compared to the deficits of the
late 80’s, the situation in the early 90’s seemed better.
However, it was not favorable compared to 1985/96,
the last year of socialist economy that was about to
break down, a year that showed a surplus in the GDP.
The GDP was kyat 52,989.4 million in 1985/86. Only
in 1992-93 did it again return to the kyat 54,756.6
million level. Per capita income in 1985/86 and
1996/97 were kyat 1,510 and 1,549, respectively. In
1997, Burma’s per capita income was less than that of
Laos, Vietnam or Cambodia.
Moreover, we will analyze policies and practices in
the production sector. Finance and production are two
interrelated factors in an economic system. This is
summarized as follows.
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(b) Macro-economic Situation

The economic factors that influence and change a
country’s economy extensively and effectively are the
government expenditure, money supply, lending
interest rates, employment and wages, external trade,
and foreign exchange rates. The macro-economic
practices of the State Peace and Development
Council-SPDC are defined by laying down its policies
on State Budget and Finance, interest rates, external
trade and foreign exchange rates for stabilization of
the market, an increasing investment and economic
development.
2. Financial Sector

All of Burma’s financial problems are created by the

government. The difference between the government’s
expenditure and income generation directly affected
Burma’s economic situation. The SLORC/SPDC’s
annual expenditure exceeds its income, as shown in
Appendix A. The Union Bank usually prints more
currency notes to provide loans to the government as a
remedy for the budget deficit. Printing more and more
currency notes whenever required causes inflation,
bringing down the value of the kyat and causing a rise
in commodity prices.
Prices cannot be stabilized by increasing imports
because of insufficient foreign reserves. The
government fixed the foreign exchange rate at about
kyat 6 equivalent to one US dollar while the market
rate is over kyat 300 to one US dollar.
 183

Expenditure under the government’s budget shows an

increase of 13.5 times from fiscal 1987/88 to 1996/97.
The budget deficit in 1997/98 is higher than that of
1996/97. It was on the average 6.5 percent of GDP for
1993/94 and 1995/96 and 7.0 percent in 1997/98. One
of the main reasons for the increase in budget deficits
is due to the income decline of the State-owned
Economic Enterprises (SEEs).
The deficit in the SEEs’ funds rose from 1.9 percent of
GDP in 1993/94 to 9.1 percent in 1997/98. In 1997/98
the total government budget deficit was kyat 69.2
million out of which kyat 41.1 million was that of the
SEEs. It is obvious that the deficit of the SEEs is more
than half that of the total deficit.
The percentage of GDP gradually decreases every
year because the government cannot collect revenue
from taxes effectively. It is absolutely nowhere near
international standards. Tax revenues covered 61
percent of government expenditure in 1993/94 and
only 48 percent in 1997/98.
It is a measure of governance for the government to
secure a budget needed to run the country. In the early
80’s the Socialist government’s income was 16
percent of GDP. In 1997/98, SLORC’s income was
only 6.5 percent of GDP. In the early 80’s tax revenue
of the Socialist government was 9 percent and plunged
to 3.9 percent in 1997/98. Although the SLORC’s
income was 6.5 percent of GDP, it was on the average
15.5 percent for the Laos Government for the fiscal
years 1995-96 and 1997-98. For the Vietnamese, it
was 22.2 percent during 1995-97. The ability to
 184

collect tax revenues as supplementary income for

Burma, Laos and Vietnam were 50.8%, 82.0% and
84.5% respectively for the above-mentioned years. It
is found that the SLORC/SPDC’s ability to collect
revenue or in other words, the SLORC/SPDC’s
management and administrative ability is obviously
inferior to that of neighboring low-income countries.
As income declined, so did expenditures. In the early
80’s government expenditure was 16.4 percent of
GDP and declined to 9.3 percent in 1997/98. The total
expenditure of Laos was 22.3 percent of GDP in
1995/96 and 1997/98, while that of Vietnam was 24.6
percent. The spending power of the SLORC/SPDC
was just half of those low-income neighboring
countries.
The government’s expenditure decreased due to lesser
income. Although expenditure for other sectors
declined, the ratio of defense budget increased. During
Socialist rule in the early 80’s, the defense budget was
20.7 percent of the government’s total expenditure.
During the SLORC/SPDC era, it was 30.6 percent for
fiscal 1997/98. Low-income countries in South Asia
and the peninsular countries spend only 16.8 of
government income on defense. Vietnam, although a
military power, spends only 20.5 for defense. Burma
is not a military power nor does any other country
threaten it. Moreover, it has declared that there is
internal peace in the country. And yet the defense-
spending budget is very high. This means that it is
aiming towards stability of the government rather than
of the nation. It is natural in countries where
 185

sovereignty is assumed by dictators to have a high rate

of defense spending in order to oppress opposition
forces. This is a normal occurrence in a dictatorship
country.
The expense of intelligence surveillance is heavily
inflated under the heading current expenditure.
Moreover, it is not exceptional to assume that the
expenditure of the government’s auxiliary forces such
as the Union Solidarity and Development Association-
USDA, the Red Cross, the Fire Brigade and Women’s
Association are incurred under the government’s
security account. It can be seen from the budget
account that the deficit is causing inflation and great
disorder to the market economy. In order to achieve
economic stability, expenditures and deficits must be
reduced. Due to excess budget deficits Vietnam and
took control of the country’s economy and made
economic reforms with effect from 1989. In the
manufacturing sector, it allowed wider reconstruction
including exemptions and flexibility of prices. It also
reduced its defense budget allocation. After
modernizing its army, it retrenched 500,000 soldiers
and 800,000 civil servants. The party government and
the military gave priority to the interests of the nation
and reduced its defense and administrative expenses.
Vietnam’s rate of commodity prices increased 70
percent per annum in 1990 and declined to 5 percent
in 1993, within a three-year period. This is a good
example to learn from.
 186

3. Inflation
Money supply has risen ten times between 1988 and
1997. Consumer prices have increased six times
according to official statistics, while unofficial
statistics show a much higher figure. The value of kyat
currency declined due to inflation. The market rate for
US dollar rate has risen eight-fold between 1988 and
1997.
4. Balance of Trade

In 1987/88 the trade deficit was K. 2410.5 million,

and it increased to K. 2927.1 million in 1994/95.
Although the average amount of export value grew 20
percent each year between 1990/91 and 1994/95, there
was a trade deficit as the growth in the amount of
import value also increased. The amount of export
value declined starting from 1995/96 as tonnage in
rice export decreased. In 1994/95 the amount of rice
export value was 20 percent of the total amount of
export value and it declined to 1 percent in 1997/98.
The amount of export value for pulses and beans rose
from 15 percent of total exports in 1994/95 to 24
percent in 1997/98. The amount of export value of
teak and rubber are stable. The amount of import
value gradually rose in the market-oriented economy.
In 1997-98 it rose 13 percent. Imported luxury goods
such as food, beverages and cigarettes enjoyed a large
ratio of total imports.
 187

(5) Balance of Payment

In 1994/95, there was a surplus of K.406.3 million.
There has always been an annual deficit in other years.
In 1995/96 and 1996/97, the deficit was K. (211.1)
million and K. (300.00) respectively. There is a
probability of 1997-98 showing a deficit.
Annual budget and trade deficits, inflation,
skyrocketing commodity prices, and insufficient
foreign exchange reserves are the SLORC/SPDC’s
regular annual economic scenario. Burmese
academics, experts from the World Bank, IMF, Asian
Development Bank-ADB and intelligentsia from other
countries have given frank advice and suggestions to
handle the macroeconomic problems of Burma.
However, the SLORC/SPDC neglected to take their
advice and suggestions for various reasons. These
reasons include lack of understanding of the advice
given, because those leaders and decision-makers may
have unrealistic views of the lives of the people, and
lack of political strength to face the people.

(c) Production Sector

1. Agriculture
As the government released its monopoly on the
agricultural sector, agriculture grew from 47.2 percent
of GDP in 1989/90 to 51.2 percent in 1997/98. The
Burmese people not only consume rice but also export
it so as to be able to purchase commodities and
construction materials. Although production GDP in
the agricultural sector has risen, it is insufficient to
 188

fulfill the basic needs of an increasing population.

Rice production was 5.5 percent of GDP in 1995/96
compared to the previous fiscal year but only about
2.9 percent in 1997/98. Although the government
declared the policy of giving priority to the agriculture
sector, it was found that positive results have not been
achieved as mentioned above.
2. Paddy
Drought and floods affected paddy cultivation in
1997/98 and 1998/99. Although agriculture relies on
weather, there are also many other factors hindering it,
the major obstacle being village administration. There
is no discipline, rule nor law in managing the farmers
at the village level. The rural authorities treat villagers
cruelly and rudely either in implementing demands
from higher authorities or in fulfilling the wishes and
aspirations of those holding local authority. Under
these conditions the hapless farmers face a bleak
future but they continue to farm because that is the
only livelihood they know and the only source of their
income. They have to be content with what they can
produce and cannot develop other investments to
supplement their income and to improve their lives.
Hence they cannot attempt to increase production.
This is the basic and major problem of Burmese rice
production. Farmers would be able to concentrate on
their livelihood only when a peaceful, pleasant and
stable village management is established.
In addition to mismanagement and a bad social
environment, the government’s economic policies and
the local authority treatment of economic issues are
 189

also factors exacerbating the problems with

production of rice. I.e.:
1. Non-ownership of land and annual
requirement of permit to farm;
2. Quotas demanded by the government and
local authorities at lower than market
prices;
3. The monopoly of rice export by the
government;
4. Lack of fertilizers and fuel; and
5. Lack of modern agricultural credit system

1. There is no production growth because farmers do

not have the right to own, transfer or to sell land. The
requirement for permits needed for farmers for the
right to farm every year causes them to lose interest in
the land after a year. This leads to neglect in long term
nurturing of the land to increase yields. Since there is
no right to transfer ownership, a farmer cannot raise
money to invest in his farm by mortgaging his land.

2. There has been no change in the rice quota system

of the government although the government declared
in 1997 that they would make necessary changes.
Local authorities and auxiliary organizations of the
government also demand quotas at lower prices. This
collection of 20 to 25 percent of the yield is another
factor that reduces production power. Moreover, the
procurement price is far below the world price. The
government-purchasing price is currently about K. 300
per basket of paddy. Purchase for export on the
domestic market is around K. 500 per basket. At that
 190

price a ton of rice would fetch US$ 112.00. In the

world market, a ton of rice would fetch over US$
200.00. The difference is plain to see. If the private
sector including entrepreneurs and farmers were
permitted to export rice, there would be freedom for
competition, which would allow the producers to
enjoy the differences in the domestic and the world
prices. The more they earn, the more they will be able
to concentrate on their work and the better the
production, the better the control on the market prices.
This would also promote exports and speed up the
country’s economy and would successfully raise the
management, livelihood and economy of the farmers.
The government’s internal and external income will
also rise. The history of Burma’s economy proves that
the whole country can be self-sufficient based on the
agricultural expertise of the farmers.

3. Other Crops

Output volume and export tonnage as well as income

has soared since free trade of pulses and beans was
permitted in 1990-91.

Export Tonnage of Pulses & Beans

Ton (in thousands)
Year 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98
Output 1109 1337 1329 1522
Export 425 610 595 661

In 1988/89, the output of pulses and beans was

370,000 tons. In contrast, 1 to 5 million tons was
 191

produced in 1997/98. For the same year the export

figure rose from 17,000 tons to 661,000 tons.

4. Establishing an “Entrepreneur’s Agricultural

System”

Since the SLORC came to power, agriculture acreage

has increased for various reasons. There is no increase
in wheat and oil crops output because of imports. The
government’s agriculture policy is aimed at export of
surplus paddy, production of pulses and beans and
industrial crops for self-sufficiency and export, and
self-sufficiency in edible oil. These targets have yet to
materialize. During early 1999, the highest officials of
the SLORC/SPDC personally led the reclamation of
land with slogans to make use of free, virgin and
fallow lands and the wetlands. This is to promote
current rice exports and to prevent future rice imports.
Relying on investment and management abilities of
entrepreneurs’ agriculture activities began on
reclamation of a vast acreage of land throughout the
country to produce paddy, perennial and other crops,
livestock, fish and prawns. Regarding these activities
the CRP issued an announcement 24(4/99) dated
25/4/99. After analyzing Burmese social issues it is
hereby declared again that only parliament has the
right to resolve the rice/paddy issue in Burma.
The agricultural activities of the SPDC are:
(1) An extensive plan aimed at changes in the
agriculture sector, which is the basic
foundation of Burmese society, beginning
 192

with ownership to work in other services,

methods, and social relationships.
(2) It is an act that would overturn the very
basis of livelihood of farmers, the right to
own and cultivate the land of the majority
of the farmers from among the union
nationals.
(3) It is an act that may lead to a farmers’
revolt, similar to that of 1300 BE
(Burmese era) as a result of the disparity
between the poor, the farmers and the rich
who enjoy the right to cultivate on vast
acreage of lands eliminating the rural
middle class farmers. Hence the SPDC’s
programs are not acceptable at all.

When the independent Union of Burma was first

established, the forefathers of the nation, thoroughly
understanding Burmese as well as world history, laid
down a policy to insert an agricultural system that was
led by the farmers in the plains as well as in the hilly
regions in the 1947 constitution. All consecutive
governments after independence, in accordance with
the 1947 Constitution, preserved the production
system of the farmers that they had inherited for
almost 50 years. The program of the SPDC was an
autocratic establishment of an agricultural system that
gives the right to cultivate on vast land to national
entrepreneurs who have management abilities and a
large amount of investment capital. Changing
Burmese traditional ways of cultivation means
uprooting the Burmese traditional social system. This
 193

great, deep, and retrogressive offence to Burmese

national tradition would change the history of the
nation pushing the country into the backwater. This
concerns the majority of the people. Therefore, it is a
matter of national politics. The Burmese government
and political organizations have, without fail, sought
the wishes and inspiration of the majority of the
people, no matter how greatly they differ in political
views, leadership, and attitude in various levels of
actions starting from seeking opinions to laying down
and implementing detailed procedures. In the process
of eliminating the traditional production system of
Burma and of introducing a new economic system,
that is in other words, in the process of deciding a
national issue, the SPDC dominates the rural areas
without seeking the people’s wishes and aspirations.
Hence, the transformation of a village economic and
social system is not acceptable.

If observed from a professional angle, the program

currently implemented by the SPDC is a declaration of
a whimsical procedure. It is not a national rural
development project, not a national agricultural
development project and not a national rice production
development project. According to the government’s
information services, it is but a declaration that
investors and entrepreneurs would cultivate paddy, oil
crops, rubber as well as vegetables in Irrawaddy,
Tenasserim and Magwe Divisions and Shan State by
developing wide tracts of agricultural land by the year
2010. It is not a vital project of acceptable standards.
Hence it cannot be accepted as a national project.
 194

Moreover, in order to resolve the Burmese agricultural

problem, the authority has to ensure increased
production, make the agricultural system viable, create
a good environment through good management,
increase input and give farmers the right to work
peacefully on lands in terms of revenue, and educate
and provide loans to farmers. The system of allowing
capitalists and entrepreneurs on wide tracts of farming
land is an inaccurate remedy stemming from
ignorance and a misguided view of Burmese
agricultural and rice production problems. Hence this
is not accepted.

The SPDC’s scheme is to replace the traditional

system accepted by all (past) governments and the
people, which is cultivation of land by farmers, with
one by investors and entrepreneurs. It is unacceptable
because it is a great social, economic and political
blunder.

5. Upgrading the Livelihood of Farmers

The following will have to be carried out to establish a

modern agricultural system for the farmers, instead of
marching along a path of using investors in rural areas
following the military leadership, if there is a genuine
wish to improve the livelihood of the farmers and
Burmese agriculture.
In order to know and be in touch with the social,
economic and political situation and views as well as
the rural administrative situations:
 195

(a) (1) Farmers associations must be formed;

(2) The associations must have the right
to hold meetings;
(b) (1) Domestic and foreign rice traders
must be able to hold meetings;
(c) (1) Conferences of agricultural experts
should be convened, and
(2) Conferences of agriculturists,
economists, and social scientists should
be convened.
5. National Paddy Plan

A national paddy development plan should be drafted

and submitted to the people after convening a paddy
development conference based on findings and
proposals obtained from the meetings and conferences
of farmers, traders and specialists. Hence, it is a matter
to be carried out only by the representatives duly
elected by the people in accordance with democratic
principles. The representatives, after having thorough
discussions on the issue at the Hluttaw, should lay
down the National Paddy Plan.
6. Industrial Sector

In the industrial sector, rice mills, edible oil mills and

sawmills contribute to most of the production portion.
28 percent of the industrial sector’s production is by
the State-owned industries. During the past five years,
there was a 7 percent increased in import in this
sector. In 1996/97 and in 1997/98, because of the
 196

import problems of raw materials, spare parts and fuel

energy, annual growth decreased by 5 percent.
7. Construction

Private and public construction activities declined

visibly in 1997/98. In 1995/96 and in 1996/97 annual
production values rose 27.2 percent and 24.5 percent
respectively from year to year. However, due to
slowing down of the tourism industry, the Asian
economic crisis and cessation of foreign direct
investments and joint-ventures activities, the
development of the construction sector declined 9
percent in 1997/98.
8. Transport Sector

The regime understands the importance of transport

and is constructing roads, bridges, harbors, airports,
and waterways. It is beneficial to the economy,
administration and welfare. It is in conformity with
the duties of a government. However, the people
suffered greatly because they have to contribute
“voluntary” labor as well as quotas of funds for these
constructions.
(d) Status of Burmese Economy
By observing and analyzing the household consumer
index, commodities and services, production and types
of exports, the following facts were found to
determine the status of Burmese economy.
1. Status of a Household Consumption
 197

According to statistics prepared by the Central

Statistical Organization, 65 percent of household
expenditure in Rangoon was for food and beverages
and 35 percent for other items in 1996, whereas in
Mandalay it was 71 percent and 27 percent
respectively. The household consumer index in
Rangoon in 1986 is the same as that in 1996. It has not
changed for a decade with 65 percent spent on food
and 35 on other expenses. However, expenses on
specific types of food have changed. In 1986, 9.8
percent of the food expenses were on rice but in 1996
the percentage had risen to 15.5 percent. Expenses for
meat, fish and edible oil were 30.2 percent of total
expenses in 1986 but it declined almost half to 16.9
percent in 1996. It is found that the consumer index of
the people has deteriorated, as they become poorer and
poorer during the 10 years of the market oriented
economic system. In general it can be observed from
the consumer index that according to income ratio the
number of the poor has grown. The total proportion of
income spent on food by the poor is higher than that
of the rich. The higher the income, the more the
consumption grew on others items such as durable and
movable household goods, house rent, transport
charges, education, health and entertainment expenses.
One average household in Rangoon is spending 65
percent of its total expenditure on food. The people
consumed less fish, meat and edible oil in 1996
compared to 1986.
 198

2. Comparison of Production Index

When surveying the status of production index of a

country, the volume and form of production from
agriculture, industrial and service sectors are normally
determined. The table below shows the production
index in the changes of GDP in three groups of
countries for the years 1970, 1980 and 1994 --
Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia; Sri-
Lanka, China, India and Vietnam; Bangladesh,
Bhutan, Nepal, Cambodia, Burma and Laos.
Singapore is a service rendering country, with little
agriculture production as it lacks land for cultivation.
Thailand’s agriculture sector contributed 30.2 percent
of GDP in 1970. Nearly 25 years later in 1994, it
declined to 11.1 percent. However, it was found that
industrial production rose from 25.8 percent in 1970
to 42.1 in 1994. Also in Sri-Lanka, China, India,
Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, GDP from agricultural
production clearly declined while other sectors
increased. The index of production by sector in Burma
has shown only a slight change in nearly 25 years
from 1970 to 1994.
In 1994, number 8 to 13 of table (B) shows that
among the group of the six Least Developed
Countries-LDCs Burma’s industrial sector was 14.4
percent of GDP. This figure is even less than that of
Laos for the same year, which is 17.9 percent. The
industrial sector indicator was 24.8%, 19.0% and
19.6% for Bhutan, Nepal and Cambodia respectively,
all higher than that of Burma.
 199

3. Comparison of Terms of Trade

As there is no change in the role of manufacturing in

Burma there is no change in exports. During the
colonial days in 1938-39, statistics showed exports of
rice, metal, timber, other basic agricultural products
and minerals contributed 70 percent of the total
exports. According to the statistics, even after 50 years
in 1990, these produces still make up 65 to 75 percent
of total exports.
In table (c), the percentages of the total volume of
export for the six developing countries are shown by
sector. Country export figures are shown in the
following table. (53.4 + 28.9 = 83.3) percent of the
total export of Burma is earned from the agriculture
and livestock breeding sectors. Industrial finished
goods contribute only 10.9 percent whereas they
contribute 21.3 percent in Bhutan. If compared with
under developed neighboring countries, the industrial
finished goods value of exports of Burma is at the
bottom. Hence it will have to work very hard to
become a modern nation.
According to a consumer, production and export
indexes survey, it is obvious that the status of the
Burmese economy is extremely low. It is the poorest
LDC in Asia. Hence to reach the current economic
status of neighboring countries, Burma needs to work
very hard.
 200

4. Comparison of Investments

Investment is necessary for GDP growth. The current

average investment volume of Burma is only 12.4
percent of GDP per annum. The investments volumes
of the neighboring Least Developed Countries are
18.4 and 20.6 percent in Cambodia and Nepal,
respectively. In 1993/94, Malaysia’s investment
volume was 38.0 percent of GDP. Burma would have
to seek necessary investment capital not only from
domestic but also from foreign sources. The
government as an organization cannot alone achieve
successfully find sources of investment capital. This
can only be achieved if an independent economic
system is established that allows the masses to
participate. Only then will the prestige of the people
and their country be secured and fulfill the lives of the
people.
(e) Future Economic Developments Forecast
Burma’s consumption volume, status of production
and export commodities is discussed above compared
with the neighboring countries. It is found that the
country is below the standards of the world’s
economy. We will have to evaluate the possibilities in
striving to reach the world standard. The 1994 Human
Development Report of the United Nations
Development Program-UNDP stated the following.
Based on 1994 figures, GDP of Burma and Malaysia
was calculated by employing the Purchasing Power
Parity Dollar-PPP$ method. After establishing the
 201

1994 GDP of Malaysia as the target GDP for Burma,

they calculated when Burma would reach this target.
In 1994 Burma’s GDP was PPP$ 1051, whereas
Malaysia’s was $8865. In calculating how long it
would take Burma to reach Malaysia’s figure and to
increase the growth of Burma’s current 1994 GDP, the
calculation must be based on the annual growth rate
used in planning and the population growth rates. The
estimated GDP growth in the Five-Year
Implementation Plan is 6 percent for 1994. Population
growth is 1.9 percent. Therefore, per capita GDP
growth is 4.0 percent. Burma with PPP$ of 1051 in
1994 would take 53 years to reach Malaysia’s level. A
different method of calculation of UNDP was with a
fixed foreign exchange rate. In this method Malaysia’s
per capita GDP in 1993 was $ 2,905. Burma’s per
capita GDP was $ 268 and it would take another 56
years to reach Malaysia’s level of 1993. Here it is
found that Burmese people are 50 years or half a
century behind Malaysia.
International Relations

In the above paragraphs the followings are discussed:

1. To established a new economic system after
abolishing an economic network system
monopolized by the military dictatorship in order
to stabilize the deteriorating economic system; and
2. To implement a free democratic system through
macro-economic and production sectors.
 202

Tasks to be carried out are proposed in Part B. It is

essential to face economic adversity simply with
transparency, honesty and courage to handle the wide
and serious issues that concern stability, longevity,
and successful economic development. The
government is misinterpreting and implementing a
self–reliance policy. It is true that one should be self-
reliant in any kind of undertaking. What is wrong is
the use of ‘self-reliance’ as ‘only I myself can be
relied on.’ The consequences of these wrong ideas can
be seen in the consecutive economic sufferings from
1962-88. As the people opposed its earlier policy, the
SLORC declared an open door policy and a market-
oriented economy. However, military leaders who
have been trained to rely on themselves could not
adopt a genuine independent market-oriented
economic system. Although the daily press covers
meetings between various levels of authorities and
foreign firms, they are not using an open door policy
but practicing a military-monopolized economic
network. The ‘self reliance’ economic policy of the
military causes disarrays in the economy. The world
economic lesson is that a country becomes rich only
when it can join in the world market. Therefore, the
Union of Burma should join in the world market not
only for the purpose of trade but also for loans,
investment and financial matters. Burma must learn to
practice and accept the concepts on a wide variety of
subjects, other arts & sciences, and knowledge of the
world and apply them to the Burmese system,
mentally and physically. We are currently facing a
lack of required technology, know-how and expertise,
 203

skilled workers, communications, transportation, and

factories for economic stability and development, and
these shortfalls have accumulated throughout years.
There would never be successful achievement in the
three main objectives if foreign countries do not join
in to address the need for these human resources,
expertise and materials. The volume of work needed
to attain economic stability and development is
extremely high. Regarding these matters domestic and
foreign professionals have submitted their proposals.
However, the SPDC cannot handle the stability of the
economy let alone achieve the three main objectives.
This is due to (1) lack of political leadership and (2)
inability to gain international support due to lack of
friendly nations. Therefore, to successfully obtain
economic stability, the first requirement is to discuss
the stability of the economy with the Members of the
Parliament elected by the people and its organizations.
The second requirement is to develop a normal
relationship with those countries that provide Burma
with Official Development Assistance-ODA. The
Development Assistance Committee’s 21-member
countries are Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg,
the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the
United States. There is also a need to be in alliance
with the International Financial Institutions and
organizations such as the IMF, BRD, ADB, UNDP,
UNICEF, UNESCO, UNHCR and WFP. Then we
need to stop name-calling like referring to ‘the
neocolonialists and its followers’ and obtain billions
 204

of dollars in support. This is a practical and sincere

patriotic policy. According to a 1997 UNCTAD
publication, the current Least Development Countries
situation is that Bangladesh, which is three times more
populated than Burma, has an ODA assistance of (15)
dollars per person while Burma has (3.4) dollars.
Although classified in the same category of poverty,
Bangladesh received 15 times more support than
Burma for 1995. According to the ODA report, Burma
gets the least assistance among the 48 ODA recipient
countries, which shows the SPDC’s weakness in
international relations. The Burmese military
government’s relationship with the world is a failure.

Foreign Funds

In laying down a new economic policy for the Union

of Burma we need to build up foreign funds as
follows:
(1) A Stabilization Fund to normalize the
deteriorating economy;
(2) A Transformation Fund to develop a new
system; and
(3) An Economic Development Fund to develop.

The Union of Burma needs to work jointly with

Financial Institutions such as the IMF, BRD, ADB,
investment organizations, and the 21-member
countries’ Development Assistance Committee that
can provide expertise and financial assistance and with
other institutions and governments calculate the funds
for maintaining and developing the economy.
 205

Appendix (Table A)
Figures relating to Inflation

SN Year Finance Union of Central Annual Market

& Burma Statistics statistics Rate
Revenue Central Consumer book
Ministry Bank Price 1997 Dollar
Budget money Index Foreign exchange
Deficit volume 1986=100 Import- rate
(Million (Million export
1 2 Kyat) Kyat) 5 (Million 7
3 4 Kyat)
6
1. 1987- -4021.6 9713.0 12653 -2410.5 43.0
88
2. 1988- -6314.7 15937.0 155.00 -1274.1 53.8
89
3. 1998- -8019.7 21536.0 191.00 -560.9 62.3
90
4. 1990- -12204.0 32333.0 133.73 -2570.2 88.0
91
5. 1991- -12311.4 43737.0 301.80 -2410.8 105.5
92
6. 1992- -12094.9 60200.0 369.09 -1775.3 119.3
93
7. 1993- 15517.4 74982.0 492.99 -3695.5 113.4
94
8. 1994- -29647.2 98323.0 643.66 -2927.1 120.4
95
9. 1995- -38819.5 121800.0 735.51 -5259.5 159.1
96
10. 1996- -54469.8 176865.0 882.80 -6100.0 430.0
97
 206

Table B ( a, b, c )
GDP percentage - Changes in 3 Production Sectors
1970, 1980, 1994
(a) Agriculture
Country 1970 1980 1994
Singapore 22 1.1 0.2
Thailand 30.2 20.2 11.1
Malaysia - 22.9 14.8
Indonesia 35 24.4 16.6
Sri Lanka 31.7 26.6 20.5
China 42.2 25 21
India 44.5 38.1 29
Bangladesh - 49.4 34.9
Bhutan - 56.7 42.4
Nepal - 61.8 43.3
Cambodia - - 44.8
Burma 49.5 47.9 47.1
Laos - - 57.4
(b) Industry
Country 1970 1980 1994
Singapore 38.8 38.8 37.4
Thailand 30.1 30.0 42.1
Malaysia 35.8 35.8 45.4
Indonesia 41.3 41.3 43.6
Sri Lanka 27.2 27.2 30.1
China 51.7 51.7 54.0
India 25.6 25.6 27.0
Bangladesh 14.8 14.8 18.9
Bhutan 12.2 12.2 24.8
Nepal 11.9 11.9 19.0
Cambodia - - 19.6
Burma 12.3 12.3 14.4
Laos - - 17.6
 207

(c) Services
Country 1970 1980 1994
Singapore 38.8 38.8 37.4
Thailand 30.1 30.0 42.1
Malaysia 35.8 35.8 45.4
Indonesia 41.3 41.3 43.6
Sri Lanka 27.2 27.2 30.1
China 51.7 51.7 54.0
India 25.6 25.6 27.0
Bangladesh 14.8 14.8 18.9
Bhutan 12.2 12.2 24.8
Nepal 11.9 11.9 19.0
Cambodia - - 19.6
Burma 12.3 12.3 14.4
Laos - - 17.6
Source: Asia Development Projection, Asia Development
Bank 1995/96.

Table C
Country Food Agricultural Energy Minerals Manufactured Others
products products
Nepal 0.4 15.7 - - 83.8 -
Bangladesh 13.5 9 0.8 - 76.5 1.2
Laos 3.6 7.7 24.5 2 61.9 0.3
Cambodia 35.4 14.9 - - 49.7 -
Bhutan 13.3 9.8 28.4 18.5 21.3 8.6
Burma 53.4 28.9 1.5 5.1 10.9 0.2
Developing 24.9 12.9 7.7 18.4 33.4 2.7
countries
Developed 11.2 2.9 24.8 3.8 56 1.3
countries
 208

ECONOMY

Part (B)
Proposals submitted to the Committee
Representing Parliament for Resolutions

(a) To build a free economic system with

perspectives
1. To implement clauses concerning a free
economic system in the Constitution
2. To endorse laws that will preserve and
enhance the free economic system and to
revoke the laws that hinder its progress.

(b) To create necessary organizations that will build

and preserve a free economic system
1. To form a democratic government
2. To remove the exploitative economic
network of the military junta
(a) To remove all nationalized economic
ventures
(b) To remove the State-owned
Enterprises-SOEs and economic
enterprises of governmental
departments and organizations
(c) To remove the State co-operatives
and its related ventures
(d) To remove economic ventures related
to State connected social
organizations
 209

(c) Macro-economics
State Budget
1. To increase National Income
2. To systematically reduce expenditures
3. To reduce deficits
4. To stop supporting the State Economic
Enterprises-SEEs from the State Budget
Financial
1. To systematically align the official
exchange rate to the prevailing market rate
2. To control inflation by raising bank
interest rates
3. To increase the volume and export
commodities amount
4. To form the State Budget and Finance
Advisory Board

Balance of Payment
1. To practice proper payment system in
border trade
2. To limit import of luxury goods
3. To effectively increase the volume and
amount of export commodities
4. To effectively promote Foreign Direct
Investment and foreign financial aid
(d) Production
1. Agriculture Sector

Farmland Sector
1. Land Ownership
2. Freedom in the choice of cultivation
 210

3. To promote free trade and eliminate the

quota system and price control
4. Freedom to export
5. Establishment of modern agricultural
banks
6. To stop reclamation of wetlands, fallow
and virgin land and its related activities
7. To develop rural road transport
8. To explore the development of a national
paddy plan
9. To form Farmers’ Associations

Forestry Sector
1. To maintain rural environment
2. State to preserve, protect and reclaim
forests
3. To permit free export of teak and other
related woods
4. To permit private sector participation in
domestic sawmills and other forest
products services

Livestock and Fishery Sector

1. To promote and increase permits for private
sector

Industrial Sector
1. Privatize state industries to promote export
and exclude from State Balance of
Payment
2. To encourage the expansion of small
businesses and cottage industries
 211

Energy Sector
To develop a national energy plan

Transportation Sector
To develop a national transportation plan

Communication Sector
To allow private sector participation in
communications services

Construction Sector

Workers Sector

International Economic Relations

 212

Part B

A summary of the current economic situation, its

status and future economic prospects of the Union of
Burma under the State law and Order Restoration
Council (SLORC)/State Peace and Development
Council (SPDC) was shown in Part A.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was described under

the heading “Economic Practices and their Effects”.
Although there was moderate change in the national
GDP, the per-capita GDP reached the 1985/86 level
only in 1996/97. State financial situation with regards
to macro-economic situation, inflation, and balance of
payment, foreign funds and the standard of living were
also reflected. Production Sector such as agriculture,
industrial, construction, transport, communication
were also covered. In summary, it may be concluded
that the country’s current economic situation is in
chaos because although the government holds the
power, it does not have the political and administrative
qualities of a good government. Not only is the
government unable to handle the macroeconomic
problems, it cannot effectively attract and lead the
private enterprises to success in the respective sectors
although it declares that it would build a market
economy.

As it is the bounded duty of any analyst, critical

appraisal of the weaknesses of the economy, followed
by suggestions and proposals for improvement to
 213

stabilize the economy is duly presented to the

Committee Representing Parliament (CRP).

Proposals for Economic Stability and Progress in

the Union of Burma

Economics affects everybody. A stable and supportive

environment is necessary for economic growth just as
much as a stable and constructive environment is
necessary for human development. Organizations that
have proper perspectives are essential for such free
economic environment.

Political leaders should lay down liberal economic

perspectives, which are in line with the democratic
political ideals in order to establish free and
innovative views. Accordingly, the old ideas of the
undemocratic governments be replaced by liberal
economic perspectives acceptable by the people and
included in the New Constitution. We propose that the
CRP include perspectives of a free economy in the
constitution.

The perspectives of a free economy should be

endorsed as national laws. Therefore, the laws related
to economic policy should be those that nurture a free
economy. Laws that hinder a free market economic
system should be revoked. Therefore, we propose that
the CRP decide to endorse economic laws that will
nurture a free economy.
 214

Forming an Organization

Organizations must be formed to implement and

maintain those free economic perspectives.
Establishment of a democratic government is the first
step towards formation of those organizations.

(1) A Democratic Government

Economics and politics are mutually related and

beneficial. The current Burmese economy is in
deterioration owing to the political situation. This
paper shows that a democratic government is basically
needed to contribute towards today’s economic
condition of the people and the nation. In brief, a
democratic or good government means a government,
which avoids doing the unnecessary and doing
something, which is necessary. As an example, as an
individual needs to earn enough to balance its income
and expenditure, so it is for the good government. The
SLORC/SPDC government does the contrary. To curb
inflation caused by deficit for years in succession, it
tries to cut expenditures rather than find ways to get
more revenue. This was done heavily in the education
and health sectors. According to tax revenue
collection norms, SLORC/SPDC is not an able
government.

Although the government claims to invite foreign

direct investment by promulgating new laws and
 215

regulations, in actual practice mistrust, secret dealings,

cronyism prevails and contracts materialize only after
obtaining approval from several upper levels. If
required by the higher level at anytime, the approved
contracts, licenses, Memorandum of Understandings
(MOU), agreements are likely to be dishonored. As
there is no rule of law, the investors just have to leave
the country or wait rather than make a move for
litigation. These led to hesitation by investors in
entering the country after their proposals being
accepted and approved. There is uncertainty for new
investments with such an uncertain investment
environment. This is due to SLORC/SPDC’s lawless
rule according to its whims and tactics.

The Burmese government is blacklisted in

international relations because it does not practice
equal and mutual negotiations but always wants the
upper hand. The world sees this government to be
immature, as it does not solve domestic political
problems with sound and firm strategies. For fear of
disintegration of the military, it anxiously and wrongly
adheres to the ultra nationalistic policy while chanting
anti neo-colonialism slogans. The SPDC administers
the economy by orders based on military views and
system.

The country is being governed in a military manner. In

a country, there exists an area where oppression is
predominant that people either cannot express
themselves or face danger if speak out. The lives of
people in such backward and remote areas are
 216

uncertain, their belongings unsafe and have to live in

constant fear. Not only for the people who are
assigned official duties from above, but people at
grass roots level who are being reassigned for duty by
these people, torture, insult and murder are practiced
as of right. As the life of the people in such areas are
so harsh an unstable it has become abominable and
their political and economic lives destroyed. Farmers
have to survive on what is being left after meeting the
quota demands from their harvests. For the country’s
economy or agriculture to grow a democratic
government is essential.

Therefore, we propose that the CRP decide to convene

the Pyithu Hluttaw as soon as possible and work for
the emergence of a democratic government in order to
achieve stability and growth in the free economy.

Market economy network under the military

monopoly

The military neither understands nor trusts and accepts

the fact that unlike quota systems the economy can run
smoothly without any supervision through mutual
fulfillment of needs. Therefore, they form Military
owned enterprises to plan and implement their own
projects without clearing up the State-owned
Enterprises SOEs or government-run businesses. They
form their own economic ventures from the Central,
down to all levels of command. Initially, subsistence
and welfare are the excuse but soon they monopolized
 217

by removing or restricting other private businesses in

their respective areas, divisions for the benefit of their
own businesses. Other businesses cannot compete
with those of the ruling government. The fundamental
rule of a free market economy is freedom and
equality; any business that does not have those
qualities does not belong to the free market economy.
Apart from the historic State Economic organization
and the military backed economic enterprises, the
following are also part of the government economic
network: -
1. Economic ventures owned by various government
offices and departments
2. Union Solidarity and Development Association
owned economic enterprises
3. The economic ventures owned by government
auxiliary forces such as the fire brigade and nurses
association
4. All cooperative ventures owned by the Ministry of
Cooperatives
5. Various economic ventures of the City
Development Committees
6. Economic ventures of those who hold social and
political influences over the ruling authorities and
their organizations

All the above businesses form part of the

government’s economic network. They control and
hold the key to the country’s economic system.

The economic ventures of the State, military, social

and political organizations formed by the government
 218

and those nurtured by the government, friends and

joint venture partners enjoy more privileges than other
businesses. They have the following privileges: -
1. Permits
2. Capital, loans and foreign currency
3. Trade with fixed rates
4. Priority given
5. Mutual inter-relations

Government owned and related businesses

monopolize and lead the Burmese economy. The true
private entrepreneurs become second-class in business
and are ignored. The military monopolized economic
network has to be removed for the sake of economic
freedom. Therefore, we propose that the CRP adopt
the following resolutions: -
1. To systematically remove all SEE’s
2. To remove economic ventures owned by
government departments and organizations
3. To allow cooperative ventures that strictly aim at
economics and that are free from government
control
4. To allow economic ventures of social
organizations that are free from government
control

In building a free economic system there is a need to

include necessary laws, which allow enacting, revising
and revoking laws in the State constitution. There is
also a need to remove the monopoly of the military in
the government machinery and to introduce executive
and judiciary in building a constructive society for a
 219

democratic free economy system to emerge. The

international financial trade will grow with firm
foundations only when the Asian economic crisis
period is over that the Asians will consider Burma a
worthwhile country to invest.

Macro-economic Conditions

The basic economic factors for widespread and

meaningful change in a country’s economic system
are the government’s balance of payment, money in
circulation, lending rates, employment, wages, foreign
trade and foreign exchange rates. The government
must lay down national monetary and fiscal policies,
interest rate policy and foreign trade policy to stabilize
prices, increase investment and economic growth. The
SPDC’s macroeconomics is as follows.

Finance

There is budget deficit in the government’s balance of

payment almost every year. Therefore, to increase
income, expenditure cut is necessary.

Income

The government’s income for 1982/83 was 16.0% of

GDP. In 1997/98 it was only 6.5%. The plunge was
due to decrease in revenue, which was 9.8% of GDP
in 1982-83 and only 3.3% of GDP in 1997-98. For
1997-98, in the neighboring Laos revenue was 10% of
GDP and in Vietnam 17.7%. Therefore, effort must be
 220

made to increase income. Therefore, we propose that

to get more income, the CRP hold productive
discussions at the Pyithu Hluttaw taking advice from
the from national and international experts, the IMF,
the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank-
ADB and would be donors to all possible resources.

Expenditure

State expenditure for 1982/83 was 16.4% of GDP and

declined to 9.3% in 1997/98. Current expenditure was
78.6% of the total expenditure in 1982/83 and
declined to 52.3% in 1997/98. Capital expenditure
was from 21.4% to 47.3% of total expenditure in
1982/83. This could be due to the fact that it is not
possible to cut capital expenditures in some projects.
Sector wise, for defense expenditure increases from
20.7% of the total expenditure in 1982/83 to 30.6% in
1997/98. There was a changed from 10.6% to 12.8%
in the Education Sector. In the Health Sector it
declined from 6% in 1982/83 to 3.3% in 1997/98.
Other expenditures declined from 62.8 in 1982/83 to
5.3% in 1997/98. Expenditures with no significant
change are the defense and capital expenditures.

As mentioned in Part A, Vietnam being a true

democratic government, reduced expenditure and
taking into consideration the people welfare,
retrenched a total of 1300,000 from its employees,
where 500,000 are military personnel and 800,000
civil servants. Although it was a difficult task,
nevertheless it was carried out for the sake of the
 221

country and the majority. Therefore, by controlling its

serious commodity price problems and winning the
confidence of the international community by proving
its economic prowess, the country’s development
situation improved. This is the common international
practice. Although difficult, being tactful in applying
methods beneficial to the people, the country economy
will improve. The government and nationalistic
democracy party at a risk in democratic countries
apply this method. There were times of success and
times when the government has to step down.

Governments which do not have confidence in its

political ability and the country’s potential dare not
take the risk and avoid taking the bitter medicine and
wish to prolong their inevitable death. Therefore, it is
proposed that the CRP re-assess the State budget
increase spending in the education and health sectors
while cutting the Defense and Home Affairs Ministry
and its related security spending.

Government Income and Expenditure

Economists with fair judgment have not defined that

there should not be a budget deficit or that it is only
right if there is a balance in the income and
expenditure. It is said that in practice it depends on the
situation and time. Today, Burmese government is
facing a budget deficit for several years. The only way
to counter the high commodity prices caused by this
deficit during times of scarce foreign exchange
reserves is to control the successive deficits.
 222

Therefore, it is proposed that CRP adopt the resolution

to address the deficit problem in the soonest possible
time.

There are two components in the government

expenditure indicator, one that of the Government and
the other that of the State-owned Economic
Enterprises-SEEs. SEEs have been showing deficit
almost every year, which is supplemented by printing
more currency. This in turn causes commodity price
rise, inflation and people improvised. If the
responsible personnel really love the country and
consider the people, they should drop the idea of
promoting the national economy based on SEEs and
remove these enterprises from the State Budget
allocations. Therefore, it is proposed that the CRP
resolve to remove all State-owned factories, industries
and enterprises from the State Budget.

Monetary

Foreign Exchange Rate

In the Union of Burma, the government’s exchange
rate and the open market rates are separate two rates
of exchange. The government’s rate has been for
decades fixed at about Kyat 6.00 to one U.S. dollar.
This rate does not match the internal external trade
and the requirement of today’s currency market.
Therefore, the open market rate covers four fifths of
the foreign currency market while the government rate
used by SEEs covers one fifth only. The government
issuance of Foreign Exchange Certificate-FEC as a
 223

substitute for foreign currency complicated the foreign

currency market further. The market rate for US$1.00
is equivalent to approximately Kyat 300. The
economic situation remains unstable and the Kyat
unreliable due to these two rates and because some of
the SEEs bidding process of goods and services are in
dollars. It is also hard to calculate trade and value. The
foreign currency problem fuels economic instability.
To uproot from this economic plight, a gradual and
systematic realignment is needed to adjust the official
and the parallel exchange rates of Kyat 6 to 300 Kyat.
The realigning of the Kyat would bring about a crisis
in trade and commerce. Taking this into consideration
only one fourth of the foreign currency market will be
affected. Regarding prices of imports, the consumer
index for those with minimal income would suffer
little impact but pharmaceutical related products and
other essential commodity would need a separate
survey. However, the exchange rate should be
rectified for the sake of the nationals’ current problem
and for the country economic development. This is to
be determined by discussing with the people even
though this is a political risk. The IMF and the World
Bank has proposed suggestions to the government
concerning the Burmese Kyat realigning. However,
the government has still fixed the official rate of about
Kyat 6.00 (to a dollar). Therefore, the CRP should
adopt the proposal to realign the official exchange rate
systematically to a more realistic figure of the
prevailing rate.
 224

Interest Rate

People are keeping cash in hand to gain swift proceeds

in trade, which created a rise in commodities prices
and boosted currency inflation. Similarly, trading
currencies brought about unstable US dollar-Kyat rate
and deflated the Kyat. Therefore raising bank interest
rate would control inflation, stabilize the currency and
halt its flow into foreign land. Therefore, the CRP
should adopt the proposal to raise and adjust the bank
interest rate in line with inflation.

Finance and Monetary Management Mechanism

Currency in circulation Survey

One of the reasons for economic disarray is the

government’s uncontrolled spending. Annually, the
Union of Burma Bank should administer a currency
survey to find the cause of currency changes and how
to control currency, during the period of the State
Budget estimation. The Union of Burma Bank should
directly submit this annual report to the government so
that the government could study the trend to control
the prevailing currency situation. Therefore, the CRP
should adopt the proposal that the Union of Burma
Bank should directly submit the annual report on
currency in circulation survey and report to the
Cabinet at the end of each fiscal year.

The Ministry of National Planning and Economic

Development with its responsibility of developing
 225

Burma’s economy, the Ministry of Finance and

Revenue with its responsibility of administering
monetary and the State Budget, and the Union Bank
with its responsibility of administering currency
market are direct macroeconomic advisors to the
government of the Union of Burma. Each of these
government organizations has its own responsibility to
secure the nation’s economic development. These
three organizations should consolidate to take the
whole responsibility of stabilizing the State economic
situation to be most effective. Therefore, the CRP
should adopt the proposal to form a Budget and
Finance Advisory Board with the Minister for
Economic Planning, Minister for Finance and
Revenue and the Central Bank Governor.

Foreign Expenditures

Burma’s balance of payment always shows a deficit.

There is a need to reduce imports and increase
exports. Firstly, to dominate and control the land, sea
and border trade. The majority of border trade is
smuggling, illegal and unregistered trade. It drains
foreign currency and boosts the need for more foreign
currency. These matters are needed to be under better
and more systematic control. Therefore, we propose
that the Committee Representing Parliament adopt to
handle border trade more systematically. Although
there are various restrictions on imported goods, the
bulk of the imports are luxury goods and consumables
for the rich. There is a possibility to reduce imports.
 226

Therefore, the CRP should adopt the proposal to

restrict the import of luxury items for the time being.

Increase Export

The main constraint for export is the government’s

monopolization of export of nearly all items. In
reality, there are various government red tapes and
restrictions even for permitted private sector export
items. The government monopoly and restriction on
export must be stopped. Therefore, the CRP should
adopt the proposal to drain government monopoly and
allow the private sector freedom of export in order to
increase export.

We need more Foreign Direct Investment-FDI and

financial aid to open up Burma’s economic blockage.
Therefore, there are reasons to assess and analyze the
existing law, rules and regulations, to reduce
centralization and to expand management to
concerned personnel for a smooth flow in procedure.
Therefore, the CRP should adopt the proposal to
review the existing law to encourage foreign direct
investment and foreign aid into Burma, to relax
Central control and to affix a strategy to increase
levels of decision-making management.
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Production of Commodity

(1) Cultivation
Agriculture

Farmland Ownership

In the Union of Burma, the State owned land. The

government allocates state-owned land. The
government representatives allocate farmland in
village tracts on an annual basis. From the production
analytical point of view, these two factors discourage
farmers to upgrade the land because they do not own
the land and for the right to cultivate, it is in the hands
of the village authorities. Therefore, the farmers grow
yearly cash crops because they do not have the
incentive, the time, the labor or cash to develop the
soil it reduces or ceases production. In this way land
productivity decline. Therefore, the CRP should adopt
the proposal to grant land ownership—to mortgage, to
sell and to inherit – to all farmers who work the land.

(2) Freedom of Cultivation

Although the government does not have the policy or

program to authorize which crops to cultivate,
subordinate to the authority are issuing directives to
farmers to grow crops of their liking. Farmers have no
freedom to decide. Therefore, the CRP should adopt
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the proposal to provide farmers and other landowners

the freedom of cultivation.

(3) Quota and Price Reduction

Quota and price reductions are imposed on

agricultural produces of the farmers. Commodity
rations are collected as tax. This taxation system is not
fair and promotes corruption and is outmoded. Buying
lower than the prevailing market price destroys the
free market. Therefore, the CRP should adopt the
proposal to bring an end to the quota system and to
buy paddy from the farmers at the prevailing market
rate.

(4) Freedom in Rice Export

The government monopolizes rice export. Therefore,

the farmers are not able to enjoy the benefits leaning
on the world market price. Moreover, the rice brought
in quota system is of the lowest quality and not of
export standard; therefore, Burma rice is not
conspicuous in the world market. For the farmers’
benefit of enjoying the world market price and to
cultivate better quality seeds, the CRP should adopt
the proposal to remove government monopoly over
agricultural produces and allow freedom of export.

(5) Establishment of Agriculture Banks

There will be a need to provide logistic support such

as land development, buying quality paddy,
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mechanical and production support for the farmers’

improved production as changes in the right to
ownership, cultivate and freedom to trade and export
are carried out. Investment capital becomes essential
for these matters. Therefore, banks similar to
economic banks that facilitate production and returns
are required to assist the farmers. Therefore, the CRP
should adopt the proposal to encourage the
establishment of modern agriculture banks.

(6) Virgin and fallow lands and the wetlands

At the end of 1998 and the beginning of 1999, the

government leaders stating the need to be self-
sufficient in rice for the Union of Burma by the year
2000 visited the lands with possibility for reclamation.
Land reclamation to grow rice and oil crops, cotton,
kitchen crop such as pepper, onion, perennial crops
such as rubber and coconut palm were arranged in
Irrawaddy, Pegu, Magwe, Sagaing, Tenesserim
Divisions and in the Shan State, etc. The feasibility of
this land reclamation is neither an economically
planned project nor the result of agricultural
methodical findings. This is just a sudden government
concern, a trump up card to prevent future rice crisis
or the danger of revolt because of its consequences.
Therefore, they need to be stopped immediately
together with loans provided to the entrepreneurs from
the peoples’ budget creating inflation. The special
program of rice export by those entrepreneurs who
participate in land reclamation should also be stopped.
Transferring the rural life of the people into the hands
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of the entrepreneurs by order of the SPDC military

regime must be stopped. Therefore, the CRP should
adopt the proposal to stop all activities on wetlands,
fallow lands and virgin lands; and to bring a halt to all
financial support from the peoples’ budget to the
entrepreneurs and immediately prohibit rice export by
these entrepreneurs.

(7) Rural Transport

There is a need to develop road facilities in rural areas

for the betterment of transporting produces to other
parts of the region at the least possible cost. Therefore,
the CRP should adopt the proposal to develop
National rural transport and communications.

National Paddy Plan

The Government warned that there is a possibility of a
national rice crop crisis in the year 2000. The
Intelligentsia and experts also predict the same.
Therefore, paddy must be given special priority to
prevent a national crisis. Firstly we need a National
Paddy Plan. Therefore, the CRP should adopt the
proposal of a National Paddy.

Farmers’ Associations
The main strata of people necessary to participate in
prevention of the national paddy problems are the
farmers. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically
determine a process for the farmers to officially
express their genuine problems, their livelihood
overall situation and their production. Therefore, the
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CRP should adopt the proposal of promoting legal

formation of farmers’ associations.

Forestry
(1) Trees provide protection for the environment.
There must be a national foreign conservation
plan for the growing population and scientific
development in production and marketing.
Therefore, the CRP should adopt the proposal to
draft a rural environment ecological equilibrium
program.
(2) To protect depletion of forests, to maintain earth
and soil, to cultivate and to reserve forests
systematically, the CRP should adopt the
proposal ensuring that the State would take
responsibility to expand forest reserve and
conservation.

To demolish State monopoly over teak and other hard

wood and promote export earning by innovating
competitive bidding and direct marketing of forest
products for private entrepreneurs. Therefore, the CRP
should adopt the proposal to enact a policy for private
entrepreneurs to export teak and other related hard
wood and moreover, to allow private sawmills,
producers and finish wood and wood products
producers to work permits, distribution freely market
forest products.
Livestock and Fishery

The government would encourage growth in the

private sector for fishing concessions, breeding and
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marketing in internal coastal and inland areas. The

private sector would enjoy the right to deal in the
fishery and related products such as dried fish, fish
paste, fish sauce and canning. The government would
provide environmental friendly economic logistic
support. Therefore, the CRP should adopt the proposal
of the vast expansion of fishery sector for sufficient
local consumption and support the private sector to
raise the standards of catching, breeding, drying,
storage, canning, etc.

Industry

The foremost requirement is to change and reduce the

State-owned industries and cronyism. The government
needs to create an environment to promote
environmental friendly private based industries.
Therefore, the CRP should adopt the proposal to
separate the State industries from the State funds
soonest and find ways for improving its performance
on its own by further more, consideration of
liquidation, dissolution and transfer, as necessary.

Cottage Industries and Small Businesses

The majority of the Union of Burma production of

goods and services are from cottage industries and
small businesses. To develop the national economy,
there is a need develop small businesses to be in
balance with large services. Small businesses have
limited work environment with a confined market,
modest capital and little management. Therefore, it
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needs the government’s guidance and leadership to

enlarge its vision and capabilities. Logistic support is
needed to provide small businesses with modern
economic perspectives, scientific technology,
education in management, loans, etc. Therefore, the
CRP should adopt the proposal to endorse in
necessary legal amendments, structures, loans and
technical expertise that will encourage small
businesses to grow in trade, industry, transportation,
services and other sectors.

Energy

Agriculture and industrial sectors depend on the

Energy Sector. In some countries, there is a separate
plan for rural electricity project. The condition of
today is such that we barely receive adequate
electricity even for residential consumption. There is a
constant cutting and rationing of electricity in
production services. The majority of the people and
the producers know that there is no sufficient
production and import of fuel. This sector consumes a
lot of capital and hard currency. It is absolutely
necessary to find funds and loans from the United
Nations lending agencies, financial institutions, banks,
governments and other non-economic organizations.
Therefore, the CRP should adopt the proposal to
develop a plan including provisions for possible
foreign loans and aids for domestic energy
consumption project.
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Transportation

The majority of the people are aware that the lack of

infrastructure, vehicles and fuel is the main constraint
in transporting agricultural produces from rural areas
to the various markets. All city dwellers are aware of
the inadequate transportation of rural areas as well as
the burden of the Rangoon-Mandalay transportation
system. Therefore, the CRP should adopt the proposal
to draft a National Transport Plan that considers
transportation plans for Rangoon City, Mandalay City,
each States/Divisions, rural areas, especially border
areas and to seek foreign funds and aid in support of
the plan.

Communications

Personal as well as economic and financial matters

require a valuable and never ending source of the
fastest means of communications which is circulating
round the world by corresponding, telegraphs,
telephones, fax, telex, etc. The need is great in
transferring a swift communication system for all
nationals, merchants, and entrepreneurs from the
backwaters of not receiving letters and unanswerable
telephones. These problems can be quickly upgrade
with international support allowing private
entrepreneurs participation and end the government’s
monopoly in the communication sector. Therefore, the
CRP should adopt the proposal allowing private local
and foreign investors’ participation in the
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communication projects to modernize Burma’s

communication system.

Construction

SLORC/SPDC, as their responsibility of a

government, build roads, bridges and dams. However,
these were built with lack of consideration of the
economic consequences in inflation, high-rise of
prices and unnecessary spending of foreign currency.
It worsened the macro-economic system and
moreover, there have been reports of misusing the
funds meant for building these roads, clock towers,
bridges and dams for personal gain. The economic
benefit is little compared to the imposed force labor.
An individual or in a group providing voluntary labor
for the sanitation of the neighborhood and community
is traditional. All countries have this tradition and it is
not any single nation’s practice.

Egypt Pharaoh’s pyramids and China Emperors’ Great

Wall are evident examples. It is also true that Burma
has a tradition of voluntary labor. However, behind
the truth lies a ruthless force labor. This is a well-
known fact and there is no need to further expand this
subject. One of the reasons the public dislikes the
military government is forced labor. Another
drawback concerning the Construction sector is the
government’s force relocation program. The
government relocated many in order to use the land
for their construction projects. The relocated families
faced economic and social problems and
 236

transportation and education difficulties in resettling.

In the end the majority of the people defined the
military leaders’ public announcement of ‘from hut to
house’ program as a lie. Therefore, the CRP should
adopt the proposal to legally announce forced labor as
a criminal offense and promulgate such a law and
totally (totally) revoke any existing law that allows
such actions concerning force labor. The CRP should
also adopt the proposal to issue the announcement that
amendments would be made on land ownership and
government confiscation; and that forced removal of
land tenants and confiscation of land is a criminal
offense.

Workers

The National League for Democracy’s objectives in

the economic, social and political issues are to work
together to create a program for the benefit and
welfare of all, to achieve a strong and secure life for
each individual from all strata. This would outmode
supposition based on the wrong beliefs and unjust
persecution and eliminate the narrow outlook of one
group one class system repression on another. It
would develop and widen a system for each individual
to be able to decide one own live and right. The CRP
should adopt the proposal practicing this concept in
finding solutions to address the national economy.

Workers mean individuals joining a work

environment. Therefore, to have life security it is
necessary for the employers and the workers to
 237

negotiate. The employer is one individual-one

organization and has more variety of rights than each
worker. In a democratic society, workers’
representative(s), a responsibility leading body is
needed to speak on behalf of all workers. Therefore,
the CRP should adopt the proposal promulgating a law
that will encourage and allow the formation of
Workers’ Associations/Unions.

Apart from Workers’ Associations/Unions, for today’s

working class, the needs to earmark appropriate
National Minimum Wage and minimum salaries for
independent entrepreneurs are widely understood.
Moreover, there is a need to formulate an environment
of fair working hours and social welfare such as
ensuring medical benefits. Therefore, we propose the
CRP to adopt revision of the National Minimum
Wage, a special work plan for all workers including
civil servants and armed employees after reviewing
and making adjustments. Moreover, we propose the
CRP to adopt promulgation of laws that would ensure
workers’ benefits such as fair working hours and
social welfare benefits after reviewing and making
adjustment.

It is necessary for the employers and the workers to be

in constant touch with each other for the production of
goods and services to grow in the respective sectors.
Therefore, the CRP should adopt the proposal to have
the formation of joint committees for employers and
employees for the benefit of the national economy.
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International Relations and Economic Funds

Addressing the Union of Burma’s stagnant economy

would be a vast and complicated process in many
ways. A large amount of financial and logistics
support are needed to achieve economic stability,
strength and growth. Therefore, a variety of
international supports are required to boost the Union
of Burma’s economic ability. The CRP should adopt
the proposal to strengthen international relationships
for economic purposes and to work jointly with the
UN organizations such as the IMF, IBRD, ADB,
UNDP and the (Development Assistance Committee)
21 nations and other powerful countries and
governments. We wish to submit a proposal to CRP to
adopt a joint implementation program for the stability,
strength and growth with the concerned countries and
to develop a
(1) Stabilization Fund,
(2) Transformation Fund, and
(3) Economic Development Fund.

End of document
 239

“APPENDIX”
The Manifesto of the National League for
Democracy on Multi-Party Democracy
General Election
1. Throughout the Union of Burma in 1988 there was an
extraordinary and unprecedented uprising of all people.
They rose up to demand Democracy. Thus, a democratic
state was established in order to be liberated from the bitter
experience of the society.
2. Now, a chance to establish a democratic system began
to emerge that would totally change society. Hence, all the
people of Burma, with active spirit and strong
determination, would have to elect the peoples'
representatives. Those representatives would form a
democratic government in accordance with the aspiration
of the people and draw up the state constitution that will
enable a successful reconstruction of the country.
3. The National League for Democracy firmly believes
that, today, in Burma, the masses of people are earnestly
aspiring for the formation of a Democratic government that
will guarantee basic human rights.
4. The National League for Democracy clearly understands
that all the people of Burma are very keen to establish a
firmly united "Union" in the near future with equal rights
for all ethnic nationalities who cherish democracy.
5. In order to bring about the aims and aspirations of the
people successfully, the National League for Democracy,
consisting of people wishing to represent farmers, workers,
merchants and entrepreneurs, students, youths, women,
technicians, academicians, artists and ethnic nationalities,
shall let their members participate in this multi-party
General Election and pledges to accept the decision of the
people.
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6. The National League for Democracy, while declaring its

principles and policy below, shall accept the wishes of the
people and establish a democratic state as desired by the
people.
Political
7. As the Union of Burma is a member of United Nations,
we shall practice the democratic rules of conduct as stated
in the United Nations Charter. With a firm principle that,
not only we, but our future generations also, will never lose
democratic rights. We must firmly lay down the
democratic foundation.
(a) The power of a state must be derived from the people.
(b) Totalitarianism and other political systems that oppress
the people must never be allowed to flourish.
(c) In establishing state power through multi-party general
elections, every adult citizen must have the right to vote
and to elect their representatives in accordance with the
basic principle of democracy.
(d) We believe that for political parties, apart from working
diligently for the country, must also take up responsibility
of being a political nurturing ground. A political party
must sow the seeds and nurture seedlings, cultivating
leaders for future generations. They must also act as a
bridge connecting the public at large to the Executive and
Legislative branches of the stand, and to be a tool with the
ability to limit the unjust abuse of power by any
authoritative persons or organizations.
(e) Free and fair elections, which are the cornerstones of a
democratic state, create a base rooted in democracy in
which the social life of all the nation's people can develop.
The people, who are the primary owners of state power,
must have discipline and must not violate the interests of
others. According to the rule of law, every citizen must be
free to fully enjoy his basic rights such as, freedom of
 241

belief, freedom of worship, freedom of speech, freedom to

organize and freedom to earn a living.
(f) The constitution shall distinctly guaranteed basic human
rights. Laws shall be adopted allowing one to sue any
person for violating human rights under the constitution or
specified act.
8. According to the will of the people the "Pyithu Hluttaw"
has emerged and been established in accordance with the
law. The sovereign power of this "Hluttaw" is ablsolute.
9. The sovereign power of "Pyithu Hluttaw" shall be
practiced without reservation, in accordance with the
following principles:
(a) There are three independent sectors, i.e., the Legislative,
Executive and Judiciary. Each sector must exist
independently without interfering with one another.
(b) In working to enact, amend or abolish any laws, it must
be independent and in conformity with humanitarianism,
having justice and equality.
(c) The administrative machine must not be an apparatus to
oppress the people. It must be a machine with the ability to
manage and safeguard the interests of the people.
(d) Every citizen shall be equal before the law, irrespective
of national or social origin, religion, social status, political
opinion, language, sex, age, colour or race and no
infringement shall be made of those basic human rights.
For example:
(i) The judiciary branch of the government, which must
protect basic rights as guaranteed by the constitution, must
have standing equal to that of the Legislative and Executive
branch of the government and must be independent of
them.
(ii) The Supreme Court must have independence from and
absolute authority over all other judicial courts under its
jurisdiction.
 242

(iii) The adjudication process must be made public. The

accused must have full rights with which to defend himself
in accordance with the law.
(iv) All judges must have the right to adjudicate
independently. There must be no external intervention.
Foreign Affairs
10. To adopt independent foreign policy in international
relations.
(a) Any state must respect the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of other states. They must have policies of non-
aggression, non-intervention, equality, mutual benefits and
peaceful co-existence, which are the Five Points Principle
of the Peaceful Co-existence of States laid down at the
Bandung Conference (Indonesia) in 1955. For
neighbouring countries, they should have a good
neighbourly relationship, establish mutual understanding,
and develop co-operation for mutual benefit.
(b) To avoid isolationism and be in an active position to
stand firmly for on its principles regarding world affairs.
(c) To actively participate in any international
organizations having the same aims and objectives, and to
co-operate particularly with regional organizations and
projects with regional interest and the interest in the
country.
(d) Shall have firm and close relations with the United
Nations, World Bank, IMF ... etc.
National Defense
11. (a) The army is born from the people. The army
must respect and abide by the constitution of the state. It
must stand with the people and must be an institution the
people can depend on. The army must be free from party
politics and loved by the people.
(b) Strategically, a modern army must be established in
accordance with the geographical location of the Union of
Burma.
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(c) Suitable arrangements are to be made for fallen military

personnel and their families, as well as war veterans and
their families.
Economy
12. The National League for Democracy believes that the
Party that takes responsibility of the new government
elected by "Pyithu Hluttaw" will not be able to foresee the
financial problems it will have to face. But for the
moment, emphasis should be made for short-term
economic development. Thus:
(a) Shall give priority for the stability of prices, finance,
and jobs, and to work to insure people have confidence in
the domestic currency;
(b) To lay down suitable policies for finance and currency,
and manage the government's budget properly;
(c) To revise the exchange rates between Burmese currency
and foreign currencies and change it as deemed necessary.
(d) Priority shall be given to the import of goods that will
benefit energy refill fuels, transport vehicles and for the
falling of prices.
(e) In exports, to encourage goods of various kinds, to be
exported as much as possible.
(f) To revise and amend foreign investment laws for setting
multiple increases in foreign investment.
(g) To strive for the reduction of foreign debts and to once
again receive foreign aid.
(h) To revise the laws, circulate orders, rules and
regulations and the management system, that restricted
economic enterprises, and some will be amended, and some
are to be abolished, as seemed fit.
(i) The present various types of revenue system shall be
revised and amended to benefit the private enterprises.
(j) Various enterprises of economic sector must completely
base itself on the market economy. Special encouragement
 244

shall be made for a quick development of private

enterprises.
(k) To encourage tourist industry for further development
and smooth running.
Enterprises concerning industry, energy, construction,
mines and the service industry
13. (a) The nationalized economic enterprises that are
included in all the above sectors of economy, shall be given
back to their original owners respectively and for those
enterprises whose original owners can no longer take
responsibity for them, the state shall try and get the
economic expertise and financial investment to continue to
run the business.
(b) The business enterprises will not be nationalized. There
will be no demonetizations of currency.
(c) The productions and sales of minerals and gems Act
shall be prescribed. Permit for joint-venture enterprises
and private enterprises shall be granted.
(d) With the exception of some enterprises, if immediately
abandoned, could cause devastation to domestic economy
and increase unemployment shall be retained, the
remaining nationalized enterprises shall be abolished and
privatized. For the nationalized factories and industries,
that cannot be immediately abolished or privatized, reform
work shall be made with respect to investment and
constitution in accordance with situation of present era.
Unnecessary expense shall be strictly prohibited.
(e) To work toward deferring external debt that must be
repaid and to get international financial aid once again to
reconstruct the country.
(f) Shall allow foreign investment that will benefit the
development of the country's economy, according to the
principles of a market economy.
(g) The state shall take responsibility for all the currency
that is legally printed and distributed so that the people may
 245

have total confidence in the currency.

(h) Shall strive for the widespread use of modern
technology and technical know how, in construction of a
new state with respect to education sector for the new
generation, trade and commerce sector, as well as mass
education and other agriculture-dependant enterprises.
Transport and Communication
14. (a) Reform shall be made, concerning transport and
communication, as much as possible, in order to allow for a
smooth flowing of goods. This will be done in the hopes
that prices will then fall.
(b) The work on roads, transport and communication shall
be extended for the regions that are still politically,
economically and socially backward.
(c) The necessary reform work shall be extended to provide
smooth and fast communication.
(d) Joint-Venture aviation enterprises shall be established
with foreign companies.
Farming
15. The following farming policies shall be implemented
for the economic development in this sector.
(a) Every farmer, working for farming has right to own
land and to transfer it and to prevent the revival of feudal
system by law.
(b) The minimum prices for farming products, on one hand,
must cover the basic production cost and the cost of living
for farmers, and on the other hand, the domestic prices of
the farming products shall have to be adjusted with the
international market price.
(c) Farmers shall be given the right to cultivate, to store
their farming products, to grind their seeds and to sell and
transport their goods.
(d) Considering the economic situation, the agriculture
bank system that shall give long and short-term loans to
 246

farmers for reforming their lands and other expense of land

management shall be extended.
(e) Considering the economic situation, all possible
arrangements shall be made for farmers to get enough
fertilizers.
(f) Aid and encouragement will be provided for easy access
to high-yield seed varieties and their cultivation.
(g) With a well adjusted budget, arrangement must be made
for the farmers to obtain enough chemical fertilizers.
(h) Considering the economic situation, priority shall be
given to the production of mechanical accessories for
agriculture and technology concerning industrial farming.
(i) The farming industry shall not be restricted only to the
production of paddy and industrial raw materials. The
farming industry will encourage farmers to alter their
farming system by growing other grain crops that yield
more foreign currency.
(j) Permits for extending cultivated land or virgin soil to the
private farming industry for long-term plantation purposes
shall be granted.
(k) In looking forward to the progress of modern
agricultural technicians, for raising the standard of their
skill, they will be encouraged to acquire more knowledge.
(l) The Land nationalization Act, Rent for the Cultivation
of Land Act and the Protection of Farmers Rights Act shall
be revised.

Forestry
16. For the development of forestry in Burma, the
following principles shall be adopted.
(a) The state shall make a special plan to reserve the forests
and protect the environment to prevent deforestation.
(b) A systematic plan shall be made to let the people use
timbers and other forest products for their household needs.
 247

(c) Systematic management of the extraction of teak and

other basic hard wood timbers will be established.
Provisions for selling these forest products abroad will be
established after consulting with experts.
(d) The policies for plantation, production and sale of hard
wood for domestic use, other forest products and timber for
industrial raw materials shall be revised and extended.
(e) Expansion and review of cultivation and timber
distribution practices for domestic and industrial use.
(f) Contact shall be made with foreign organizations or
institutions to obtain machinery, spare parts, accessories
and advanced scientific technology.
(g) Rules and regulations shall be laid down for
entrepreneurs and working people who rely on the forests
and forest products, to let them use the forest on a small
scale.
(h) Arrangements will be made to allow privately owned
saw mills to produce finished goods from forest products.
They will be given the right to distribute and sell these
products both inside and outside the country according to
the law that shall be adopted.

Fishery
17. For the development of the fishing industry, for the
nourishment of the people, to prevent the extinction of fish,
near and far from seacoast, and for preserving the fishery
profession, the following work shall be done.
(a) Steps shall be taken to encourage private enterprises to
extend domestic fish and livestock breeding.
(b) Priority shall be granted to private enterprises for all
fishing business near and far from the seacoast. Regarding
the work that private enterprises cannot do, state co-
operatives and joint venture system shall be established.
 248

(c) The NLD shall negotiate with the international bodies

to get the necessary technical aid to produce finished
fishery goods and to export the goods abroad.
(d) The production of tin provisions, the work to receive
technology for producing high quality goods, and the use of
up to date ships for coastal fishing shall be encouraged.

Education
18 (a) In basic education, compulsory education
system up to the primary level and free tuition education
system shall be implemented stage by stage, in accordance
with the prevailing circumstances.
(b) To separate the teaching of vocational education from
high tech education.
(c) In order to modernize the country in each and every
respective sector, and for raising the standard of
universities and colleges, more state scholars shall be sent
abroad. Expertise from abroad shall be invited.
(d) The co-ordination of teachers, parents and students
shall be practiced, beginning from basic education up to
university, in compliance with the principles of education
laid down by the state.

Health
19 (a) Plan shall be made principally for public health,
especially geared toward prevention as deemed necessary.
(b) Special attention shall be given for government
hospitals to receive sufficient medicine to treat diseases.
(c) To assure government hospitals, currently being
degenerated in every aspect, to become well equipped.
(d) Permission shall also be granted to open private clinics
for the public in accordance with the law.
(e) Shall encourage private health insurance enterprises.
(f) The state shall encourage athletics and physical fitness
for the public and give necessary training to athletes, so
 249

that they may be able to participate in international games

and tournaments with high standard.
(g) The state shall contact and co-operate with international
health organizations and foreign experts to obtain the latest
medical technology.
Social Welfare
20. (a) The state shall pay special attention to take care
of orphans, delinquent minors and abandoned children.
The government will give them education and create
vocational opportunities for them.
(b) The government and private donors shall make a joint
effort to care for the elderly.
(c) Regarding the care of women, the government shall
give support as deemed necessary.
(d) The government shall co-operate and work together
with private donors for the welfare of the public.
Culture
21.(a) to maintain and foster national culture and traditions.
(b) To co-operate with and participate in international
cultural exchange programs.
Ethnic Nationalities
22. Equal rights must be enjoyed by all ethnic nationalities.
In addition:
(a) All ethnic nationalities shall look forward to unity,
solidarity, peace and progress of the Union;
(b) The state shall work towards the principle of equal
rights for all the nationalities. Based on this principle, no
special privileges, hindrances or restrictions shall be placed
upon the ethnic nationalities preventing them from
enjoying equal rights and privileges.
(c) Shall strive to all assure that all the ethnic nationalities
have the right to self-determination with respect to all
fields such as politics, administration and economic
management, in accordance with the law.
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(d) Before the establishment of a new constitution, as an

interim program, the "Pyi Thu Hluttaw" shall prescribe law
and form the authoritative body for the presently existing
states.
(e) Shall look forward to all nationalities joining hands to
work together. They will co-operate by helping and
supporting each other for the benefit of the development of
the entire Union, respective states and regions.
(f) Upon successful establishment of a democratic system,
after having firmly laid down the foundation of a
democratic society, a national co-ordination convention,
similar to that of the Pinlon Conference, shall be convened.
This convention shall firmly lay down the future guiding
principles of the Union to assure unity and solidarity
among all the ethnic nationalities.
(g) All ethnic nationalities have the right to maintain and
develop their languages, literature, culture and traditions.
(h) Ethnic nationalities shall work together to consolidate
the sovereignty of the Union of Burma, and work to
develop all aspects of the country such as its political and
social structure, its economy, education system, health
services and regional development.
Ending to Armed Struggle
23 Based on the principle that sovereignty of the Union of
Burma must be consolidated, the unity of all the ethnic
nationalities should be established so democracy can
flourish. In the future democracy all ethnic nationalities
will enjoy equal political, economic and social rights, and
will be able to participate in reconstruction of the
deteriorating situation in the country. The armed struggle
that has been carrying on unceasingly for more than forty
years must be stopped by resolving the problems through
political means.
24. For promoting productions and raising the living
standards of both formers and workers, and for cultivating
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the lives of youths and students to develop physically,

mentally and culturally, the following means to organize
themselves shall be encouraged:-
(a) Farmers; The forming of a Farmer's Union shall be
encouraged. It is necessary for this Union to be free from
party politics. It must be a single, consolidated union.
Each member of the Union, as a individual, has the right to
participate in any party he pleases.
(b) Workers and servicemen; Labour for workers and
servicemen should be organised. It is necessary to form
this union in accordance with the rules as prescribed be the
Convention of International Labour Unions. The Union
must be a consolidated organisation, free from party
politics. These Unions have the right to demand legal
rights for workers within the framework of the law. In
addition: (1) Appointing and promoting service personnel
must be carried out in a just and fair fashion. Positions
should be allocated according to the level of the candidate's
qualifications. In this process, the abuse of power where
those in authority give special preference to some
individuals must be strictly prohibited.
(2) The technicians and intelligentsia shall be appointed at
the national level, according to the requirements of the
state. Workers shall be allowed to work in foreign
countries as long as they abide by certain conditions.
(3) Reconsideration shall be made for the aggrieved
servicemen or for various other reasons.
(4) The resolution of conflicts between entrepreneurs and
workers must be fair and in accordance with the law.
(c) People working in the trade and commerce sector, from
industrial entrepreneurs, import and export enterprises, land
and water transport to college industrial unions, traders,
brokers, shop keepers, small scale vendors, including slow
running vehicle drivers, shall be encouraged to organise
themselves systematically in order to actively participate in
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trade and commerce. This will raise their standard of

living and develop the country.
(d) Youth and Students
(1) For any country, youths, especially students, are the
most precious human resource for the future destiny of the
country. We shall cultivate them and raise them by giving
them modern education, and the tools to form a new
country.
(2) They shall be permitted to form a consolidated student
union that will prepare them for national politics.
(3) This single, consolidated student union shall be a
symbol of national unity.
(e) Women

(1) In serving the country in the fields of administration,

economics and social work, women must have equal rights
and share responsibility of official duties. They must also
hold the same rank as men.
(2) Pregnant women are entitled to state-provided health
care. By law, working women are entitled to "maternity
leave" during the delivery period.
Conclusion
25. We are determined to build a successful Union of
Burma in the midst of the family of nations, having
sovereignty and territorial integrity and equality among
nations. The people must be prosperous and free from
danger and fear, in accordance with their aspirations.
26. In so doing, we earnestly believe that the support,
encouragement, criticism, advice, mutual help and
coordination of the people are the main means by which to
reach our objective aims.
"Democracy must surely win."
6 November 1989
National League for Democracy