22 July
The Second Pyithu Hluttaw held the 4th-day meeting of 17th regular session yesterday, with answers of ministries to the asterisked questions, inviting list of MPs to discuss the two bills sent by the Amyotha Hluttaw and tabling an urgent motion.
Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U T Khun Myat announced the extension of term for Advisory Group on Parliamentary Capacity Building from 18 July 2020 to 31 January 2021.
MP U Sai Okkar from Laikha constituency asked about identifications of family registration and birth date of elder persons for financial aid scheme, and the government’s plan for long-term assistance to the senior citizens.
Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Soe Aung replied that identifications and correction on birth date of senior citizens are being coordinated with the relevant departments and the ministry is also drafting a long-term financing strategy to fully cover the increase of aging population.
MP U Wan Hla from Nanyun constituency asked about possible sufficient water supply for people in Pangsaung Town in 2020-2021 financial year.
Deputy Minister for Border Affairs Maj-Gen Than Htut replied that the ministry has proposed K107.950 million for the Border Area Development Fund of the Union to be used in 2020-2021FY to install pipelines and construction of water storage facilities for the water supply programme in Pangsaung.
MP Dr Salai Reyan Vel from Falam constituency asked about installation of landline phone network at Reedhorda branch of the Myanmar Economic Bank in his constituency.
Deputy Minister for Planning, Finance and Industry U Maung Maung Win answered that the landline at the branch of bank could be installed only when the Myanmar Post and Telecommunications in Reedhorda Town.
MP U Khin Cho from Hlaingbwe constituency asked for operation of orphanages systematically and legally with official documents and issuing birth certificates for the children there, access to learning for these children; MP Dr Kyi Moh Moh Lwin from Singaing constituency asked about fair education access for the sexually abused victim girls by adopting accurate policies and directives of relevant ministries.
The two questions were answered by Deputy Minister U Soe Aung.
MP U Moe Shwe from Putao constituency asked about the plan to upgrade 14/5 miles long inter-village road between Putao and Namhtwamkhu villages, and MP U Stephen from Kengtung constituency about construction of a creek crossing bridge of Namngwan village in his constituency.
Deputy Minister Maj-Gen Than Htut answered the questions.
MP U Win Aung from Momauk constituency asked about opening a branch of Myanma Economic Bank in Lwejel Town in his constituency; MP U Win Myint Aung from Dabayin constituency ask for postponement of repayment period for monsoon agricultural loan of 2019 by the farmers; and MP Daw Wint Wah Tun from Shadaw constituency asked for a branch of Myanma Economic Bank in her constituency.
Deputy Minister U Maung Maung Win answered the questions.
MP U Thein Tun from Kyaunggon constituency tabled a motion that urged the Union government to implement a project for sustainability and development of the farmers with international grant or long-term loan with no interest in relaxing the debts incurred by the farmers in agricultural sector.
The Hluttaw agreed to discuss the motion.
MP Dr Maung Thin from Meiktila constituency tabled a motion on coordination of the National-Level Committee for Prevention, Control and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) or relevant ministries with the micro finance firms to postpone repayment of loan to these moneylenders in a certain extent of response period and no or 50 per cent interest rate for loan during the recovery period in fighting against COVID-19.
The Hluttaw agreed to discuss the motion.
The Speaker invited the list of MPs who want to discuss the Microfinance Bill and the Protection of the Citizen for the Personal Freedom and Personal Security Bill sent by the Amyotha Hluttaw with recommendations.
MP U Khin Maung Myint from Yaksawk constituency tabled an urgent motion to bring back Myanmar nationals stranded in Malaysia and Thailand on their own decision before the 2020 General Election for voting in coordination with the respective governments.
The motion said that over 20,000 Myanmar citizens could not return home although they have submitted their names for repatriation at the embassy; there is no relief flight for them, but the Tatmadaw has offered to use some multi-purpose vessels, like Mottama Navy ship, that can carry abut 1,000 persons each time from Malaysia.
The motion also mentioned that many Myanmar people are stranded in Thailand as there is no enough relief flights of MAI and MNA, while the Tatmadaw can use its aircrafts to bring back them home before the elections.
However, the motion received only 125 supporting votes, and failed to meet the required number 144 to discuss it at the Hluttaw.
The 5th-day meeting of Pyithu Hluttaw will convene on 23 July.
Aye Aye Thant (MNA) (Translated by Aung Khin)
