The first day meeting of the Second Amyotha Hluttaw’s 16th regular session took place in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.
Firstly, Tatmadaw Amyotha Hluttaw candidates took the oath of office in the presence of Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker Mahn Win Khaing Than.
The Speaker than delivered a greeting, where he said he hoped the Hluttaw representatives used their time before this session to meet their constituents and explain their parliamentary experiences, get firsthand experience to understand the needs and challenges of the public, and actively participate in regional development.
Next, MP U Soe Win of Rakhine State constituency 12 raised a question on whether the act of relevant organizations requiring applications for a farmland working permit form-7 through The Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management Law (2012) complies with legal regulations.
He also asked whether there were plans to issue the form-7 in accordance with Article 582 of the Myanmar Land Records Manual Law.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Hla Kyaw replied that it is currently not possible to convert unspecified landholding into specified in regions where field surveys and collecting landholding ownership documents cannot be carried out. He said they will be categorized into either vacant, fallow or virgin land in this situation.
The Deputy Minister said the proper procedure would be to apply for a permit in line with The Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management Law and then apply for the form-7 after farming becomes stable.
Next, MP Daw Htu May of Rakhine State constituency 11 raised a question on whether the Yangon Region Minister for Rakhine Ethnic Affairs has plans to open a youth centre for Rakhine youths in Yangon. She also asked how the same minister has been utilizing the allotted budget from 2016-2017 financial year to 2019-2020 financial year for the development of Rakhine youths.
Deputy Minister for Ethnic Affairs U Hla Maw Oo replied that the Rakhine Ethnic Affairs Minister is working to open a Rakhine community centre that would also incorporate a youth centre for Rakhine youths.
The Deputy Minister said the Yangon Region Rakhine Ethnic Affairs Ministry has utilized K70 million in 2016-2017 financial year, K230 million in 2017-2018 financial year, K99.5 million in 2018-2019 financial year, and K37 million so far in 2019-2020 financial year for various Rakhine festivities and celebrations and for publishing Sayadaw U Ottama’s history, the second edition of Rakhine dictionary and a book on ancient Rakhine cities.
Next, MP Daw Khin Swe Lwin of Chin State constituency 9 raised a question on what plans were in place to promote ethnic literature education for Ra, Daryindu, Oap (Pu), Dine, and Mwin ethnic groups in Kanpetlet Township, Chin State, and what preparations are in place to ensure the full legal rights entitled to them.
Deputy Minister U Hla Maw Oo replied the Ministry of Education has arranged for 91 teaching assistants and 112 languages teachers to teach the literature of the five aforementioned ethnic groups in 121 schools in Kanpetlet Township in 2019-2020 academic year.
The Deputy Minister said they ensure the sustainability of Chin ethnic literature and its development in accordance with the Ethnic Rights Protection Law and Bylaw and in line with the President’s directive to safeguard stability and bring about change. He said the Chin State government and Hluttaw should provide assistance and his ministry will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to develop ethnic languages and literature.
Amyotha Hluttaw Bill Committee member Daw Kyein Ngike Mahn then read her committee’s report on the microfinance bill, sent back with amendments by the Pyithu Hluttaw. The Speaker then called for MPs interested in discussing and amending the bill to enroll their names.
This was followed by MP U Min Oo of Bago Region constituency 6 tabling a motion expressing sorrow for the deaths of Dr Htay Kywel of Yangon Region constituency 1, also Chairman of the Amyotha Hluttaw Committee on the Human Rights, Democracy and Basic Rights of the Citizens, and U Kyaw Kyaw of Rakhine State constituency 4, who was also a member of the Amyotha Hluttaw Bill Committee.
With approval from the assembly, the Speaker then announced the motion will be put on record and a copy to be sent to the families of the deceased. The Amyotha Hluttaw then observed 2 minutes of silence for the two MPs.
The second day meeting of the 16th regular session of the Second Amyotha Hluttaw will be held today. —Aung Ye Thwin
(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
