THE Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker extended greetings at the first-day event of the first regular session of the Third Amyotha Hluttaw yesterday. The full text of the translated greetings is as follows: -

Esteemed Amyotha Hluttaw representatives,

First of all, I would like to extend my greetings to all the Amyotha Hluttaw representa­tives and distinguished guests at­tending the first regular session of the Third Amyotha Hluttaw today, wishing you all peace of mind and good health.

Today is a proud and historic day, marking the commencement of the third Amyotha Hluttaw in accordance with the Consti­tution (2008) of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. I would like to express my special grati­tude, happiness, and pride to the Amyotha Hluttaw representa­tives, on behalf of the people, for electing me as the Speaker, and I will forever remember this as a significant milestone in my life.

Elections are an indispen­sable process for the flourishing of a multiparty democratic sys­tem. Therefore, I would like to express my special gratitude to the government for successfully conducting free, transparent, fair, and honourable elections despite numerous challenges. Because of the successful conduct of these elections, the representatives elected by the people were able to attend the first regular session of the third Amyotha Hluttaw today.

The Hluttaw is a legislative body that derives its lawmak­ing authority from the people. According to Section 11 (a) of the Constitution, it is responsi­ble for exercising the legislative, executive, and judicial powers of the State in a separated and mutually checked manner. This means the role of the Hluttaw is significant, and the role of each Hluttaw representative is equally important.

The Amyotha Hluttaw is established under Section 141 of the Constitution and consists of elected representatives from the states, regions, including the Union Territory and self-admin­istered zones, as well as Defence Services Personnel represent­atives nominated by the Com­mander-in-Chief of Defence Ser­vices in accordance with the law. Because of this composition, the Hluttaw is expected to act with a united spirit and in harmony for the interests of the Union.

The First and Second Amyo­tha Hluttaws have already been held. The third Hluttaw, being convened now, is unique because it was formed under the amend­ed Amyotha Hluttaw Election Law, combining both the sys­tems – the First Past the Post (FPTP) system and the propor­tional representation system.

When carrying out Hluttaw work, Hluttaw representatives should interact with one anoth­er politely, respectfully, and in a cooperative and harmonious manner. They must respect and abide by the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Hluttaw-related laws, and procedural rules, as well as follow the regulations set by the Hluttaw. Upon entering the Hluttaw, representatives are encouraged to set aside party affiliations and focus on the in­terests of the people, engaging in discussion collaboratively and harmoniously.

Hluttaw representatives are the people’s chosen delegates. They must listen carefully to the voices of the citizens who elected them and perform their duties to the best of their ability. Because they are representatives entrust­ed by the people, they have a responsibility to prioritize public interests. To effectively promote the welfare of the people, repre­sentatives must continually im­prove their knowledge and skills to carry out their duties with the highest level of competence.

When carrying out legisla­tive work, I encourage all Hlut­taw representatives to work to­gether in unity and cooperation in enacting laws that serve the national interest, promote the political and national objectives of the State, and enhance the well-being of the country and its citizens. They should also collab­orate in amending and updating laws to align with the times and repealing laws that are no longer appropriate.

In conclusion, I would like to pledge that, while serving as the Speaker of the Amyotha Hluttaw, I will do my utmost to act in the best interests of the State and its citizens. I will faithfully respect and follow the Constitution, rel­evant Hluttaw laws and Rules, and Hluttaw traditions, serving my duties with integrity and propriety. I also urge all Amyo­tha Hluttaw representatives to work together in harmony for the peace, stability, and development of the nation.