President hands over USDP reins to Thura U Shwe Mann

67 Pages·2013·19.3 MB·English

We preview our new look ‘daily’ newspaper
Heartbeat of tHe nation
1200
Ks.
www.mmtimes.com issue 676 | may 6 - 12, 2013
EDITORIAL
Our bond
with readers
central to us
becoming a
great
newspaper
RoSS DuNklEy
editor-in-chief
IN a country where gossip has often
been viewed as gospel, increasingly
people are hungering for quality in-
formation they can trust.
And amid the 20 or more dailies
being foisted on the Myanmar public,
readers are going to choose what they
have always wanted: a source they
can trust, and a paper that entertains
and informs in a format that is mod-
ern and attractive.
Enter The Myanmar Times in Eng-
lish, which will shortly slide into a
five-day-a-week cycle as the premier
newspaper in the nation.
We had planned to go daily on
Friday, May 3 – World Press Freedom
Day – but our hopes were dashed be-
cause of the ongoing internal struggle
‘we are confident
we are giving our
iN PictuRE
readers one of the
best newspapers in
photo by thiri
the region’
Staff from 'The Myanmar Times' enjoy the newspaper's new daily look, which is revealed in this week's special edition.
at the paper between the company’s
shareholders: Dr Tin Tun Oo’s Swe-
President hands over USDP
sone Company and the foreign part-
ners and staff.
This is neither the time nor place
for to become entangled up in those
issues. Instead I make only the funda-
reins to Thura U Shwe Mann
mental point that the interests of the
paper and staff should stand above all
else.
As the leading press sector player
for more than 13 years it would have
only been appropriate for us to have
proudly launched a month ago with Union Solidarity and Development Party formally appoints Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe
other dailies. Instead we limp along
Mann as chairman at its youth conference on May 1, ending months of speculation after President U
coNtiNuED iN ouR 4-PAGE
Thein Sein held on to the top post following the party's national assembly in October 2012.
SPEciAl liFtout iNSiDE c NEWS 3
2 THE MYANMAR TIMES May 6 - 12, 2013
Page 2
CCooMMMMeenntt
Is Aung San Suu Kyi the real enemy?
mar ruthlessly pursued divide and an essential part of any democracy. It important to keep things in perspec- human rights laws. As head of state it
Mark rule policies. Unity was essential to would be dangerous and unhealthy if tive. is U Thein Sein who is responsible for
counter this. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, people were not criticising Daw Aung Daw Aung San Suu Kyi does not this, not Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
FarManer though, has now chosen the path of San Suu Kyi. keep hundreds of political prisoners Aung San Suu Kyi used to be the
party politics rather than leading However, the level of vitriol and in jail. She does not have an army one winning peace awards but now
a whole movement. In the 2012 by- hatred being directed at her by some which is committing war crimes by faces criticism that crosses the line
elections, the National League for people in Myanmar, and some exter- targeting civilians in Kachin State, into personal attacks. Now it is Presi-
Democracy stood alone, not as part nal observers, is worrying. Her picture with soldiers who rape ethnic Kachin dent U Thein Sein who is winning the
THERE is an old saying that love can of a coalition of pro-democracy par- has been burned during protests, and women, and even children. But Presi- peace awards – and avoiding criti-
easily turn into hate but it has been ties and organisations. As such, the she has even been compared to Robert dent U Thein Sein does. cism.
surprising to see how quickly this has situation has changed. Criticism of Mugabe in Zimbabwe. These attacks Daw Aung San Suu Kyi doesn’t Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would be
happened regarding Daw Aung San political parties and their policies is are all the more worrying because the control a government budget which among the first to admit she isn’t per-
Suu Kyi. level of criticism exceeds that directed allocates around five times as much fect. Her actions and decisions should
It was always going to be impos- Now it is President at President U Thein Sein. to the military as health, or have se- be scrutinised and questioned. But
sible for her to meet expectations. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has made curity forces committing horrendous let’s not forget it is the head of state
First, because of the sheer scale of the U Thein Sein who is compromises that many people are abuses against the Rohingya. Presi- who has ultimate responsibility for
problems Myanmar faces, and second winning peace awards unhappy with. She has been silent on dent U Thein Sein does. human rights abuses. U Thein Sein
because after spending so many years key human rights issues where her in- There has not been a single repres- rules a country that two years into
and avoiding criticism.
under house arrest, she became all tervention could have made a real dif- sive law completely repealed that is the reform process still has one of the
things to all people. In the absence ference. Her role in the Letpadaung not already covered by another law, worst human rights records in the
of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi being able Mark Farmaner commission has been controversial. or has not been replaced by another world – and he is getting a free ride.
to comment and act herself, expecta- Director of Burma Campaign UK There are many decisions she has law that does not meet international
tions were based on hope, not reality. made that are worthy of comment standards. Myanmar is violating mul- (Mark Farmaner is Director of
Successive dictatorships in Myan- and debate. In doing so, however, it is tiple international humanitarian and Burma Campaign UK.)
DAILY ROUNDUP
Out of this world Barta. Please support by buying it – kayleigh
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On this day
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– if you care to look for it,” he told private the queen likes the breakfast
Huffington Post. cereal Special K, jam sandwiches and May 1
chocolate cake, while her favourite 1945 – Joseph Goebbels, German
Top of the pops
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ing the queen is famously partial to a poison their six children with cyanide,
Schlong song flops “zaza”, a cocktail of one part gin and before committing suicide by gunshot
Jonah Falcon, the man who holds a two parts Dubonnet, well-shaken. and cyanide respectively.
record for having the world’s largest 1948 – the Democratic People’s
Fast fashion
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the three-minute track is available Pakistan quicks get makeover 1999 – Body of British climber George
for download from itunes for 99 US the tough-guy fast bowlers of Mallory is found on Mount everest, 75
cents. Since its release on april 16, yesteryear might not approve, but years after his disappearance in 1924.
the song may not have been an enor- Pakistan’s budding young quicks 2011 – Barack obama announces
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going on over my song with adam stylist. the Pakistan Cricket Board bottabad, Pakistan.
If you’re wondering what makes Marina such an eye-
IN PICTURES
catcher, it could be her heritage: she’s a member of the
Naga ethnic group that mostly lives in Sagaing Region
along the border with India. However, she was raised in
Kachin State and came to Yangon in 2008 to launch a
modelling career. Earlier this year Marina crossed over
into film when she played singer Sai Sai’s girlfriend in
Sai Sai Ko Chit Thi (I Love Sai Sai), directed by Mg Myo
Min (Yin Dwin Phyit). She’s now looking to take her
acting career to the next level and is shooting Eden Yeh
Nat Tha Mee (The Princess of Eden), in which he says
she plays a “sexy girl”. – Nuam Bawi
Photo: Htet Aung Kyaw (HAK Studio)
www.mmtimes.com News 3
neWS eDItoR: Thomas Kean | [email protected]
MP rejects rumours
of citizenship probe
EI EI TOE LwIN [email protected]
wIN KO KO LATT [email protected]
A HLUTTAW representative re- the 2012 by-elections, the Na-
portedly at the centre of a probe tional League for Democracy’s
into the citizenship status of candidate for Sagaing Region
three Muslim MPs from Rakh- Amyotha Hluttaw constituency
ine State says he has received No 7, U Saw Hlaing, was banned
no formal notification that he is from running on the same
under investigation. grounds.
Pyithu Hluttaw representa- In his reply, U Khin Yi said
tive for Buthidaung U Shwe that a complaint over the citi-
Maung was the only MP named. zenship of several MPs from Ra-
The two others are thought khine State had been received
to be U Aung Zaw Win, the by the ministry in March.
Pyithu Hluttaw representative The ministry was only asked
for Maungdaw, and U Htay to investigate whether the par-
Win, the Amyotha Hluttaw rep- ents of those MPs were born in
resentative for Rakhine State Myanmar, he said, adding that
constituency No 7, which en- the investigation has to take
compasses the majority-Muslim place according to the rules and
Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann addresses the Union Solidarity and Development Party conference in October. Photo: AFP northern part of the state. regulations of the election com-
All three represent the Un- mission, Eleven Media quoted
Speaker confirmed as ion Solidarity and Development him as saying on April 29.
Party. Reports suggested the three
U Shwe Maung said the re- USDP representatives from
ports, which have circulated northern Rakhine State were
mostly online, were “baseless”. the subject of the investigation.
new USDP chairman “I haven’t received any infor- “I saw this news on the inter-
mation [from the Union Elec- net, on both news website and
tion Commission] about any in- also Facebook. However, this
vestigation into our citizenship,” news is baseless – I don’t trust
he told The Myanmar Times. it. The media also use indirect
The reports were based on quotes, not the direct words of
Times on the sidelines of the conference. made because someone explained them comments attributed to Min- U Khin Yi. I will repeat again:
Win ko ko Senior party members said they only about the potential problems.” ister for Immigration U Khin we have been living in Rakhine
learned about the handover on May 1 – Meanwhile, a USDP senior member Yi at a meeting with expatriate State generation after genera-
latt
more than six months after it took place. has criticised government ministers for Myanmar in New York. U Khin tion,” U Shwe Maung said.
“It is the first time that the party of- attending the youth conference. Yi was part of a government del- USDP general secretary U
ficially announced who the chairman Minister for Cooperatives U Kyaw egation that visited the United Htay Oo said he had also not
was since the assembly last year. I only Hsan, Minister for Information U Aung States in late April. received any official notification
[email protected] learned who our chairman is today,” Kyi, Minister for Energy U Than Htay, The reports said Ko Khaing about the alleged investigation.
said one central executive member, who Ministers for the President’s Office U Aung Kyaw, a Rakhine national “Although I have heard some
PYITHU Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe asked not to be named. Soe Thein, U Aung Min and U Tin Naing living in New York, asked U people questioning whether it is
Mann announced he had officially taken The decision avoids the potentially Thein, and Deputy Minister for Social Khin Yi if there was any plan to real or not, we haven’t received
over as Union Solidarity and Develop- embarrassing situation of the president Welfare, Relief and Resettlement were examine the citizenship of some any official notification. We se-
ment Party chairman from President U being forced to relinquish control, as op- all allocated seats at the conference, al- MPs from Rakhine State, includ- lected [candidates for the 2010
Thein Sein on May 1, the opening day position MPs had indicated they would though not all of them attended. ing U Shwe Maung. election] after verifying they
of the party’s youth assembly in Nay Pyi ask the Constitutional Tribunal to de- “In my opinion, [union ministers] Under election rules, a per- were eligible as much as we
Taw. cide whether a member of the govern- have already resigned from our party son is only eligible to stand for could,” he said.
He said the handover took place “a ment is allowed to be head of a party. due to the constitution so they should election if both their parents “But the Immigration De-
few days” after the party’s first national But party vice chairman U Htay Oo not have attended like this, wearing the were born in Myanmar. In the partment may be investigating
assembly, held in October 2012. said the decision was voluntary, and the party’s badge,” central executive com- 2010 election, dozens of candi- [the citizenship of the MPs].
Thura U Shwe Mann, who served provisions in the constitution were not mittee member U Thein Swe said. dates were disqualified for not If they do, I think they will do
as USDP vice chairman under U Thein a factor. Members of the government also at- meeting this criteria, while in their job fairly.”
Sein, was widely tipped to formally take “It is not necessary [for U Thein Sein] tended the first day of the party’s Octo-
over from the president during the Oc- to hand over the chairman position ber conference.
tober conference. Provisions in the con- since the constitution only says [govern- U Kyi Myint, the Pyithu Hluttaw rep-
stitution forbid members of the govern- ment] members should not take part in resentative for Latha from the National
ment from taking an active role in party party activities,” U Htay Oo said. Democratic Force, said he believed the
politics, and U Shwe Mann had been the But U Ye Htun, the Pyithu Hluttaw government ministers were trying to in-
de facto leader since early 2011. How- representative for Hsipaw from the fluence party activities by attending the
ever, President U Thein Sein appeared Shan Nationalities Democratic Party, events.
reluctant to relinquish the post and re- said handing over to Thura U Shwe “People sometimes do not under-
mained in control of the party, at least Mann was the right move. stand that the government, the hluttaw
officially. “The provisions in the constitution and party are not the same thing,” he
“President U Thein Sein handed are designed to ensure that the presi- said. “The government and the hluttaw
over the chairman position of party to dent is not biased towards his own in particular should be separate from
me a few days after the party assembly,” party,” he said. “I think [the decision to each other, as prescribed in the consti-
Thura U Shwe Mann told The Myanmar relinquish the chairmanship] has been tution.”
4 News
THE MYANMAR TIMES May 6 - 12, 2013
wASHINGTON
Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief (MTE) U Thein Sein plans landmark
Ross Dunkley | [email protected]
Chief Executive Officer &
Editor-in-Chief (MTM) – Dr. tin tun oo
[email protected]
Chief Operating Officer – Wendy Madrigal
[email protected] Washington visit: US source
EDITORIAL
[email protected]
Editor MTE – thomas Kean
[email protected]
Editor MTM – U Zaw Myint
Secretary of State ends a 17-year ban on access to US visas for those accused of hindering democracy
[email protected]
Chief of Staff – Zaw Win than
Editor Special Publications – U Myo Lwin
[email protected]
SHAUN TANDON some pensioners. tor of the US Campaign for Burma,
Jessica Mudditt - [email protected] 1966
“Clearly many people in those cat- a Washington-based pressure group,
Deputy Editor MTM – U Sann oo
Business Editor MTE – Stuart Deed PRESIDENT U Thein Sein is plan- egories are now contributing to the accused the Obama administration
[email protected] ning a landmark visit to Washington reform process and need to engage” of only responding to positive devel-
Business Editor MTM – U tin Moe aung later this month, a source said on through visits to the United States, opments and not to setbacks.
Property Editor MTM – Htar Htar Khin May 2, as the United States eased the official told reporters on condi- “To invite him at this point of
[email protected] visa restrictions in a sign of support tion of anonymity. the last time a Myanmar leader time would really just reinforce the
world Editor MTE – Geoffrey Goddard despite a surge in anti-Muslim vio- President Obama has suspended was invited to Washington message of a positive relationship
[email protected]
lence. most sanctions, although he issued when there really has been no move
Timeout and Travel Editor MTE –
President U Thein Sein, who a declaration on May 2 that keeps by the US government to tie this to
Douglas Long
[email protected] would be the first Myanmar leader them on the books. The move al- the Burmese government taking nec-
Timeout Editor MTM – Moh Moh thaw to visit in half a century, is planning lows the United States to re-impose essary steps” to curb the violence,
[email protected] to be in the American capital around restrictions in response to future she said.
Online Editor – Kayleigh Long May 20 or May 21, a staff member at setbacks, unlike the European Un- source said the administration was The State Department official
Deputy News Editor – Kyaw Hsu Mon the US Congress said on condition of ion, which recently terminated most considering starting to use the name distanced the visa easing from the
Chief Political Reporter – U Soe than Lynn anonymity. measures entirely. Myanmar rather than Burma, which communal violence, saying that the
Contributing Editor – Ma thanegi The trip would include a sum- The US decisions recognise “the is still favoured by some exiled United States had “profound con-
[email protected]
mit with President Barack Obama important changes the government groups. cerns” but pointing to a statement by
Head of Translation Dept – U Ko Ko
at the White House. Administration of Burma has made and encourage Washington is also reviewing U Thein Sein in support of religious
Head of Photographics – Kaung Htet
Photographers – officials said they had no announce- and empower the government and whether Myanmar can enter an freedom and tolerance.
Boothee, aung Htay Hlaing, thiri ment to make but have previously the people of Burma to continue on agreement that gives duty-free ac- “The military regime, for half a
Book Publishing Consultant Editor – said that they were studying a visit the path of political and economic cess for some 5000 goods. century, would respond to conflict
Col Hla Moe (Retd) by U Thein Sein. reform”, the State Department offi- President Obama paid his own with more violence and repression.
Editor: U Win tun In another step towards thawing cial said. visit to Myanmar in November 2012, This central government is trying
Nay Pyi Taw Bureau Chief – U Soe than Lynn relations, US Secretary of State John An official from U Thein Sein’s when he praised the nation for its to do things differently,” the official
[email protected]
Kerry on May 2 ended a 1996 ban on office declined to comment on the transition but called for progress on said.
US visas to Myanmar nationals ac- Washington trip but welcomed US reforms, particularly in the treat- It would be the first visit to Wash-
PRODUCTION
[email protected] cused of hindering democracy. moves to relax visa restrictions. ment of ethnic minorities. ington by a head of the country since
Head of Production & Press Scrutiny Liaison Separate restrictions remain on “We see their termination of the But U Thein Sein’s visit is expect- U Ne Win was invited in 1966 by
– U aung Kyaw oo (1) visas for nationals accused of hu- visa ban as a support to increase the ed to be controversial due to a surge President Lyndon Johnson.
Head of Graphic Design – U tin Zaw Htway man rights violations. A State De- momentum of the president’s reform in violence against the Rohingya, a U Thein Sein has previously vis-
partment official said the 1996 ban process,” said the official, who asked Muslim group referred to in Myan- ited the United States to attend the
MCM PRINTING was overly broad by including gov- not to be named. mar as Bengalis. UN General Assembly, but only held
[email protected] ernment workers, officers and even Meanwhile the congressional Jennifer Quigley, executive direc- meetings in New York. – AFP
Head of Department – U Htay Maung
warehouse Manager – U ye Linn Htay
Factory Administrator – U aung Kyaw oo (3)
Factory Foreman – U tin Win
Scared Muslims flee Okkan after mob violence
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MANY Muslim families from the Ok-
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kan area of Yangon Region have tem-
ADMIN & FINANCE porarily left their homes following
Finance Manager – Daw Mon Mon tha Saing last week’s riots, which left two dead
[email protected] and nine injured.
HR Manager – Daw nang Maisy In Okkan, a Buddhist mob burned
[email protected] 130 homes on April 30, while 77 homes
Publisher – Dr tin tun oo, Permit no: 04143
were destroyed in the nearby villages
Systems Manager – U Khin Maung thaw
of Yadanakon, Panipin, Chaukthe,
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Thekon villages. Twenty-four shops in
DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Okkan were also destroyed.
Circulation & Distribution Director – Eighteen people have been ar-
Jesse Gage rested in connection with the
[email protected] violence,Deputy Commander of Yan-
[email protected] gon Region Police Force Lieutenant
Colonel Thet Lwin was quoted as say-
ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES
ing in state media.
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But the assurances that order have
Facsimile: [phone]
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some Muslim families: residents said
the Myanmar times is owned by Myanmar around half have left Okkan to stay
Consolidated Media Ltd and printed by MCM
Commercial Printing (licence provided by Swe-
sone Media (08102) with approval from MCM ‘We have nothing left,
Ltd and by Shwe Zin Press (0368) with approval
we are just surviving
from MCM Ltd). the title the Myanmar times,
in either english or Myanmar languages, its on donations.’
associated logos or devices and the contents
of this publication may not be reproduced in
whole or in part without the written consent Daw Yee Mon
of the Managing Director of Myanmar Consoli- Muslim resident of okkan
dated Media Ltd.
Muslim people sit near their destroyed homes in Okkan on May 1. Photo: AFP
with relatives elsewhere. to live in Okkan among the remains we are just surviving on donations,” utensils and soap to those affected
Myanmar Consolidated Media Ltd.
www.mmtimes.com Those who have remained behind of their homes. Daw Yee Mon said. by the violence. The government has
told The Myanmar Times they are “Our relatives called us to go and U Aung Kyaw said he climbed on also provided rice, oil and drinking
Head Office: 379/383 Bo aung Kyaw Street, wary of the threat of more violence. stay together with them but I said no. the roof of his shop to escape the water.
Kyauktada township, yangon, Myanmar. “We sleep under the trees. We All our property has been destroyed mob and then took refuge with his A section 188 partial curfew re-
telephone: [phone], 392 928 [men] sit and stay alert at night. but I don’t want to leave,” said Daw Buddhist neighbours. The Myanmar mains in place not only in Okkan but
Facsimile: [phone] Women and children sleep together Yee Mon, a 50-year-old Muslim resi- Times met him as he returned to also nearby townships, including Tai-
Mandalay Bureau: no.178, 74th Street, (Bet. 31st
at night. ,” Ko Kyaw Kyaw, a 45-year- dent of Okkan. the shop that doubles as his home. kkyi, from 5pm to 5am, and Tharyar-
& 32nd streets) Chan aye thar San township,
old Muslim resident, said on May 2. Muslim residents said they only “I am speechless,” he said. “I have wady, from 10pm to 3am.
Mandalay. tel: [phone], 24460, 65391, 65392
Fax: [phone] He said that if a relief camp was narrowly escaped the mob. never experienced riots like this in “More than 400 police from Yan-
email: [email protected] set up he would leave with his family, “When we heard them coming we my life.” gon Region are providing security in
Nay Pyi Taw Bureau: no. 10/72 Bo tauk Htein because he believed putting Muslims ran down to the river. I brought my The Yangon Region Ministry of cooperation with local security forces.
St, yan aung (1) Quarter, nay Pyi taw-Pyinmana. together in one place left them at risk child together with me. We didn’t Social Welfare and private donors, in- Not only urban but also rural areas
tel: [phone], 23065 of more violence. have a chance to take any of our cluding political parties, have provid- are covered by the security,” said Lt
email: [email protected] Others said they would continue things with us. We have nothing left, ed clothes, blankets, towels, cooking Col Thet Lwin.

6 News
THE MYANMAR TIMES May 6 - 12, 2013
Indonesia
radicals urge
jihad as bomb
plot foiled
JAKARTA – Two Indonesians have been “Our Muslim brothers and sisters
detained over a plot to bomb the My- are being attacked in Myanmar – they
anmar embassy in Jakarta, officials said are being raped and murdered,” said
on May 3, as radicals rallying in the city Bambang, a 37-year-old street vendor,
called for “jihad in Myanmar” to avenge who like many Indonesians goes by one
Muslim deaths. name.
The incidents highlight the grow- “I want jihad in Myanmar. Anyone
ing anger in Muslim-majority Indone- mistreating Muslims should be killed.”
sia over a string of religious clashes in Protesters from a hardline Muslim group during an anti-Myanmar protest in Solo, Central Java, on May 3. Photo AFP
largely Buddhist Myanmar that have ‘I want jihad in
left many Muslims dead and tens of police had detained two men suspected “We are very certain that the attack Anger in Indonesia about Myanmar
thousands displaced. Myanmar. Anyone of planning a bomb attack on the Myan- would have been launched if we did not has focused on the plight of the Muslim
At least one person was killed when mistreating Muslims mar embassy. stop them,” he said. Rohingya, who are known as Bengali in
mosques and homes were attacked in The suspects were arrested late on A woman, believed to be the wife of Myanmar. They have increasingly been
should be killed.’
Okkan last week. May 2 while travelling by motorbike one of the men, has also been detained arriving in Indonesia as they flee vio-
About 1000 angry hardliners from in a busy residential area in the south to be questioned as a witness over the lence at home. Clashes in Rakhine state
the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) con- Bambang of the capital with five assembled pipe planned attack, said Amar. last year between Rohingya and Rakh-
verged on Myanmar’s embassy in Ja- Indonesian street vendor bombs, national police spokesman Boy A spokesman for the office of Presi- ine Buddhists left around 200 dead, and
karta on May 3, brandishing banners Rafli Amar said in a statement. dent U Thein Sein said: “Myanmar gov- tens of thousands displaced. In March a
that read “we want to kill Myanmar The men, Sefa Riano, 28, and Ach- ernment have coordinated diplomati- flare-up in Buddhist-Muslim violence in
Buddhists” and “stop genocide in My- mad Taufiq, 21, planned to launch the cally for the security of the Myanmar central Myanmar left at least 43 people
anmar”. The national head of the FPI, Habib attack on May 3, said a senior source embassy, embassy staff and Myanmar dead.
They torched the Myanmar flag, Rizieq, shouted through a loudspeaker at the country’s anti-terrorist police, citizens in Islamic countries including A man admitted in September to
while chanting “burn down the embas- to whip up the crowd, mostly men speaking on condition of anonymity. Indonesia. planning a suicide bomb attack against
sy” and demanding to speak to officials wearing white Islamic skullcaps, as they The head of Indonesia’s anti-terror- “The Indonesian government is Buddhists in Jakarta in response to My-
inside, as hundreds of police in riot gear marched on the embassy. ist agency, Ansyaad Mbai, said that the thanked for identifying and taking ac- anmar’s treatment of Muslim groups,
stood guard. Earlier, officials said anti-terrorist target was the Myanmar embassy. tion to [stop] the [alleged] terrorists.” particularly Rohingya. – AFP
www.mmtimes.com News 7
China denies arming Wa
Former CID official U Saw Albert
(left) and Ma Naw Thu Thu Zaw’s
sister, Ma Naw Khan Mon Htway,
speak at a press conference in TIM MCLAUGHLIN [email protected] 90 air-to-air missiles to the Wa in late February
Yangon on April 30. Photo: Thiri and early March, according to both Myanmar
THE Chinese embassy in Yangon has denied ethnic minority and Myanmar government
fresh allegations that China sold weapons to sources,” the report said.
one of Myanmar’s armed ethnic groups, calling According to an ethnic military source five
the claims “fake”. helicopters were delivered, but a Myanmar
A report published by defense and security government source cited in the report said only
analysis firm IHS Jane's on April 29 detailed two had arrived.
the delivery of helicopters to the United Wa Mr Xiong Guofeng slammed IHS Jane’s,
State Army (UWSA), an armed ethnic group saying that the group makes “astonishing re-
with an estimated 20,000 soldiers. ports about China or Russia” that have “always
“The Chinese government or military com- proved to be fake”.
panies never sold weapons to any party or or- Media reports on May 1 quoted a Wa official
ganisation in Myanmar,” Mr Xiong Guofeng, as saying the report was not true.
secretary to the China’s ambassador to Myan- In December 2012 another report by IHS
mar, told The Myanmar Times in an email. Jane’s said that the Chinese had provided
“We did not receive any complaint from the ground-to-air missiles and 12 tank destroyers
Myanmar government and army for those un- to the Wa, in what the report’s author, intel-
founded allegations.” ligence analyst Anthony Davis, described as “a
The report stated that armed helicopters significant escalation in the equipment sup-
were flown to UWSA-controlled territory, ply”.
which is located in northeastern Shan State, The Chinese government said in a state-
over the Mekong River via Laos. ment issued by its Yangon embassy on January
“China delivered several Mil Mi-17 'Hip' 27 that the accusations were “ill-founded and
medium-transport helicopters armed with TY- misguided”.
Family calls for
KOICA to fund dry zone project
probe into death AYE SAPAY PHYU [email protected] projects with Myanmar Development In-
stitute, including a land reform scheme to
SOUTH Korea will support a US$2.3 million introduce mechanised farming, a master
project for the greening of central Myan- plan for arterial road network development,
mar’s dry zone, said Daw Kay Thi Khaing, strengthening the statistical system, and
programme officer of Korea International strengthening capacity for convention man-
Cooperation Agency, on April 26. agement.
Police ruled that Ma Naw Thu Thu Zaw drowned in Hlaing “We have been supporting that project Daw Kay Thi Khaing said an agreement
since 2008, and the first three phases are al- would soon be signed between the two gov-
River but relatives are calling for the case to be re-opened ready complete. This will be phase four. The ernments. KOICA will provide assistance to
project will be implemented in Nyaung Oo Myanmar in four sectors: industrial promo-
township this year, and will include refor- tion, agricultural development, human re-
NOE NOE AUNG [email protected] body in Insein hospital and told estation and water access,” she said. sources, and economic and administrative
us to check her identity card. By The agency will also support five other governance.
POLICE will decide this week which contained identification the time we went to the hospital
whether to reopen a case in documents, having been hand- no one would allow us to see the
which a girl was ruled to have ed in to police on April 19. body,” he said.
drowned after her family ac- A retired Criminal Investiga- “We want the hospital and
cused police of not investigating tion Department (CID) officer, U police to do an autopsy again
her death properly. Saw Albert, is helping the fam- but we can't do anything as the
U Tin Htay Naing, a senior ily campaign for the case to be police already closed the case.
officer from Insein Township reopened. But we have entombed the body
Police Station, said police would “We are pushing CID au- rather than cremating or bury-
receive a new medical report on thorities to investigate quickly ing it because we hope it can be
the girl’s death this week. as it is not good to wait for so checked again if we get permis-
“Medical [findings] of Ma long. And CID said they will tell sion to reopen the case.”
Naw Thu Thu Zaw will come out us whether they will investigate U Saw Albert said at the
this week. We will continue our it or not on about May 7 or 8. I press conference that when he
investigation based on what the think they are likely to help us,” questioned police and hospital
findings are,” U Tin Htay Naing he said on May 3. officials they admitted they had
said on May 4. At a press conference in Shwe not examined her body in de-
Ma Naw Thu Thu Zaw, a sec- Pyi Thar township on April 30, tail, including the contents of
ond-year student at Myanmar relatives said they could not be- her stomach or whether she had
Pharmaceutical Institute, was lieve that she have either acci- been sexually assaulted.
found in Yangon’s Hlaing River dentally drowned or committed The family also discussed the
on the morning of April 20. Her suicide. possible role of Ma Naw Thu
body was sent to Insein Hospital “We filed the case in Padauk Thu Zaw’s ex-boyfriend in her
and the cause of death was ruled Chaung police station on the death. She was last seen on April
drowning. morning of April 20,” said the 19 when he collected her for his
But the girl’s family, who are girl’s uncle, U Saw Aye Min. birthday party. The pair had bro-
from Hmawbi township, say “On April 23, the police said ken up two days earlier.
they do not think her death was that there was an unknown At 8pm he called her mother
properly investigated, particu- to say he had sent her home on
larly whether the cause of death the bus. Just 15 minutes later,
could have been homicide, and ‘By the time a pedestrian found her bag on
have called on the regional gov- we went to the Aung Zayar Bridge and handed
ernment to reopen the investiga- it in to police in Hlaing Thar-
hospital, no one
tion. Eyewitnesses who found yar township. “They broke up
her body said she had some would allow us to on April 17 and before this they
evidence of injury and she had quarrelled for the whole week.
see the body.’
yellow foam around her mouth, And Naw Thu Thu Zaw said that
which her family believe could she wouldn't meet him on his
indicate she was drugged. U Saw Aye Min birthday. But when he picked
They have also questioned Uncle of Ma naw thu thu Zaw her up, she followed him,” said
why police did not contact them Ma Naw Khan Mon Htway, the
until April 23, despite her bag, deceased girl’s sister.
8 News
THE MYANMAR TIMES May 6 - 12, 2013
Thousands
still without
shelter in
Rakhine
Experts warn of 'looming humanitarian crisis'
in the state, where up to 125,000 people remain
homeless following last year's communal unrest
Ms Chris Lewa, program director
Bill of Arakan Watch, an advocacy group
for the Muslim Rohingya based in
o’toole
Bangkok, said many temporary
homes are not close to being weather-
proof. “A week ago there was a strong
rain [in Pauktaw] and people losts
[email protected] their huts,” Ms Lewa told The Myan-
mar Times. “What’s going to happen
MORE than 100,000 internally dis- during the rainy season?”
placed people in camps in Rakhine In response to the looming threat,
State face a “looming humanitarian the United Nations and other inter-
crisis” in the coming rainy season, national agencies have stepped in
humanitarian sources say. to build more substantial shelters. A
The majority of the displaced are spokesperson for the UN High Com-
Muslims who fled their homes dur- missioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said
ing last year’s riots in Rakhine State. the agency has already completed
Since then, the estimated 125,000 300 temporary shelters that can each
people have been living in makeshift house eight families. It plans to con-
camps near the state’s larger cities, struct at least another 560 dwellings.
many of which are located in rice UNHCR is also working with dona-
paddies and other low-lying areas tions and supplies from several foreign
prone to flooding. governments. On April 26, the South
The government-formed commis- Korean government donated 640 tents
sion investigating the Rakhine con- to the agency for distribution.
flict says that 90 percent of housing Mr Hans ten Feld, UNHCR’s My-
needs among IDPs remain unmet, anmar representative, said the tents
along with 15pc of food needs. would provide immediate shelter for
“It is extremely urgent to provide IDPs.
the Bengali [IDPs] with access to safe “Our experience shows a tent like Residents of a camp for displaced Muslims near the Rakhine State capital Sittwe. Photo: Arakan Watch
and secure temporary shelters prior this can quickly [be] built up in 30
to the monsoon season,” the commis- minutes. The rain is coming and it’s lims but the move was met by mass is facing charges in connection with rainy season.”
sion said in findings released to the a very valuable contribution,” he said. protests because Rakhine people the demonstration, which took place International NGO Human Rights
public yesterday. However, he said that about were concerned that the recipients without permission under Myanmar’s Watch has described the situation as
60,000 people in rural areas of Sittwe, would also be given land. peaceful protest law. a “humanitarian crisis”.
‘Unregistered camps Myebon and Pauktaw townships still “We demanded that TIKA not While the UN is allowed access to “Burmese government restrictions
require shelter assistance. give them homes without checking certain IDP camps that are officially on aid to Rohingya Muslims are cre-
get nothing ... I don't Other proposed shelter programs whether or not they are Myanmar registered with the government, ating a humanitarian crisis that will
know what will happen have highlighted the tricky politics of citizens. It was our demonstration many thousands are left to survive on become a disaster when the rainy sea-
delivering aid to the Rohingya, who that stopped that program. Now UN- their own. son arrives,” the group’s Asia director,
in the rainy season.’ are mostly referred to in Myanmar as HCR is planning to build barracks “Registered camps get palm oil, Mr Phil Robertson, said in a state-
Bengalis. for all refugees in Rakhine State. We chickpeas, salt and rice,” said U Aung ment on its website.
U Aung win The Turkish International Cooper- don’t oppose this plan. We accept it Win, a resident and activist in Sittwe. Representatives from the Presi-
Sittwe-based activist ation and Development Agency, also because it confirms they have no right “But unregistered camps get nothing dent’s Office and the Ministry of Im-
known as TIKA, had proposed build- to own the land,” said U Kyaw Zaw … I don’t know what will happen [to migration could not be reached for
ing 5000 homes for displaced Mus- Oo, who led the protest in Sittwe and people in unregistered camps] in the comment.
www.mmtimes.com News 9
Quintana Conflict will grow if govt
calls for
lifting of recognises Rohingya: report
IDP travel
restrictions
EI EI TOE LwIN [email protected] The official report said sol-
diers and police should be held
TIM MCLAUGHLIN THE Rakhine Investigation president on April 22. accountable for any illegal ac-
[email protected] Commission says the govern- The 186-page report in- tions, but also recommended
ment needs to urgently initiate cluded 15 sections focusing on doubling the security presence
THE United Nations’ top offi- a process for examining the issues such as humanitarian as- in the region “to control and
cial on human rights in Myan- citizenship status of people in sistance for internally displaced prevent further violence”.
mar has called for the lifting of Rakhine State but warned it will people, citizenship, religion, se- But Mr Phil Robertson,
movement restrictions imposed face a “huge confrontation” if it curity and administration, rule the deputy director of Human
on displaced Muslims and pun- officially recognises the Rohing- of law, peaceful coexistence and Rights Watch’s Asia Division,
ishment for those responsible ya ethnic group. more. said the report “fails to address
for crimes related to the conflict The commission also said Commission members inter- the need for accountability for
in Rakhine State. the government should imple- viewed members of both com- ethnic cleansing and crimes
The special rapporteur on ment the 1982 Citizenship Law munities to compile the report against humanity that hap-
the human rights situation in “in a transparent and account- and issue a set of findings and pened in last June and Octo-
Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quin- able manner” and recognise the recommendations. Members of the Rakhine Investigation Commission speak at a ber”.
tana, made the comments in basic human rights of the Mus- The commission said it press conference in Yangon on April 29. Photo: Boothee “By failing to hold respon-
response to the public release of lims of Rakhine State as part of found that nearly all Rakhine sible the individuals who com-
the Rakhine Investigation Com- longer-term measures. people do not accept the Ro- less individuals, the government Buddhist and Muslim commu- mitted these grievous crimes,
mission report, which he said The commission used the hingya name but they would should do so in accordance with nities should continue in the the government will miss de-
contained “many worthwhile term Bengali, rather than Roh- agree to give citizenship to all existing laws and international state, where 125,000 people terring precisely those extrem-
recommendations”. ingya, in its report to avoid “un- Muslims who met the criteria in norms. The government should have been displaced. ists who are prepared to use
“[I]n implementing [the rec- wanted problems”, 88 Genera- the 1982 Citizenship Law. arrange citizenship ceremonies “While keeping the two more violence in the future to
ommendations], I urge the au- tion and commission member The commission warned to commemorate those who be- communities apart is not a achieve their aims,” he said.
thorities, as a matter of urgency, Ko Ko Gyi said at a press con- that if the government recog- come new citizens.” long-term solution, it must be Mr Robertson also rejected
to ease the harsh and dispropor- ference at the Myanmar Peace nises the Rohingya as an ethnic Commission spokesper- enforced at least until the overt the commission’s recommenda-
tionate restrictions on the free- Centre yesterday. group, it will create further un- son Dr Kyaw Yin Hlaing said emotions subside,” the commis- tions on the citizenship law.
dom of movement of Muslim The committee was formed rest and hinder regional devel- amending the 1982 Citizenship sion said. “The commission missed a
populations in the IDP camps in August to probe an outbreak opment. Law would not resolve the con- Last week international critical point when it failed to
and also in Muslim residential of violence in Rakhine State be- “The term Rohingya is not flict. “The most important thing NGO Human Rights Watch ac- include reform of the 1982 Citi-
areas, such as Aung Mingala in tween Buddhists and Muslims a small issue,” it said. “The gov- to prevent problems is for the cused the government and secu- zenship [Law] to strip out dis-
Sittwe and across northern Ra- in June. Its report was delayed ernment should address the citi- government to implement the rity forces of being involved in criminatory provisions and en-
khine State, while also provid- following a fresh outbreak of zenship claims of the Bengalis in law clearly,” he said. the “ethnic cleansing” of Mus- sure that the law complies with
ing adequate security,” he said violence in October, and it final- a transparent and accountable The commission also said lims in Rakhine State – a claim international human rights
in the May 1 statement. ly submitted the report to the manner. In dealing with state- the “temporary separation” of rejected by the government. standards.” – With AFP
“Now we are at the begin-
ning of May and the harsh re-
strictions for Muslim popula-
tions remain firmly in place.”
Mr Quintana’s calls echo
those made by director of opera-
tions for the UN Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs (OCHA), John Ging, who
on March 28 said displaced peo-
ple needed to be given greater
freedom of movement.
“A solution needs to be
found to relocate those people
and also to see the return and
the freedom of movement for all
the internally displaced persons
(IDPs) so they can begin to re-
cover their lives and their liveli-
hoods,” Mr Ging said.
Mr Quintana praised most
of the recommendations made
in the 27-member commission’s
long delayed report, which was
released to the public on April
29, including those to double
the presence of police, military
and border security forces in
Rakhine State.
However, he said he was con-
cerned that those responsible
would not be held accountable
for human rights violations that
took place during riots in June
and October 2012.
“I have received credible al-
legations that widespread and
systematic human rights viola-
tions by state officials targeted
against the Rohingya and wider
Muslim populations have oc-
curred and are continuing in
Rakhine state,” he said, in an ap-
parent reference to a report re-
leased by Human Rights Watch
that detailed allegations of eth-
nic cleansing and crimes against
humanity.
“These involve the most
serious of allegations, includ-
ing extrajudicial killings, rape
and sexual violence, arbitrary
detention and torture and ill-
treatment in detention, deaths
in detention, and denial of due
process and fair trial rights.
“The government has an
obligation under international
law to investigate these allega-
tions ... and, where appropriate,
to take action against those re-
sponsible, in accordance with
domestic and international law.”
10 News
THE MYANMAR TIMES May 6 - 12, 2013
MMA members to vote on Policeman
held over
controversial lease plan alleged rape
in Myingyan
Senior medical association members will decide whether to lease Yangon office to a foreign company on July 1 SI THU LwIN
[email protected]
should use this old building,” he said. POLICE in Mandalay are question-
ShWe yee “I think the association’s healthcare ing a fellow officer over rape allega-
activities need to be separate from tions, after the father of a 19-year-old
SaW Myint
the business side. Coordination and woman claimed the officer held her
cooperation with the private sectors captive for four days.
is not suitable for medical profession- The officer from Myingyan town-
als. But I can accept the MMA renting ship has been detained but main-
[email protected] out office space, like at Traders Hotel, tains his innocence, saying that the
if there is enough room.” woman eloped with him.
REPRESENTATIVES from the Myan- The controversy has also sparked The pair apparently met while
mar Medical Association are to vote broader accusations of financial mis- she was visiting her brothers while
on whether to allow foreign com- management, with members accus- they were incarcerated at the police
panies to rent out parts of the asso- ing the central executive committee station. The woman says the officer
ciation’s Yangon office, or even allow of hiding income and expenses. called her to the station on April 18,
them to demolish the existing four- In response, the MMA held a press the day her brothers were due to be
storey building. conference in February at which Dr released, after which he detained her
The proposal to lease the site was Myint Thaung said the association for four days and raped her.
announced at a meeting in January earned income from renting out the “I had to sleep with him for four
by the association’s central executive Yangon office for wedding ceremo- nights, including at a house at No
committee, and sparked a significant nies, leasing space in the office’s com- 19 ward, a room in the police sta-
backlash from other members who pound to restaurants and receiving tion, and a house in No 4 ward,”
allege the CEC has not been transpar- donations from pharmaceutical com- the woman said in a statement to
ent in its financial dealings. panies. However, no detailed figures police.
Three foreign companies have al- were released. When the girl did not return home
ready submitted proposals to lease One association member, who on April 18, her father reported her
the site on Thein Phyu Road in Min- A building inside the Myanmar Medical Association compound in Mingalar Taung spoke on condition of anonymity, missing. In his statement to police,
galar Taung Nyunt township, which Nyunt township. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing questioned whether the central ex- the father said officers at the police
the association estimates is worth ecutive committee members would station did not do anything about
about US$10 million. The building will be settled at the July 1 meeting. wrote articles in some newspapers,” financially benefit from any deal his complaint and “threatened me in
is used to conduct training seminars They are also unhappy that only the he added. reached with a foreign company. different ways”. He said he asked to
and houses the public health project heads of the 86 associations under Association member Dr Ba Shwe “It is unnecessary to hand over that look for her inside the police station
offices. the MMA will be allowed to vote on said that if the existing building was much property to foreign companies. but was told if he did he would be
MMA general Secretary Dr Myint the proposal. not big enough for the association’s If the association needs money, they charged with trespassing.
Thaung said leasing the land for 30 “It is not fair because the sen- needs it should be redeveloped and should create a new building using a “We are scared because we are
years would create a valuable income ior association members tried to do renovated, rather than the whole local contractor,” the member said. uneducated, poor and don’t know
stream for the association and allow this project without asking all MMA compound leased. But Dr Myint Thaung rejected all anything about the law. I’d like to
it to expand its activities. members what they want. We first “A new MMA building has al- accusations of impropriety and said see the truth,” said U Than Myint, 49.
“It is a good idea. The young gen- heard about this project during the ready been built in Nay Pyi Taw and the central executive committee was Police Lieutenant Aung Kyi from
eration will benefit from the money Mawlamyine Myanmar Medical As- the association headquarters should working for the best interests of the No 1 Myingyan Police Station insist-
[received from investors],” he said. sociation annual meeting on January shift there. Then the Yangon branch association’s members. ed the allegations would be properly
“We are going to spend the rent 1,” said Dr Aung Khin Sint, a former “Regardless of the accusations investigated. He said the case would
money on MMA business and social secretary of the association. ‘The senior members that are made about us, we are going be heard by senior police officers un-
activities. The association needs a lot Members were told that the as- to do the job that we have been en- der the Police Maintenance of Disci-
of money to maintain this building sociation had already started nego- tried to do this project trusted with,” he said. pline Law.
and then we need to expand our space tiations with foreign companies and without asking all the The association is Myanmar’s only “We locked [the officer up] in the
for storage and conducting seminars. that if a deal was reached, the Yangon professional organisation of physi- police station and are questioning
MMA members.’
Every month we spend K7 million and branch of the association would relo- cians. It was founded in 1949 and as him because the girl’s father report-
it’s very difficult to find the money so cate to the maternal and child health of 2011 it had 17,000 members and 86 ed the case. According to his state-
we believe this is the best way.” centre at South Okkalapa township, Dr Aung Khin Sint member organisations. It is adminis- ment, they are lovers and she eloped
But some members interviewed Dr Aung Khin Sint said. Former association secretary tered by the central executive com- with him but we will try to get to the
by The Myanmar Times said they “After we heard this news, most mittee and is divided into 26 different truth,” he told The Myanmar Times.
were opposed to the proposal, which MMA members complained and we societies. – Translated by Thiri Min Htun
Procurement Notice (UNDP-Myanmar) Procurement Notice (UNDP-Myanmar)
2013/UNDP/PN-018 2013/UNDP/PN-019
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) seeking The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) seeking
applications from individuals for the following assignment applications from individuals for the following assignment
Assignment National Consultant on Development Assignment National Consultant on Regional
Effectiveness Development Planning
Period of Assignment June to December 2013; Period of Assignment June to December 2013;
Duty Station: Nay Pyi Taw with travel to regional
Duty Station Nay Pyi Taw
capitals in Myanmar (as required)
Requirements University Degree in Economics, Business
Requirements University Degree in Economics, Business
administration, Public administration,
administration, Public administration,
or equivalent qualifications; At least 7
or equivalent qualifications; At least 7
years of relevant experience. Excellent
years of relevant experience. Excellent
analytical skills as demonstrated;
analytical skills as demonstrated;
Experience and knowledge in designing
Experience and knowledge in designing
national planning architectures and
national planning architectures and
the public sector and policy research.
the public sector and policy research.
Excellent English language skills
Excellent English language skills
Contact [email protected]; tel: 542910-
Contact [email protected]; tel: 542910-
542919, ext. 158 for detailed TOR.
542919, ext. 158 for detailed TOR.
Closing Date 10 May 2013 (Friday)
Closing Date 10 May 2013 (Friday)
Send application/proposals together with fees expected to
Send application/proposals together with fees expected to
Procurement Unit, UNDP, 6 Natmauk Road, Tamwe or by Procurement Unit, UNDP, 6 Natmauk Road, Tamwe or by
e-mail to [email protected] e-mail to [email protected]