Myanmar Prepares for Democratic Transition
Yangon, The Gulf Observer: The second-day session of the Union Government Meeting was convened yesterday morning at the Office of the Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) in Nay Pyi Taw, with SAC Chairman and Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing presiding.
In his address, the Senior General emphasized the importance of comprehensive documentation of the current government’s activities, as the administration prepares to transfer State responsibilities to the party that wins the upcoming multiparty democratic election.
On the issue of electric power, the Senior General highlighted significant setbacks in planned electricity generation projects. He noted that the halted Myitsone hydropower project alone could have contributed 6,000 megawatts to the national grid, potentially resolving the country’s power deficit. He also urged the expansion of solar energy initiatives and the establishment of small-scale solar production facilities across regions and states to meet future energy demands.
Regarding the recent Mandalay earthquake, the Senior General called on authorities to ensure strict oversight in the distribution of aid and relief supplies, especially those from international donors, ensuring that they reach actual victims in a timely manner.
Turning to energy consumption, he pointed out that Myanmar annually imports around US$5 billion worth of fuel. To mitigate this, the government has permitted the import of electric vehicles, though foreign exchange limitations pose challenges. He underscored the need to enhance public transportation and transition toward electric-powered transport systems. Notably, battery-powered locomotives are expected to arrive soon.
Addressing law enforcement, the Senior General stressed the need to enhance the capacity of the Myanmar Police Force through training, while also improving their welfare, housing, and uniforms. He urged stricter controls on unregistered vehicles and motorcycles, which pose security concerns and result in revenue losses.
In the development of border areas, the Ministry of Border Affairs was directed to promote agriculture and livestock farming. Graduates from the University for the Development of National Races are expected to serve in various capacities for national benefit.
The Senior General also stressed the need to promote sports infrastructure nationwide. Each region and state should be equipped with a stadium, gymnasium, and swimming pool. He further emphasized youth development through education, literature, and vocational training, seeing young people as key to the nation’s future.
He proposed the development of agro-based industries, such as paddy-based enterprises, and encouraged the transformation of major cities—including Nay Pyi Taw—into “Green Cities, Clean Cities, and Smart Cities.” He called on Chief Ministers and Union Ministers to actively pursue progress in their respective sectors and regions.
The meeting featured a video presentation on highway construction, compliance with standards, and environmental beautification through tree planting.
Union Ministers subsequently reported on ongoing projects and achievements under their ministries.
SAC Vice-Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win emphasized the need for region and state authorities to prepare for the planned multiparty democratic election by year-end. He reiterated the importance of a smooth, systematic transition of State power to the elected party and stressed the need for civil servants to maintain neutrality and discipline throughout the process.
He also addressed cross-border security concerns, including illegal gambling, online fraud, human trafficking, and terrorism, especially in the eastern regions. Myanmar has been working in cooperation with neighboring countries to counter these threats. Arrested individuals connected to such crimes have been repatriated where appropriate.
