A ceremony to support the National Convention and constitution, organized by townselders of Kayah State in accord with law was held at Kandayawadi sports ground in Loikaw, Kayah State 30th September 2007.
Over 52,000 people including local residents from Loikaw, Dimawhso, Prusho, Shadaw, Bawlake, Phasaung, Maisa, Yawthit townships, members of social organizations, traditional cultural troupes, economic and industrial organizations, peasants and workers, representatives of peace groups, service personnel, students and people from various mass and class organizations attended the ceremony.
Before the ceremony, starting at 6 am Loikaw column led by U Hla Myo Swe, Dimawhso column led by U Khin Win, Pruhso column led by U Win Myint, Bawlake column led by U Sithu marched to the respective gathering points.

First, Executive of Kayah State USDA U Tin Oo and those present saluted the State Flag.
Townselder U Khi Yal delivered an address. He said he wished auspiciousness and health and happiness for all national races attending the ceremony and also wished them to serve interest of nation and people more with true patriotism.
He said: Over 50,000 delegates from all townships representing the entire over 300,000 people of Kayah State attended the ceremony. All the discussions at the rally are the true voices of Kayah State.

National Convention was convened with Our Three Main National Causes in the fore till its completion. It is the Convention representing all the national brethren. The NC has adopted fundamental principles and detailed basic principles to serve the interest of entire people. There must be the main law to administer the political, economic and social systems of the nation. That law is the Constitution. In the process of transition between old system and new one, there should be a durable Constitution that is in accord with the new era. The national goal is to build a peaceful, modern and developed discipline flourishing democratic nation. The new Constitution is of vital importance for the new nation. Any carelessness or hastiness will cause faults that may harm and shake the new nation.
Hence, Constitution is essential as life and blood of the nation and the people. No individual person organization or government can write and promulgate alone. The Constitution cannot be drawn with foreign assistance. The nation cannot copy any other nation’s constitution. The writing of the Constitution should be based on history and prevailing conditions. Over 100 national races are living in unity in the nation. The National Convention has already been concluded successfully and fundamental principles and detailed basic principles have been adopted for the Constitution thanks to the delegates who strived well with unity and goodwill. It is true that the new Constitution that guarantees national perpetuation and long-term peace and stability serves the interest of the Union and the national races.

The chairman said he is going to present a brief account of 1947 Constitution and 1974 Constitution. The 1947 Constitution was drawn and promulgated during the time the nation was under colonialist rule. It was hastily drawn by 71 members. Accoding to it, four states — Kachin, Kayah, Kayinni and Shan states were formed. Because of its weakness there broke out internal strife resulting from the demands for federal policy to secede from the Union. The internal strife has not met its end yet.
The 1974 Constitution was drawn by 97 members. It permitted the formation of Chin, Mon and Rakhine states in addition to the existing ones. As the Constitution was based on single party system, it had already expired in 1988. Over 1000 participants of the eight categories of delegates from all states and regions took part in writing and adopting fundamental principles and detailed basic principles to draw the Constitution during the time of the Tatmadaw government. Hence, the present Constitution has deeper and broader essence than its previous counterparts. According to the present Constitution, the future nation will be formed with seven Regions, seven States, one self-administered region for Wa people, and five administered zones for Naga, Danbu, Pa-O, Palaung and Kokang national races.
The Tatmadaw government has overcome hardships to restore national peace and stability while keeping in the fore Our Three Main National Causes. It has laid down the 12 objectives, set up 24 special development zones, and laid down five rural development tasks in bringing development to every corner of the nation and to narrow the gap between the plains and hill regions. The people are now enjoying the fruits of success. The nation faces near disintegration in 1988. The Tatmadaw has restored the situation back to normal and developed the nation to reach the present stage. The government is implementing the seven-step Road Map in paving the way for the emergence of a discipline-flourishing democratic state. It has successfully convened the National Convention and adopted fundamental principles and detailed basic principles.

According to the Constitution, except from national races who have the right for self-administration, every national race group whose population exceeds 0.1 per cent of the nation's population has the right to elect one representative at the hluttaw of the region or state concerned. National races of a self-administered area who do not have a self-administered area will have one representative if their populations exceed 10,000. As there are persons who are trying to slander the principles adopted by the Convention, it is obvious they are the ones who are attempting to break up the Union.

The present Constitution is more comprehensive and durable and ensuring more rights for national races than the 1947 Constitution and 1974 Constitution. Hence, the National Convention should be welcomed and hailed unanimously.
Some foreign countries and traitors inside the nation who wish to obstruct national developments are trying to destroy the seven step Road Map. First they made attempts to jeopardize the National Convention. Their schemes failed as the government and national brethren are against the schemes. Citing fuel and commodity price hikes, those saboteurs used bogus monks whose number even did not represent two per cent of the population of the members of the Sangha claiming peaceful recitation of parittas in prcession. But today, the demands have become political ones. Their placards bear political demands. It is obvious that saboteurs who are jealous of national developments are trying to halt national developments and destroy peace and all constructive endeavours of the government. But the people who have witnessed the 1988 unrest do not take part in the useless protests. It is sure that people loath such protests. The Tatmadaw government saved the nation at the time when it was dubbed "Yangon government" in 1958. It was against anarchy during the 1988 unrest and saved the nation again. It is beyond doubt that the government will successfully implement the seven-step Road Map till the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed discipline flourishing democratic nation.

In the past there was no university at all in Kayah State. Now, the state has three universities and many high schools, middle schools, post-primary schools and primary schools. Today, the government has used over K 1400 million for development of border areas. It has extended the number of health facilities. Rural mortality rate of Kayah State in 1988 was 29 per thousand. Now the rate is four for every 1000 persons. Rural mortality rate is 30 per 1000 in the past. Now the rate is three in 1000. The state now has one airport, a large number of large and small bridges, and more railroads and earth, gravel and tarred roads. Moreover dams and pumping water stations have been built in the state. There is significant development in trade, transport and industrial sectors.
If these developments are added with the rights guaranteed by the forthcoming Constitution, the people of Kayah State will enjoy extra golden opportunities. Hence, the people of the state support the National Convention and hail the new Constitution.
Next, Executive U Tin Oo of Kayah State USDA tabled a motion calling for the support of the National Convention and the State Constitution. He said: Study of the objective conditions of the Republic of Union of Myanmar shows that all-round development can be witnessed throughout the country.
With the aim of narrowing the development gap between one region and another, the government has been striving with momentum for development of every single region in the country.
The desire of the entire citizen is prosperity, peace and development of the State. The government is trying its utmost to establish a peaceful, modern and development nation as national duty.
In doing so, the 12 objectives—four political objectives, four economic objectives and four social objectives — have been laid down and are being implemented upholding Our Three Main National Causes.
Based on abundant natural resources, the government, with might and main, has been creating a new prosperous age for the country. Therefore, significant development can be witnessed throughout the country within two decades. At such a good time, the successful completion of the National Convention which has laid down basic principles to draft a State Constitution is paving the way for the brighter future for the people and all the people are pleased with this results.
Although the National Convention has successfully completed, the journey is not ended. A State Constitution which is the most important thing for every citizen has to be drafted. Afterwards, such a task as holding national referendum on the constitution and election of people’s representatives must be carried out in accord with the seven-step Road Map.
It is sure that the constitution, with basic principles guaranteeing rights for every national race, will enable the people to enjoy their birth rights and thus the entire people are anticipating the emergence of the constitution with great joy.
As regards the fundamental principles and detailed basic principles laid down by the National Convention, some organizations which are seeking their own interest than the national interest are inventing fabricated news and wrongly propagating on the rights of the national races.

It is undeniable that if compared with previous constitutions, this constitution vests national races with better rights on the basis of the prevailing conditions of the nation.
As mentioned in the speech of Mr Chairman, the Tatmadaw government is engaging in the process of transformational period and thus there was no constitution. Discipline is the backbone of a race and Rules are the lifeblood of a monk. In like manner, enduring State Constitution is the lifeblood of a country. It is very nice for the country if there emerges a Constitution at a time when everything is peaceful and pleasant due to efforts made by the government.
The ultimate goal of the people is emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. Nowadays, thanks to the unity, the golden nation with better future is taking shape. We the people can not lose this better conditions. Today, there is a west-looking group who are trying to jeopardize the stability of the State. For us, who harm the peace and stability of the State is the enemy of the people and we will annihilate them in accord with the four-point desire of the people.
Peace and stability of regions and law enforcement are vital in the drive for national development. With better transportation, Kayah State is now witnessing such infrastructures in education, health and social sectors as arts and science, technology and computer universities, 200-bed people’s hospital, railway station and auto exchange office.
Except from some remote border areas in the state, peace prevails all the regions and thus national race youth have good opportunities to pursue education. Locals are also able to extend their business in agriculture, livestock breeding and trade.
But, a fistful of destructionists who take the armed struggle line against the State is hindering the development of Kayah State. Saboteurs within and without the country are also inciting racial and religious unrest and hatred among people. Therefore, it is important for the people not to be misled by them.
Recently, Myanmar saw some unrest in some towns. Saboteurs made demands. The riots started under the pretext of fuel price hike and the situation led to undesirable anarchism. In reality, the incidents are not the desire of the majority of people. It is a plot made by traitorous destructionists within and without the country. A glance at the incidents may make people think that there were many monks walking in procession on the streets. But the number of monks on the street is less than two per cent of the entire monks. Senior monks who want to conduct their missionary work properly and over 98 per cent of monks are residing peacefully at their monasteries.

In Kayah State, members of the Sangha, not involved in political affairs, are practising Pariyatti and Patipatti peacefully.
As the people have experienced the reign of anarchism in 1988, they do not accept and totally oppose another unrest. We, people of Kayah State, also oppose any kind of unrest. As mentioned in the speech of Mr Chairman, the Tatmadaw Government is trying to build the country to become disciplined one flourishing with genuine democracy. If we look back the history of the Tatmadaw, one can see that it possessed the ability of restoring peace and stability to the country although it was mocked by foreign broadcasting stations as Yangon government in 1958 when the whole country was overwhelmed by multicolored insurgents. Thus, the incidents broke out recently will not affect the Tatmadaw government.
We, on behalf of the people, would like to request Under Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr Gambari who is in Myanmar to review the objective conditions of Myanmar with correct outlook.
In the Union, national brethren are protecting and safeguarding the nation harmoniously. People are to strive in unison for emergence of a new democratic state.
Avoiding the instigation made by outsiders, performing the duty of national development and maintaining the good foundations of peace and development will surely help raise the socio-economic life of people.
With the concept “ the Strength of the nation lies within”, the Tatmadaw, enlisting the strength within, has been marching the tough journey for nearly two decades. We the people are now enjoying the fruits of peace and unity resulted from the efforts made by the Tatmadaw.

Unprecedented achievements have also been made. At such a good time, those who harm the peace and stability will be crushed through the strength of people and I would like to table a motion calling for the support of the National Convention and the State Constitution.Afterwards, Kayah national U Nay Aung Htwe of Pruhso Township seconded the motion. He said: The National Convention that started in 1993 concluded in September 2007.
The basic principles have been laid down in accord with the wishes of the people for the future of the State. The delegates from all walks of life represented the NC and laid down the principles beneficial to the nation. He said there were altogether 37 delegates representing Kayah State.
At the NC the delegates discussed their proposals in groups and laid down the basic principles at the plenary sessions in accord with the wishes of all the delegates. In order to earnestly discuss, the delegates studied Myanmar political history and the previous constitutions.

As the NC has been successfully completed, all the people are to cooperate in view of the success of step-bystep transitional process of the State. Likewise, for the perpetuity of a new nation, it is necessary to have basic foundations such as peace and stability, unity, the rule of law and national strong economy. But the entire people are required to guard against any destructive acts, instigation, political gains and interference of some big powers. While the nation was enjoying development fruits, the groups of destructionists in collusion with Western media tried to put the nation into jeopardy. With excuses for price hike of fuel and commodities, they used the monks and made political demands. And the people are getting disappointed with that. Although the number of monks who staged protest walks seemed big, it was not as much as two percent of the total. The majority of the monks (98%) want to live in peace. Most of the monk protesters were bogus ones and they threatened the people to provide them with alms and created disturbances. Therefore, the Kayah people condemn the acts of saboteurs who attempted to jeopardize the seven-step Road Map. So, U Nay Aung Htwe said he fully supported the motion of U Tin Oo.
Later, Chairperson Daw Phyu Phyu of Dimawhso Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association seconded the motion. She said: I am Daw Phyu Phyu, Chairperson of Dimawhso Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association and I will second the motion tabled by U Tin Oo expressing the support of the National Convention and welcome of the forthcoming constitution.
The government laid down the seven-step Road Map in 2003 for emergence of a peaceful modern developed democratic nation and the constitution. The National Convention, the first phase of the Road Map, resumed in 2004 and the National Convention ended successfully.
It is the genuine convention representing the entire people and over 1,000 delegates participated in the discussions. The National Convention delegates laid down fundamental principles and detailed basic principles to be included in the State Constitution, the life-blood for the State and the people.
The constitution drawn by one people or a group of people will not be a good one representing the people. The constitution which is in conformity with the interest and desire of the people will be approved by the people through the referendum. I welcome the forthcoming constitution.
Ignoring the words democracy and human rights, some big nations interfered in the internal affairs of the other nations.
Those nations created Iraq to be battlefields. I would like to ask them if it is democracy. The US senators criticized the policies of the US Administration on Iraq and there were protests to end the Iraq war. They ignored these situations.
Over 100,000 people took part in the protest near the White House. They could not solve these internal problems but they interfered in the internal affairs of the other nations.
The reason for interference in the internal affairs is to set up a puppet government led by NLD on the political platform. However, NLD party members quit from the party in groups.
The State constitution should be drawn based on the historical background and prevailing conditions. In the West, there is still racial segregation.
The fundamental principles laid down by the National Convention indicate sincere goodwill of non-racial segregation. We are looking forward to seeing the new constitution in conformity with the Myanma soil. The new constitution will surely serve the interest of the people. Therefore I earnestly support the motion by U Tin Oo.
Afterwards, U Maung Maung Thet (Retd) of Loikaw Township War Veterans Organization Executive Committee seconded the motion. He said: As the government is making all-out efforts in the process of transition to democracy the nation is beginning to take shape. The efforts of the government for national reconsolidation has been able to put an end to the armed insurgency in the nation. With the prevalence of peace and stability the market-oriented economic system was introduced. As such, significant progress has been made in all spheres of the nation.
Kayah State saw unprecedented development after the Tatmadaw had assumed State responsibilities. There emerged institutes, universities and colleges with splendid buildings in Kayah State after 1988. As a result, local people in Kayah State have now been able to pursue higher education within their reach.
Under the leadership of local authorities the old Htoo Creek bridge was upgraded into a well-facilitated one, and it has contributed a lot to regional development. Moreover, for development of the industrial sector No 1 Industrial Ward has emerged in Loikaw thanks to concerted efforts of the government and the people.

The National Convention, a driving factor for the emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation, was successfully completed. Therefore, an enduring State constitution aspired by the entire national people, will soon emerge. At that time Kayah State will see more achievements than ever before.
As it is known to all including those present that internal and external destructive elements that are jealous of the national development have been making attempts to undermine every progress made in the nation. The bitter experiences of 1988 are still in the mind of the people. We took no interest in such trivial demonstrations mingled with fabricated news as we have witnessed the 1988 unrest. We are desirous of peace and stability. We long for an enduring State constitution that will practically serve the national interest. We want the emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation. We absolutely believe that the Tatmadaw will be able to shape the national goal. Upholding in the fore Our Three Main National Causes we together with the Tatmadaw government will try our utmost in marching towards the national goal.
That is why he said he seconded the motion tabled by U Tin Oo in order that people in Kayah State equipped with the nationalistic spirit can march towards a new nation aspired by the entire national people.
Next, Member of Kayah State Women's Affairs Organization Daw Thida Cho seconded the motion. She said: All the people want to live in peace and stability and don't want to experience an anarchy.
The desire of the people is perpetuation of the Union and sovereignty of the State. Today, all national people have been equipped with the patriotism and Union Spirit and will participate in building a peaceful, modern and developed democratic nation.
Some western media including VOA and BBC have aired fabricated news. Due to their false news, students who want to study in peace are afraid of going to school. Daily-wage workers and vendors have also experienced anxiety and businessmen are also anxious that the situation in the country would harm their business. Who is to blame for causing anxieties among the people and hindrances to development of the country? I want to ask western media if they would take responsibility for development of the future democratic nation.
Some staff of western media are Myanmar. But, they have accepted assistance from some western countries and have aired false news to cause unrest in the country and to provoke Buddhist monks. In accordance with the motto which says "The strength of a country lies within", all national people are to work together to build a new State and to guard against destructive elements who instigate unrest in the country.
I want Mr Gambari, a special advisor to the Secretary-General of the UN, to observe customs and hospitality of Myanmar people as well as their religiousness during his stay in Myanmar. He should also observe the achievement of the National Convention participated by over 1,000 delegates and should review the current situation in Myanmar and desire of the people.
We, national people in Kayah State, believe that a new constitution which will be written in accordance with detailed basic principles laid down at the National Convention would benefit the people. Therefore, we second the motion presented by U Tin Oo.
Then, the chairman sought the approval of the people and passed a resolution to support the NC and State Constitution.
The attendees chanted slogans’ non-disintegration of the Union ( our cause, our cause), non- disintegration of national solidarity (our cause, our cause), perpetuation of sovereignty (our cause, our cause), the State’s sevenstep Road Map ( must succeed, must succeed). The rally ended at 8.50 am.