The following is the opening speech delivered by Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein at the Plenary Session of the National Convention which resumed today.

Esteemed delegates,

The Constitution is the principal law of a nation to steer her political, economic and social systems. A Constitution that is in conformity with the era and system is the first requirement to change from old to new system. A hasty change from one system to another will trigger terrible blunders that may harm the nation.
In this regard, the Tatmadaw government has designated the emergence of an enduring Constitution as a national task and is implementing it steadfastly.
The new Constitution should be suitable to the nation and the people. Hence, the government has been striving for the emergence of a Constitution that is in accord with a system desired by the people, and at the same time, it has been constantly making arrangements to enable the nation and the people to be ready to adapt themselves to the new era and system. The government reconvened the National Convention on 17 May 2004. The delegates have been holding discussions to adopt the detailed basic principles. We take pleasure and honour to their efforts as the National Convention will be completed soon.

The National Convention temporarily adjourned in 1996 was reconvened for the first time from 17 May to 9 July 2004; for the second time from 17 February to 31 March 2005; for the third time from 5 December 2005 to 31 January 2006; and for the fourth time from 10 October to 29 December 2006. The delegates have been able to hold discussions frankly and freely based on their experiences, knowledge and vision, taking into account the past, the present and the future. Thanks to the delegates’ loyalty to the State, firm Union Spirit and far-sightedness, the sound results of the National Convention will become the new pages of the nation’s history.
At the present National Convention, the delegates’ suggestions on the chapters — Election, Political Parties, Provisions on State of Emergency, Amendment of the Constitution, State Flag, State Seal, National Anthem and the Capital, Transitory Provisions and General Provisions will be compiled and discussed to adopt detailed basic principles concerning the said chapters.
From the beginning of the National Convention to date, the basic principles and detailed basic principles are adopted with one voice through all-round discussions by the delegates for the emergence of an enduring State constitution. So, the forthcoming State constitution is to be based on these points. However, some elements who want to tarnish the image of the National Convention suggested that some delegates would not be attending the NC fearing that the already adopted basic principles would be binding upon the upcoming State constitution. As a matter of fact, their ignoring the already adopted basic principles reflects that they are desirous of making all the NC functions illegal. Attempts to harm the NC functions include destructive means such as disturbing, disrupting, blocking and criticizing the NC, inciting public misunderstanding, holding anti-NC talks, writing and distributing publications designed to oppose the NC, carrying out NC procedures or participating in the drawing of the State constitution or writing and distributing the State constitution without having any rights to do so. Action may be taken against these attempts under the law in order to prevent destructive elements from disturbing systematic handing over of State duties and successful implementation of NC procedures. Here, I would say those with negative views about the NC are just a handful of people, whereas those supporting the NC are the great majority of the people.

The delegates’ suggestions, the panel of chair men’s assessments, and the adoption of detailed basic principles through delegates’ discussions throughout the NC have been telecast and stated in the newspapers in detail. As a result, the essence of the National Convention and the hard work of the delegates have been known not only to the people of the nation but also to the international community. So, today, many people are working hard with a sense of duty in support of the National Convention.
Besides, delegates are relaying their experiences and knowledge they have gained from the NC to the people in their circles. So, today’s people have gained the knowledge about and put trust in the detailed basic principles the NC has adopted.
This session is final one, so it is required of you delegates to make thorough reviews about the adopted basic principles and detailed basic principles so that all the principles are harmonious one another. In the process, there should not be any difference in essence between initial aims of the principles and the already adopted detailed basic principles.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

Arrangements for accommodation, meals, transportation and security of the delegates are made under the supervision of experienced persons. If there is any requirement, you can contact with responsible persons for your convenience. Here, I would like to remind you that certain persons are opposed to the National Convention. So, all of you delegates are duty bound to protect collectively the National Convention with a sense and awareness of security. I wish you a success in discharge of your duties with enthusiasm.