Pyithu Hluttaw regular session continued for 28th day at Pyithu Hluttaw Hall in Hluttaw Complex here this morning, attended by Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann and 402 Pyithu Hluttaw representatives. Two questions were raised and answered, and one proposal discussed. U Ko Gyi of Aungmyethazan Constituency asked about the government’s long-term plans to address consequences of permission for export of edible oil crops groundnut and sesame stemmed from rocketing prices of groundnuts leading to the suspension of local oil mills.

Deputy Minister for Commerce Dr Pwint Hsan answered that edible oil crops red sesame, brown sesame and groundnut which give higher oil output are not allowed to export to reduce oil imports. White sesame and black sesame with lesser oil output are allowed to export. It is intended to cut cost of foreign exchange and oil import. While sesame and groundnut oil are allowed to export, the local oil mills are still struggling to produce quality oil. The oil mills must be upgraded. Farmers, specialized companies, associations and government departments will have to make cooperative efforts to increase production of groundnut and sesame by increasing sown acreage, using quality seeds, applying post-harvest technologies for minimizing wastage.

Myanmar Oil Millers’ Association will soon be formed in association with the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Myanmar Oil Merchants and Oil Entrepreneurs Association. The association will coordinate the upgrading of rice mills for exporting quality groundnut and sesame oil. The oil mill development must be initiated by the government, associations and private entrepreneurs in public-private partnership. U Ye Htut Tin of Hpahasung Constituency asked of prompt measure for better telephone communications system in Kayah State.

Deputy Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs U Win Than answered that the ministry is planning to replace Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (PDH) microwave network in Kalaw-Loikaw with Gigabit Ethernet IP network. Auto exchanges will be installed in Prusho, Bawlake, Pasawng and Shadaw where semi auto exchanges have already installed, depending on power supply, transmission and budget. Auto exchanges will be established in Myothit sub-township, Mawchee station, Loilemlay station, Hseebu station, apart from these townships, depending on number of telephone users, power supply and regional stability and according to the priority list proposed by the respective state manager under the directive of the state government. Four Hluttaw representatives discussed the proposal submitted by U Thein Nyunt of Thingangyun Constituency “urging the Union government to draft N o n-Governmental Organization registration law commensurate with the age as the President called for cooperation with civil societies in democratic transition”.

U Stephen of Kengtung Constituency said that, despite good intention, the enactment of a similar legislation similar to the existing ones could lead to conflicts with the original laws. Revising and amending the existing laws, rather than prescribing the new one, are recommended. The proposal should be the proposal urging the government to amend the existing law. Daw Su Su Lwin of Thongwa Constituency, Daw Khin San Hlaing of Pale Constituency and Daw Win Maw Tun of Yenangyoung Constitutency discussed that the NGOs currently have less authority. They should be empowered to participate in social measures of the government. Registration procedures should be made flexible and a monitoring mechanism is needed as well. NGOs are playing a part in social, economic and democratization processes. As their presence is interrelated with the transparent society, an NGO law should be prescribed. Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Kyaw Zan Myint said that the Section 354 (c) of the constitution prescribes, “Every citizen shall be at liberty in the exercise of the rights to form associations and organizations, if not contrary to the laws, enacted for Union security, prevalence of law and order, community peace and tranquility or public order and morality.” The law in action for registration of associations is a still trendy one. The registration of associations is scrutinized with necessary directives and rules and regulations issued.

Central supervisory committee tabled the applications for registration of the associations at regular meetings and gave green light to the qualified associations. Delays are derived from failure of some associations to stick to the law, rules and regulations, orders and directives in registering. The government is doing its bits for emergence of associations which will serve the interest of the country. Associations formed under this law are making contributions to the social works with added momentum. The central supervisory committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs is monitoring them under the law and issuing orders and directives commensurate with the age occasionally. There is no need to draft new legislation, but rather the amendment is recommended. The proposal should be put on record.

U Thein Nyunt requested the proper decision of the Speaker in the interest of the country in response to the clarification of the ministry in the light of consideration of the age the existing law was prescribed, consequences that could emerge from deterring NGOs from registration, support of multiparty representatives, the situation of the State and the role of NGOs. The Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker said that rules and regulations and orders sent by the respective ministry went beyond the purpose of the original law. Unpractical requirements are included in paragraph (2) of notification No (1/2010) bearing the date 15-7-2010. Although the provisions in the original law might not necessarily be revamped, the rules and regulations, orders and directives must be amended at that very moment to smoothen the procedures. The most possible and rapidest way is revising orders and the rules and regulations by Pyithu Hluttaw Legal Affairs and Special Cases Assessment Commission, Bill Committee, interested representatives and the respective ministry. A new legislation should be drafted, taking time, if hat measure is not assumed to be enough. Rules are lack of practicality and flexibility. The commission, the bill committee and the Hluttaw representatives are tasked to revamp the law and rules and regulations drafted by the Ministry of Home Affairs. As the Hluttaw agreed on the assignment, the decision of the Speaker was approved. The Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker urged the commission and the committees to submit the report as soon as possible assuming it as a special case. The regular session concluded at 12.10 pm and continues for 29th day tomorrow. —MNA