Myanmar legal organizations and media groups held strategic talks at the Hilton Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning on finding ways to strengthen rule of law in the country.
 

Deputy Minister for Information U Aung Hla Tun made an opening remark of the meeting.
 

The deputy minister said that the statement of World Justice Project issued early this year concluded more global countries have suffered a negative slide toward weaker rule of law around the world, and no country has achieved a perfect realization of the rule of law.
 

He also said the rule of law is a common issue related to every person, and it cannot be restored just by an individual or any organization.
The government is making the best for the rule of laws by holding educative talks, dialogues and workshops, as the Ministry of Information has collected the copies of documents on existing laws, rules and regulations, as well as official gazettes in its 417 IPRD offices across the country.
 

“In accordance with legal principle, ‘Ignorance of the law is no excuse’, it’s very important to promote public legal awareness,” the deputy minister said.
 

The ministry’s website www.moi.gov.mm have uploaded a total of 727 enacted laws, 115 bills and 120 bylaws for free download.
Deputy Minister U Aung Hla Tun added media and the rule of law are interrelated, as the former being independent, ethical and self-regulated are crucial for promoting the latter.
 

He also remarked the rule of law is essential for the emergence of independent, ethical and self-regulated media.
 

The deputy minister also noted investigative journalism helps a lot in exposing and taking actions against those who commit corruptions, misappropriation and malpractices, while the journalists in this role need to write such stories with clean hands.
 

He also recounted the difficulties of media in the past.
“Media played an important role in our struggle for democracy and human rights. Now our country has reached on the right track to democracy but facing mounting challenges. I’d like to request the media to keep helping so that our country won’t deviate from the road to democracy and will be able to walk towards the final goal after getting over the challenges,” U Aung Hla Tun said.
 

He also called on the participants in the talks to exchange their opinions and suggestions openly and cordially.
Then, Mr Robert La Mont, Chief of Party from USAID Promoting Rule of Law in Myanmar (PRLM) made a speech.
 

The talks focused on the release of information from the legal sector to media, possible mutual cooperation between the two sectors, challenges and opportunities for media in reporting the rule of law.
 

The meeting was attended by U Nyunt Shwe and U Soe Phone Myint from Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, U Han Nyunt from Anti-Corruption Commission, Secretary U Khin Zaw from Union Legal Aid Board, parliamentarians, legal organizations and officials from ministries concerned and media groups.—MNA

(Translated by Aung Khin)