The 15th regular session of Second Pyithu Hluttaw began yesterday morning, with the welcoming speech of its Speaker U T Khun Myat.
The session is scheduled for discussing 13 bills, tabling 3 motions and raising 217 asterisked questions.
Speaker U T Khun Myat extended a greeting on the first day, saying the needs of efforts to conform with the democratic norms during the period of fledgling democratic transition and the crucial role of MPs in laying a stronger foundation for the country.
He also urged the MPs to work their best for prosperity of the country and people as the Hluttaw have been mandated to draft the laws, and to carry out their duties in line with Hluttaw laws and bylaws.
“As the term of Second Hluttaw is about to reach four years, the MPs are advised to review advantages and weakness of previous sessions in building capacity of the legislative estate,” the Speaker added.
“The MPs need to perform regional development tasks of relevant constituencies to gain the trusts of public, while they are working for legislations and checks and balances.”
The Speaker continued saying that the Hluttaw MPs are responsible for ensuring the Hluttaws as a stronger legislative pillar and for promoting democratic practices among common people and he advised that questions, motions and bills should benefit to the people.
Speaker U T Khun Myat announced the record of Pyithu Hluttaw on the oversea visit of MP Daw Mi Kun Chan from Paung constituency to Thailand for a workshop on gender issues from 13 to 16 January.
The Speaker also informed the Hluttaw about an extension of Complaints and Appeals Committee , which was formed on 22 February 2019, to one more year when the committee expires on 23 January 2020.
Asterisked Questions
MP Dr Khin Soe Soe Kyi from Pyay constituency asked about prevention plans for bank erosions along Nawin creek near the villages of Pyay Township.
Deputy Minister for Transport and Communications U Kyaw Myo replied that the plans will be implemented on the basis of allocated budgets and technical assistance of Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems.
MP Dr Than Aung Soe from Minhla constituency asked about the sale of railway tickets online system like for express buses.
Deputy Minister U Kyaw Myo replied that the proposed plan might be carried out commencing 2023-2024 financial year after the completion of Yangon-Mandalay railway upgrading project level (2), with the use of real-time information system.
MP Dr Sein Mya Aye from Dala constituency asked about designing urban development plans in Dala Township and timing of decision on policy by the Ministry of Construction and Yangon Region government.
Deputy Minister for Construction Dr Kyaw Linn explained that the plans will be coordinated by the ministry, the local government, MPs and relevant stakeholders, matching with the data collected by the Yangon Region government.
MP Dr Lin Lin Kyaw from Myitta constituency asked for upgrading major rural roads in his constituency to tarred or concrete roads.
Deputy Minister Dr Kyaw Linn replied that the project will be implemented on the available budgets of Mandalay Region in 2020-2021 financial year.
MP U Bone Myint Aung from DaikU constituency asked for paving concrete on a road between two villages in his constituency, MP Daw Ni Ni May Myint from Taungup constituency for construction of a creek crossing bridge in her constituency.
Deputy Minister Dr Kyaw Linn also replied these questions.
Discussions for Industrial Zone Bill
In conclusion, the Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker announced the receiving of Industrial Zone Bill sent by the Amyotha Hluttaw with recommendations and called for submitting the names of MPs who want to discuss the bill.
The 15th regular session of Hluttaw will be convened on 30 January for the second day meeting.— Aye Aye Thant (MNA)
(Translated by Aung Khin)
