December 25, 2019
State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson of the Central Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races, attended the opening ceremony of the Labutta (Pinlal Lay) Bridge, which connects Myaungmya and Labutta townshipsin Ayeyawady Region, and met with the locals,yesterday morning.
The State Counsellor and her entourage, Union Ministers Lt-Gen KyawSwe, Lt-Gen Ye Aung, U Min Thu, Dr Aung Thu, U Ohn Win, Dr Myint Htwe, and Dr Win Myat Aye, Chief of Myanmar Police Force Police Lt-Gen Aung Win Oo and officials, left Yangon by special flight to Pathein, the capital of Ayeyawady Region.
They were welcomed by Ayeyawady Region Chief Minister U Hla Moe Aung and officials at the Pathein Airport before they proceeded to Labutta Township by helicopters.
At Labutta Township, they were welcomed by Union Minister for Construction U Han Zaw, the Regional Hluttaw Speaker, ministers of regional government and locals.
At the opening ceremony of the Labutta (Pinlal Lay) Bridge, the State Counsellor said, “We have often highlighted the fact that the most important factors for the development of our country are the supply of drinking water, road transportation and electricity supply service because these factors will, I believe, certainly help consolidate the development of our country. As we all know, drinking water is essential for our survival while it is only through efficient transportation that traveling from one place to another or trading will surely take place faster. Besides, it is important to get stable, regular power supply, which is necessary for our living standard and our production. It is only through the sufficient supply of all these services, that our people can make progress. I really wish we could build good road transportation everywhere in the whole Union, provide sufficient electricity supply and sufficient supply of drinking water. Naturally, we have tried all means to materialize all these public services.
We are glad to have an opportunity to attend this opening ceremony of a new bridge, so our visit is something to do with road transportation. In fact, road transportation doesn’t merely carry the literal meaning that you go from one place to another easily. It means more than that. Its implications are very serious.
For example, if we have no good road transportation, this can affect the sectors of health and education because, you see, if the roads are so bad, the children will not be able to attend their school regularly. Besides, there occurred cases in which, because the road transportation was bad, the local people failed to make it to come to hospital to take medical treatment in a timely manner. So road transportation, as some of the people might think, is not just meant for the purpose of trading, not just for convenient travelling, but it is of crucial importance also for the sectors of health and education, which are the basic needs of the public.
Actually, I have prepared a draft for my opening speech to talk about a long list of what our government has accomplished these years. But I won’t touch upon that because, as you all know, what we have done, and what we have accomplished will be meaningful only if the public realizes this. No matter what we do, if what we have done doesn’t promote the lives of our people, it’s nothing at all. Whatever we have accomplished in our country must be directed towards the interest of our people, for the people are the mainstay of a country. We build roads and bridges for the sake of our people, we provide the electricity supply for the sake of our people. But only if the progress and prosperity of our people have sustainability, our endeavours will be meaningful. On the other hand, if the development is just momentary, if the tide of progress ebbs, then our people will not be able to enjoy the benefits in the long run.
I have repeatedly said that what is the most important thing for us is Peace. Only if there is peace can our country make progress. Only if we make progress, only if our country is well developed, we’ll be able to keep peace intact. If you recall the past, there were times when the Ayeyawady Region had lacked peaceful times. Later, our young people who have grown up through the peaceful times might wonder what had happened to their regions. In those hard times, when the civil war was ravaging the Ayeyawady Region, our elderly people knew well about those dark days. I’d request our elderly people to share, to some extent, what you had suffered and how you had gone through. Only if we know where we had come from, our history, then we can decide on how we should build our future.
We learn history because we want to know what happened in the past, and what to avoid so that we don’t repeat the same mistakes again the future. As far as I know, our children do not love learning history at school. If it is true, I’d point out that there’s something wrong with our teaching methodology in teaching this subject. History is not just learning what happened in what year, and who ruled the country in so and so years, but we are taught History to seriously take into consideration and reflect over how a country was born, what issues arose in the country throughout its history and why. If we don’t know the history of our country, it’d be very hard to decide over how the future of our country should be constructed.
Here, in this Ayeyawady Region, only if our young people are informed of how this Division had suffered in the absence of peace, how your grandparents had felt so insecure, running for life, then our young people could begin to think how they should mend their ways so that the tide of our peaceful times might not ebb. Though the Ayeyawady Region is now enjoying peace, yet there remain places in many parts of our country, where peace urgently needs to be restored – this we all know. And I’d request you not to ignore this situation going on in other areas, but pay attention as if the conflicts were still happening in this region. How did you feel when bad things were going on here? Now those people have been suffering, and their suffering is also ours because we all are the offspring of this country, aren’t we? So it’s very important we should treat each other like our brothers and sisters.
Today we all are marching towards the Goal of Peace, but we are still faced with all sorts of challenges. The root of the causes of all these challenges can be detected on the pages of history. It is the consequences of what had happened that we are now faced with, and are trying to overcome. Let by-gones be by-gones. And we must move on to make the best of what we can do. In passing, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you, who gave full support and stood with us during the time when we were defending at the International Court of Justice because the support of our people serves as a strong impetus for us. With your support, we can face and overcome any challenge, any hardships for sure because we all stand united. We should always bear in mind that the strength of unity is an extraordinary thing, nothing can compare with.
When I say bear in mind, I mean we should really bear in mind because genuine unity is the unity coming from our heart. Now, look, you all are sitting together. From the point of view of other people, you all are there sitting together in neat rows. But if your minds, your attitudes do not agree or make a good match, this audience could no more be the forces to work together for one single cause. Again, something happens, and you all make concerted efforts and we can all face any challenge. On the other hand, if one goes this way and another goes that way, think of yourself, and not others, and fail to make unanimous decisions, we cannot get real strength.
Therefore, when the subject of the bridge came to my mind, I began to think that a bridge helps us to cross easily from one side to the other. Many of us think a bridge is the structure spanning over a river or a creek. It helps us to travel more efficiently in the form of public service instead of crossing the current. In the same way, bridges that link our minds for communications among ourselves and for better communications, so that we can march onwards towards our goal together need to be built at the same time. Just like the physical bridge. This is very important.
It goes without saying that whenever a new bridge has been successfully built, or when an old bridge has been mended, all our local people feel so much elated. Now they could come and go happily and their life goes smooth. Similarly, if only we could build among ourselves the Bridge of Our Hearts, we would be able to come and go easily within our country and march towards our future goal more easily.
It is usually the government that takes the responsibility of constructing a bridge, but there are some bridges all over the country, which were built according to a joint-venture project in which the government and the private sector collaborate in the sector of road transportation, some projects done only by the private sector, others by the state government. Please keep in mind that the government has undertaken the least profit making projects because the government is a kind of non-profit organization.
On the other hand, the private enterprises have to make profit to some degrees, and we won’t blame them for that because the development of the private sector also means the development of the economy of our State.
There is one thing I’d like you to believe in. That is, everyone can do his or her bit for the good of our country. Every citizen can do good for our country. Please be confident in yourself. Please find out your strengths and value them so that you won’t abuse your strengths As you all know, you never abuse an object that you value so much. So have value in your strengths. Your strengths should be utilized for the country, for all.
I’d like to draw your attention to the fact that ours is a country of promises. I have been to so many countries in the world. I’ve met so many people all over the world. But I know my citizens best. You’ve been so close to me. And I do wish you the best, I want you to outshine more than ever, achieve more than ever, outdo others spiritually, and intellectually – this is, of course, the nature of mankind. With this attitude towards my citizens, sometimes I somewhat felt frustrated. Is it all that you can do? Can you be more disciplined citizens?
I often come across the litters thrown on the roads and streets. I’d request you, no littering, please. Value your country. Value your environment. I always fume up whenever I see someone has thrown the rubbish on the road. This is the litter that our citizens have thrown carelessly. I might not be so upset if those from another country have done so. This is what I dislike. Our people mess up things in our own country’s affairs. This is what I dislike most. Everyone may adopt the right attitude: Our country should be valued more than our house, our home. We value our home, but we should value our country and our environment more.
So just like that, I want our people to be more qualified, get more progress. But if we look around in the world, I could not fail to realize that our people are kind hearted, warm and friendly, and stand united in trying times. I could see the good points and the strength. This makes me believe that our country has a very good prospect. Just by having a good prospect does not end there. To turn that good prospect into reality we need to have zeal, determination and perseverance. For this purpose, we should all strive harder. Whatever we do, whenever we build a bridge or a road or take measures for the power supply, we should adopt the attitude, and value that we are doing for the sake of the progress of our country, for the sake of a safe and secure life of our people, and for the sake of the greater unity of our people. I want you all to think big. I want you all to be broad minded and broaden your intellect for a broader outlook.
In our country, while we upgrade the lives of the individuals by utilizing the developing infrastructure beneficially, we must strive for boosting up the agro-based industries, as outlined in my speech. I said these words because the Ayeyawady Region has been a superpower in agriculture since olden times. In those days, we figuratively called this division the Granary of the World. From the bird’s eye view aboard the plane, I could see so many rivulets down there. So this division is extremely rich in water resources, but we must utilize the rich resources correctly and effectively so that the value of these resources would not get spoilt. This is what we should keep in mind. Shall we say that, here, in this division, we can combine the strengths of physical infrastructures with our spiritual strengths and make developments?
On our arrival here, we were greeted with various national races. I was so glad to receive greetings of ladies wearing the traditional Cheik costumes. I’ve been saying the word, Union, repeatedly because this word Union is a beautiful word embodying beautiful meanings. And I want my people to understand its rich meanings. I want you to believe in the concept of the Union. We must be proud of being the family members of one and single union. Only after that, you may consider that you are a Mon, a Kayin or a Bamar. So the very first thought that should come to your mind is that you are the national races of the union, the offspring of the union; that we must strive to the best of our abilities during our life span so that our younger generations could continue to safeguard our union. This is what we should be proud of ourselves, proud in a positive way. We could do our best – this sort of mindset should be with us.
Labutta, a town in the Ayeyawady Region, is also an invaluable part of the Union, an inseparable part. Believe in your own values. Keep up your values. We should stand together peacefully, and united. I conclude by saying never let go of your belief that we can strive towards building a peaceful, developed country. May you all have good health and wellbeing.
Thank you.”
After the State Counsellor’s speech, a representative of the local people expressed thanks for the bridge which will be beneficial for the social, economic, educational, health, transport and regional development of the local people.
Then, Town’s Elder U Soe Myint and Dr Maung Maung Aung and outstanding students from Labutta BEHS (1) and Myaungmya BEHS (1) cut the ceremonial ribbon and opened the bridge.
After the documentary photo had been taken, the State Counsellor unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of Labutta (Pinlal Lay) Bridge and sprayed scented water over it.
While walking across the bridge, the State counsellor greeted the locals.
Public Works Department under the Ministry of Construction constructed a suspension bridge of Pinlal Lay in 1996 and finished it in1998. Its load capacity 36 ton declined after 2008 Nargis cyclone, and only 20 tons of load were allowed for going over the bridge.
After the damage of Myaungmya suspension in April 2018, the strength of Labutta (Pinlal Lay) Bridge was tested with the help of Chinese engineers. Based on the results, its capacity was categorized as level 4 and the maximum load of 14 tons was permitted for passing over it.
In the 2018-2019 financial year, the old bridge was removed, and the Japanese technology steel box girder was used in constructing a new bridge with 1,340 ft length, 30.5 ft width, 29ft high from water level and 192 ft wide vessel passage, costing K7,100 million, for load capacity of 60 tons.
The Ministry of Construction is building 2,380ft No.2 Pathein Bridge, 551ft Makyizin Bridge, 1,900ft Shwe Laung Bridge, 3,020ft Wakema Bridge, 2,362ft Kyun Pyathard Bridge, 2,461ft Sawke Bridge and 788ft Kyungkone Bridge, which are scheduled to be completed in 2020.
Moreover, 870ft Daedalu Bridge, 160ft Htipale Bridge, 60ft Yoechaung Bridge, 100ft Kanyinchaung Bridge, 240ft Mayanchaung Bridge, 120ft Sityaykwin Bridge and 866ft Chaungwa Bridge are under construction.
The State Counsellor also held a public meeting with the locals at a religious communal building of Labutta Township.
In her speech the State Counsellor said, “My visit to Labutta is to open the bridge and to keep my promise that I gave when I attended the opening ceremony of the Myaungmya Bridge.
I am always pleased to meet with the common people and I value it. I feel an intimate bond even though I could greet the people only for a few seconds who are awaiting us for some hours. During the meetings with the people, I tried to understand their concerns. Here, I want to remind you all to have discipline.
30 years have passed since I joined the democracy movement. Since 1988, I have always told the people to have discipline. Our people are enthusiastic and active. They fully devoted in their belief. However, all the people need to be disciplined in their actions. This is very important. That is why I keep reminding all the time.
Most people interpreted democracy as ‘rights’. I will remind them that rights always come in parallel with responsibility. Rights could be misused if it was not controlled by responsible attitudes. As a result it will pose dangers to individuals and the whole community. That is why I always stress the need to have discipline.
When people raised questions to me, most of them maintained discipline. We replied to the well-constructed questions ahead of the meeting. If we had extra time, we offered more questions by drawing lots among the locals as all the questions were not allowed due to time limit.
Some persons shouted furiously as they did not win the lots for questions. We never pampered them as this behavior is regarded as a breach of rules and principles. It also violates others’ rights. Instead, they could send their questions through complaint session at the event.
Before the questions and answers session, I want to inform that the Pinlal Lay Bridge has been built, and it will surely be beneficial to the people. All the public welfare works need their cooperation. People are responsible for maintaining the bridge to a certain extent, although the relevant state department will do its tasks for it. State property is also public property. Foreign investments have entered due to resources of the country. Human resources are more important than natural resources. I do not recommend imported flowers which may lose state revenue. I prefer home-grown flowers. Self-respect is as important as other’s impression. All must value themselves. Quality of any material will last if it is systematically used.
It is advised that we are not the sole owner of ourselves. We are also owned by our country. We will have to consider about the welfare of our nationals in addition to self-interest.
Ayeyawady Region has the highest number of population in the country. The delta area was very well-known for its agricultural sector. However, it gradually decreased amidst the changing trend of global demand. Previous glory has proved its intrinsic value. There is no point getting upset it about this for the Ayeyawady locals. We must try to develop ourselves. We must exert new efforts. You don’t need to worry about the unexpected failures.
We need to understand human evolution from our origins to the present state of development.
Never say ‘no’ without trying for it. Senior citizens need to realize they still have capacity regardless of their age.
I am very affectionate towards two Regions which are Magway and Ayeyawady regions. The former is the native of my father and the latter is that of my mother. Although Magway region has seen lesser development, I am always proud of strenuous efforts of local people in the dry zone. They are my relatives. I also want to see the Ayeyawady Region like this as they are also the relatives of my late mother. However, every corner of the country is our land. We are living on the same land. We have common expectations. Both Shan people and Ayeyawady locals need to go hand in hand in the same direction in considering welfares of all.
I always recommend to avoid personal questions. Most of the questions are concerned with agriculture. The Union Ministers, about the half of cabinet ministers, will give answers responsibly and dutifully.
After the meeting, U Khin Maung Win from a civilian White Ayeyawady Rescue Group, who carried a placard that invited the State Counsellor to Labutta Township during his visit to Myaungmya Township in April this year, expressed thanks toher for the promise she had kept.
The local people raised issues of development programmes in the region. Union Minister Dr Aung Thu, the Chief Minister and his government ministers explained the long and short term plans for these matters, and the State Counsellor gave advice and suggestions to ensure coordination based on the discussions.
The State Counsellor then appraised the locals gave them her best wishes.
The State Counsellor and party left Labutta Township via Pathein Airport and arrived back in Yangon in the afternoon.—MNA(Translated by Dr Zaw Tun, Aung Khin)
