Governing the nation through a democratically elected government remains the most effective and legitimate path to ensure stability, progress, and the will of the people.
SENIOR General Min Aung Hlaing underscored that as the government has taken responsibility of the State under the 2008 Constitution, it is essential to proceed towards a multiparty democratic system that the people aspire to.
The State Administration Council held its coordination meeting at the Office of the SAC Chairman in Nay Pyi aw yesterday morning, with an address by Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Speaking at the meeting, the Senior General highlighted that it would be best if elections could be held on a nationwide scale, adding the Constitution outlines significant provisions regarding the convening of the Hluttaw (Parliament) under Sections 85, 128, and 155.
He underlined that a review of the laws shows that elections can be held successfully with substantial participation. Administering national affairs through an elected government is ultimately the best course for the country.
The Constitution also stipulates that elections can be held based on the final decision of the National Defence and Security Council.
The Senior General noted that those from administrative bodies at the state and regional levels, as well as at the district, township, ward, and village levels, have to possess sufficient qualifications. Those who hold administrative responsibilities and civil servants must remain free from party politics, he added.
With regard to the enhancement of the education sector, the Senior General retold that the establishment of Polytechnic Universities that combine computer studies and technology has been successful, and tangible outcomes have been observed.
He emphasized that it is crucial to manage and implement educational reforms with a long-term perspective in mind to produce skilled professionals in the fields of agriculture, livestock, and industry.
The Senior General gave guidance to the region and state chief ministers and officials to manage the opening of all schools in their relevant regions.
He noted that terrorists have to understand that their destructive acts in the education sector are the same as destroying their future.
He urged officials from relevant sectors and from regions and states to cooperate with each other in enhancing the education and health sectors as a must.
As natural disasters brought loss and damage to the State, the Senior General recounted that Rakhine State faced K534.146 billion worth of loss and damage in cyclonic storm Mocha in 2023, but the government provided K73.797 billion from its budget to the state. In 2024, Typhoon Yagi caused K466.231 billion of loss, so the government spent more than K54.807 billion for rehabilitation operations. The loss caused by the powerful Mandalay earthquake, which struck on 28 March, totalled K3,629.288 billion, and rehabilitation measures are being taken.
He stressed that it is necessary to take effective preventive measures in advance to minimize damage caused by natural disasters. Furthermore, since the losses and destruction resulting from armed conflicts are also immense, efforts must be made to achieve peace.
He noted that, according to the calculation, State incomes declined more than US$8 billion due to weakness in meeting the target cultivation of crops. If productivity from the agriculture sector met the target, the country would secure some US$14 billion more income.
Moreover, the Senior General gave a guideline that it is necessary to seek solutions for hiking prices of commodities and to address unbalanced situations between the supply and demand. Hence, efforts must be made to increase production.
The Senior General recognized the utmost efforts of personnel from the Ministry of Electric Power for the supply of electricity to the people, although terrorists destroy, disturb and threaten power plants and towers, not to generate and supply electricity.
He also acknowledged that service personnel from the Ministry of Transport and Communications could repair damaged roads and bridges in a few hours, although terrorists had exploded these facilities. Likewise, those from the Ministry of Construction also repair damaged roads and bridges as quickly as possible.
The Senior General stressed that the government must strive to become a reliable, trustworthy government for the people to set a good history.
The Nay Pyi Taw Council chairman and the chief ministers of regions and states discussed development undertakings in relevant areas, and work processes in the administration, economic and social sectors.
Also, present at the meeting were SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Council Secretary General Aung Lin Dwe, Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, council members, Union-level dignitaries, Union ministers and deputy ministers. — MNA/TTA
