24 March

Myanmar is undergoing a transition towards democracy, making a commitment to establish a democratic federal Union.

A transition is, very simply, the process of going from one point to another. The distance that must be covered, and the nature of the terrain that must be travelled, defines the scope and complexity of the challenges that have to be faced and overcome.

Myanmar is crossing over from a long established authoritarian system, to a democracy that can guarantee equal justice, security and rights.

The greatest strength of a democratic transition, the involvement of the people, is also its greatest challenge. To weld together the will and purpose of millions into a whole, that allows the wonderful diversity of our country to shine through, is a formidable undertaking.

All need to work together when changing and transforming from an old system created in an old era, to a new system for a new era in our country.

A democratic system supports the establishment of a federal Union, while the establishment of a federal Union strengthens the democratic system. There are many difficulties and hardships when transitioning from an old to a new system. Those who were performing their assigned duties must not despair when facing these difficulties and hardships, and need to recognize this as an opportunity to show their capabilities. It is expected that there are to be difficulties and hardships at the beginning of any transitional period.

Transition is not to be seen as an enemy and to be concerned about. All need to understand that transition is a good friend to our people and the country’s development.

This transformation is the desire of the people, and all have the duty to fulfill this desire of the people. Some may waver, hesitate and feel uneasy about reform. Transforming or reforming is not to be worried about it.

Without flowing along the transformational path, our country will not develop. Reform is something that must be done.

Only when all the citizens take part in the transition will they obtain new opportunities. If not, they will lose these opportunities. Transition consists of administrative, legislative and judicial sectors. Administrative sector transitions need to include an administrative system that supports the rule of law.

We believe that our people have the capacity to meet the challenges we are facing in our transition to democracy, and to carry the transition to a successful conclusion, which will be the starting point of a new, and better era for our nation.

GNLM