CNI News

8 January 2024

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) met with leaders of the political parties that have been registered with the Union Election Commission (UEC) in Naypyidaw on 6th January, 2024. 

The chairman of the SAC told the parties at the meeting that the ultimate goal of the SAC government was to hand over the responsibilities of the State to the winning party after a free and fair general election was held.

The Tatmadaw was working hard with the people's efforts in cooperation with the Myanmar Police Force for the reduction of internal armed conflicts and it was necessary to proceed with a public security system that contained everyone in order to achieve peace and stability throughout the country so that the country would be able to move towards a democratic system, he said.

" We will act from all sides in order to hold a dignified election and I believe all the parties that attend this meeting believe in the democratic system. All party members need to be the core of democracy just as they are the core of their parties. We need to be able to use the party's strength in a beneficial and correct way for the State. Moreover, party members also need to participate in order to maintain peace and stability in the country" he said.

The SAC was encouraging the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In doing so, he wanted the parties to cooperate as much as they could. 

He believed that the parties that would compete in the coming general election would be able to promote educational, economic and social development of their regions concerned, he added.

" As the pre-election process, we are conducting the census-taking and because the population census that is collected by the Ministry of Immigration and Manpower has had a basic list, it can be more accurate and correct. Census taking every ten years is an international standard that should be compulsorily conducted. Only if it is carried out, can the ballots be correctly registered. So, the parties need to participate." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

In the last elections, the winner-take-all system was exercised and regarding the application of proportional representation system, the discussions would be held with political parties and ethnic groups. Moreover, relating to the amendment of the constitution, they would carry out amendments to amend the laws that should be amended. In order to amend it, they would perform through the Hluttaw channel, said chairman of the SAC.

" While preparations are being made in order that the election can be successfully held, armed terrorist activities are barriers. We are making efforts to achieve stability and peace as soon as possible. The election must be a politically dignified one. The political parties need to participate with the spirit of doing good for the country." he said.

The meeting between Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and the political parties on 6th January, 2024 was attended by chairmen and vice chairmen from 39 political parties.

CNI News
7 January 2024

Undocumented foreign migrant workers in Malaysia might be arrested until around March, philanthropic organizations in Malaysia told CNI News.

 Arrests have been conducted with a lot of force since mid December, 2023 and the arrests like this might exist until around March, Ko Thet, chairman of Lovely Heart Philanthropic Youths Blood Donation Organization, told CNI News.

" Some migrant workers arrived in Malaysia recently for many reasons. Some have applied for residence permit books. But they haven't got the books yet. Some have applied for the books. But they don't have enough money. Some can't apply for the residence permit books because they have no jobs and they can't afford. All of them must be careful. You have to ask those who were in Malaysia earlier than you. In my opinion, many arrests probably will be around March." he said.

Arrests like this were rampant for the first time and they looked like a war and were scary, Myanmar citizens in Malaysia told CNI News.

While the arrests are currently being conducted, many Myanmar citizens are entering Malaysia through Thailand illegally daily. So, he wished them to stop entering like that, Hmwar Michael staying in Malaysia told CNI News.

" The period during which registration can be made has expired. There are arrests daily. I don't want undocumented workers to come to Malaysia through illegal channels. I want legal workers and the UNHCR card holders to work and stay in harmony with their environment." he said.

Myanmar nationals are among the most arrested and they have been arrested by the hundred reportedly.

Moreover, among those arrested were permit card holders and  they could be released sooner or later depending on their employers.

If Myanmar refugee card holders were arrested, because the UNHCR's reply whether those arrested were real refugee card holders was delayed, the refugees were staying in the detention camps, according to the people who are helping in the affairs of refugees.

CNI News
7 January 2024

The questions why the fuel crisis that fuel stations in states and regions are experiencing fuel shortages have not been resolved are arising. Although the prices of fuel are high, fuel shortages are still taking place.

Although the Central Bank of Myanmar sold the US dollars last month, as the amount of money that was sold was insufficient, the US dollar was scarce and fuel stations have no ability to store reserve fuel, the fuel crisis is going on taking place, an economic analyst on condition of anonymity told CNI News.

" Mainly, the fuel stations are not able to store reserve oil. It's necessary to store reserve oil. Now, as soon as the fuel arrives, it is sold at once. If the oil tankers arrive a bit late, the fuel is no more in the market. Although the Central Bank sells dollars, it's not enough. The bank sells around 10 million dollars. But  the fuel is imported for 1.5 million dollars each day. So, fuel importers have to find export earnings and then import fuel. But as you know, Chinese border trade has been affected at all. Thai border trade also has been affected very much. Those who import fuel are gradually finding it difficult to get dollars. They are kind of importing fuel for each day only." he said.

There was a shortage of petrol and diesel at some petrol stations in Yangon a few days ago. But fuel has been available again at present. In Yangon, the current price of diesel is 2,300 kyats per liter and that of 92 gasoline, 2,405 kyats per liter.

Fuel shortages occurred in the past due to price restrictions in selling fuel and foreign currency price regulations, U Thiha Paing, founder of the Via Logistics and Supply Chain, told CNI News.

" When fuel is being extracted from ships, there may also be fuel shortages. During the time between the entry of ships, there may also be fuel shortages. Moreover, due to the traffic jam, there may also be fuel shortages. Only if you pay the money, will you get the fuel. The main problem is that the price is unstable. There is a price issued by the fuel supervisory committee. There is a price you have to pay really when you buy the fuel. We have to wait for the decision between the two prices. So, there is also a delay. There is a price-adjusting problem between the price of buying in advance and the current price. So, there is a delay. Mainly, the problem is related to the logistics and supply chain. The previous fuel shortage was because of the dollar price problem." said U Thiha Paing.

Due to the government's control of the dollar in the past, there was a shortage of dollars. And then the fuel crisis arose. Although the dollar control has been relaxed at present, because export earnings through border trade is affected with territorial instabilities, there is still a need for dollars.

Moreover, because the dollar control has not been unconditionally relaxed at present, the fuel crisis might continue, said economic analystes.

CNI News
7 January 2024

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council met with Chinese deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong on 5th January.

Collaborative activities that would be conducted were discussed at the meeting for the stability of the border area, the SAC reported.

The meeting was attended by joint secretary of the SAC Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo, Myanmar Foreign Minister U Than Swe, Chairman of the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) and Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae and Secretary of the NSPNC Lt-Gen Min Naing from the Myanmar side, and Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Mr.Sun Weiding, Chinese Ambassador for Myanmar and China's special envoy for Asian affairs Mr.Deng Xijun.

On the day of the meeting between the SAC chairman and the Chinese delegation that arrived in Myanmar, the regional military command center in Laukkai had to retreat and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) was able to control Laukkai.

Moreover, when the MNDAA, the TNLA and the AA attacked the Tatmadaw in Hopang, the Tatmadaw's Hopang military strategist and its troops had to be moved to a safe place by the United Wa State Army (UWSA). After that, the UWSA controlled Hopang and Pan Lon townships and raised its flags in the towns.                     
The SAC's NSPNC and the Three Brotherhood Alliance (MNDAA, TNLA and AA) will meet and discuss in Kumming, China for the third time from 7th to 9th January in order to stop the ongoing fighting in northern Shan State (border with China).

CNI News
6 January 2024

Myanmar people, holding refugee cards, who are arrested in Malaysia, are finding it difficult.

Because the UNHCR is delaying to reply whether evidence documents are correct or not, the refugees have to be staying in the detention camps unless the UNHCR reply, those who are helping in the affairs of refugees told CNI News.

 As the response from the UNHCR side is delayed for a certain period of time, as long as the UNHCR has not replied, UN refugee card holders who are arrested have to be staying in the detention camps, U Nyi Nyi Lwin, director general of the Center for Arakan Refugees, told CNI News.

" It depends on how soon the UNHCR responds or how soon the Malaysian police and immigration department inform the UNHCR of the detainees. Some UN refugee card holders who were arrested had to stay in the detention camps for one to two weeks. UNHCR staff need to work outside the office. If they are waiting for the time when the police and immigration department or refugee organizations like us will inform, it may take long. We, refugee organizations, inform the UNHCR by phone or email if the UN refugee card holders are arrested. They usually don't reply. We have to solve 95 percent of the cases on our own after meeting the police and immigartion department." he said.

Police vans in which illegal foreigners are taken away

The UNHCR staff personally come inspect whether it is correct or not and if the detainees are real holders of the UN refugee cards, they will be released at once - the process like this would solve the problem quickly, pointed out Myanmar people in Malaysia.

At present, checks and arrests are being conducted in Malaysia almost everyday and many Myanmar citizens have been arrested, according to Myanmar people in Malaysia. Due to arrests and inspection in Malaysia in 2022-2023, detention camps and rooms were crowded with detainees. So, detention camps have been expanded reportedly.

Lots of policemen are currently arresting and so are immigration officers, Hmwar Michael living in Malaysia told CNI News.

Those detained in Malaysia

" If the policemen arrest the refugees, those arrested are taken to the police stations. And then, they are remanded in custody for two weeks. After that, evidence documents are inspected and they are handed over to the police. If the immigration officers arrest the refugees, those arrested are placed in the detention camps. And then, they are brought to court. They have to go to court from the detention camps. If they are found guilty, the court decides to send them to jail. If the police arrest, the problem might be solved at the police station. But it's not easy for you to solve the problem at the immigration department. If you don't have any evidence documents after the immigration officers arrested, you might have to stay at the detention camp for one to two months and you could be sentenced to at least three months. And then, you will be sent back to your native country. But if you can negotiate at the police station, it could be a bit convenient for you. Overstayers could have 30 percent of hope." he said.

Moreover, those detained were permit holders and depending on their employers, they could be released reportedly.

Because the deadline to apply for a Ricarlibraci permit has passed, more and more checks and arrests could increased, said Myanmar citizens in Malaysia.

CNI News
6 January 2024

EAOs have advised the State Administration Council to form a transitional government after the six month extention for the state of emergency expire on 31st January 2024, Col.Khun Okka, an EAO leader, told CNI News.

Their EAOs did not advise to form a coalition government but the EAOs advised to form a transitional government only, he said.

" It was wrong. It was just misinterpretted. We didn't mean a coalition government. We meaned the transitional authority. Its responsility is to supervise the transitional period. It is not even called a government. There were transitional authorities in the East Timor ans Nepal including other countries. Transitional Authority is included in our EAOs' roadmap." he said to CNI News.

While seeing representatives from EAOs

The Tatmadaw will have already taken the power for three years on 1st February, 2024 after declaring the state of emergency on 1st February 2021.

After January 31st, a transitional government or a coalition government may appear, which there are conversations among the political circles.

If the SAC formed a coalition governmant at present, that government would be of its choice, U Myo Kyaw, the spokesperson of the Uniuted Nationalities Alliance (UNA) told CNI News.

" Even If a coalition government arose, it would be the SAC's puppet government, I think because there was not a government that allowed the same power levels in the history of our country." he said.

While seeing representatives from political parties

While the EADs have advised the SAC to form a transitional government, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC would meet with political paties on 5th January to discuss the current Myanmar political situations. In the same way, a Chinese delegation will arrive in Myanmar and meet with the SAC officials including Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing on 5th and 6th January.

Because the six month extention for the state of emergency will expire on 31st January, the people from local and abroad are watching what the SAC will change next.

The Tatmadaw toppled down the NLD government on 1st February 2021 after saying the NLD was trying to form a government without solving the ballot dispute that took place in the 2020 general election. And then the Tatmadaw has taken the responsibility, declaring the state of emergency.

CNI News
6 January 2024

The special representative of the chairman of the ASEAN and Myanmar political parties enlisted by the Union Election Commission will meet on 12th January, 2024.

The current political situations and the ability to hold a free and fair general election will be discussed at the meeting.

However, inviting the ASEAN Special Representative to meet with Myanmar political parties has been wrong according to the procedure, pointed out the local politicians.    

" Although it's right that the UEC is responsible to hold a free and fair general election, that the UEC invites the ASEAN special representative to meet with the political parties is none of its business which might make other people misunderstand. The UEC has kind of controlled the parties. In fact, the office of the ASEAN Special Representative should invite the parties. It has sort of affected the State Administration Council rather than strengthen the institution of the SAC." said a political analyst.

while seeing some political party representatives and the UEC chairman U Thein Soe

It is also said that the recommendation document for the successful holding of a multi-party democratic general election must be submitted to the UEC by the political parties after they meet with the special representative on 12th January.

If it is a party that will compete nationwide, it must submit a recommendation document relating to the nationwide and if it is a party that will compete in a region or a state, particulars relating to a state or a region must be submitted to the UEC, according to the political parties.

After the new enactment of the Political Parties Re-Registration Act, there are 45 political parties that are registered by the UEC on 31st January, 2024.

CNI News

5 January 2024

The present time is an important period for the restoration of Special Region (1), said U Pheung Daxun on 1st January 2024 in his New Year Message.

U Pheung Daxun has taken responsibilities as general secretary of the Myanmar National Truth and Justice Party, as the Commander in Chief of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and as the chairman of the Shan State Special Region (1) Administrative Committee.

" Regaining power of the Special Region-1 of Shan State, Myanmar is just the first step in our national process. We have made preparations for party, administrative committee, military construction system, political system, administrative system and cadre training. But our forces have to inherit the frugal tradition of old revolutionists and their ways to do and must work hard all out together with the people for the regional development on the basis of the constitution of the Special Region-1." said U Pheung Daxun.

While seeing the MNDAA force

After that, however hard the future of Kokang region was, the special region administrative committee would not allow online gambling and narcotic drug industries. 

The people should not be oppressed. Corruption and bad habits that arose during the period when the puppet organization ruled would be absolutely eradicated, he said.

" What I can responsibly tell all the soldiers and civilians within the special region-1, the Myanmar National Truth and Justice Party (MNTJP), the MNDAA and the Special Region-1 Administrative Committee promise to make the special regional-1 peacefully develop. Because the present time is important for the restoration of the Special Region-1, if all the forces are able to overcome the final difficulties, the final success will arrive in the hands of the people, which I believe fully." said U Pheung Taxun.

It was strange that U Pheung Taxun's 2024 New Year Message did not contain anything about the federal charter and the NUG. The main objective of the Operation-1027 was to regain the Special Region-1 of the MNDAA and the operation was not obviously related to the NUG's Spring Revolution, pointed out political commentators.

While raising the flag of MNDAA in a town occupied by MNDAA

Even though U Pheung Daxun said that he would rebuild the Special Region (1), he did not reveal which regions would be consolidated and rebuilt as Special Region (1).  

The Kokang force led by U Pheung Kya-shin, father of U Pheung Daxun, made peace with the State Peace and Development Council in 1989 and Laukkai and Kon Kyan regions designated as the Special Region (1) after which the Kokang force was allowed to rule.

However, when the Tatmadaw pressured the Kokang force to convert to militia or border guard force in 2009, the battles broke out between the Tatmadaw and the Kokang force. And then, the Kokang force had to leave the Special Region (1). 

The MNDAA launched the Operation-1027 on 27th October 2023 and waging battles to capture the Tatmadaw camps and towns. The MNDAA has captured Konkyan, Phaung Sai, Chin Shwe Haw, Mong Ko, Hsenni and is launching an offensive in order to capture Kutkai and Laukkai. 

According to the Section-56(e) of the 2008 Constitution, Konkyan and Laukkai Townships have been designated as the Special Region (1).

CNI News

5 January 2024

The economic growth of a country can assessed by looking the development of its Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and at present, MSMEs within Myanmar have needed market and technology support, businessmen told CNI News.

Although successive governments helped MSMEs by issuing loans, the development of MSMEs is still low. 

Without receiving market and technology support, getting loans alone would not be convenient for MSME businessmen, U Thet Zaw, an economic commentator told CNI News.

" Frankly speaking, SMEs need market and technology support. Market and raw materials must be supported and it's necessary to better the production processes so that SMEs can improve. Lending money alone alone won't produce any good result. In due course, a lot of debts will be left with borrowers." he said.

MSMEs are important to economically underdeveloped countries like Myanmar. However, most of MSMEs do not have market at present. So, their productivities have been reduced and some MSMEs have stopped.

While seeing the glazed earthen jar industry

Such a reduction in growth is directly related to the country's economic decline. 99 percent of businesses in Myanmar are MSMEs and their growth and decline will be directly related to the country's economy.

Although loans are being lent to MSMEs, some enterprises have not got the loans. As a consequence of the current lack of territorial stability, due to the difficulty of transportation, the rate of production and the rate of consumption were not equal, an official from Kyi Pyar egg poultry farming business in Mandalay Region told CNI News.

" Some businessmen don't get the loans. Loans are not issued to some micro and small enterprises. Mainly, there are no markets. There are still production places. But to send the products to places where there are consumers, routes are being closed. Next, people don't have enough money to buy and eat. So, consumption is decreasing. Moreover, because the transportation is difficult between the production places and consumer places, products are piling at the production places. So, the prices have gone up at the places where there are no products. As the production places are stable, production can be regularly conducted." he said.

Moreover, there are difficulties to get import licenses for some MSMEs to get raw materials from abroad.

Successive governments were not able to make MSMEs successful. Myanmar has no ability to compete with regional countries in MSMEs. In fact, MSMEs in Myanmar are finding it difficult to exist anymore.

The long-term sustainability of MSMEs should be taken into account in order to revive the country's economy, pointed out businessmen.