Even though Burma’s nominally civilian government has been running the country for nearly one year now, there has been no change for the ethnic people of Burma, said Banyar Aung Moe, an elected member of Amyotha Hluttaw (National Parliament).

Burma's Member of Parliament's attend the second session of Parliament in Naypyidaw. (Photo: Associated Press)

 “They [the government] do not want to talk about the rights of ethnic people. I keep proposing it every time whenever I get the chance. But it seems they want to delay talking about it,” he said.

During the first session of parliament, Banyar Aung Moe said that he proposed giving the right of teaching in ethnic languages for ethnic people. However, the proposal was rejected.

Banyar Aung Moe is from No. 7 Mon State Constituency in Ye Township, and he also raised questions about the local fishermen in Ye and Yebyu Townships in Tenasserim Division who have to deal with fishing on a manageable scale having to pay heavy duties from the first session of parliament on March 23.

He said that most fishermen been unable to earn enough for their livelihood, and have gone abroad to do other jobs. He wanted to know whether the government has a plan to regulate the situation.

The chief Minister of Mon State, Ohn Myint, was not happy about he raised question at parliament about the development of Mon State according to the source.

Nai Sunthorn, Chairman of Mon Unity League, said that Banyar Aung Moe took a more active role and exercised his duty at parliament well among the seven Mon representatives currently serving in the National and People’s Parliaments.

“I kept proposing in the second session of parliament about the right of ethic people to teach in their own language. The chairman of the parliament told me to write rules of law about the ethic people.

“I have already proposed it to the chairman, but he told me that the issue will not be discussed until the third session of parliament,” he said.

The force of democracy in parliament is weak as the military generals and the Union Solidarity and Development Party members hold a large majority in both parliaments.

“We have about 80 people, while they have about 600 people. It is difficult to discuss the issues that we propose while they have such a vast majority,” he said.

He believed that the force of democracy at parliament will eventually become stronger in the future as Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, the National League for Democracy, have decided to run in the upcoming by-elections.

While some observers have asserted that there is political change in Burma, Banyar Aung Moe said that this is just beginning of change. There are more reforms that need to happen, and he said that there should be nationwide ceasefire in the country.

“We do not know what their strategy is for ceasefire talks with the New Mon State Party. Actually, they [the Burmese government] need to bring in some representatives from the Mon party [All Mon Regions Democracy Party] in order to build more trust,” he said.

 

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