Tatmadaw serves as the core of national development, success of election and peace and stability
NAY PYI TAW May 23
Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met officers, other ranks and families of Kengtung Station, Triangle Region Command, at the Pyaynyeinaye Hall of the command HQ this afternoon.
Also present were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife of the Senior General, Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Kyaw Swa Lin and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htain Win and wife, Commander- in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung and wife, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and wives, and the Triangle Region Command commander.
Political developments of the nation
In his address, the Senior General said political developments of the country and other matters will be explained at the meeting. The nation will hold a multi-party democracy general election at the end of this year. Because of the vote rigging that occurred during the 2020 multi-party democracy general election, the Tatmadaw has to shoulder the duties of the State in accord with the 2008 Constitution.
When Tatmadaw started to assume the State duties, disturbances and protests caused by political disagreements appeared and later, terrorist acts erupted. COVID-19 broke out during the time and the country had to face departures of some unfaithful civilian servants from their duties and had to overcome the hardships with available forces. Thanks to the endeavours to control terrorist acts in accord with the law, they gradually died down later.
Natural disasters
Apart from terrorism, the country also faced natural disasters. In 2023, cyclone Mocha hit Rakhine State, causing about
Ks-534 billion worth of loss and damages. Soon after the occurrence of the cyclone, the Senior General visited the devastated areas and facilitated rehabilitation undertakings, and they were in full swing within six months. International aid also arrived in the country. In 2024, downpours propelled by typhoon Yagi also brought about a lot of loss and destruction. The nation and people suffered large-scale destruction and losses during the recent Mandalay earthquake jolted on 28 March. Hence, the country had to face various kinds of natural disasters, terrorism, severe storms, inundation and earthquakes. The government gathered all available forces to overcome those natural disasters. As regards the quake damages, international rescue and relief teams were provided with collective support and assistance. Within an hour after the quake jolted, the Senior General surveyed the degree of loss and damage in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, informed the nation about the situation and arranged means for the arrival of international assistance. As the international rescue and relief teams worked hand in hand with their local counterparts, many lives could be saved.
Holding a multi-party democracy general election
In line with the responsibilities assumed under the Constitution, the government has affirmed its commitment to holding a multi-party democracy general election. Preparations for the election are currently under way, with the national census already completed as part of the process. To ensure a clean election, efforts are being made to enable voters to use Electronic Voting Machines. Voting with Electronic Voting Machines can minimize voter registration errors.
Following the elections, efforts must be made to ensure that the Union, region, and state Hluttaws are able to convene properly. It is essential for all stakeholders to make concerted efforts to ensure the successful conduct of the election. In casting their votes, citizens are urged to choose candidates who can genuinely serve the interests of both the region and the nation. Tatmadaw must also continue to serve as a pillar for national development, the successful conduct of elections, and the maintenance of stability and peace.
Must possess full combat power and capability
Tatmadaw holds the primary responsibility for national defence, and to fulfill this duty, each individual and unit must possess full combat power and capability. All military personnel joined the armed forces of their own free will, without any external pressure. The military provides basic training and military education tailored to each individual’s skill level. Individuals need to perform daily physical fitness exercises to improve their health, as physical fitness directly enhances their combat power. To achieve full combat power, each military member must possess the necessary skills and abilities, as must each unit as a whole.
Regional economic development must contribute to national economic growth
In addition to fulfilling the duties of national defence, the Tatmadaw must also actively support national economic development. By ensuring the welfare of Tatmadaw personnel in terms of food, shelter, and living conditions, they can also contribute to regional economic growth. Similarly, surplus meat, fish, eggs, and vegetables from military farming and livestock operations can be sold to local communities at fair prices, further supporting the regional economy. Individual manageable-scale farming initiatives should also be encouraged. Military agricultural projects greatly benefit the well-being of officers, soldiers, and their families. Moreover, ensuring regional stability and peace will further drive economic progress. The economic development of each region must ultimately contribute to the nation’s overall economic advancement.
Enhancing the education of Tatmadaw family members
Regarding education, the school enrollment period began on the 22nd of this month. The Tatmadaw continuously supports the educational advancement of students from military families, and parents are urged to prioritize their children’s education. A strong education is essential for lifelong personal development, so educational efforts must be encouraged. The government is also working nationwide to improve education by providing various forms of support and assistance.
Building unity and solidarity within and beyond the Tatmadaw
Unity within the military and among different units must be strengthened. Officers, other ranks, and their families should treat one another as siblings, fostering a spirit of familial solidarity. Assigned duties and orders must be carried out diligently. Challenges should be overcome with the mindset of however high a mountain is, it must be beneath the foot of the climber. Additionally, military personnel must integrate with local communities as one, carrying out systematic public relations efforts to benefit
both the region and its people. Through unity, the interests of the people and the nation must be advanced. Following these directives, the needs of officers, other ranks, and their families were addressed.
Afterward, the Senior General distributed food supplies to officers, other ranks, and their families from the Kengtung Station. The commander accepted the provisions on their behalf. Separately, the wife of the Senior General presented funds to the station’s maternal and child welfare association, which were received by the commander’s wife.
At the end of the meeting, the Senior General, his wife, and party warmly greeted the attending Tatmadaw families.
Later, the Senior General, his wife, and party visited the Kengtung Regional Military Hospital, where they met with officers, other ranks, their families, and local civilians receiving treatment. They inquired about each individual’s health, offered words of encouragement, and distributed food supplies.
