Nay pyi taw August 18
Chairman of State Security and Peace Commission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met MSME entrepreneurs from Magway Region at the town hall in Magway this morning and discussed production development.
Also present at the meeting together with the Senior General were SSPC Secretary Joint Executive Chief General Ye Win Oo, union ministers U Min Naung, U Khin Maung Yi and Dr Charlie Than, Magway Region Chief Minister U Tint Lwin, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Central Command commander, officials, members of the region cabinet, and departmental officials.
Individual discussions on regional development undertakings presented
The chief minister reported on ongoing undertakings for progress of oil crop cultivation, implementation of year-wise solar-powered river water pumping stations, plantation of windbreaker shade trees for greening the region and heat resistance, programs for erecting religious buildings, fast-growing tree plantations for bringing down temperatures in Chauk, opening of libraries in basic education schools, health and education promotion activities, development of regional products, operating river water pumping stations to ensure sufficient water supply, and dams that support greening activities, apart from ensuring sufficient water supply, undertakings for peace, stability and rule of law in the area, endeavours for develop-ment of agriculture and MSMEs in Magway Region, success of agricultural undertakings due
to the acquirement of an adequate amount of rainfall, endeavours for meeting the cultivation target and further increasing per-acre yield, establishment of farming zones for progress of the farming industry, production industries that rely on local agricultural products, necessary loans for investments in MSMEs development, holding of MSME product fairs and opening of agriculture schools.
Elders from Magway and local MSME entrepreneurs report on the need to erect an all-weather freight-handling jetty on Magway bank of the Ayeyawady River, improvement of roads leading to Magway, State’s involvement in upgrading textile factories to product quality products that may be supportive of cotton cultivation, assistance for seeking markets for onion, a kitchen crops produced in the region, availability of foreign quality potato species.
Supplementary discussions
In response, the Senior General said underground dam project needs continuation as it ensures sufficient water supply and environmental greening. Roads will be improved as per the rule for smooth transportation. Cultivation of long staple cotton will ensure high quality pro-ducts. MSMEs must rely on local goods for their products. The region must produce more cotton to manufacture cotton fabrics. Edible crops export is permitted if it had no impact on local food demand.
Sector-wise clarifications by union ministers
Union ministers, U Min Naung, U Khin Maung Yi and Dr Charlie Than explained the ongoing ministrywise accomplishments, arrangements for local agriculture products to fetch reasonable prices and availability of quality potato species from abroad, cultivating long staple cotton to produce high quality cotton fabrics, establishment of river water pumping stations for further progress of crop industry, the need to develop wine production in Minbu and other areas which have successful vineyards, tree plantation and environmental conservation for greening of the region, State’s endeavours for greening of the 13 dry districts through forest plantations and conservation, public involvement in haze reduction, need to grow long staple cotton for producing quality fabrics and machinery and financial requirements, and assistance for MSME development.
Emphasize holding a free and fair election without frauds
The Senior General said that he has frequently visited Magway City and has clearly explained the circumstances under which the Tatmadaw has carried out State responsibilities and set forth future action plans. The final point of these plans is to ensure that the rights of all eligible voters are fully protected and that a general election is conducted properly and fairly, in accordance with the correct procedures, so that the resulting government can be entrusted with State duties. They also noted that during the 2020 general election, irregularities occurred, and because these were not resolved in accordance with the law, a state of emergency had to be declared and state responsibilities carried out.
When the voter lists were re-examined, errors and discrepancies in the voter lists were also identified.
For the upcoming general multi-party democratic election, efforts have been successfully carried out to a certain extent to ensure that accurate voter lists are obtained and that errors are prevented, based on the 2024 Population and Housing Census.
The Tatmadaw is an integral part of the State, and its members originate from among the
people. The Tatmadaw has agreed to support moving for-ward along the multi-party democratic path desired by the people. Preparatory work is currently underway to ensure that a free and fair election can be held this December.
It was stated that after the election, representatives from ethnic groups and all levels of society will be broadly included in the Hluttaw. For this upcoming election, the Pyithu Hluttaw will use the FPTP system, while the Amyotha Hluttaw and the Region/State Hluttaws will use the mixed-member proportional (MMP) system. It was also noted that foreign countries have expressed support for holding elections in the country.
During the election, efforts must be made to ensure a free and fair process and to conduct an election free from irregularities. Therefore, arrangements are being made to enable voting using Myanmar Electronic Voting Machines (MEVMs), which are also being used in other countries. Those who wish to pursue the democratic system should cast their votes during the elections, and when voting, it is necessary to choose candidates who can truly serve the interests of their local areas and the nation.
Efforts must be collectively made to ensure a credible election and a credible Hluttaw. Therefore, the State will take measures to enable all eligible voters to cast their votes. The Constitution provides that, if possible, the election should be held in a single round. However, given the current situation in the country, some areas are not yet fully peaceful, and voters who are temporarily displaced or residing abroad will also be facilitated to cast their votes. The general multi-party democratic election will begin on 28 December and will be conducted in stages. During this proc-ess, measures will be taken to prevent any irregularities in voting.
Efforts to develop agriculture and livestock processes
Since our country’s economy is based on agriculture and livestock, efforts must be made to develop and advance these sectors. Historically, agricultural and livestock production faced limitations, which led to shortages in exports and a tendency to extract natural resources. Excessive extraction and use of forest resources were also observed, while reforestation and conservation efforts were insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out reforestation and preservation of trees and forests, which are natural resources on the land.
Agricultural and livestock activities must be promoted to support the country’s economic development. Cotton cultivation in Magway Region has declined. Since Magway Region is a primary cotton-growing area, efforts should be made to increase cotton production and develop cotton-based industrial products as a model. It was also noted that people have basic daily needs for food and clothing. Therefore, if cotton cultivation is expanded and tex-tile production becomes possible, it will bring significant benefits to the region. Accurate recordkeeping and data management related to agriculture must also be ensured.
Rice sufficiency in Magway Region has improved due to the current high paddy yields, and efforts should continue to further enhance this progress. Similarly, to support local food security, appropriate livestock—such as chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, and cattle—should also be raised in line with regional conditions. If the region can achieve the nationally set per-acre production targets, it will greatly contribute to local economic development. To ensure sufficient water for agricultural activities, water from the Ayeyawady River should be widely utilized through solar-powered river-lifting systems. This year, due to favorable rainfall during the rainy season, the Magway Region remains lush and fertile, which is a gratifying development.
There are suitable locations within the Ayeyawady River for constructing low-head dams.
Building such dams would enable the generation of hydroelectric power and provide significant benefits for agricultural activities. Similarly, they would also support the transport of goods along the river, so planning should take into account the river’s full length. Those who care for the region are encouraged to take a leading role in implementing these initiatives for the benefit of the local area.
The Senior General stated that the Magway Region requires knowledgeable and skilled hu-man resources for its agricultural and farming sectors. There-fore, industrial and agricultural basic education schools are being opened to address this need. He emphasized that officials at all levels must strictly supervise efforts to ensure all school-aged children in the region attend school and to increase the number of educated people. He explained that only with knowledge can skills be acquired, and only when the region has an abundance of educated people can its economy be further developed. He stated that as the Magway Region has a sufficient number of universities and colleges, it is necessary to work with a special emphasis on producing the educated human resources needed for the region. He proudly noted the remarkable emergence of a student from Minbu, Magway Region, who achieved the highest marks nationwide, becoming “The Whole Myanmar First” in the 2024-2025 matriculation examination. He expressed his desire for other youths to make similar efforts.
The Senior General then stated that to improve life expectancy in the Magway Region, a healthy lifestyle is necessary. He added that the state is providing as much as possible to improve public health and that the multi-party democratic path aspired by the people and the constitution (2008) was drafted before approving it at a referendum. In 2010, the country began to adopt multi-party democracy and the Tatmadaw has continued to make efforts to enable the country to move forward along the democratic path firmly.
During the term of the first democratic government, efforts were made to take the democratic path firmly. During the tenure of the second democratic government, state responsibilities were carried out under foreign interference of so-called democracy liberalism and for-eign advisors were appointed. Rhetoric and instigation causing hatred against the Tatmadaw were made explicitly or implicitly. Similarly, the country faced a total failure in economic, administrative and other various sectors because it failed to carry out its tasks successfully. Importantly, attempts were made to reject the centrality of the Tatmadaw based on hatred over past events.
The second democratic government attempted to cause voting irregularities in the 2020 multi-party democracy general election to retain its hold on power. The Tatmadaw urgedit
to solve the voting irregularities repeatedly but it refused to do so and attempted to retain the State power forcefully. There-fore, the Tatmadaw had to assume State responsibilities by declaring a state of emergency in the country.
When we assumed state responsibilities, protests and demonstrations occurred, leading to violent attacks and killings. These issues, arising from political disagreements, must be resolved politically. To conduct elections, a population and household census was carried out in 2024 to ensure accurate voter lists. It was announced today that the election will commence on December 28.
Regarding amendments to the constitution, the Tatmadaw agrees to make certain amendments in accordance with rules and regulations. The Tatmadaw will cooperate in ensuring a proper democratic system and will fulfill its duty to protect the nation. When the election is held and the winning party assumes state responsibilities, military representatives in the parliament will participate in national affairs. The Tatmadaw will also engage in the national political role assigned by the constitution and protect it. The military’s role is not to engage in politics but to serve in national defence tasks.
All military personnel originate from the public, and the Tatmadaw is a part of the state. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out defence tasks to ensure the safety of the people’s lives and property.
Due to weaknesses in education in our country, efforts are being made to improve educational standards. Weaknesses in education lead to deficiencies in individuals’ thinking and foresight. Only when the country has an abundance of educated people can development efforts be advanced further. Educated youth with high critical thinking skills can contribute to the nation’s stability and peace. The Tatmadaw has also worked to enhance the education of its personnel and their families. We must encourage our child-ren to become educated youth capable of critical thinking.
In performing duties, mutual respect between ranks is essential to becoming good soldiers. During the election to be held in December, candidates should be selected based on their ability to serve the nation’s interests with goodwill. Citizens should vote diligently to fulfill their duties as good citizens. International observers will also visit to monitor the election process. We must prepare to ensure that the incoming government can genuinely serve the nation’s interests.
Paying homage to the Mya Thalon Pagoda
Afterward, the Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, along with their members, visited the Mya Thalon Pagoda in Magway, where they were welcomed and greeted by the members of the Trustees.
Then, they paid homage to the Mya Thalon Pagoda and offered flowers, water, and oil lamps. The Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission signed the Pagoda’s guest book.
Then, the Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission and his wife made various donations for the Pagoda, which were received by the Trustees and returned the Dhamma gifts.
Then, the Chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission and his wife walked around the pagoda clockwise and paid homage to the Buddha Tooth Relic and the replica of the pagoda in the Maha Pha Laran Thitansaung. They then inspected the progress of the expansion of the pagoda courtyard and gave necessary instructions based on the reports of the officials.
The Chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission and members continued their tour along the waterfront by vehicles. Then, they arrived at the Kanth Mingalar Lake and traveled around the lake in buggy vehicles.
