Many famous Myanmar athletes emerge in international ... Gyi set a record in the snatch event of the...

Established 1914

Fullmoon Day of Pyatho 1368 ME Tuesday, 2 January, 2007Volume XIV, Number 261

Emergence of the State Constitution is the duty of all citizens of Myanmar Naing-Ngan.

Sovereignty is the lifeblood of a nation. The three powers — legislative,executive and judicial—must be understood as sovereignty. These threepowers must be in the hands of our citizens and our national races. Wecannot put them in the hands of any alien directly or indirectly. Once thesovereignty of our country is influenced in any way by others, it is tan-tamount to indirect enslavement under neo-colonialism. Hence, the Tatmadawmust ensure perpetuation of sovereignty at the risk of lives.

Senior General Than ShweChairman of the State Peace and Development Council

Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services(From address delivered at the parade of the 52nd Anniversary

Armed Forces Day)

Ensure perpetuation of sovereignty at risk of lives

YANGON, 1 Jan —The dinner to mark the60th Anniversary ofMyanmar Olympic Com-mittee was held atKaraweik Palace thisevening, attended byChairman of MyanmarNational Olympic Coun-cil Secretary-1 of the StatePeace and DevelopmentCouncil Lt-Gen TheinSein.

Lt-Gen TheinSein made a speech on theoccasion. Also present atthe dinner were Lt-GenMyint Swe of the Minis-try of Defence, membersof MNOC, Chairman ofMyanmar Olympic Com-mittee Minister for SportsBrig-Gen Thura AyeMyint, Vice-ChairmanMayor Brig-Gen AungThein Lin and members,the director-general of theSPDC Office, heads ofdepartments and respon-sible personnel, formerChairmen and formerGeneral Secretaries ofMOC, Myanmar selectedplayers who participatedin Olympic Games andguests.

Many famous Myanmar athletesemerge in international events

HAILING THE 59TH ANNIVERSARY

INDEPENDENCE DAY

ARTICLE Hence, such personscannot pay any atten-tion to the…

PPPPPO E MO E MO E MO E MO E M

PAGE 6

PAGE 7True patriotism…

CCCCCARTOONARTOONARTOONARTOONARTOON

PAGE 7

Take full cognizance of

Objectives...

First, Secretary-1Lt-Gen Thein Sein made aspeech on the occasion.He said that it is the 60thanniversary of theMyanmar Olympic Com-mittee that has been steer-ing and administering thecountry’s sports sector toraise its standard.

Formed in 1946,the MOC has witnessedand the ups and downs ofMyanmar sports. It is anhonour for the MOC tostrive for systematicprogress and perpetuationof the Myanmar sports

based on its many experi-ences throughout the pastsuccessive years.

MOC is a mem-ber of International Ol-ympic Committee that hasalready turned 100. TheWorld Olympics began in1896. Myanmar has beenparticipating in the glo-bal sports competitionssince the 14th World Ol-ympic in 1948 till the 28thWorld Olympics held in2004, except from the21st event.

Myanmar has notwon any medals yet in the

World Olympics, but herfootball team won the FairPlay Trophy at the 20thWorld Olympics held in1972. Aung Gyi set arecord in the snatch eventof the weightlifting com-petitions of the World Ol-ympics.

The country hasbeen taking part in theAsian Games and South-east Games as the found-ing member. Myanmar haswon medals and victoriesin the events from South-east Asian Games to Asian

(See page 8)

Secretary-1 attends dinner to mark60th Anniversary of MOC

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein delivers an address at 60th Anniversary of Myanmar Olympic Committee. — MNA

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2 THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Tuesday, 2 January, 2007

PERSPECTIVES* Oppose those relying on external elements, acting as stooges, holding negative views* Oppose those trying to jeopardize stability of the State and progress of the nation* Oppose foreign nations interfering in internal affairs of the State* Crush all internal and external destructive elements as the common enemy

People’s DesireTuesday, 2 January, 2007

For soonest realizationof national objectives

With prevalence of peace and stability,the government is taking all the necessary meas-ures for strengthening national economy in theprocess of transition to democracy. Remarkableprogress has been made in this regard.

Turning a blind eye to national develop-ment, destructive elements holding negative viewsin collusion with internal and external destruc-tionists are perpetrating subversive acts and im-posing economic sanctions against the country.

Only when each and every citizen is im-bued with wisdom, knowledge and national out-look will he be able to correctly discern thecurrent events of the world.

This is why development of the educationsector is of utmost importance. Uplift of educa-tion standards of the entire nation being imple-mented in the education sector proved to be acontributing factor for national development.

This being so, teachers are to train andnurture students not only to be outstanding intheir studies but also to be endowed with knowl-edge and common sense so that they can distin-guish good from bad or right from wrong.

Only then, will they be able to engage innation-building endeavours all the more, therebycontributing to soonest emergence of a peaceful,modern, developed and discipline-flourishingdemocratic nation.

NAY PYI TAW, 1 Jan—Minister for ElectricPower No 1 Col Zaw Minmet with Mr ShiChongliang, Vice-Presi-dent of China Power In-vestment Corporation(CPI) at his office here on28 December.

Also present at the callwere Deputy Minister UMyo Myint, directors-general of enterprises un-der the the ministry, Viec-President of Departmentof Planning and Develop-ment Mr Wang Xian Chunand responsible personsof CPI and Managing Di-rector U Tun Myint Naingof Asia World Co Ltd.

They discussed mat-ters related to implemen-tation of Maykha Malikhavalley region hydel powerproject and Ayeyawadyconfluence hydel powerproject.

Next, the officials ofHydel Power Implemen-tation Department andpersonnel of China PowerInvestment Cooperationsigned the MoU forMaykha Malikha WaterResources Development

Matters on implementation ofhydel power projects

discussedand Ayeyawady conflu-ence hydel power project.

After the signing cer-emony, Director-GeneralU Aung Koe Shwe andMr Wang Xian Chun ofCPI exchanged the docu-ments and had a documen-tary photo taken.

Hydel Power Imple-mentation Departmentand CIP will build Chibwe2,000-megawatt HydelPower Project on Maykhariver and 3,600-megawattHydel Power Project inthe confluence.

MNA

Patron of Yangon Division WAO Daw Mar Mar Wai presentsK 200,000 to Mental Health Hospital (Yangon). — YCDC

Electric Power Ministerreceives guest

NAY PYI TAW, 1 Jan— Minister for ElectricPower No-2 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint received MrXie Ming Liang, President of Central China Power GridInternational Economic and Trade Co Ltd of the People'sRepublic of China at the ministry here on 27 December.

They discussed matters related to win-win co-operation in the electric power sector between the twocountries.

Also present at the meeting were Director-Gen-eral of Electric Power Department Dr Thein Tun, Manag-ing Director of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise DrSan Oo and officials concerned.—MNA

MWAF Vice-President visitsMental Health Hospital

(Yangon)YANGON, 31 Dec—Collective sanitation task,

growing of physic nut plants and cash donations wereorganized by Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation,members of MWA of Dagon Myothit (East) township,members of social organizations and departmental officilsat Mental Health Hospital (Yangon) in Dagon Myothit(East) Township this morning.

Present also on the occasion was MWAF Vice-President Daw Khin Thet Htay.

Next, the Vice-President and members plantedphysic nut plants and extended greetings to the patients.The Vice-President and visitors inspected the collectivesanitation task and observed the serving of breakfast tothe patients. Next , the donors presented cash and kindworth K 6.75 million to Head of Yangon Division HealthDepartment Dr Hla Myint and Medical SuperintendentDr Zaw Win of Mental Health Hospital (Yangon).

MNA

YANGON, 1 Jan — GantgawU Publishing Housepublished translation of “The Story of CivilizationOur Oriental Heritage II” by writer Hlaing Thin today.

The book features basic foundations of India,Lord of Buddha, life of nationalities, lives of gods,mental life, literature of India and artistic works ofIndia.

MNA

F&R Minister meets officersfrom departments,

enterprises in Ayeyawady DivYANGON, 1 Jan — Minister for Finance and

Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun met with officers from thedepartments and enterprises at the meeting hall of MyanmaEconomic Bank in Ayeyawady Division yesterday.

During his meeting with the officers, the minis-ter gave instructions on functions of the departments andenterprises. The meeting was attended by ManagingDirector of MEB U Myat Maw and responsible personnelat division, district and township levels in AyeyawadyDivision.

Responsible personnel briefed the minister onaccomplishment of functions during the fiscal year andfuture tasks and Managing Director U Myat Maw onfinancial matters and banking services.

Afterwards, the minister made a speech, say-ing that responsible personnel are to actively partici-pate in the regional development tasks together withthe local people while performing financial dutiesand banking services and to try their best to become

Translation of “The Story ofCivilization Our OrientalHeritage II” in circulation

good service personnel on whom the local peoplecould rely. The following day, Minister Maj-Gen HlaTun together with Managing Director of MEB, Man-aging Director of Myanma Insurance and Director-General of Pension Department U Kyaw Htay in-spected progress in building the new Division Man-ager’s Office in Pathein.

MNA

Proposals to be publishedYANGON, 1 Jan— Proposals of Delegate Group

of State Service Personnel and Delegate Group ofOther Invited Persons on laying down detailedbasic principles for Chapters “Amendment of theConstitution”, “State Flag, State Seal, NationalAnthem and the Capital”, “Transitory Provisions”and “General Provisions” to be included in draftingthe State Constitution made at the Plenary Sessionof the National Convention held at PyidaungsuHall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Town-ship, Yangon Division, will be published in thedailies. — MNA

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THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Tuesday, 2 January, 2007 3

YANGON, 1 Jan— The following is a translationof proposals on laying down detailed basic principles forchapters “Amendment of the Constitution”, “State Flag,State Seal, National Anthem and the Capital”, “TransitoryProvisions” and “General Provisions” to be included indrafting the State Constitution presented by the DelegateGroup of Intellectuals and Intelligentsia at the PlenarySession of the National Convention held at PyidaungsuHall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township,Yangon Division, on 28-12-2006.

Mr Chairman and members of the panel of chairmen,the chairman and members of the National ConventionConvening Commission, the chairman and members ofthe NCC Work Committee, the chairman and members ofthe NCC Management Committee and NC delegates.

I am U Win Maung (Tampawady). Now, I will readout the first part of the proposal of our group.Mr Chairman,

I would like to make suggestions about the points theWork Committee chairman explained at the NationalConvention plenary session on 10 and 13 November2006 to lay down the detailed basic principles for theChapter “Amendment of the Constitution”, Chapter “StateFlag, State Seal, National Anthem and the Capital”,Chapter “Transitory Provisions” and Chapter “GeneralProvisions” to be included in the State Constitution.

In order to make sure effectiveness, we membersgrouped ourselves into four sub-groups according tobackground knowledge and interest, and each group helddiscussions about each of the four chapters.Mr Chairman,

Each of the four sub-groups read out the proposalpaper and it had compiled for the approval of the sub-group concerned. Then, the four proposals of the foursub-groups were submitted for the approval of the wholegroup.Mr Chairman,

At first, I would like to present our views about thedetailed basic principles proposed for the Chapter“Amendment of the Constitution”.

As you know the State Constitution is the basic lawof the laws of a nation. It is natural that however much aState constitution is written completely, sooner or later itwill need amendments according to the changes. So,specific procedures should be prescribed in advance inthe process of making amendments to the Stateconstitution.

It was explained that regarding amendments, theConstitutions of some nations and the 1947 Constitutionand the 1974 Constitution of the Union of Myanmarprescribe a separate Chapter. And the method of

The Flag is marked with green, yellow and red stripes in aproportionate ratio. On the left end of the green stripe atthe top of the Flag is a large white star directing upwards

amendment should be designated, and the proposal for anamendment should be in the form of a Bill, and that theBill should contain no other proposals. The explanationis systematic and all the attention can be focused on theBill. So, we consider it is appropriate.Mr Chairman,

But, in this regard, there should be a detailed basicprinciple that prescribes which Hluttaw should initiatethe Bill.

The constitutions of some countries have twoHluttaws each, and some countries, only one Hluttaw.The new Constitution will have two Hluttaws — thePyithu Hluttaw and the Amyotha Hluttaw. ThePyidaungsu Hluttaw, the highest organ, comprises thesaid two Hluttaws. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw will solelydraw and enact the laws.

Therefore, the Work Committee chairman’sexplanation “Such Bill to amend the Constitution may beinitiated in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw” is appropriate.

He said that instead of submitting the Bill directly tothe Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, there should be a stipulation,and the submission of the Bill should be in accord withthe provisions. And the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw shouldconsider discussing the Bill only if at least 20 per cent ofall the members of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw submit it.

In this regard, we believe that the proceedings ofamendment to the State constitution will ensure carefulattention of the members in submitting proposals if theminimum number of the members is fixed at a greaternumber instead of 20 per cent in order to avert submittingproposals of unrestricted amendments to the PyidaungsuHluttaw and a waste of time.Mr Chairman,

He also explained the procedures of submitting aBill to make amendments to the State Constitution.Then, we conducted a study on the constitutions ofsome countries and the 1947 Constitution and the1974 constitution of Myanmar to know the proceduresof how make amendments can be made to specificprovisions prescribed in the constitutions in theconstitutions. The main articles shall be amended withthe prior approval of 75 per cent of all the members ofthe Pyithu Hluttaw, in a referendum only with a majorityvote of more than half of those who have the right tovote. Provisions other than those mentioned in theClause shall be amended only with a majority vote of75 per cent of all the members of the Pyithu Hluttaw.According to our study, the Constitutions prescribethe amendment of the provisions chapter by chapter

and article by article. It is opined that only at the stageof drafting the Constitution, the methods to be followedin making amendments of the respective chapters andarticles should be prescribed in detail, so theConstitution will be clear and easy to understand.Specific principles can be prescribed only in draftingthe State constitution.

He explained that the Constitutions prescribe theamendment of the provisions chapter by chapter andarticle by article. Only then can the specific methods ofthe specific chapters and articles be clearly known. Butthe amendment of the provisions can be arranged chapterby chapter and article by article only at the stage ofdrafting the Constitution. His explanation is reasonableand appropriate and it thoroughly covers follow-upprocedures.

Therefore, the four points the Work Committeechairman explained for the Chapter “Amendment of theState Constitution” should be adopted as detailed basicprinciples.State Flag, State Seal, National Anthem and the CapitalMr Chairman,

Regarding the detailed basic principles proposed atthe plenary session held on 10 November 2006 by theNational Convention Convening Work Committeechairman for the Chapter “State Flag, State Seal, NationalAnthem and the Capital” to be included in the StateConstitution, we members of the delegate group ofintellectuals and intelligentsia would like to present ourviews.

It is proposed that:(1) The Flag is marked with green, yellow and red

stripes in a proportionate ratio. On the left end ofthe green stripe at the top of the Flag is a largewhite star directing upwards.

(2) Law shall be promulgated concerning the StateFlag.

He said that the colour green on the State Flag standsfor peace and tranquillity and lush and verdantenvironment, yellow depicts solidarity. Moreover, redmeans valour and decisiveness. That is complete withgood intention.

We studied the State flags of 194 nations. Of them, 24countries’ State flags are marked with stripes of threecolours in a proportionate ratio. Each of the 24 countriesuses three colours that match with the conditions of thenation concerned. Members of the delegate groups ofintellectuals and intelligentsia made a comparative study

(See page 4)

U Win Maung, Delegate Group of Intellectuals andIntelligentsia. — MNA

U Sein Kyi, Delegate Group of Intellectuals andIntelligentsia. — MNA

The colour green on theState Flag stands for peaceand tranquillity and lushand verdant environment,yellow depicts solidarity,Moreover, red meansvalour and decisiveness.That is complete with goodintention.

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(from page 3)of the State flags of the world nations and drew many newdesigns of State flag. Then, they submitted their worksand exchanged views about the designs in the group.Mr Chairman,

In our group, some members are knowledgeableabout historical and Myanmar affairs. They speciallystudied the designs of the State flag of our country inBagan Period, Innwa Period, Konbaung Period and pre-independence period. My thanks go to the members whodrew new designs of State flag based on the designs ofState flag used in the past and appreciate their efforts andgoodwill. We members all participated in the discussionsabout the design of State Flag.

Some held discussions about the design of the three-colour State Flag and the place of the white star the WorkCommittee chairman presented.Mr Chairman,

We considered that the proposed State Flag markedwith green, yellow and red stripes in a proportionate ratiois endowed with essence and meaning. The big white star,which reflects perpetual existence of the consolidatedUnion, should be on the left end of the green stripe at thetop.

Therefore, the point:“(1) The State Flag shall be prescribed as follows:The Flag is marked with green, yellow and red

stripes in a proportionate ratio. On the leftend of the green stripe at the top of the Flagis a large white star directing upwards.

(2) Law shall be promulgated concerning theState Flag.”

should be adopted as a detailed basic principle.Mr Chairman,

The present State Seal, that has been used since thepost-independence period and is decorated with the pictureof the lion king and our nation’s map fringed by traditionalfloral arabesque. The proposed State Seal is the old StateSeal to be renovated a little to be modern, and it isacceptable.

Some members of our group who are also craftsmenand historians assessed the Work Committee chairman’sexplanation about the State Seal and submitted newdesigns they had created. Then, the remaining membersassessed the proposals.

The proposed State Seal features a big white star thatrepresents the Union, picture of lion king that portraysvalour and decisiveness, our nation’s map fringed bytraditional floral arabesque that reflects our nation’scultural civilization, and the words “Pyidaungsu ThamadaMyanmar Naing-Ngan Daw”. These facts are completewith essence and meaning.

Therefore, the point:With the picture of the State Seal under it,

“The State Seal shall be as shown below.”should be adopted as a detailed basic principle.Mr Chairman,

The Work Committee chairman called for suggestionsto decide whether the point:

“The present National Anthem shall beprescribed as the National Anthem.”should be adopted as a detailed basic principle or not.Some members of our group are musicians and literati.

The present National Anthem was conceived of theindependence struggles. The words of National Anthemshould reflect the State’s policies and goals. And its tunesshould be serious and lively. It should be a long-lastingone. It should also be a simple and listener-friendly onethat can be sung easily by millions of people includingchildren.Mr Chairman,

The present National Anthem was conceived of theindependence struggles of the anti-colonial forces, and itbecame well-known in the post-independence period. Itdepicts justice, liberty, peace, and equality that the Statevalues much.

In the National Anthem, the words “Gabar MagyeMyanmar Pyay” mean Myanmar nation and Myanmarpeople exist as long as the world does. And they indicatesthe vow of ensuring perpetual existence of the Union, theheritage of our ancestors. So, the present National Anthemis composed precisely and is endowed with essence.

It is a simple and lively song that can be sung byanyone, young or old, regardless national race, to theaccompaniment of any traditional or modern orchestras.And it can be sung to full blast in chorus by a large numberof people at any victory.Mr Chairman,

It is clear that the present National Anthem has wonthe heart of the entire people. Therefore, the point:

“The present National Anthem shall beprescribed as the National Anthem.”should be adopted as a detailed basic principle.

Now, I would like to make suggestions about thepoints for designating the capital city of our nation.Mr Chairman,

The Work Committee chairman made a completeexplanation about the points for designating the capitalcity of our nation, and sought advice and suggestions todecide whether the point:

“The capital of the State is Nay Pyi Taw.”should be adopted as a detailed basic principle or not.Mr Chairman,

Whenever we members of the delegate group ofintellectuals and intelligentsia hold discussions, wereferred to the basic principles, procedures and decisionsof the National Convention. At the beginning of theNational Convention, it was prescribed that “The capitalof the State is Yangon” and Yangon is designated as aUnion territory.Mr Chairman,

As the time when the National Convention launchedwas long ago, there have been many changes in thecondition for designating the capital city.

The shifting of the administrative seat to the centre ofthe nation can bring many fruitful results such as moreeffectiveness of the administrative machinery in the far-flung areas and more equitable development of all partsof the Union in the transport, economic and social sectors.Therefore, the government has established Nay Pyi Tawas the capital city in the more strategic region.

Previously, Yangon was the capital city. But, nowthe capital city of the nation should be Nay Pyi Taw wherethe administrative seat is based. Yangon still exists as themost important exit of the nation economically andgeographically. So, Yangon City should be a Unionterritory under the direct rule of the President.

Mr Chairman,Therefore, regarding the designation of the capital

city of the Union of Myanmar, the point:“The capital of the State is Nay Pyi Taw.” should be adopted as a detailed basic principle.

U Sein Kyi of the delegate group of intellectuals andintelligentsia will read out the next part of our proposalregarding the detailed basic principles proposed for theChapter “Transitory Provisions”.Transitory ProvisionsMr Chairman,

Every independent and sovereign nation has to adoptthe principles on sharing of sovereign powers, andfundamental rights and duties of the citizens. Theseprinciples are combined into a State Constitution.

Some governmental organizations have to organizethe tasks for drawing the State Constitution. After beingdrawn, a State Constitution can be approved through eachof many ways. In some countries, it was approved underthe signature of the President. In some countries, it wasapproved by legislative assemblies. In some countries, itwas approved through a referendum. The 1974Constitution of the Union of Myanmar was approvedthrough a referendum.

The committee for drawing State Constitution willhave to complete the drive after the National Conventionhas adopted all the basic principles and detailed basicprinciples. The fourth step of the State’s seven-step RoadMap is “Adoption of the Constitution through a nationalreferendum”.Mr Chairman,

Myanmar regained independence on 4 January 1948.It started to write the State Constitution in 1947. Theparliamentary assembly and the Myanmar interimgovernment organized the responsibilities for framingthe 1947 State Constitution in 1947. At that time, theState Constitution was a much-needed thing for regainingindependence. So, it was to be completed hastily by theday on which the nation would regain independence. Theparliamentary assembly adopted that State Constitutionon 4 January 1948, on which Myanmar regainedindependence.

The Revolutionary Council, the RevolutionaryGovernment organized the tasks for writing the 1974Constitution. Before the launch of the drive, it soughtadvice and suggestions of the people. The StateConstitution Writing Commission wrote the first draft.Then, it presented the first draft to the public. After that,it sought the advice and suggestions and wrote the seconddraft. Then, it presented the second draft down to thegrassroots level. After seeking advice and suggestions ofthe people, it wrote the third draft. And the final draft wasapproved through a referendum.Mr Chairman,

The State Peace and Development Council organizedthe tasks for writing the State Constitution that will comeinto force soon, and in the process it holds the NationalConvention. More than 1,000 delegates who are peopleof diverse national races, workers, peasants, intellectuals,intelligentsia, State service personnel, political parties,representatives-elect, national race peace groups, retireddiplomats who are versed with politics, and historiansfrom the states and divisions held discussions and laiddown the basic principles and detailed basic principles.After the completion of the National Convention, theState Constitution will be written systematically. Theforthcoming State Constitution will be approved by thepeople through a referendum.Mr Chairman,

We members of the delegate group of intellectualsand intelligentsia evaluated the eight detailed basicprinciples the Work Committee chairman presented at (See page 5)

Law shall be promulgated concerning the State Flag

The proposed State Sealfeatures a big white star thatrepresents the Union, picture oflion king that portrays valour anddecisiveness, our nation’s mapfringed by traditional floralarabesque that reflects ournation’s cultural civilization, andthe words “Pyidaungsu ThamadaMyanmar Naing-Ngan Daw”.These facts are complete withessence and meaning.

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The present National Anthem shall beprescribed as the National Anthem

(from page 4)the plenary session held on 13 November 2006 for theChapter “Transitory Provisions”.

So, these points should be adopted as detailed basicprinciples for the Chapter “Transitory Provisions”. Theyare:

1. “This Constitution shall come into forcethroughout the Union after its adoption in areferendum by more than half of all the peoplewho have the right to vote.”

2. “The State Peace and Development Councilshall, continuing to exercise State sovereignty,carry out during the interval between thecoming into force of this Constitution and theday the first session of the Pyidaungsu Hluttawis convened, all the functions of the PyidaungsuHluttaw under the Constitution.”

3. “The work done by the State Peace andDevelopment Council to bring the Constitutioninto force shall be deemed to have been carriedout in accord with this Constitution”

4. “All policy guidelines, laws, rules, regulations,notifications, proclamations, measures,responsibilities and rights of the State Peaceand Development Council shall devolve on theUnion of Myanmar”

5. “Existing laws shall remain in force in so far asthey are not contrary to this Constitution untiland unless they are repealed or amended bythe Pyidaungsu Hluttaw”

6. “Existing rules, regulations, bye-laws,notifications, orders, directives and proceduresshall remain in force in so far as they are notcontrary to this Constitution until and unlessthey are repealed or amended by the UnionGovernment”

7. “All courts existing on the date of the cominginto operation of this Constitution shall continueto exercise their jurisdiction until new courtsare established by law in accord with thisConstitution. All cases, civil, criminal andrevenue, pending in the said courts, shall bedisposed of in accord with the laws exercised onthe date on which the cases came up for trial.”

8. “All functioning State service personnel ofdepartmental organizations includingTatmadaw under the State Peace andDevelopment Council on the day thisConstitution comes into force shall continue intheir functions unless otherwise prescribed bythe Government of the Union of Myanmar”

General Provisions,Mr Chairman,

At the plenary session held on 13 November 2006,the Work Committee chairman elaborated on the 26

detailed basic principles for the Chapter “GeneralProvisions” to be included in the State Constitution.Among them, six detailed basic principles concern thepoints that the official language is Myanmar languageand Myanmar language should be designated as theofficial language of the State, and that the Myanmarmanuscript of the Constitution should be enrolled forrecord in the National Archives; one detailed basicprinciple that concerns the point that operation of economicenterprises through joint-venture system with thegovernment; two detailed basic principles that concernthe points that the treaties, agreements and chartersshould be honoured, and the remaining detailed basicprinciples concern the formation of the ConstitutionalTribunal.Mr Chairman,

The upcoming State Constitution will portray theState structure and reflect the history of the nation. ThisConstitution includes some points that prescribe theprocedures of how to share the three State’s sovereignpowers. Other laws will be enacted after the StateConstitution has been drawn. So, the State Constitution isthe basic law of the laws of the nation.

Myanmar is a Union that is made up of more than 100national races. All the national races should use Myanmarlanguage as the official language. Indeed, Myanmarlanguage has existed for thousands of years like theMyanmar’s history. The Teachings of the Buddha, Paliand some words of English were adopted to the Myanmarlanguage to enrich the vocabulary of the language. UsingMyanmar language as the official language enhances theimage of the State and uplifts the national prestige anddynamism of patriotic spirit. Like some languages usedin some countries, Myanmar language is fine and rich invocabulary. Moreover, it covers various profoundtechnologies. It is comprehensible to all the nationalpeople. Using Myanmar language as the official languageensures uniformity in relations between the people andthe government and between the governmentalorganizations. It can specifically define the expressions.The 1947 Constitution and the 1974 Constitutionprescribed Myanmar language as the official language ofthe State. In addition, the National Convention has adoptedthat point as a detailed basic principle since 1993.Therefore, the first six points such as ensuring the Stateconstitution as the basic law of the laws of the State,designating Myanmar language as the official language,designating the State fundamental principles as theguidelines to be followed by the legislative Hluttaws inenacting laws and interpreting provisions of the StateConstitution and of other laws; referring to Myanmar textinterpreting the preamble, articles, clauses, words andexpressions contained in this Constitution and in existingInterpretation of Expressions Law, and keeping aMyanmar manuscript of this Constitution at the NationalArchives, should be adopted as detailed basic principles.Mr Chairman,

Among the economic enterprises in the nation, manyare the ones that the Union government has to solelyoperate. No 7 para guarantees permission to a Region orState government, a cooperative society or a person to runeconomic enterprises with the government through joint-venture system or under agreements in the interests of theState. So, it should be adopted as a detailed basic principle.

Paras (8) and (9) mean that the Union of Myanmarshall honour all legitimate obligations arising out of anytreaties or agreements which before the coming into forceof this Constitution were in force between the Governmentof Myanmar and the Government of any other State,provided that such other State honours any reciprocalobligations towards the Union of Myanmar. And any

proceedings relating to contracts or liabilities whichmight have been brought against the Government of theUnion of Myanmar before this Constitution comes intoforce, may be brought against the Union Government.The Union of Myanmar may sue and may be sued. Thesepoints are used in many countries. The previous Stateconstitutions also prescribed these points. So, they shouldbe adopted as detailed basic principles.Mr Chairman,

The points from (10) to (19) concern formation of aconstitutional tribunal, designation of its membership,qualifications to be possessed by the members, theirrights and power, and impeachment of the members.

(a) A constitutional tribunal should be formed tointerpret the provisions of the State constitution ifnecessary, and to make a decision if there arises a dispute.Having to make important decisions, the members shouldbe the ones who should be knowledgeable about political,administrative, economic and security affairs, and whoare loyal to the State with the qualifications set for aUnion Chief -Justice and a Union Chief Court Judge.

(b) Equal number of the members are appointed bythe President, the Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw and theSpeaker of the Amyotha Hluttaw from among Hluttawmembers or non-Hluttaw members. And the appointmentshall meet the approval of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. ThePyidaungsu Hluttaw should not reject the nominatedmembers unless it can prove them disqualified. ThePresident may have the right to nominate new membersif the nominated members are rejected by the PyidaungsuHluttaw. The term of the Constitutional Tribunal is fiveyears, and the ongoing Constitutional Tribunal, on expiryof its term, shall continue to carry out its functions till anew Constitutional Tribunal is formed. This method isalso for the appointment of the chairman.

(c) a member of the Constitutional Tribunal shouldresign if he is a Hluttaw member or a government employeeso that he has to stay away from bias and misuse of power.He shall have no right to participate in activities of thepolitical party concerned during tenure of membership ifhe is a member of a political party. A member of theConstitutional Tribunal has to submit his resignation tothe President if he wishes to resign of his own accord dueto a reason. The President may fill the vacant seat with anew member. A member of the Constitutional Tribunalcan be blamed or impeached for treason, violation of anyof the provisions of the Constitution, misbehaviour,incompetent discharge of duties. If need arises to blameor impeach a member of the Constitutional Tribunal, itshall do so under the provisions prescribed in thisConstitution set to blame or impeach the Union Chief-Justice or a Union Supreme Court Judge.Mr Chairman,

Para (20) prescribes seven functions of theConstitutional Tribunal including to interpret provisionsof the State Constitution, to scrutinize whether or notlaws enacted by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, the RegionHluttaws and the State Hluttaws and functions of executiveauthorities of Pyidaungsu, Regions, States and Self-Administered Areas are in conformity with the StateConstitution, and to perform other duties prescribed inthe State Constitution. Para (21) is that if there is a disputeas to whether a provision prescribed in a law is inconformity with the Constitution in hearing a case by acourt, and the Constitutional Tribunal has not made anydecision regarding the case, the court shall suspend itshearing and submit its views to the Constitutional Tribunalin accord with the procedures for its decision. The decisionof the Constitutional Tribunal regarding the dispute shallapply all the cases. The decisions of the Constitutional

(See page 10)

The upcoming StateConstitution will portray the Statestructure and reflect the history ofthe nation. This Constitutionincludes some points that prescribethe procedures of how to share thethree State’s sovereign powers.Other laws will be enacted after theState Constitution has been drawn.So, the State Constitution is thebasic law of the laws of the nation.

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Sovereignty is the lifeblood of a nation. Thethree powers—legislative, executive and judicial—must be understood as sovereignty. These threepowers must be in the hands of our citizens andour national races. We cannot put them in thehands of any alien directly or indirectly. Once thesovereignty of our country is influenced in anyway by others, it is tantamount to indirectenslavement under neo-colonialism. Hence, theTatmadaw must ensure perpetuation ofsovereignty at risk to lives.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe27-3-1997, Yangon

The national leaders and ancestors managed toregain independence and sovereignty, which had beenlost in the past owing to the colonialists’ annexation ofthe nation and their hegemony, and handed down themto their posterity as the legacy.

Our ancestors had to sacrifice a lot of lives in theindependence struggles to enable the motherland toliberate from the state of being a puppet nation. Inother words, the purpose of the independencestruggles was to make sure that the nation wouldnever become a puppet nation again.

Today, there are certain neo-colonialist countriesthat are attempting to manipulate and control the nationin their own interests ignoring the prevailing situations ofthe nation, the lifestyle and attitude of Myanmar people.Surely, Myanmar will lose its sovereignty again if itbecomes a puppet or satellite country of an alien nation.

Essence of ensuring the perpetuation of sovereigntyis the right to shape the future of the nation for peace anddevelopment of the nation and well-being of the peoplein line with the culture, history and traditions.

It is required to take necessary steps to strengthenthe political, economic and defence forces of the nationfirst so that the nation will always exist as a sovereignone that can serve the interests of its peopleindependently.

National development means that a nation has strong

political, economic and defence forces. Myanmar is becomingpolitically strong due to collaborative efforts to foster nationalsolidarity, restore peace and ensure the rule of law. With agood political climate, more and more foundations are beingbuilt for economic development. And with the economicdevelopment, stronger defence forces can be built. So, thesethree strengths are interrelated each other.

In this regard, political strength is fundamental factor,and economic strength is the connection between the twoother strengths. Therefore, with combined endeavours tostrengthen these fundamental strengths and a carefulstudy of the political affairs, the nation will enjoycumulative development.

It is required to ensure perpetuation of sovereigntythroughout the country for expediting the tasks for thepolitical, economic and social development. That is whythe government is bolstering the internal strength madeup of various national races to wipe out all forms ofdangers posed by internal and external destructiveelements both at present and in future.

It is common knowledge that while restoring peaceand stability of the nation in cooperation with thepeople and the Tatmadaw, the government is joininghands with other congenial nations in consistence withthe five principles of peaceful co-existencein in theinternational relations to ensure mutual respect foreach other’s independence and sovereignty. Myanmarbelieves that regional and global peace can be built onlyif all the nations respect and exercise the principlesstipulated in the UN Charter.

Due to the geographical features of the nation, globalimbalance in power and international affairs in whichpowerful nations are trying to gain hegemonic controlover weaker ones, the entire people are to be furtherimbued with the spirit of making sacrifices to defend themotherland and to make the national defence force strongerfor ensuring perpetuation of sovereignty.

If compared with neighbouring countries, Myanmarlags behind development especially economicdevelopment to an extent.

Thus, the most fundamental national duty is totransform the nation into a modern and developed one. Inaccomplishing such a noble duty, all the nations have todo their bit with a sense of duty, exerting patrioticfervour, Union Spirit and nationalistic vigour.

It calls for a lot of formidable tasks to be implementedsector-wise and region-wise for fulfilling the necessaryrequirements of a development-lagged country. Ourcountry will become a modern and developed nation inthe near future if the strength of national cohesion, naturalresources and human resources are combinedharmoniously.

It is needed to make sure equitable development ofall parts of the nation to achieve the drive for nationaldevelopment. With this context, the government isbuilding necessary infrastructures such as roads, bridges,irrigation facilities, hospitals, educational institutions,factories and mills the length and breadth of the countryfor proportionate development of states and divisions.

The government has been building economic andenergy infrastructures that serve as the lifeblood of thenational development across the nation. Simultaneously,it is fulfilling the fundamental requirements in theeconomic, education, public relations, communicationand transport sectors for the development of rural areasand border areas.

After assuming the State’s responsibilities in 1988,the government gave priority to the restoration of peaceand stability throughout the nation and started to carry outthe economic reform, which covered the adopting of the

market-oriented economic system and creation of a varietyof opportunities in all the sectors including the privatesector to encourage economic enterprises.

In addition, it is granting more adaptable permissionto improve the role of the private sector in the production,service and trade aspects for ensuring proper evolution ofthe market-oriented economic system.

It has placed emphasis on boosting production ofcommodities in such important sectors for economicdevelopment as the agricultural, forestry and fish andmeat sectors along with the energy sector, on which thenation will have to rely increasingly. It is also takingnecessary steps for the development of other sectorsfor the economic development, services and commerce.

In its attempt to make the nation economicallystrong, the government is encouraging agro-basedenterprises and suitable industries and constructingbasic infrastructures such as irrigation and transportfacilities that can make a dominant contribution towardsthe national economic development.

Pursuing the drive for the national economicdevelopment with the agricultural sector as the base issome way “raising the socio-economic life of the majorityof the people in practice.

As food is the important thing among the three basicneeds, the government is making a provision for ensuringfood security of the future generations.

In the 1990s, Head of State Senior General ThanShwe occasionally gave guidance on the drive for foodsufficiency as follows.

The nation’s population is growingand it will reach 50 million or 51 million by theyear 2000. The paddy-sown acreage remains ataround 12 million acres, the same as that beforeWorld War II. So, the nation may face lack offood in future if the agricultural tasks are stillbeing carried out in a nonchalant way. Therefore,the government is taking effective measures forgreater development of the agricultural sector forthe food security of the nation.

The aim of building dams andreservoirs is to raise the standard of living offarmers, the majority of the national people, andto ensure the well-being of future generations.So, all are to work together to promote theagricultural sector with effective use of theirrigation water.

Paddy is to be cultivated extensively for localrice sufficiency to cover the supply of the nation’sgrowing population. In order to achieve that target,plans are under way to put at least 14 million acresunder monsoon paddy and four million acres undersummer paddy, and to reclaim two million acres inAyeyawady, Bago and Yangon divisions.

In this regard, all are to work hard toaccomplish a national duty to hit the target of 18million acres of paddy —14 million acres ofmonsoon paddy and four million acres of summerpaddy with an average paddy per acre yield of 100baskets so as to produce surplus of rice, the staplefood of all national races.

Now, the nation has about 23 millionacres of arable lands alongside 23 million acresof vacant and virgin lands that can be used foragricultural purpose. So, plans have beenadopted to accelerate the reclamation of thesevacant and virgin lands.

The nation has to spend a lot on imported edibleoil annually. Therefore, it is needed to extend the (See page 7)

Essence of perpetuation of independence and sovereigntyHailing the 59th Anniversary Independence Day

Thiha Aung

Cherish the Independence,safeguard it at risk to lives

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Take full cognizanceof Objectives

PPPPPOEMOEMOEMOEMOEM

* If you let life pass unnoticedOnly in the country you cherishFull of traditions, IndependenceIs likely to come to pass in an instantBecome enslaved and will be lostThat will surely happen.

* If you try to regain itHow could that be doneWith sweat and blood, much of it

sacrificedTime and resources spent for some timeYou may regain it, as exactlyAs to us by leaders, and remembered.

* Union-born national citizensUnwavering, with hands claspedIn unison practicing Our Three Main

National CausesAnd only if these are safeguardedThe Independence that we all cherishWill last long and remain ever strong.

* If Myanmar’s Constitution is to beFirm and strong and likewise

democracyTo build a new nation in unisonThriving to prosperMoving ahead with seven-step Road

MapTo get together with clear mindGiving full credence, we carry them on

our headsAnd practice them with full cognizance.

Pho Yan Naing (Kyaukkyi) (Trs)(Hailing the 59th Anniversary Independence

Day)

(from page 6)growing of such edible oil crops as groundnut,sesame, sunflower and oil palm as much as possible.If the plan has been achieved, hundreds of millionsof US dollars the nation has to use annually forimported edible oil will go to nation-building tasksincluding the education, health and industrialsectors.

As Myanmar is blessed with a favourablecondition it can grow crops all seasons. Throughthat advantage, regional and seasonal crops are tobe grown exten-sively. Definitely, the nation willenjoy develop-ment if all the agricultural methodsand labour are welded together.

In implementing the plans for the economicdeve-lopment of the nation, the govern-mentpays a serious attention to raising the standardof living of the people, boosting per capitaincome, reduction of unemployment rate, andcreation of job opportunities. Myanmar willtransform itself into an international levelcountry if it is economically strong.Myanmar has prospects for economic

development due to its favourable geographicalfeatures with temperate climate and aquatic andterrestrial resources and forest resources in abundance.So, the government has been building a number ofnecessary infrastructures in all sectors to harness thenatural resources at full capacity. At the same time, itis also pursuing a strategy for rapid development ofthe agricultural sector, the fundamental economy ofthe nation.

So, the people are to cooperate with the governmentexerting patriotic fervour and Union Spirit to achievethe State’s objectives. At such a time when the nationhas to reconstruct all the infrastructures from thebeginning, the people need to extend their activeparticipation in the drive for employing the strengthsand tapping the national resources of the nation in theinterests of the nation.

The government is devoting itself to suchimprudent plants to have its wishes of ensuring thedevelopment of the national people fulfilled. Now, ithas put a lot of efforts into the plans for ensuringstable economy, practising thrifty, boosting productionof commodities, and manufacturing of import-substitute items.

It is common knowledge that the territorial watersand lands of the nation are rich in natural resources

Essence of perpetuation of independence and sovereignty… If the provisions of the State Constitution areimplemented with the passage of time after the StateConstitution comes into force, Myanmar will be ableto transform itself into a peaceful, modern anddeveloped democratic nation with flourishingdiscipline.

Discipline-flour-ishing democracy is the mostsuitable democratic system for Myanmar. All are tonotice the fact that the exercise of democracy willnot last long and the nation will collapse and lose itsindependence if the democracy to be practised isnot a discipline-flourishing one.

In doing their bit in the tasks for peace andstability of the State and national development, thepeople should conduct a comparative study of thedifferent situations and to distinguish betweenconstructive efforts and subversive acts. They must beable to differentiate what is enhancing national unityand what is leading the nation to collapse. They are torealize the difference between positive attitude andnegative attitude, and between development andbackwardness and to stand on the right side.

In this context, all the national people are duty-bound to safeguard the sovereignty of the nation. Andfor further flourishing of essence of independence andsovereignty, they are exhorted to join hands with theconviction and concept that each citizen is to be armedwith vigour, with which they can prevent anyone frommaking the motherland lose inde-pendence andsovereignty.

Translation: MS*******

especially in terrestrial and aquatic resources, forestresources, minerals, oil and gas, fish and prawn. Thenation needs technical know-how and investments toefficiently use the natural resources in the interests ofthe Union.

Despite not having a lot of natural resources,some countries are achieving a great success due tothe fact that they have nurtured human resources inall aspects and then built infrastructures with theeffective use of those human resources.

So, only when we national people are able touse the aquatic and terrestrial resources effectively willthe nation enjoy national economic development withhigh per capita income.

With this context, the government is nurturingthe people especially the youth to produce humanresources in all sectors. Therefore, the nation will becomea developed one in the near future with its humanresources and abundant natural resources.

However, certain countries, which are desirousof putting Myanmar under their domination, andsubversive elements are resorting to all possible ways tomake the nation get into economic crisis and to harm theeconomic development of the nation. So, Myanmar hasto take measures to cope with such man-made barriersto the drive for national development. Braving suchdestructive acts, Myanmar is making sustained effortsto imporve the agricultural sector for food security,establish more enterprises for manufacturing import-substitute items, and ensure economic development andpeace and stability.

Peace and stability of the State are the most importantfactors for economic development. Without thesefundamental factors, a nation will never enjoy anyeconomic development. Economic development isinterrelated with peace and stability of the State.

The nation has to take steps with self-reliant basisfor economic growth. It is heartening to learn that theentire nation is constantly seeing construction projects.

Now, standing on its own feet and mobilizing allpossible investments and resources, the nation in aposition to build economic infrastructures. As a result,it is now reaping the rewards of all its hard work andprudent projects.

It is also required to consolidate the nationalreconsolidation. And the people are to makeharmonious attempts with a great patience for theemergence of an enduring State Constitution throughthe National Convention.

True patriotism

Destructionist

Maung Chit Kaung

True patriotism* It is very important for everyone of the nation

regardless of the place he lives to have strongUnion Spirit.

* Only Union Spirit is the true patriotism all thenationalities will have to safeguard.

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(from page 1)Games. Many famousMyanmar sportsmen andsportswomen emerged inthe international events.

The Myanmarsports sector was awayfrom victories and itsstandard was low for manyyears due to certain rea-sons at the time when theTatmadaw took over theState duties.

With the convic-tion — advancement of the

Many famous Myanmar athletes…cess with the combinationof dynamic management,strong financial power andmodern sport techniquesand gear, he added. Achievements havebeen made in Myanmarsport world due to correctpolicy of the government,supervision of the MNOCand MOC and efforts ofthe federations and athletesand encouragement of thepeople, he said. He said athletes won

medals in internationalcompetitions of Wushu,rowing, yachting, archeryand taekwando and bil-liards and snooker and out-standing woman athleteshave turned out in most ofthe fields. Despite the bet-ter results in those fields,much efforts are needed toreach the expected target,he said. Under the correct lead-ership of Myanmar Na-tional Olympic Council,Myanmar Olympic Com-mittee, sport federations andall the athletes are to make

utmost efforts for successof the respective sports. It is necessary to turnout more outstandingsports athletes and to trainthem to achieve victoriesat the international level.Looking to the interna-tional sports field, meth-ods and sports equipmentare becoming sophisticatedand other sports relatedsectors such as manage-ment, rules, finance andhealth are developing rap-idly. Besides, sports, busi-ness and media are ben-efiting each other. In such a time like this,the country needs to de-velop the above-mentionedsports related sectors for theimprovement of nationalsports standard, he said. MOC has gained a lot ofexperience and achievedhistoric victories in its longhistory. So it is also neces-sary to further improve thesports sector under theleadership of MOC. All inall, the Secretary-1 said,all with national spirit areto try to raise the nationalsports standard for the up-lift of the fitness of thepeople, for the develop-ment of socio-economy aswell as for the nationalprestige and integrity. Next, the Secretary-1presented gifts to formerchairmen and general sec-retaries of Myanmar Ol-ympic Committee and Lt-Gen Myint Swe to victori-ous Myanmar athletes.MOC Chairman MinisterBrig-Gen Thura AyeMyint presented 2006Sport & Community Tro-phy to Chairman ofMyanmar Sports WritersAssociation Dr Tin Tun Oo.Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party viewed themedals and trophiesawarded by InternationalOlympic Committee. Later,those present were servedwith dinner. — MNA

YANGON, 1 Jan—Winners of the 15thYangon Mayor’s Cup ofHorticulture Show andCompetitions wereawarded today at theexhibition in MayangonTownship.

Patrons ofMyanmar Floriculturists

Winners of Horticulture Show awarded

Association Daw KhinThan Nwe, Daw KhinThet Htay, Daw Mar MarWai, Dr Daw Khin ThanNwe and wife of Vice-Mayor of Yangon DawKhin Nyunt Myaing andSecretary of YangonCity DevelopmentCommittee U Tin Soe

presented awards towinners.

Vice-Mayor ColMaung Pa presented thecup to a winner. A total of460 shops participated inthe exhibition which washeld to mark the 59thAnniversary Indepen-dence Day. — MNA

YANGON, 1 Jan —A ceremony to openFound HappeningProjector of Shar Nyo washeld at National Museumon Pyay road this morning.

The openingceremony was attendedby Israeli Ambassadorto Myanmar Mrs RuthSchatz, responsiblepersonnel of theMinistry of Culture,Chairman of MyanmarTraditional Artists and

Found Happening Project of Shar Nyo opensArtisans Asiyon UThaung Han andmembers, director ofOriginal Group Co, LtdDaw Kyi Khin andresponsible personnel.

First, Chairmanof Myanmar TraditionalArtists and ArtisansAsiyon U Thaung Hanmade an opening speechon the occasion. Next,Actor Shar Nyo explainedfacts about the purpose ofthe opening of Found

Happening Projector andformally unveiled its stoneplaque.

A f t e r w a r d s ,Israeli Ambassador toMyanmar Mrs RuthSchatz, Chairman ofMyanmar TraditionalArtists and ArtisansAsiyon U Thaung Han andofficials formally openedthe Found HappeningProjector which displaysartistic works of Shar Nyo.

MNA

national sports standardhelps raise the dignity ofthe nation and the people;and victories in interna-tional sports events is theglory for the nation andpeople — the Tatmadawgovernment has been striv-ing to develop Myanmar’ssports standard as a na-tional duty.

Myanmar Na-tional Olympic CouncilLaw was promulgated in1993, and the MNOC wasformed as the highestsports body to issue direc-tives and policies concern-ing the Myanmar sports. Similarly, MyanmarOlympic Committee wasreorganized and encour-agement is being given toraise Myanmar sport stand-ard, he said. Each sport developedrapidly after sport federa-tions were reorganized ac-cording to the internationalsports and games. He said there are 38sport federations led by en-trepreneurs and old athleteswho are interested in therespective fields. The fed-erations are gaining suc-

Daw Khin Than Nwe, Daw Khin Thet Htay, Daw Mar Mar Wai andDr Daw Khin Than Nwai visit 15th Horticulture Show. — MNA

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein presents gift toretired official of Myanmar Olympic

Committee. — MNA

Lt-Gen Myint Swepresents gift to an

Olympic medalwinner. — MNA

Israeli Ambassador Mrs Ruth Schatz, Chairmanof Myanmar Traditional Artists and ArtisansAsiayon U Thaung Han and Director of OriginalGroup Co Ltd Daw Kyi Khin formally open Found Happening Project. — MNA

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Lt-Gen Myint Swepays obeisance …

(from page 16) Besides, it is ex-

pected that Pale Town-ship will enjoy the foodsufficiency and localfarmers will earn a lotof money as agriculturewill flourish in the re-gion, the commandersaid.

He continued tosay that the Governmenthas built dams, reservoirsand canals across thenation not only to sup-port the living of peoplebut also to underpin theelectricity productionsector.

B e s i d e s ,Htaman-thi Hydel PowerProject is under construc-tion on Chindwin Riverin Sagaing Division, andupon completion, it is ex-

Sagaing Division gets 22nd dam…

YANGON, 1 Jan — Thefirst cash donation forrenovation of historicHsandawshin DanokHsutaungpyi Pagoda inDalla Township was heldat Dhamma RekkhitaDhammayon at MahaWizaya Pagoda, here, thisafternoon. Present were Lt-GenMyint Swe of the Ministryof Defence, Chairman ofYangon Division Peaceand Development CouncilCommander of YangonCommand Brig-Gen HlaHtay Win, Minister forReligious Affairs Brig-

First cash donation for renovation of historicHsandawshin Danok Hsutaungpyi Pagoda in Dalla held

Gen Thura Myint Maung,Chairman of WorkCommittee for Reno-vation of DanokHsutaungpyi PagodaVice-Chairman ofYangon City Develop-ment Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa andauthorities concerned. Vice-Mayor ColMaung Pa reported onmeasures undertaken bythe work committee. Lt-Gen Myint Swepresented K 17.5 milliondonated by Head of StateSenior General ThanShwe and wife Daw

Kyaing Kyaing toCommander Brig-GenHla Htay Win. Minister Brig-GenThura Myint Maung andthe commander presentedK one million eachdonated by YangonDivision PDC and theMinistry of ReligiousAffairs to Lt-Gen MyintSwe and Vice-Mayor ColMaung Pa and wife DawKhin Nyunt Myaing K500,000 to him. Lt-Gen Myint Swe, thecommander, the minister,the vice-mayor andofficials accepted K 81.85

million donated bywellwishers.—MNA

pected to produce 1,200MW and to irrigate 1 mil-lion acres of farmland,the commander said.

Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo said in hisaddress that with the aimof boosting the agricul-tural produce, the Gov-ernment has been imple-menting the irrigationprojects and agriculturaldevelopment projects.

He continued tosay that Hlaing ChaungDam is the valuable irri-gation facility for thearid region. Thanks toHlaing Chaung Dam,local farmers will be ableto grow double croppingand their income will beincrease. The dam willsupply drinking waterand irrigation water to

the residents, and socialand living standards ofthe local people will beimprove. Therefore, thedam is worthwhile forthe State.

Hlaing ChaungDam will irrigate 1,000acres of farmland in twovillage-tracts in PaleTownship and local farm-ers can grow 1,000 acresof paddy in rainy seasonand 500 acres in summer.The number of acres ofgram cultivation will beincreased from 600 acresto 1,000 acres, the min-ister said.

At the openingceremony, CommanderMaj-Gen Tha Aye un-veiled the stone inscrip-tion of Hlaing ChaungDam.

After the open-ing ceremony, Com-mander Maj-Gen ThaAye and Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo inspectedthe main dam, the con-trol tower, the conduitpipe and the spillway ofthe dam.

The commanderand the minister also metwith officials concernedand called for boostingthe agricultural produc-tion. At the meeting, thedirector of the Construc-tion-4 of the IrrigationDepartment reported onimplementation of thedam and its irrigation.

The dam will ir-rigate 1,000 acresthrough its 5-mile longmain canal and 7-milelong distributory canals.

MNA

Lt-Gen Myint Swe hands over K 17.5 milliondonated by Head of State Senior General

Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing andfamily for renovation of Danok Pagoda inDalla Township to Commander Brig-Gen

Hla Htay Win. — MNA

Hlaing Chaung Dam in Pale Township. — AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

All this needs to be known* Do not be frightened whenever

intimidated

* Do not be bolstered whenever flattered

* Do not be softened whenever appeased

(from page 16)and member Sayadaws. He presented a set of robes tothe chairman Sayadaw.

The commander, the minister and officialspresented sets of robes to the member Sayadaws.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe left the Cave after payingrespects to examination supervisor Sayadaws and thecandidate monks.

A total of 276 monks are sitting for theTipitakadhara Tipitakakovida selection examinationsthat are being held from 24 December 2006 to 25January 2007. — MNA

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All the four detailed basic principles of the chapter shouldbe adopted for the chapter “Amendment of the Constitution”

to be included in formulating the Constitution

The capital of the State is Nay Pyi Taw(from page 5)

Tribunal in paras (20) and (21) shall be final. So, sub-paras from (a) to (g), para (21) and para (22) should beadopted as detailed basic principles.Mr Chairman,

A task of the Constitutional Tribunal is to interpretthe provisions of the State constitution, to make decisionsand to give its stances. Para (23) says that the President,Speaker of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, Speaker of thePyithu Hluttaw, Speaker of the Amyotha Hluttaw, UnionChief-Justice, and Chairman of Union ElectionCommission shall have the right to directly submit a caseto the Constitutional Tribunal for its interpretation,decision, and stance. It is appropriate because they arethe heads of respective organizations. Para (24) says thatRegion or State Chief Ministers, Speaker of the Region

or State Hluttaw, Chairman of Leading Body of Self-Administered Areas or at least 10 per cent of the membersof the Pyithu Hluttaw or the Amyotha Hluttaw shall havethe right to submit a case to the Constitutional Tribunalin accord with the procedures for its interpretation,decision and stance. This point is also appropriate becausethey are those in charge of the organization concernedand the number of Hluttaw members is fixed. Para (25) isto prescribe by law formation and relations of theConstitutional Tribunal, and duties, rights and privilegesof the chairman and members of the ConstitutionalTribunal. Para (26) is to designate the role of the chairmanof the Constitutional Tribunal to be equivalent to theposition of a Vice-President, and a member, to the positionof a Union minister in order to make reference. It isappropriate to designate the role of the chairman and

members of the Tribunal of the State Constitution that isthe most important, fundamental and basic law to enablethem to discharge their duties with prestige. So, the pointsfrom 23 to 26 should be adopted as detailed basicprinciples.

We members of the delegate group of intellectualsand intelligentsia suggest that the 26 points the WorkCommittee chairman proposed for the Chapter “GeneralProvisions” should be adopted as detailed basic principles.

In conclusion, we would say that the 26 points theWork Committee chairman proposed for the Chapter“Amendment of the Constitution”, Chapter “State Flag,State Seal, National Anthem and the Capital”, Chapter“Transitory Provisions” and Chapter “General Provisions”to be included in the State Constitution should be adoptedas detailed basic principles. — MNA

YANGON, 1 Jan— The following is a translation ofproposals on laying down detailed basic principles forchapters “Amendment of the Constitution”, “State Flag,State Seal, National Anthem, the Capital” and “TransitoryProvisions” to be included in drafting the StateConstitution presented by the Delegate Group of StateService Personnel at the Plenary Session of the NationalConvention held at Pyidaungsu Hall of NyaunghnapinCamp in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division, on 29-12-2006.

I wish you all Mr Chairman and members of thepanel of chairmen, the Chairman of National ConventionConvening Commission and members, the Chairman ofNational Convention Convening Work Committee andmembers, the Chairman of National ConventionConvening Management Committee and members andNational Convention delegates health and happiness.Mr Chairman,

I am U Sein Lwin of the delegate group of Stateservice personnel of the Ministry of Mines.

The Work Committee Chairman asked the delegatesto give suggestions on the detailed basic principles forthe chapters “Amendment of the Constitution”, “StateFlag, State Seal, National Anthem, the Capital”,“Transitory Provisions” and “General Provisions”explained by him at the plenary session of the NationalConvention held from 10 to 13 November 2006, and togive separate suggestions if they have. The delegategroup of State service personnel held a meeting on 17November 2006 and formed three proposal-compilationgroups. The three groups compiled the proposal on therespective chapters. The panel of chairman after studyingour proposal paper in detail presented it to the meetingof the delegate group of State service personnel held on12 December 2006 and sought suggestions from theparticipants. The panel of chairman studied and assessedthe suggestions and compiled our proposal paper, whichwas approved by the group meeting held the next day.

I and U Than Tun of the delegate group of Stateservice personnel of Attorney-General’s Office will readout proposal paper on the chapters “Amendment of theConstitution”, “State Flag, State Seal, National Anthem,the Capital”, “Transitory Provisions” and “GeneralProvisions”. The charter on Amendment of theConstitution will be read first.Amendment of the ConstitutionMr Chairman,

The plenary session of the National Convention heldon 7 April 1993 laid down the Chapter Headings and

their serial. The Work Committee Chairman presentedthe explanations concerning the adoption of the detailedbasic principles for the chapter “Amendment of theConstitution” after elucidating the constitutions of someworld nations and the 1947 Constitution and the 1974constitution of Myanmar.

Constitution is the main pillar of all the laws of nationand also the mirror reflecting its political, economic andsocial conditions. The nation will be able to stand tallamong the world nations only if its constitution is adaptableto fast changing and advancing global situation. After theadoption of a constitution, we will have to makeConstitutional amendments as and when necessary.

The explanations made by the Work CommitteeChairman are really necessary for the chapter“Amendment of the Constitution”.

At the plenary session the Work CommitteeChairman explained: “The Constitutions prescribe theamendment of the provisions chapter by chapter andarticle by article. At present, the situation is not ripeyet to state the amendment of the provisions chapter bychapter and article by article as we are only at the stageof adopting detailed basic principles. It is opined that,only at the stage of drafting the Constitution, themethods to be followed in making amendments of therespective chapters and articles should be prescribedin detail, so the Constitution will be clear and easy tounderstand.” We find that his explanation is realisticand proper.

Mr Chairman,The Work Committee Chairman explained that the

main chapters should be amended with the prior approvalof more than 75 per cent of all the members of thePyidaungsu Hluttaw, in a nation-wide referendum onlywith a majority vote of more than half of those who havethe right to vote. He also said that the Constitution ensureseasy constitutional amendments for the remainingchapters. His explanation concerning the matter are inconformity with the six objectives of the NationalConvention.

We would like to suggest that all the four detailedbasic principles of the chapter should be adopted for thechapter “Amendment of the Constitution” to be includedin formulating the Constitution.State Flag, State Seal, National Anthem, the CapitalMr Chairman and National Convention delegates,

Now, I will give suggestions on the chapter “StateFlag, State Seal, National Anthem, the Capital”.

Some nations state the prescriptions for the StateFlag in the Constitution and in some nations, thelegislative assembly promulgates separate lawsconcerning them. It is found that procedures and rulesin connection with the State Flag and punishments foroffences are prescribed in the separate law enacted bythe legislative assembly.

Mostly, a nation prescripts the colours of a State Flagin accord with the nature of its people. Prescription of thesymbols for the Flag are mostly based on the mainpolitical, economic and social sectors of a nation.

The colours used according to both the 1947Constitution and the 1974 Constitution were red, whiteand blue. Red stands for courage and decisiveness, whitefor purity and blue for peace, tranquillity and stability.Mr Chairman,

The national brethren of Myanmar have been livingin unity and amity. A big white star representing the loveand unity of the Myanmar people should be included inthe State Flag.

Green representing agriculture that is the mainbusiness of Union of Myanmar which is peaceful, lushand verdant should be portrayed. Yellow which reflectsthe unity and amity of the national races should beincluded. Moreover, red, which means valour anddecisiveness, should also be portrayed.

We are in favour of adopting the following detailedbasic principles.

(See page 11)

U Sein Lwin of Delegate Group of StateService Personnel.— MNA

2-1-07NL 1/2/07, 3:28 AM10


It is required to prescribe transitory provisions in the State Constitution toensure continuous exercise of State sovereign powers as well as charter, duties

and responsibilities to be carried out during the transitional period

(from page 10)“(1)The State Flag shall be prescribed as

follows:The Flag is marked with green, yellow andred stripes in a proportionate ratio. On theleft end of the green stripe at the top of theFlag is a large white star directing upwards.

“(2) Law shall be promulgated concerning theState Flag.”

Mr Chairman,Constitutions of some nations prescribe that the

State Seal should be prescribed with a law enacted bythe legislative assembly; that their constitutions haveprovisions stating that the State Seal should reflect thehistory, culture and customs of the race. In somecountries, it is stated that after the State Seal has beenadopted by the legislative assembly, it has to be ratifiedat a referendum.

Concerning the State, the National Convention hasadopted the fundamental principles “sovereign powerof the State is derived from the citizens and is in forcein the whole country” and “the State shall be knownas the Pyidaungsu Thamada Myanmar Naing-NganDaw (the Union of the Republic of Myanmar)” Hence,the State Seal should include the map of the Union ofMyanmar.

In accord with the adopted fundamental principle“the State shall be known as the Pyidaungsu ThamadaMyanmar Naing-Ngan Daw”, the words “PyidaungsuThamada Myanmar Naing-Ngan Daw” should beincluded in the State Seal.

The white star that is the symbol of the anti-colonialist and anti-Fascist struggles launched with thepeople’s strength should also be included in it. TheState Seal should be decorated with the picture of thelion king used as a tradition in the State seals of theUnion Myanmar, and Myanmar traditional floralarabesque.

We would like to suggest that the followingdetailed basic principle should be adopted.

“The State Seal shall be as shown below.”Mr Chairman,

Now, my suggestions will focus on the NationalAnthem. New National Anthems were composed inthe past, but the great majority of the people lovedand accepted the present National Anthem. Hence, thepresent National Anthem should be used until a newNational Anthem is prescribed by the Pyithu Hluttaw.

When we studied the constitutions of some nationsin connection with the National Anthem, it is foundthat many countries mention the song that should beprescribed as the National Anthem. Constitutions ofsome nations state that the legislative assembly shouldenact a law to prescribe the National Anthem.

The present Anthem has been in use for over halfa century. One of the fundamental principles adoptedby the National Convention is “further burgeoning ofthe noblest and worthiest of worldly values such asjustice, liberty and equality”.

Objectives of the National Convention include theadopted fundamental principles — non-disintegrationof the Union; non-disintegration of national solidarity;perpetuity of sovereignty. Other fundamental principles“the Union is constituted by Pyidaungsu (Union)systems” and “no part of the territory of the Union,namely regions, states and self-administered areas etc.,shall ever secede from the Union” have already beenadopted.

The present National Anthem depicts the task ofsafeguarding the Union that we have inherited fromour forefathers, at the risk of our lives, and servingthe interest of the Union in harmony and unison.Hence, it is in accord with the adopted fundamentalprinciples.

Because of the oppression of the colonialist, thenationalistic fervour was low among the people whenMyanmar was under colonial occupation. Myanmarwriter YMBA Saya Tin composed the songs such as“Tagaung Abhiyaza” and “Doh Bamar” to revitalizethe nationalistic fervour of the Myanmar people then.The people while singing the song “Doh Bamar”became revitalized with nationalistic fervour, and wereable to regain independence. The words “Kaba-ma-kye” were used in composing the National Anthem in1948.

The Myanmar word Kaba-ma-kye meansMyanmar will exist as long as the world exists. Hencethe song which begins with the words “Kaba-ma-kyeMyanmar Pyay” have been used continuously. Thewords “Kaba-ma-kye Myanmar Pyay” have been inthe hearts of Myanmar people, young or old, sincethe time of our forefathers. Hence, the present NationalAnthem should be used. The following detailed basicprinciple should be adopted

“The present National Anthem shall beprescribed as the National Anthem.”Mr Chairman,

Presentation will be made on the detailed basicprinciple concerning the designation of the nation’scapital. Most of the nations designate a central corecity as their capital. The seat of the government isalso designated as the Capital. A city that is locatedin the hub of the nation is chosen as the Capital.Mr Chairman,

There are many other reasons to designate NayPyi Taw as the Capital of Myanmar. Nay Pyi Taw islocated in a place that is not too wet nor too dry. Asit is almost in the middle of the nation, its transportlinks with all the four corners of the nation are easy.Hence, the designation of Nay Pyi Taw as the Capitalis much appropriate. In addition, Burma DefenceArmy, that played a pivotal role in the independencestruggle, was set up in Pyinmana.

Now all the government institutions are carryingout their normal functions at their head offices set upin Nay Pyi Taw.

Hence, we make a profound suggestion to adoptthe following detailed basic principle.

“The capital of the State is Nay Pyi Taw.”Transitory ProvisionsMr Chairman,

I will now give suggestions on the chapter“Transitory Provisions”.

The Work Committee Chairman explained: “Informulating a State Constitution, the situation of anation before the Constitution does not come into forceis somewhat different from that after the Constitutioncomes into force. It is, indeed, transition from onesystem to another. In the process, there follow changesin the major pillars—legislation, execution andjurisdiction—and economic and social infrastructuresduring the transitional period. It is required to prescribetransitory provisions in the State Constitution to ensurecontinuous exercise of State sovereign powers as wellas charter, duties and responsibilities to be carried outduring the transitional period.”

According to the lessons we have learnt fromtransitory experiences of some big nations, it is muchimportant for us to pass through systematic, smoothand gentle transitory process. Hence, the transitoryprovisions are essential for the constitution. We needgreat care to adopt comprehensive and preciseprovisions of the transition.Mr Chairman,

The following eight points are to be adopted asdetailed basic principles as explained by the WorkCommittee Chairman.

(1) The coming into force of the Constitution.(2) The exercising of the State sovereignty during

the interval between the coming into force ofthis Constitution and the day the first sessionof the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is convened.

(3) The work done to bring the Constitution intoforce.

(4) The devolving of all policy guidelines, laws,rules, regulations, notifications, proclamations,measures, responsibilities and rights.

(5) The existing laws.(6) The revocation or amendment of the existing

rules, regulations, bye-laws, notifications,orders, directives and procedures.

(7) The continuation of the functions of courts atall levels.

(8) The continuation of the functions of all Stateservice personnel of departmentalorganizations including the Tatmadaw.

Mr Chairman,The Work Committee Chairman explained the eight

detailed basic principles of the chapter reasonably andcomprehensively after studying the 1947 Constitution andActs and bylaws enacted by the constitution, the 1974Constitution and the laws and bylaws enacted by theconstitution, and the constitutions of some world nations.The said eight detailed basic principles should be adopted.

U Than Tun of the delegate group of State servicepersonnel of Attorney-General’s Office will read outproposal paper on the chapters “General Provisions”.

MNA

The present NationalAnthem depicts the task ofsafeguarding the Union thatwe have inherited from ourforefathers, at the risk of ourlives, and serving the interestof the Union in harmony andunison. Hence, it is in accordwith the adopted fundamentalprinciples.

2-1-07NL 1/2/07, 3:28 AM11


A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

German consumer confidencedrops ahead of tax raise

BERLIN, 31 Dec — German consumer confidencehas dropped from recent highs amid concerns that animminent increase in value-added tax (VAT) couldhurt the purchasing power of shoppers in Europe'sbiggest economy, a survey showed on Friday.

The GfK research group said on Friday that itsconsumer climate index for January fell to 8.7 pointsfrom 9.2 in December. The index reached a five-yearhigh of 9.3 in November.

The Nuremberg-based group attributed the drop ofconsumer confidence mainly to an increase in VAT,from 16 per cent to 19 per cent from January 1, whichwill prompt a jump in the prices of cars, fuel, appliancesand homes.

Consumers obviously perceive the imminent rise inVAT, a move designed to curb Germany's budgetdeficit, "as a huge burden on their purchasing power,"GfK said in a statement.

"This situation is exacerbated by higher health careand pension contributions as well as the abolition oftax benefits," it said. The GfK group's forward-looking indicator is based on around 2,000 interviewswith consumers each month. — MNA/Xinhua

China’s defence expenditure is lowcompared with major powers

BEIJING,31 Dec — Both the total amount and per-serviceman share of China's defence expenditure islow compared with those of some other countries, particularly major powers, says the White Paper onChina's National Defence in 2006 issued here Friday.

Dutch bankacquires 49% shares

in Zambian bank LUSAKA, 31 Dec —

The Dutch Rabobank hasbought 49-per-cent sharesin the Zambia NationalCommercial Bank (ZNCB)after the Zambian Govern-ment approved the dealwhich will be finished at theend of January 2007, localmedia reported on Saturday.

After the acquisition, theZambian Government willhold 25 per cent shares whilethe remaining 26 per centwill go to the public, ZambiaPrivatization Agencyspokesperson AlphonsiusHamachila was cited byTimes of Zambia as sayingin a statement on Friday.

"The governmentselected Rabobank followinginternational competitivetender for a number of reasonsincluding the fact that itintends to increase thenumber of branchesparticularly in the rural areas,"Hamachila said.

Rabobank Groupexecutive board chairmanBert Heemskerk said hewas pleased with theparticipating interest hisgroup takes.—MNA/Xinhua

Pentagon torequest nearly$100b more in

war money WASHINGTON, 31 Dec

—The US DefenceDepartment is seeking99.7 billion US dollars foroperations in Iraq,Afghanistan and else-where, The New YorkTimes reported Saturday.

The request, ifapproved by Congress,would set an annual recordfor war-related spending,the report said.

The request, detailedin a 17-page internalDefence Departmentmemorandum datedDecember 7, would be inaddition to 70 billiondollars appropriated inSeptember and wouldpush the total for the 2007fiscal year to nearly 170billion dollars, 45 per centmore than Congressprovided for 2006.

The request is likely toreceive more scrutinyfrom Congress next yearthan previous supple-mental spending bills, inpart because Democratswould control both theHouse and Senate in thenew Congress thatconvenes early nextmonth.

About 50 billion dollarsof the money would go tothe Army, which isconducting the bulk of theoperations in Iraq andAfghanistan.

MNA/Xinhua

A snowmobile pulls a child on a tube in an empty snow covered field inThornton, Colo, on Saturday, 30 Dec, 2006.—INTERNET

According to the WhitePaper, in 2005, China'sdefence expenditureequalled 6.19 per cent ofthat of the United States,52.95 per cent of that of theUnited Kingdom, 71.45 percent of that of France and67.52 per cent of that ofJapan. China's defenceexpenses per servicemanaveraged 107,607 yuan(around 13,450 USdollars), amounting to 3.74per cent of that of theUnited States and 7.07 percent of that of Japan.

"Pursuant to theNational Defence Law andthe Budget Law, andguided by the principle ofcoordinated developmentof national defence and the

economy, the ChineseGovernment decides onthe size and use of defenceexpenditure in anappropriate way to meetthe demands of nationaldefence in keeping withChina's economic deve-lopment," the White Papersaid.

Financial departmentsare instituted at the GeneralLogistics Department,military area commands,Navy, Air Force andSecond Artillery Force,and units at the levels ofcorps, division (brigade)and regiment. Thesedepartments areresponsible for thea p p r o p r i a t i o n ,management and super-

vision of the defence funds.The auditing offices of thestate and the PLA conductstrict supervision of thedefence budget, says theWhite Paper.

The White Paper saysthat China's defenceexpenditure in 2004 and2005 was 220.001 billionyuan (around 27.5 billionUS dollars) and 247.496billion yuan (around 30billion US dollars),respectively, with growthrates of 15.31 per cent and12.50 per cent.

In the past two years,the share of China'sannual defence expendi-ture in its GDP and in thestate financial expendi-ture in the same periodhas decreased, being 1.40per cent and 7.74 per centrespectively in 2003, 1.38per cent and 7.72 per centin 2004, and 1.35 per centand 7.29 per cent in 2005.Its defence budget for 2006is 283.829 billion yuan(around 35 billion USdollars), the White Papersaid.— MNA/Xinhua

2-1-07NL 1/2/07, 3:28 AM12


pvaer;®Pc\. eKt\m^P∑M>‘Pi;tui;tk\eqa Nuic\cMeta\”k^; tv\eSak\AM.

Shanhaiguan Pass, about 26 kilometres northeast of Qinhuangdao City innorth China's Hebei Province, is the eastern end of the Great Wall. — XINHUA

Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the annual display tocelebrate the New Year in Sydney, on 1 Jan, 2007. Organizers claimed it to bethe largest fireworks display ever seen over the harbour of Australia's largest

city in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the bridge'sopening on March 2007.—INTERNET

Visitors are attracted by all kinds of out-dated doors and windows existing in MingDynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in a Door & Window Museum

newly established in Changzhi, north China's Shanxi Province on 29 Dec. Themuseum shows visitors historical development of Chinese constructions.—INTERNET

Study says adults living withchildren eat more fat

LOS ANGELES, 31 Dec — Adults living with children eat more fat than doother adults who do not live with children, according to a study made publicon Saturday.

Researchers at theUniversity of Iowa andUniversity of MichiganHealth System analyzedquestionnaires given to6,600 adults ages 17 to 65living with and withoutchildren under age 17.

Compared to otherstudies, the participantsrepresented a more diverseracial, ethnic andeconomic population.

Trained nutritionists askeddetailed questions aboutwhat individuals andfamily members had eatenin the previous 24 hoursand how frequently theyate high-fat foods.

Compared to adultsliving without children,adults living with childrenate an additional 4.9grammes of fat daily,including 1.7 grammes ofsaturated fat.

Saturated fat is linkedto heart disease. Adultswith children in the homewere also more likely toeat foods such as cheese,ice cream, beef, pizza andsalty snacks.

"Adults with childrenin the home ate more ofthose snacks and other

foods that we consideredconvenience foods," saidHelena Laroche, anassociate in internalmedicine and pediatrics atthe University of IowaRoy J and Lucille A CarverCollege of Medicine andthe study's primary author.

Laroche said. "Thesedietary choices may bedue to time pressures,advertising aimed atchildren that also in-cludes adults, or adults'perception that childrenwill eat only hot dogs ormacaroni and cheese.Once these foods are inthe house, even if boughtfor the children, adultsappear more likely to eatthem."

MNA/Xinhua

High bacteria level reportedlydiscovered in Zambezi River

LUSAKA, 31 Dec — Namibian scientists probing a mysterious and fatal diseaseoutbreak that has killed fish in backwater of the Zambezi River have founddangerous level of bacteria in sampled areas, The Post reported on Friday.

Zambia has also conducted testsbut is yet to announce the results.

According to Namibia's New Eranewspaper the scientists have sampledfish and water from areas where theinfection was reported, and tested themfor pathogenic bacteria.

It said the results showeddangerously high levels of coliformwhich can be toxic and cause severeillness at all sites.

They also found salmonella, adeadly bacterium that causes food

poisoning and diarrhoea, at one site. The scientists suggested that sewage

leaking into the river from the CapriviRegion in Namibia could have causedthe high levels of bacteria in the ZambeziRiver.

Namibia has declared a ban onfishing on the Zambezi River since lastweek till 31 January, pending theoutcome of further laboratory tests.

Zambia has already enforced a banon fishing till March 2007.

MNA/Xinhua

China has 18 combined corpsof mobile combat troops

BEIJING,31 Dec — The Army of the People'sLiberation Army (PLA) has 18 combined corps, whichserve as mobile combat troops, and the People's ArmedPolice Force (PAPF) has a total force of 660,000, saysthe white paper on China's National Defence in 2006issued by the Information Office of the State Council,here Friday.

The Army has no independent leading body, andthe leadership of it is exercised by the four generalheadquarters/departments. A military area commandexercises direct leadership over the Army units underit. The Navy, Air Force and Second Artillery Force,each of which has a leading body consisting of theheadquarters, the political department, the logisticsdepartment and the armaments department, direct themilitary, political, logistical and equipment work oftheir respective troops, and take part in the commandof joint operations. The Navy organizes and commandsmaritime operations conducted independently by itstroops or in support of maritime operations. There arethree fleets under the Navy, namely, the Beihai Fleet,Donghai Fleet and Nanhai Fleet. Each fleet has flotillas,aviation divisions, etc under its command, the papersays. — MNA/Xinhua

Spanish woman ‘is oldest mother’ BARCELONA , 30 Dec

— A 67-year-old Spanishwoman is reported to havegiven birth to twinsaccording to hospitalofficials in Barcelona,becoming the world'soldest mother.

The woman, whosename has not beenrevealed, becamepregnant after fertilitytreatment in LatinAmerica.

She gave birth to thetwins, who have beenplaced in an incubator, bycaesarean section early onSaturday. It was thewoman's first birth and sheis expected to spend a fewdays in the Sant Pauhospital for recovering.

A spokesman for thehospital, which specia-lizes in high-risk births,said that both the mother

and her babies were doingwell.

The woman is oneyear older than RomanianAdriana Iliescu who gavebirth in January 2005 to ababy girl. She too had beenpregnant with twins butone of her babies died inthe womb . — Internet

2-1-07NL 1/2/07, 3:28 AM13


S P O R T S

Positive progress forOwen

Michael Owen

Alex Ferguson

Fergie ready for title fight

Arsene Wenger

Wenger prepared to battle

LONDON, 31 Dec—Sir Alex Ferguson hasadmitted winning the titlethis season will be harderthan any other of hischampionship successes.

United go into theNew Year six points clearof Chelsea at the top ofthe table and arefavourites to lift the titlein May.

Ferguson, who cele-brates his 65th birthdayon New Year’s Eve, isrefusing to take anythingfor granted and knowsChelsea still offer a greatthreat to his side’s hopes.

“The influence ofChelsea and the big play-ers they have been ableto buy has made winningthe league harder, thereis no doubt about it,” saidFerguson.

“It has not been easyfor us because they havewon the league quitecomfortably in the lasttwo years. That is whywe wanted to make agood start this season.

“We have achievedthat now. Hopefully, wecan cash in on it.”

Ferguson also hailedthe contribution ofCristiano Ronaldo thisseasondescribingthePortuguese wingeras thebest player in thePremiership.

“We think Cristianois the best in this leagueand have done so for awhile,” said Ferguson.

“There is no battlebetween the two of them,they are the jokers in thedressing room and wehave all been subject totheir pranks,” saidFerguson.

Internet

LONDON, 31 Dec—Michael Owen is makingexcellent progress in hisrehabilitation from a seri-ous knee injury, accord-ing to his surgeon Dr Ri-chard Steadman.

The revered Americanoperated on the Newcastlestriker after he suffered aruptured cruciate whilst onWorld Cup duty in thesummer.

Steadman has deliveredthe verdict after lookingat the latest scans, declar-ing Owen’s knee to be in‘pristine condition’.

Newcastle boss Glenn

Roeder is reticent to put adate on when Owen couldbe ready to make a returnbut he admits to beingbuoyed by the latest de-velopments.

“At worst Michael is onschedule,” Roeder told theclub’s official website.“He got a scan sent over toDr Steadman in Coloradoto have a look at. He lookedat the scan and is abso-lutely delighted.

Internet

LONDON, 31 Dec—Arsene Wenger hasrubbished suggestionsthat his Arsenal side are a‘soft touch’ when facedwith the more physicalaspects of the Pre-miership.

While there can be nodenying that an Arsenalside in full flight is one ofthe most exhilaratingsights in football, againstthe more robust top flightsides they have un-deniably struggled.

Saturday’s defeat atSheffield United was aprime example of Arse-nal being outmuscled ina gameWenger de-scribed as ‘a typically old-fashioned cup tie’.

Wenger believes that itis a fallacy built up by themedia that he has a prob-

lem with ‘physical’ en-counters but he was criti-cal of some of SheffieldUnited’s challenges -with Chris Morgansingled out in theFrenchman’s appraisal ofthe events that unfoldedat Bramall Lane.

“It is difficult to acceptlosing a game like thatbecause you come out ofit thinking they didn’tcreate a lot,” saidWenger. —Internet

Gerrard named Member of British Empire

Latin America players ofthe year since 1986

MONTEVIDEO, 1 Jan— Following are the winners ofthe Latin America Footballer of the Year since theaward’s introduction: 1986 - Antonio Alzamendi (Uruguay) River Plate 1987 - Carlos Valderrama (Colombia) Deportivo Cali 1988 - Ruben Paz (Uruguay) Racing Club 1989 - Bebeto (Brazil) Vasco da Gama 1990 - Raul Vicente Amarilla (Paraguay) Olimpia 1991 - Oscar Ruggeri (Argentina) Velez Sarsfield 1992 - Rai (Brazil) Sao Paulo 1993 - Carlos Valderrama (Colombia) Atletico Junior 1994 - Cafu (Brazil) Sao Paulo 1995 - Enzo Francescoli (Uruguay) River Plate 1996 - Jose Luis Chilavert (Paraguay) Velez Sarsfield 1997 - Marcelo Salas (Chile) River Plate 1998 - Martin Palermo (Argentina) Boca Juniors 1999 - Javier Saviola (Argentina) River Plate 2000 - Romario (Brazil) Vasco da Gama 2001 - Juan Roman Riquelme (Argentina) Boca Juniors 2002 - Jose Cardozo (Paraguay) Toluca 2003 - Carlos Tevez (Argentina) Boca Juniors 2004 - Carlos Tevez (Argentina) Boca Juniors 2005 - Carlos Tevez (Argentina) Corinthians 2006 - Matias Fernandez (Chile) Colo Colo

MNA/Xinhua

LONDON, 1 Jan— Eng-land and Liverpoolmidfielder Steven Gerrardexpressed his delight Sat-urday after being named aMember of the British Em-pire in the Queen’s NewYear’s Honours List. “I amabsolutely thrilled and hon-oured to receive this rec-ognition for playing a gameI’ve loved all my life,”Gerrard said.

“I’d like to accept thison behalf of all those peo-ple who have been so sup-portive to me throughoutmy career, all myteammates over the years,everyone at LiverpoolFootball Club, everyoneat Team England, all myfamily and friends and allthose coaches who havehelped me since I waseight.”

Gerrard has been instru-mental in two of the mostextraordinary matches ofrecent years. He inspiredLiverpool to fight back tovictory from 3-0 downagainst AC Milan in the2005 Champions Leaguefinal, and scored twice inLiverpool’s FA Cup finalvictory over West Ham lastMay.

MNA/Xinhua

Super strike: Crouch’s acrobatics broke thedeadlock. —INTERNET

Liverpool up to third after3-0 win

LONDON, 1 Jan — Two goals inside two second-half minutes saw Liverpool see-off Bolton and in theprocess leap-frogged their opponents into third placein the table. Peter Crouch’s fantastic overhead kick broke thedeadlock on the hour mark before Steven Gerrardvolleyed home from just inside the area 83 secondslater. Liverpool had failed to turn their possession intogoals during the first half at Anfield.

Manchester City’s Georgios Samaras, right,celebrates after scoring past Everton’s goal-

keeper Tim Howard during their EnglishPremier League soccer match at the City ofManchester Stadium, Manchester, England,

on Monday , 1 Jan , 2007.—INTERNET

English Premier League1 Jan , 2007(Monday)

Liverpool 3-0 BoltonFulham 0-0 WatfordMan City 2-1 EvertonMiddlesbrough 3-1 Sheff UtdPortsmouth 1-1 TottenhamReading 6-0 West HamWigan 0-3 BlackburnMan Utd 2-2 Newcastle

INTERNET

But Crouch, restored to the starting line-up in theplace of the injured Craig Bellamy, ended his 11-match goal drought by opening the scoring in style. Dirk Kuyt laid the ball off to Jermaine Pennant onthe right-hand wing and Pennant’s centre was met bythe acrobatics of Crouch. Bolton found themselves 2-0 down moments laterwhen Gerrard scored his fourth Premiership goal ofthe season with a volley from 12 yards from Kuyt’sassist. It nearly got worse for the visitors when AbdoulayeFaye was lucky to stay on the pitch after bumping intoreferee Graham Poll and kicking the ball away mo-ments after he had been booked for disputing a foul onCrouch. But Liverpool punished Bolton further when Kuytcompleted an impressive performance with the hosts’third eight minutes from time.— INTERNET

2-1-07NL 1/2/07, 3:28 AM14


Monday, 1 January, 2007Summary of observations recorded at 09:30

hours MST: During the past 24 hours, weather hasbeen generally fair in the whole country. Night tempera-tures were (3°C) below normal in Chin State, upperSagaing, Yangon and Taninthayi Divisions, (3°C)above normal in Kachin State, (5°C) above normal inShan State and about normal in the remaining Statesand Divisions. The significant night temperatures wereHaka (2°C), Pinlaung and Heho (3°C) each and Mogok(4°C).

Maximum temperature on 31-12-2006 was 91°F.Minimum temperature on 1-1-2007 was 62°F. Relativehumidity at 09:30 hours MST on 1-1-2007 was 78%.Total sunshine hours on 31-12-2006 was (8.2) hoursapprox.

Rainfalls on 1-1-2007 were (nil) at Mingaladon,Kaba-Aye and Central Yangon.Total rainfalls since1-1-2007 were (nil) at Mingaladon and Kaba-Aye andCentral Yangon. Maximum wind speed at Yangon(Kaba-Aye) was (12) mph from Southeast at (12:15)hours MST on 31-12-2006.

Bay inference: Weather is partly cloudy in theAndaman Sea and South Bay and generally fair else-where in the Bay of Bengal.

Forecast valid until evening of 2-1-2007: Pos-sibility of isolated rain in Taninthayi Division andweather will be partly cloudy in Rakhine and MonStates and generally fair in the remaining States andDivisions. Degree of certainty (40%).

State of the sea: Seas will be slight to moderatein Myanmar Waters.

Outlook for subsequent two days: Continua-tion of increase of night temperatures are likely in theSouthern Myanmar areas.

Forecast for Nay Pyi Taw and neighbouringareas for 2-1-2007: Fair weather.

Forecast for Yangon and neighbouring areasfor 2-1-2007: Generally fair weather .

Forecast for Mandalay and neighbouringareas for 2-1-2007: Fair weather.

WEATHER

*R 489 Published by the News and Periodicals Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar. Edited and printed at The New Light of Myanmar Press,No 22/30 Strand Road at 43rd Street, Yangon. Cable Newlight, PO Box No. 43, Telephones: Editors 392308, Manager 392226, Circulation 392304, Advertisement 392223,Accounts 392224, Administration 392225, Production/Press 297028

8:30 am Brief news8:35 am Music

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8:40 am Perspectives8:45am Music

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8:50 am National news/Slogan

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9:05am Internationalnews

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1:30 pm News / Slogan1:40 pmLunch time

music-I take you with me-Power of two-Why-Willow

9:00 pm Discussion withThu Khi AungEnglish Speak-ing Course

9:10 pm Article9:20pm Weekly sport reel9:30 pm Music at your

listeningpleasure :-Just a little bit of love-Like the rose-Be a man-Where did the loving go

9:45 pmNews / Slogan10:00 pm PEL

Tuesday, 2 January Tune in today

7:00 am1. Recitation of Parittas

by MissionarySayadaw UOttamathara

7:15 am2. tipi!kDr'DmμB‹agårik'tipi!kDr'DmμB‹agårik'tipi!kDr'DmμB‹agårik'tipi!kDr'DmμB‹agårik'tipi!kDr'DmμB‹agårik'

Ag©mhap‹it'Ag©mhap‹it'Ag©mhap‹it'Ag©mhap‹it'Ag©mhap‹it'Bd∂N†qiriN∂a BiwMqBd∂N†qiriN∂a BiwMqBd∂N†qiriN∂a BiwMqBd∂N†qiriN∂a BiwMqBd∂N†qiriN∂a BiwMq(eyaSraeta\)(eyaSraeta\)(eyaSraeta\)(eyaSraeta\)(eyaSraeta\)ehaÂka;eta\mAp\eqaehaÂka;eta\mAp\eqaehaÂka;eta\mAp\eqaehaÂka;eta\mAp\eqaehaÂka;eta\mAp\eqaUpπåt qNi†påLieta\Upπåt qNi†påLieta\Upπåt qNi†påLieta\Upπåt qNi†påLieta\Upπåt qNi†påLieta\

7:25 am3. To be healthy

exercise7:30 am

4. Morning news7:40 am

5. Nice and sweet song8:15 am 6. kb¥apn\\;Uy¥aU\kb¥apn\\;Uy¥aU\kb¥apn\\;Uy¥aU\kb¥apn\\;Uy¥aU\kb¥apn\\;Uy¥aU\8:20 am 7. Song of yesteryears

8:30 am 8. International news8:45 am 9. Let’s Go4:00 pm 1. Martial song4:15pm

2. Song to upholdNational Spirit

4:30 pm 3. Aew;qc\tkqiul\ pvaer; Aew;qc\tkqiul\ pvaer; Aew;qc\tkqiul\ pvaer; Aew;qc\tkqiul\ pvaer; Aew;qc\tkqiul\ pvaer;

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4:45 pm4. Dance of national races5:00 pm5. KMsa;na;Sc\et;zat\wc\KMsa;na;Sc\et;zat\wc\KMsa;na;Sc\et;zat\wc\KMsa;na;Sc\et;zat\wc\KMsa;na;Sc\et;zat\wc\5:10pm6. {ANiuc\AROM;}{ANiuc\AROM;}{ANiuc\AROM;}{ANiuc\AROM;}{ANiuc\AROM;}

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5:15 pm7. (59) N˙s\e�mak\(59) N˙s\e�mak\(59) N˙s\e�mak\(59) N˙s\e�mak\(59) N˙s\e�mak\

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5:25 pm8. SiuÂkmy\' ep¥a\Âkmy\SiuÂkmy\' ep¥a\Âkmy\SiuÂkmy\' ep¥a\Âkmy\SiuÂkmy\' ep¥a\Âkmy\SiuÂkmy\' ep¥a\Âkmy\6:00 pm

9. Evening news6:10 pm10. Weather report

Tuesday, 2 January

View on today

6:15 pm11. Niuc\cM�Ka;kat∑n\;zat\lm\\;t∑Ńiuc\cM�Ka;kat∑n\;zat\lm\\;t∑Ńiuc\cM�Ka;kat∑n\;zat\lm\\;t∑Ńiuc\cM�Ka;kat∑n\;zat\lm\\;t∑Ńiuc\cM�Ka;kat∑n\;zat\lm\\;t∑´

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6:50 pm12. Âky\p∑c\.m¥a;r>rc\Kun\qMÂky\p∑c\.m¥a;r>rc\Kun\qMÂky\p∑c\.m¥a;r>rc\Kun\qMÂky\p∑c\.m¥a;r>rc\Kun\qMÂky\p∑c\.m¥a;r>rc\Kun\qM7:05 pm13. Niuc\cM�Ka;zat\lm\\;t∑Ńiuc\cM�Ka;zat\lm\\;t∑Ńiuc\cM�Ka;zat\lm\\;t∑Ńiuc\cM�Ka;zat\lm\\;t∑Ńiuc\cM�Ka;zat\lm\\;t∑´

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7:45 pm14. AK¥ op \A�KaAa%aD ∑n \ >AK¥ op \A�KaAa%aD ∑n \ >AK¥ op \A�KaAa%aD ∑n \ >AK¥ op \A�KaAa%aD ∑n \ >AK¥ op \A�KaAa%aD ∑n \ >

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8:00 pm15. News16. International news17. Weather report18. �mn\maRup\Rc\{tiuk\p∑eKÅqM}�mn\maRup\Rc\{tiuk\p∑eKÅqM}�mn\maRup\Rc\{tiuk\p∑eKÅqM}�mn\maRup\Rc\{tiuk\p∑eKÅqM}�mn\maRup\Rc\{tiuk\p∑eKÅqM}

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20. The next day’sprogramme

BAGHDAD, 1 Jan — At least 3,000 US soldiers havedied in Iraq since the war began in 2003 as the USmilitary announced on Sunday one more soldier waskilled.

Spc Dustin R Donica, 22,of Spring, Texas, was killedThursday in Baghdad, bysmall arms while conductingcombat operations, thePentagon said on the website,www, icasualties,org.

He was assigned to 3rdBattalion, 509th ParachuteInfantry Regiment, 4thAirbone Brigade CombatTeam, 25th Infantry Division,Fort Richardson, Alaska, the

Defence Department added.The death is pre-

viously upreported. Earlier onSunday, the US military alsosaid that a roadside bombdetonated near a US patrol,killing one soldier andwounding two others in asoutheastern neighbourhoodof Baghdad on Saturday.

The soldier’s nameis being withheld pendingnotification of next of kin, itsaid. So far, at least 111 USsoldiers have died in Iraq inDecember alone, whichbecame the bloodiest monthfor US military this year.

MNA/Xinhua

Three sharks use their flexible bodies to lay out a comma, a full stop and aquestion mark during a public performance at an aquatic park in Fuzhou,

South China’s Fujian Province on 30 Dec, 2006. — INTERNET

Rio hit by wave of gangviolence

RIO DE JANEIRO, 1 Jan — A new wave of criminalattacks hit Rio de Janeiro on Saturday after gang-related street violence left 18 people dead and 30others injured two days earlier.

Gang members clashedwith police in a highwayconnecting downtown Riowith towns in the metro-politan region of the state.

In the western part ofthe city, a public pavementwas damaged by a grenadeexplosion. And police thenexchanged fire withgangsters who were tryingto storm into a precinctbuilding. A homeless manwas shot in the shootout.

In retaliation, StatePolice raided Rio’s mainslums often controlled bydrug traffickers, and fivedrug dealers were killedin the operation.

In the metro region,a bus was burnt, but noone was injured. Buscompanies refused tooperate at night aftergangs set fire to ninebuses on Thursday.

MNA/Xinhua

US troops death toll hits3,000 in Iraq

2-1-07NL 1/2/07, 3:29 AM15

Fullmoon Day of Pyatho 1368 ME Tuesday, 2 January, 2007

* Development of agriculture as the base and all-rounddevelopment of other sectors of the economy as well

* Proper evolution of the market-oriented economicsystem

* Development of the economy inviting participation interms of technical know-how and investments fromsources inside the country and abroad

* The initiative to shape the national economy must be keptin the hands of the State and the national peoples

* Uplift of the morale and morality ofthe entire nation

* Uplift of national prestige and integ-rity and preservation and safeguard-ing of cultural heritage and nationalcharacter

* Uplift of dynamism of patriotic spirit* Uplift of health, fitness and education

standards of the entire nation

* Stability of the State, community peaceand tranquillity, prevalence of law andorder

* National reconsolidation* Emergence of a new enduring State

Constitution* Building of a new modern developed

nation in accord with the new StateConstitution

Four economic objectives Four social objectivesFour political objectives

YANGON, 1 Jan — Lt-Gen Myint Swe of theMinistry of Defence paid obeisance to the members ofthe Sangha, who are sitting for the TipitakadharaTipitakakovida selection examinations and Tipitakaoral examinations at Maha Pasana Cave in Kaba Aye,here this evening.

Accompanied by Chairman of Yangon Divi-sion Peace and Development Council Commander ofYangon Command Brig-Gen Hla Htay Win, Lt-GenMyint Swe arrived at the Cave where the examinationsare being held under the sponsorship of the Ministry ofReligious Affairs.

They were welcomed at the Cave by Ministerfor Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung,Director-General of Department for Promotion andPropagation of the Sasana Dr Myo Myint,Pro-Rector (Admin) of International TheravadaBuddhist Missionary University Dr Myint Kyi andofficials.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe and party paid respects toChairman of the Tipitakadhara selection examinationboard Abhiadhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja AggaMaha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Vijayabhivamsa

(See page 9)

Lt-Gen Myint Swe pays obeisance tocandidate monks for religious examinations

NAY PYI TAW, 1 Jan — Hlaing Chaung Dam in PaleTownship, Monywa District, Sagaing Division, wasopened yesterday by Chairman of Sagaing DivisionPeace and Development Council Commander of NorthWest Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye and Minister forAgriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo.

Hlaing Chaung Dam is the 193th one in the time ofthe Tatmadaw Government and the 22nd for Sagaing

Sagaing Division gets 22nd dam toirrigate 1000 more acres

Division and it is expected to irrigate 1,000 acres offarmland.

The State relies on Sagaing Division economicallyas cultivation of paddy, cotton, sugarcane, beans andpulses and other crops is successful in the region,Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye said in his openingaddress. The dam is 73 feet high and 4,500 feet longand can store 5,370 acre feet of water. It is constructed

Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye delivers address at opening ceremony of Hlaing Chaung Dam. — AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

Lt-Gen Myint Swe pays obeisance to Sayadaws sitting for Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida oralexamination. — MNA

on Hlaing Creek in Pale Township, Sagaing Division.Its spillway is 491 feet long and 60 feet wide.

Hlaing Chaung Dam and Myauk Yama Sup-porting Dam have been implemented to supply waterto farmland in Sagaing Division so that the divisioncan become “granary” of Upper Myanmar and canproduce reserve paddy for the nation.

(See page 9)

2-1-07NL 1/2/07, 3:29 AM16

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