ARTICLES

7 Feb 2019

Ahead of 2020 Elections, Moves to Amend the Myanmar Constitution

Ye Htut

Making good on one of their 2015 campaign promises, Myanmar's ruling NLD party has formed a Joint Committee for Constitutional Amendment just ahead of the 2020 elections. However, even with its super-majority, the party will still need the support of minority parties and military representatives to pass any amendments.

25 Apr 2018

President U Win Myint’s Debut at the ASEAN Summit

Moe Thuzar

Myanmar President U Win Myint's debut at the ASEAN Summit will be watched closely. They will compare his performance to Daw Suu's - in particular, how he will address the Rohingya crisis.

ASEAN Myanmar Rohingya

5 Apr 2018

A “New Generation” Leader for Myanmar’s National League for Democracy?

Ye Htut

Even though Myanmar's President is both the head of state and head of government, Ms Aung San Suu Kyi is still the de facto leader of Myanmar, with all important policy decisions needing her approval. This heavy burden, along with Ms Suu Kyi's advancing age, may necessitate a shift to a new generation of more pro-active leadership.

Myanmar Myanmar Politics NLD

16 Nov 2017

The ASEAN “Consensus” on Migrant Workers: Not Ideal but a Basis to Continue Working

Moe Thuzar

The fact that Asean has arrived at a consensus on the promotion and protection of migrant workers' rights is a feat in itself. The consensus does not have legal weight, but the expectation is that it would provide some moral suasion for the national implementation of regoinal commitments and the possibility of more mini-lateral initiaitves.

ASEAN Migrant Workers Myanmar

5 Nov 2017

Aung San Suu Kyi Needs to Take an Inclusive Approach to Conflict Resolution in Rakhine

Ye Htut

Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi visited the Maungtaw district to assure local Rohingya villagers about the government's development programs for Northern Rakhine. But she failed to meet Rakhine politicians and community leaders To succeed, she will need to build an all-inclusive conflict resolution for Rakhine.

Aung San Suu Kyi Myanmar Rakhine

29 Aug 2017

Realities of the Rakhine Issue in Myanmar

Ye Htut

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib's proposal to adopt the Malay language as ASEAN's “main and official language” is unrealistic and divisive. It could also rollback ASEAN's gains in positioning the regional organisation as a global entity.

Aung San Suu Kyi Myanmar Rakhine

29 May 2017

Myanmar’s Elusive Dream of Peace

Ye Htut

Myanmar’s second Union Peace Conference has ended with no agreement on the issues of non-secession and the unified federal army. This is not surprising. There is a lack of a proper framework for political dialogue and the civilian government is perceived to be weak.

Aung San Suu Kyi Myanmar Myanmar Politics

12 Dec 2016

Managing the Rohingya Issue through Quiet Diplomacy

Hoang Thi Ha

The Rohingya crisis is a transboundary problem that requires a regional response. ASEAN's position of non-interference towards Myanmar should be combined with an awareness of the need to act together - a validation of mutual respect and constructive engagement.

ASEAN Malaysia-Myanmar Relations Myanmar Rohingya

10 Jun 2016

Myanmar Forum 2016: Key Takeaways

Moe Thuzar

The Myanmar Forum 2016 highlighted the imperatives for the NLD government to restore trust and create conditions that are conducive to doing business in Myanmar. The newly-elected parliament need to repeal and revise outdated laws and develop policies relevant to the country's current needs.

Myanmar NLD