Vice-Chairman of SAC Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win meets officers, other ranks and families of Hpasawng, Bawlakhe and Hpruso stations
NAY PYI TAW February 2
Vice-Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, accompanied by senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, met with officers, other ranks and families of Hpasawng, Bawlakhe and Hpruso stations in respective station halls separately this morning.
In his speech, the Vice-Senior General said the Tatmadaw called for the Union Election Commission, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and the National Defence and Security Council to take necessary action against the 10.4 million election irregularities, which deviated from the path of democracy, in accordance with the law, after the 2020 Multi-party General Election but no action was taken and attempts were made to take over state power forcefully by convening the Hluttaw. Therefore, It has been one year since the three branches of state power was assumed by the Tatmadaw under section 417, 418 and 419 of the Constitution (2008). The Tatmadaw has never taken over state power but assumed it under the constitution without abolishing and redrafting it. Free and fair general elections play a major role and justice is the lifeblood of the multi-party democracy. Only then, could genuine representatives, who would choose the head of state and form the government, be elected. Taking over State power unlawfully without following the correct path will not be accepted by any countries and citizens. So far, some organizations and citizens at home and abroad wrongly think of the assumption of state responsibilities by the Tatmadaw as a coup. As differences in political parties, militias, favouritism, foreign intrusions and factionalism led to the undermining of the sovereignty and stability of the state during the adoption of parliamentary democracy after regaining independence under the 1947 Constitution, the Tatmadaw had to assume the State responsibilities temporarily in accordance with the 1947 Constitution and handed over the State power the party that won the elections.
However, the Revolutionary Council had to take over the state power due to the deterioration of stability and political crises in 1962. Reviewing the weaknesses of parliamentary democracy, the RC saw the need to abolish the constitution and drafted the 1974 constitution which allowed the BSPP to govern the country. The Tatmadaw had to take over the state power in 1988 due to economic and general political crises.
In accordance with the wish of the people for multi-party democracy, the Tatmadaw had to abolish the constitution and redraft the new constitution. The new constitution was voted for by 92 per cent of the people and the wish of the people has been accepted by all members of the Tatmadaw, which will hand over the State power to the winning party after taking action against election irregularities and holding a new election under the constitution.
Regional peace and stability as well as the chance for all eligible voters to vote are necessary for holding a free and fair election. This is why the Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister is trying to designate 2022 as the year of peace. Failure to conduct election campaigns before the election and each voter’s inability to vote peacefully will prevent the choice and election of representatives, causing losses for the regions and their people.
As the SAC acts in accord with the law, such measures can be taken only in the emergency provision period, not on a permanent basis. There are some people being misled by the instigation of local and foreign elements. They should not have been misled. Seeking self-interest and taking advantage of our country’s political crisis, some powerful countries are imposing economic sanctions, causing much impact on the people.
The attempt to install a puppet government through various kinds of oppression is unacceptable.
Our country is sandwiched between the two powerful countries, and we are continuing to exercise the independent, active non-aligned foreign policy. We are maintaining coexistence in view of having peaceful and friendly relations with all the countries. The State had experienced a variety of difficulties and challenges over the year. However, they could be overcome thanks to the cooperation of the people including good service personnel.
Tatmadaw members are serving the country with the conviction that they are defending the State. Section 337 of the Constitution states that the Tatmadaw is a fundamental armed organization to defend the State. It is necessary to correctly judge the online propaganda of the terrorist organizations namely NUG, CRPH and PDF. We need to share correct news in our environs.
The fine dignity and traditions of the Tatmadaw must be maintained and skills must be sharpened. As the Tatmadaw is a strong organization made up of all national races, we must continue to work in unity.
Then, the Vice-Senior General presented foodstuffs for the station. He later cordially greeted the officers and other ranks and their families.