Comparing three versions of the myanmar burma constitution. Myanmars current constitution formed a key mechanism by which the country emerged from military rule in early 2011. About constitutionalism and legal change in myanmar. Pdf on jan 1, 2009, hiroko kawanami and others published introduction. Power, authority, and contested hegemony in burmesemyanmar religion find, read and cite all the research you need on. Myanmar constitution of the republic of the union of. Myanmars leader backs change to constitution the new. These pipelines run through the shan state in the northern part of myanmar, a war zone where the burmese army has committed serious human rights abuses. This issue myanmar laws2000 is theconinuation of the publication mentioned above. Burmas military rulers have published their proposed new constitution, which critics say will cement their grip on power and weaken the opposition. It is our responsibility to handover these gifts from nature, and the invaluable heritage of our ancestors, to our future generations.
Myanmar, formerly known as burma has existed for centuries. Myanmar laws1990 is under arrangement for publication in the near future. The pyidaungsu hluttaw is made up of two houses, the amyotha hluttaw house of. This 2008 is the third constitution of the country after the 1947 and 1974 constitutions. The constitution is hailed by the military as heralding a return to democracy, but the opposition sees it as a tool for continuing military control of the country. Policy toward burma myanmar to examine the shift in the united states approach to its relations with the country and to formulate a set of recommendations aimed at promoting the countrys longterm stability. Despite extensive criticism of this constitution for its emphasis on the role of the military, much progress has been. The constitution of the union of burma, 24 september 1947. Avenues for reform and decentralization and steps towards a federal system, was written by freelance researcher ma tinzar htun and independent analyst mr mael raynaud, and published by germanys konrad adenauer stiftung. Microsoft windows vista, ubuntu linux both provide native burmese rendering support.
The constitution of the republic of the union of myanmar 2008 is the third constitution of myanmar after 1947 and 1974 constitutions which were aborted by military coups. The burmese government is dispossessing people of their land. The constitution of the union of burma, 24 september 1947, effective 4 january 1948preamble we, the people of burma including the frontier areas and the karenni states, determined to establish in strength and unity a. Chinas relations with burma united states institute. Section 436 prescribes that constitution amendment needs the approval of more than 75 percent or threefourths of all members of parliament mps. Article 198 burmese shall be used as the official language for the purpose of uniformity and clarity in communications between the higher and lower level organs of the state and between such organs at. Its adoption in 2008 followed nearly two decades of drafting attempts, which varied significantly in the degree of their inclusivity.
Burmese version of the opera browser can be used to read burmese unicode text myanmar bible was available online sahana, web based disaster management system was translated. It is part of the seven steps road map announced by then prime minister of state peace and development council government general khin nyunt on 30 august 2003. I focus on how and why the current constitution recognises the rights of ethnic minorities compared to past constitutions. An overview of burmas ethnic politics cultural survival. Myanmar is at an historic stage in its development and is pursuing a reform agenda. Act online online burma myanmar library, asian studies www virtual library pdf doc. The nations transition from a halfcentury of brutal military rule to a nominally civilian. The junta says it will put the document to a national referendum on 10 may. Myanmar parliament suggests changes to article 436 of. We, the national people, have been living in unity and oneness, setting up an independent sovereign state and standing tall with pride. One of the seven steps include recalling of national convention. On 9 april 2008, the military government of myanmar burma released its proposed constitution for the country to be put to a vote in public referendum on 10 may 2008, as part of its roadmap to democracy. Htin kyaw, in his first speech as myanmars president, pledged to amend the militarydrafted constitution, in a reference to allowing aung san suu kyi to be president instead. The system of government the constitution established is quasifederal and presidential in.
Bbc news asiapacific new burma constitution published. The draft version of the report was discussed with representatives of the government in november 2014 and finalised by. This was done in response to the burmese governments ongoing attempts since 1993 to draft a new constitution through the national convention, a body handpicked by the military. Normes consulted on 2008 1106 constitution online ministry of foreign affairs, mayanmar pdf of official burmese english version of constitution doc. Normes consulted on 20081106 constitution online ministry of foreign affairs, mayanmar pdf of official burmeseenglish version of constitution doc. Myanmar is characterized by diverse ecosystems, rich biodiversity and a wealth of ethnic lifestyles and cultures. Constitution 2008 this is the 2008 constitution of myanmar.
As part of the ceasefire arrangements with the military regime, these tribes were assigned relative autonomy over areas of the shan and kachin states, which later became enshrined in. According to the military government, the new constitution of myanmar will ensure the creation of a disciplineflourishing democracy. The regimes draft constitution stipulates that one quarter of parliamentary representatives come from the. The burma companies act india act vii, 19 1st april, 1914 part i. Myanmars parliament voted against several constitutional amendments thursday, ensuring that the militarys veto power remains intact and that opposition leader and longtime prodemocracy movement icon aung san suu kyi cannot become president in an election expected later this year. A constitutional referendum was held in myanmar on 10 may 2008 24 may 2008 in some townships according to an announcement by the state peace and development council in february 2008. Ethnic political advocates say the efforts toward the amendment of. They were also passed despite guarantees of gender equality and nondiscrimination based on religion in the 2008 constitution. We, the national people, have been living in unity and oneness, setting up an independent sovereign.
Interpretation of the preamble, articles, clauses, words and expressions contained in this constitution shall be based only on the burmese text. Myanmars constitution of 2008 was the road map for the reform process that began in 2011. Myanmars parliamentary committee for implementation of 2008 constitution amendment has decided to propose amendment to section 436 of the constitution, media reported wednesday. Myanmar investment law burmese version18102016 approved 1. Myanmars new president pledges to change constitution wsj. Bring focus back to amending constitution, say ethnic. Current realities and future possibilities in burmamyanmar.
No easy answers on myanmars constitutional challenges it was a crucial vote for the prodemocracy forces, especially the national league for democracy nld, which hopes to see its leader, daw aung san suu kyi, become the countrys next president. Myanmars senior political leaders will hold talks on friday aimed at breaking the deadlock over possible changes to the countrys constitution. Following the coming into effect of a new constitution in may, 2008, elections and byeelections was held in november. The oecd open government report of myanmar was prepared by the oecd in collaboration with. Central publishing enterprise, supreme court of the republic of the union of myanmar, 1970 835. In 1962, the republic of the union of myanmar then burma underwent a coup detat resulting in. Myanmar parliament blocks constitutional changes al. The now ruling nld party advocated for the amendment of the constitution while they were in opposition, and the movement has faded from the spotlight since the nld took office oneandahalf years ago. No easy answers on myanmars constitutional challenges. We, the people of burma including the frontier areas and the karenni states, determined to establish in strength and unity a sovereign independent state, to maintain social order on the basis of the eternal principles of justice, liberty and equality and to guarantee and secure to all citizens justice social, economic and political. The 2008 constitution was drafted over a period of 14 years and 11 months from january 1993 to december 2007 by a national convention constituted by the military junta then called the spdc. That is, i am concerned with why a military regime would grant forms of special recognition to ethnic nationalities in a constitution drafted under its control.
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