'Race protection considered if draft law submitted by MPs' - Speaker
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Myanmar's Lower House speaker said a national race protection law would be considered only if the issue was raised by members of parliament and national-level organisations.
Speaker Thura Shwe Mann was replying to questions from reporters during a meeting with the Myanmar Journalists Network at parliament in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday. Also at the meeting were opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and MP Thein Swe.
“Parliament is responsible for legislative affairs. To make a law, the union government has to draft a bill first. Likewise, MPs can submit a bill. Then, MPs also have to discuss that bill. This is why we will consider [any proposed law] according to the parliamentary procedures if it is submitted by those concerned,” said Shwe Mann.
At present, petitions for a proposed national race protection law are being collected across the country. More than two million signatures have reportedly been received from the public so that the draft law can be forwarded to parliament.
