Speaker: Any law, in national interest, can be amended
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'Majority of MPs have a weak understanding of laws, he says
Myanmar’s parliamentary speaker told members of the Press Council in a meeting on Tuesday that any law can be amended if doing so is in the interests of the nation and the people.
Thura Shwe Mann made the remark during a discussion in the capital Nay Pyi Taw focusing on the controversial Printing and Publishing Enterprise Bill, which was approved by parliament in July. Journalists have criticised the law, which they say will result in further government control of the media.
The latest meeting was also attended by Thura Aye Myint, chairman of Lower House’s committee for sports, culture and public relations development; Htay Oo, vice chairman of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party; and some Lower House MPs. The Press Council’s delegation comprised chairman Khin Maung Aye, secretary Kyaw Min Swe and other members.
The meeting focused on two laws: the Printing and Publishing Enterprise Bill drafted by the Ministry of Information and subsequently approved by parliament; and the media bill drafted by the Press Council.
Shwe Mann, who is also the Lower House speaker, said the ministry-drafted press bill was approved because parliament assumed that that concerned parties had already discussed and coordinated matters related to the bill.
However, any law can be amended, whatever the stage it reaches, if it is in the interests of the nation and the people.
“The Upper House will discuss and approve the press bill because it has been approved by the Lower House. It will reach the president after it has been approved again by parliament.
“Even if the bill has been approved by the president, Thura Aye Myint’s committee can amend it after review if it is not seen to serve the national interest,” said Dr Thein Myint, member of the Press Council.
Regarding the Press Council-drafted media bill, he also quoted the speaker as saying that it will be discussed in parliament.
“Another thing the speaker said is that the majority of MPs have a weak understanding of laws. So it is important to promote their understanding through discussion,” Dr Thein Myint added.
