Parliament rejects president's remarks on economic zone bill
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Parliament has rejected President Thein Sein's remark that parliamentary approval should not be required in establishing special economic zones (SEZs).
Last year, Parliament approved the Myanmar Special Economic Zone Bill and sent it to the president for signing into a law. However, the president refused to sign the bill and sent it back with his remarks to parliament.
In his remarks, Thein Sein suggested taking out a section that requires the approval of Parliament to designate or establish SEZs across Myanmar.
Military representatives Lt-Colonel Ye Naing Oo and Major Zin Lin supported the president during the parliamentary session, but MP Myat Nyarna Soe argued against it.
Naing Oo said there can be delay if parliament’s approval is needed in establishing economic zones, and it is subsequently discouraging for foreign investors.
Nyarna Soe, however, argued that this is required to maintain checks and balances while it is not contradictory to the constitution. Parliament’s decision should be taken in such major issues as land confiscation and the controversial Myitsone Dam Project, he added.
Parliament then held a vote to decide on it. The majority of MPs voted against the president’s remarks and parliament ruled that its approval is required for establishment of SEZs.
