Army chief speaks out in support of 2008 charter

Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has said that the 2008 Constitution can only be amended in accordance with the law if necessary.

The commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s armed forces, or Tatmadaw, gave a speech to assembled soldiers and military commanders in the capital Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday to mark Armed Forces Day.

“The constitution is not intended to be enacted for a person, a party, an organisation, an ethnic tribe or the army,” said the general. 

“Legislative power, executive power and juridical power are separated, to the extent possible, and exert reciprocal control among themselves. The main requirement is to divide the legislative and rights intended for regions and states as prescribed in the constitution chapter 9(A),” he added.

The general reiterated the army’s responsibility to protect the country, reminding the parade ground that 24 out of 26 million voters gave their support to the military-drafted charter. 

Armed Forces Day commemorates the 69th anniversary of the Tatmadaw’s resistance against the Japanese, who had occupied the country then known as Burma during World War II. 

“At that time, all youths who loved their country fought for the country. I say strongly that the Tatmadaw was born as a union army to fight for the independence based on patriotism,” said the commander-in-chief.

Since President Thein Sein began a series of reforms in 2011, aiming at regaining Myanmar’s international standing and opening the country to foreign investment, changes in the former junta-ruled country have occurred very fast. 

But despite the opening of parliament and legalisation of opposition parties, power remains largely in the hands of the army and former military parties. 

“Political reforms are still moving ahead due to the 2008 Constitution,” said President Thein Sein during a speech in parliament marking the third anniversary of his government’s tenure. 

“Calls for amendment of the constitution is very wide spread. But all citizens must follow the enactments in Chapter 12 to amend the constitution,” he added, referring to Act 436, which requires 75 per cent of both houses of parliament, followed by a majority of votes in a national referendum to approve any changes. 

The 2008 Constitution has been the main focus of the opposition National League of Democracy (NLD) which sees the current charter as a main barrier to carrying democratic reforms. As well as barring opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from running for office, experts say it is one of the most difficult constitutions to amend.