Rakhine nationals urged to uphold the rule of law

He was speaking on the final day of the Arakan National Conference on May 1. 

“In an effort to develop Rakhine State, the rule of law is crucial. The government has committed [itself] to building up a modern, developed and democratic country. In this regard, Rakhine nationals play a crucial part,” said the Speaker. 

He went on to express his gratitude to the central government and state government for allowing the conference to take place. “I have heard the word ‘federal’ since my childhood. Some often misunderstand the federation as secession from the union. In fact, the federal system did not mean secession but living in coexistence and sharing power,” he continued.

The onus rests on parliamentarians to encourage citizens to follow the rule of law. To develop the country, all citizens should have firm commitments, law-abiding practices and unity, said the speaker.

Shwe Mann acknowledged that due to the prevalence of centralisation, those from the lower-level organisations had fewer rights and power. The central government needed to share more authority and resources with regional counterparts. 

The speaker promised that as an MP and a responsible person, he would make relentless efforts to ensure the peace, stability and development of Rakhine State. 

In another development, the Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) held a union-level meeting on May 2 at the offices of the Rakhine regional government in Sittwe.

Officials of the ECC, delegations from the United Nations, and members of international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) attended the meeting in Rakhine State, according to the Ministry of Border Affairs.

Under discussion was the coordination with international organisations in Myanmar and to the need to end conflict in the region. The ECC is meant to control clashes in Rakhine State, but now includes government personnel, Rakhine elders and members of the INGO community to help maintain transparency.

In addition, it has been reported that the Arakan Army (AA) and the Arakan Liberation Party have arranged to join forces. During Kyaukpyu Conference, designations from those parties said the AA was ready to protect the back door of Myanmar.

At present, security matters in Rakhine State should be prioritised as the destiny of Rakhine State affects not only Rakhine nationals but the whole country.