In the law approved on July 18, Section 8(A) of Chapter 4 (the Chapter of Registration) state that associations can be registered under the rules that do not affect the rule of law and national security.

In a statement released on July 21, the CSOs cried foul, saying these clauses are ambiguous and cause confusion to the public.  The ambiguity could pave the way for abuse of power by authorities or politicians.

In the statement, they said that the phrase “under the rules” does not state clearly what kind of rules will be enforced. Therefore, the CSOs are afraid that registration officials may impose some rules that could curtail their freedom.

They also denounced the law as running counter to treaties that Myanmar has signed with the international community, to promote the freedom of association.

The CSOs demanded the removal of the ambiguous sections or the issuance of a by-law to clarify the ambiguity.

“Chapter 4 deals with national security. The government should rather welcome the registration of CSOs since we are assisting it in developing the country. This clause poses difficulties in the registration procedure,” said Soe Tun from the association of civil society organisations (Lower Myanmar). “Besides, what are the “rules” to be imposed? This is dangerous.”