Angry debate precedes approval of Chinese bank loan
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Parliament on Thursday approved a US$300 million loan from a Chinese bank, but not before the Speaker had to warn the Cooperatives Minister and two MPs from the National League for Democracy (NLD) Party about parliamentary rules of etiquette.
Union Parliament Speaker Thura Shwe Mann admonished Union Cooperatives Minister Kyaw Hsan and NLD MPs Khin San Hlaing and Khin Mway Lwin over heated exchanges during debate on the bank loan, which members later approved by a count of 433 to 56.
"With the aim of reducing the country’s poverty rate to 16 per cent and improving the socio-economic lives of farmers and others, the ministry’s plan to re-disburse loans ranging from Ks 100,000 to Ks 500,000 to them after taking a USD 300 million loan from the Exim Bank of China is good," NLD MP Khin San Hlaing said.
However, it is "questionable" whether the loans will get into the hands of those who need them, he said, adding that such loans are not enough to solve all the problems the recipients face.
"The Union Parliament has already warned the Cooperatives Ministry not to take loans from China’s Exim Bank due to the high interest rates," Khin San Hlaing said, adding that short repayment schedules put undue pressure on borrowers such as farmers.
"The minister himself explained (the loan terms)," he said. "The minister’s explanations are impractical and beyond possibility. I think it is fanciful."
NLD MP Khin Hmway Lwin added: "To promote the living standards of the poor, the ministry needs to seek means and ways to create more job opportunities, instead of loan disbursement that may make them fall into the debt trap."
Cooperatives Minister Kyaw Hsan responded by saying he takes responsibility for any mistakes he might make, but suggested, "The MPs should criticise me with the adequate explanations. I am practical but not fanciful. Here I would like to tell Khin San Hlaing and Khin Hmway Lwin that both of you will be fanciful."
After further comments, the Speaker finally had enough of the comments the minister and MPs were directing at each other and firmly reminded them that Parliament's rules require members to direct questions, replies and comments through him and not at each other.
"Direct discussions may generate problems," Thura Shwe Mann told them. "Those from the ministries should be aware of who is the medium for discussion. All need be cautious that such undesirable practices as using direct names (of members) goes against the rules, regulations and procedures."
