Myanmar govt suspends 68 projects, waiting for new administration
YANGON - The Thein Sein government has suspended 68 projects, including coal-fired power plants, mining and private sector deals, to allow the next government to manage the assets when it takes office, according to state-owned newspapers.
The report was published shortly after MPs discussed an urgent proposal last week calling the government to scrutinise the rental, sale, handover and privatisation of state-owned land, factories and businesses after last November's election. Forced eviction of "squatters" and the management of the country’s resources were also questioned.
The suspended cases are for 18 industrial projects, 14 with the private sector and 10 from the mining sector. It also includes projects from the Foreign Affairs, Cooperatives, Transport, Electric Power, Commerce, Construction, Rail Transport and Science and Technology ministries and the Union Election Commission.
A memorandum of understanding signed for a 2,640MW coal-fired power plant near the mouth of the Tanintharyi River was not on the suspended list.
The government suspended agreements and mine exploration deals with Shwekhit Development Mining Co Ltd, Tun Thwin Mining Co Ltd, Swan Min Htet Mining Co, AMARI Group (Myanmar) Co Ltd, Ruby Dragon Mining Co, Yadanar Sai Kaung Myat Mining Co Ltd, Nabutalu Mining Co Ltd and Shwe Anada Mining Co Ltd.
The government suspended the factory rentals in Ahlon, Hmawbi, Bahan, Insein, Danyingone, Sawbwargyigone, Htaukkyant, Pathein and Kyaukse townships.
The suspended list included the proposals to develop Hanthawaddy industrial park on 2,500 acres in Intagaw, Danhsan port, Yangon-Danhsan highway and the 1,000MW Danhsan Terminal power plant project.
On February 26, National League of Democracy MP Khin San Hlaing submitted an urgent proposal, asking for Lower House MPs' consent to prevent the government from selling more public assets. The proposal also urged the government to examine the sale, renting, transferring and privatisation of state-owned land, factories and businesses without proper accountability.
When she touched the issue of seized farmland for the copper mine in Letpadaungtaung, all military representatives reportedly stood in objection. Saying this reference could cause misperceptions among the public, they urged the Speaker to delete the debate from the parliamentary record. Lieutenant-Colonel Moe Kyaw Oo asked for a microphone to object but the Speaker refused, it was reported.
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