Myanmar MPs seek to oust outsiders from Rakhine commission

The proposal was submitted by MP Aung Kyaw Zan of Pauktaw Township, Rakhine State, on August 30. A total of 34 MPs registered to discuss the issue in the parliament.

MP Aung Kyaw Zan said: “It has been found that outsiders are allowed to intervene in our domestic affairs through their inclusion in the Commission for Tranquility and Development in Rakhine State and through their acceptance of help from the outside. What is more, the announcement [of the commission] prescribed that the members analyse the international relations between the original country and the background of refugees living in other countries. This seems to fan the flames while the country is facing problems.”

The MP also said the commission will be led by people who do not understand the history of Rakhine State or the real situation and who are influenced by the “disease of democracy and human rights”.

“Then, the issue will become international rather than domestic. The ultimate result might infringe on our national security and the rule of law,” he said.

The Ministry  of the State Counsellor’s Office announced the formation of the Commission on Rakhine State on August 24, saying it would consist of nine members, including three non-Myanmar members – Annan, Ghassan Salame from Lebanon and Laetitia van den Assum from the Netherlands.

MP Khin Saw Wai of Yathetaung Township said: “The issue is controversial. Some believe Kofi Annan can assist in the development of Rakhine State and solve the Bengali issue. On the other hand, some do not welcome outsiders. We are elected Rakhine ethnic party members. We do not ask to abolish the commission but to reconstruct it with [only] local experts. Another thing is, why don’t people like [Annan]? Every NGO and UN representative that has come to Rakhine State after the crisis has favoured the Bengalis. They have never favoured the Rakhine ethnics. This is an issue of national interest. It is unacceptable that the government [established the commission] without informing the Rakhine public transparently. If the State Counsellor had discussed it with the public or the MPs or the Arakan National Party transparently, we wouldn’t need to discuss it as we are now.”

She continued: “We know that the proposal will fail if the voting system is used. However, we tabled it for the sake of the Rakhine people. Whatever the parliament decides about the urgent proposal, we will accept it.”