memoirs of visits by three former US presidents

2

Obama’s
visit:
a bold,
courageous
and risky
move

Photo: afP

By On the contrary, the president’s itinerary eignty disputes in the South China Sea ant and nepotistic regime, has been backslid-
is focused on key strategic goals and the – the very issue that caused ASEAN’s July ing on civil liberties.
Roger Mitton imperative to start his second term on a high ministerial meeting in Phnom Penh to break
note and let the world know that Asia will be up in rancour. Last week, the international NGO, Human
I N politics, as in sex, timing is every- the epicentre of his foreign policy. Rights Watch, urged Mr Obama to challenge
thing. And United States President Ba- As if all this were not enough, Obama’s visit Mr Hun Sen to explain the continued extraju-
rack Obama not only has an exquisite Why kick off with Cambodia, Myanmar and invites criticism that it will reward half-baked dicial murders of dissidents, journalists and
Thailand? After all, China, Japan and South reforms and lessen the incentive for leaders environmental activists.
sense of timing, but also the cojones to Korea are more powerful and more important to undertake the hard yakka ahead.
to the US than any member of ASEAN. Myanmar dissidents, for instance, say it is On top of that, Washington fears Phnom
act upon it. wrong for the president to visit when there Penh has fallen so much under the sway
Well, yes, but Mr Obama has sussed out are still hundreds of political prisoners, of China that Beijing now has the ability to
Forty-eight hours after winning a second that the best way to deal with China and clashes in Kachin state and appalling carnage compel Cambodia to do its bidding on foreign
other major powers is to create an Asia- in Rakhine. policy within ASEAN.
term in the White House, he announced his
Pacific framework that spurs Beijing to Most, however, believe Mr Obama will help That said, China’s support did not help
decision to become the first sitting president play by the neighbourhood’s rules. And since more by going ahead and letting his hosts Cambodia’s recent bid for a non-permanent
the key to the ‘hood is ASEAN, he is aiming, know that a more enhanced civil society and seat on the UN Security Council – it was re-
to visit Cambodia and Myanmar. rightly, to boost ties with all its members. better human rights are key conditions for buffed because too many countries recoiled at
improved ties with the US. the behaviour of Mr Hun Sen’s government.
It is a bold, courageous and risky move, First off, as befits a Nobel Peace Prize laure-
ate whose pre-eminent concerns are democ- When he arrives in Myanmar, President While alluding to these key concerns, Mr
but it holds the prospect of major rewards to racy and human rights, he is starting that Obama is sure to get a rapturous welcome Obama can offer some balance by noting that
process by visiting the region’s most challeng- from a populace expecting him to advocate the US is Cambodia’s biggest trading part-
those nations, as well as to the US itself – and ing trio. more liberalisation, while applauding the ner and that there is fruitful cooperation on
reforms already enacted. many fronts, including counter-terrorism.
to this region as a whole. Thailand’s latest government faces con-
stant threats from non-elected forces, In doing so, he must remember that those As for Thailand, the most enduring US
His short trip, which will include one other Cambodia drifts towards an ever more sweeping reforms, unthinkable when he first treaty ally in Asia, Mr Obama will want to re-
oppressive one-party state, and Myanmar took office, were undertaken despite Ameri- vitalise a special relationship that has soured
stop in Thailand, confirms Mr Obama’s first- wobbles perilously as it speed-skates towards can sanctions, not because of them. somewhat after the 1997 Asian financial
democracy. crisis and the 2006 coup in Bangkok.
term pledge to re-engage with Southeast Asia It is a crucial point, as is the fact that the
Mr Obama will need all his powers to help reforms were also propelled by a desire to It will be no easy task, partly because of
and to “pivot” his administration towards guide this trio onto the right path and en- dampen domination by China – which will be Thailand’s historically close ties with China
courage them to set an example to dictatorial peeved by this high-profile visit to a border and partly because the country remains po-
Asia. Vietnam and Laos – while not appearing to country it views as a gateway to Africa and litically divided at home.
elbow aside China. the Gulf.
Reversing the neglect sadly displayed by On that point, Mr Obama will hope to
Not only will these goals create tension But Washington will let the Chinese bleat, bolster the current freely-elected govern-
his predecessor, Mr Obama has ensured that for Mr Obama, but so too will the sover- while Mr Obama lets everyone know that he ment which has come under ominous threats
represents the start of something new: That from non-elected elites and military-aligned
members of his team have attended all im- America is back in Myanmar and back for figures.
good.
portant meetings and summits in the region. Then, finally, at the EAS, America’s presi-
As for Cambodia, where he will attend the dent, having just been re-elected, will be in
Now the president himself is doing the same East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN-US a position of strength, while other nations,
Leaders Meeting, Mr Obama may find the like China, Japan and South Korea, will have
and giving Southeast Asia the personal atten- group confabs a lot easier to handle than his lame-duck leaders who will soon be gone.
encounter with Prime Minister Hun Sen.
tion it needs and desperately craves. That will enable Mr Obama to bestride the
For, if the president remains true to form, summit and send a clear and strong clarion
Let’s be clear, this is no rah-rah victory he must address the way Cambodia, under call of commitment to this region from a
Prime Minister Hun Sen’s increasingly intoler- leader who has proclaimed himself “Ameri-
visit to bask in adulation and grab some ca’s first Pacific President.”

relaxation, sunshine and zesty food after the

ardours of a long election campaign.

SANCTIONSTO SUCCESS: a special report

Editors: Photography:
Myo lwin, Jessica Mudditt Kaung Htet, aFp

Writers: Layout & Design:
roger Mitton, Derektonkin,tim Mclaughlin, tun Min soe,tin Zaw Htway, Ko pxyo,
Jessica Mudditt, Douglas long, pinky roberttaylor,
For enquiries and feedback:
Justin Heifetz, Nehginpao Kipgen
[email protected], [email protected]

3

Creeping tigers, intelligent elephants and befriending
communists: memoirs of visits by three former US presidents

completion. is that the latter protects,
and refuses to deliver up to
By “With these roads slaughter, two royal Princes
and the navigable and their families, who have
Tim McLaughlin river… for some eight taken refuge at the Residency.”

hundred miles to the Despite simmering ten-
sions, major conflict would
interior, I predict that be held at bay until the Third
Anglo-Burmese War broke
W HEN the Rangoon will outstrip out in November 1885. By this
wheels of either Calcutta or Bombay - time Grant’s journey was long
Air Force in wealth by 10 years and in over.
One touch population by 25,” predicted
Mr Grant. Herbert Hoover, who en-
tered the Oval Office in 1929,
down at Yangon Interna- India’s rigid caste system visited Myanmar in 1905, dur-
ing his pre-political years as a
tional Airport, United States and the limited rights it af- successful mining engineer.

President Barack Obama will forded women had deeply In The Memoirs of Herbert
Hoover: Years of Adventure
become the first serving US troubled Mr Grant. 1874-1920, Mr Hoover tells
of how he became aware of
President to visit Myanmar. Of Myanmar’s female mining prospects in Myanmar
through a chance encounter
Three previous US presi- population, Mr Grant wrote, with Mr A. C. Martin, a railway
contractor in Burma, during
dents have visited Myanmar “Females are not shut up, a trip between Malaysia and
Sri Lanka.
prior to taking office or after but visit and receive visits.
While making his way
exiting it. Richard Nixon did They act as salesmen and do north to Mandalay before
visiting Hsipaw in Shan State,
both. business as frely [sic] as in Mr Hoover was enraptured by
the people he encountered
The experiences of former Europe.” along the way.

presidents Ulysses S. Grant, He added, “The Burmese are “I stole a day off at Rangoon
to visit the Shwedaung [sic]
Herbert Hoover and Richard not bigoted and do not object Pagoda, and later on, a day
or two at Mandalay to absorb
Nixon had in Myanmar are to the intermarriage of their the atmosphere of the only
truly happy and cheerful race
documented in personal writ- race or religion with people of in all Asia—the Burmese,” said
Mr Hoover.
ings and news reports, which any other race or religion.”
Mr Hoover’s itinerary
offer fascinating and some- included crawling through
abandoned mine shafts by
times humorous accounts “I stole a day off… at candlelight where he had a
of a nation as it was seen Mandalay to absorb close brush with a Bengali
by some of America’s most tiger. The moment had the
famous politicians. makings of an H. Rider Hag-
gard tale and Mr Obama’s
In 1877 former president the atmosphere planned speech at Yangon
Ulysses S. Grant embarked of the only truly University is certainly a
on an around-the-world tour happy and cheerful less treacherous scheduling
that took over two years to choice.
complete. The tour was a
Mr Hoover returned to
reputational rebuilding tool Myanmar in 1907, spending
three months here with his
race in all Asiafor Grant, whose second term wife, two young sons and
— the Burmese,” sister-in-law. At the outbreak
as president from 1872 to said Mr Hoover. of the First World War, Hoover From left to right: Unknown female, Myanmar President Dr Ba OO, former President Richard Nixon and
1877 was marred by scandals sold his interest in the Burma former First Lady Pat Nixon at Shwedagon Pagoda in 1953. Photo SoURCE: UNKNoWN
and widespread corruption. Mine Company.

By March 1879 Grant had Forty-five years passed
before another would-be US
made it to Myanmar via India. president visited Myanmar. came when he encountered sails today by marching sociated Press noted that
Richard Nixon, vice president anti-American protestors in smilingly into the middle of Mr Nixon’s second trip was
He departed Calcutta by boat, Grant departed Yangon and under Dwight D. Eisenhower, Pegu, now Bago, 80 kilome- an anti-American demon- in keeping with Myanmar
rang the bells at Shwedagon tres northeast of Yangon. stration and shaking hands superstition that he would
arriving in Yangon to meet travelled to Mawlamyine, at Pagoda in 1953. all around.” return.
The incident, recalled by
with Charles Aitchison, Chief the mouth of the Thanlwin The most memorable Mr Nixon in RN: The Memoirs “The experience bolstered “Local belief has it that
moment of Mr Nixon’s visit of Richard Nixon, cited this as my instinctive belief that visitors who ring the bell
Commissioner of the British River, where he marveled at a formative moment in his the only way to deal with [at Shwedagon Pagoda] will
approach to addressing the Communists is to stand up return to Burma,” the article
Crown Colony of Burma. the power of elephants used issue of Communism. to them. Otherwise they will stated.
exploit your politeness as
Modern aviation will ensure for timber logging. Against the advice of his weakness. They will try to Mr Nixon met with General
security detail he waded into make you afraid and then Ne Win, the chief architect
that President Obama arrives “The intelligence shewn a crowd of protestors holding take advantage of your fears. of the “Burmese Path to
signs “Go back Warmonger.” Fear is the primary weapon Socialism,” which was largely
much more quickly, but at the [sic] by these beasts looks like Anti-American sentiment of Communists,” Mr Nixon responsible for plunging the
was running high in Asia at wrote. country from prosperity into
expense of the leisurely card reason rather than instinct. the end of the Korea War. poverty.
When Mr Nixon found who Mr Nixon returned to
games enjoyed by Grant. Their strength is too wonder- he thought to be the leader Myanmar in 1985: it was 11 The legacy of General
of the protest, he introduced years after the Watergate Ne Win’s rule continues to
“During the day we loll, ful,” wrote Mr Grant. himself, then asked why the scandal prematurely ended the present day. However
man was so upset. his second term as president. with considerable momen-
read and play Boston to while Despite Grant’s positive The visit was hardly covered tum moving forward in the
According to an article by the press, as the country reforms process, President
away the day,” wrote Mr Grant impression of Myanmar, the from the United Press in began to close itself off from Obama will be meeting a
1953, “Vice President Richard journalists. leader who has shown a
of his trip in his personal jour- country was under siege by M. Nixon took the wind out desire to enact lasting
of the Burmese Communist A short article by the As- change.
nals, which were later pub- the British Crown, which

lished as the Papers of Ulysses had already claimed half the

S. Grant, Volume 29: October 1, country. The Burmese still

1878 – September 30, 1880. controlled Upper Myanmar,

Mr Grant was struck by which was ruled by King

the “gay colors” worn by the Thibaw.

Burmese on the streets of An article from The New York

Yangon, a city then of just Times published in 1879 de-

100,000. In it he saw tremen- scribed the flashpoint for the

dous potential: a new railway dispute, “The origin of trouble

line had just been finished between the Burmese and the

and another was nearing British Resident at Mandalay

4

Could Obama help end
Myanmar’s armed conflicts?

By Nehginpao Kipgen Kachin refugees in Laiza Hospital. Photo: KaUNg htEt

T HE fast pace of improved tion of the Republican administra- tion successfully placed Myanmar tainties, there is room for national in Myanmar. However, given the
US-Myanmar bilateral tion under President George Bush. in the formal agenda of the United reconciliation if the central govern- nature of Myanmar’s historical
relations has surprised Among others, the Bush administra- Nations Security Council. ment led by ethnic Myanmar and problems, there is also reason to be
many observers and ana- ethnic minorities cooperate. In cautious about potential long-term
lysts alike. While many welcome While many Recent political developments order for mutual trust to develop, solutions.
Obama’s visit, there are others who welcome Obama’s visit, have shown that Myanmar has minority problems need to be
criticise the timing of such a high- there are others who embarked on a new phase of resolved. President Obama should Nehginpao Kipgen is general secre-
level visit. criticise the timing of politics. However, one should not emphasise the urgency for such a tary of the US-based Kuki International
such a high-level visit . . . be over-optimistic about its future solution. The US must understand Forum. His latest research article en-
There are valid points to both prospects. that minority problems outweigh titled “US-Myanmar Relations: Change
arguments. On a positive note, the differences between the NLD and of Politics under Bush and Obama
visit shows the US’ continued sup- Challenges and uncertainties re- the military. Administrations” is scheduled for publi-
port for human rights and demo- main – uncertainties over free and cation in the Strategic Analysis journal
cratic reforms. The visit could also fair elections and issues pertaining There is every reason to be opti- by Routledge in March 2013.
boost the initiatives of President to autonomy. mistic about the political changes
U Thein Sein in the midst of some
military hardliners who are critical Despite these lingering uncer-
of the democratic reform process.

The visit could also provide
incentives for both Rakhine state
and the central government to help
end the ongoing conflict. Obama
could use the visit to urge both the
government and the opposition to
work concertedly for a solution. The
visit could also be a morale boost
for democracy advocates and other
civil society groups to strengthen
their activities.

On the other hand, armed conflict
is unabated in Kachin state and
there are thousands of refugees
and internally displaced persons.
As of October 31, 2012, there are an
estimated 283 political prisoners
according to the Thailand-based
Assistance Association for Political
Prisoners.

Some are concerned that
Obama’s visit could overshadow
the ongoing conflicts and that
the US leverage to influence the
Myanmar government for further
democratic reforms might be
weakened.

While the Obama administration
should be given credit for pursuing
a dual-track policy that has opened
the door for diplomacy, one must
also acknowledge the contribu-

The symbolism of Obama’s visit to Myanmar

By Derek Tonkin tional credit and debit cards, though this is unlikely to occur tive in the relationship by supporting Myanmar to achieve the
before 2013. There is also continuing uncertainty about financial goals and ideals which they have themselves set, notably the
UNITED STATES President Barack Obama’s visit to Myanmar has transfers into Myanmar from the US, which would normally be ASEAN chair in 2014 and the emergence of the ASEAN Economic
particular symbolic importance. It is recognition at the highest routed through New York. Will US authorities allow payments Community in 2015. But Congress is still wedded to the reactive
level that Myanmar has embarked on a process of political and made to companies and organisations where Specially Desig- process and is reluctant to repeal legislation due to a concern
economic reform. The President has outstanding concerns on is- nated Nationals (SDNs) are thought by the US to be involved in that it might only have to be re-imposed one day.
sues such as ethnic violence and political prisoners, but his visit the transit process? The question is an interesting one, because
is also a major step on the road towards the full normalisation it is no longer contrary to European Union laws. The visit to Myanmar is part of a pursuit by the US to increase
of relations. US-Myanmar relations might even now be said to its focus on the Asia-Pacific region, which will be played out at
have normalised, because there are no longer any taboo subjects Mr Obama sees progress in Myanmar as a success story for US the East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh, where Mr Obama will
and on core US concerns like North Korea, the page has for all policy, but the prime initiative has all along come from President meet Vladimir Putin, Wen Jiabao and other ASEAN and regional
practical purposes been turned. Thein Sein. US sanctions amounted to virtual economic warfare leaders. The world will be watching how the visits to Myanmar,
against the country, which is why the reformist government Thailand and Cambodia play out. They should not be seen as a
Even so, the US remains in some ways the odd man out of Myanmar wishes to see an end to all sanctions as soon as distraction from serious fiscal and economic issues facing the
among Western countries. Congress is yet to repeal or even possible, because they continue to have an impact on living US President on the domestic front, but more as evidence of his
amend their complex legislative measures on sanctions. The standards. There is little evidence to suggest that US measures growing confidence in a region where it is possible for the US to
progress made in easing restrictions has been due solely to coaxed Myanmar towards reform. make realistic and tangible progress.
actions on behalf of Mr Obama, notably waivers of existing leg-
islation. However due to the complexity of the US legislative and US foreign policy is often based on “conditionality,” expressed Derek Tonkin is a prominent Myanmar analyst and a former British
executive process, progress remains slow. in the case of Myanmar as “action for action”, but this smacks ambassador to Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. Mr Tonkin is also chairper-
of “benchmarks” and puts the US in the role of playing God. son of Network Myanmar.
One acid test is the reacceptance in Myanmar of interna- President Obama may well be personally inclined to be proac-

5

MYANMAR AND THE US IN A BRAVE NEW WORLD

PhotoS: afP

6

Have YOur SaY: What do you think about
President Obama visiting Myanmar?

While many
are going gaga
over President
Obama’s visit to
Myanmar – the
first by a sitting US
president – some
media reports
have claimed the
reaction is more
lukewarm. Pinky
from the The
Myanmar Times
took to the streets
to find out what
people think…

Photo: afP

Ko Win Tun, a 35-year-old U Ko Ko Oo, a 45-year-old businessperson
“The visit could open up a lot of business opportunities. For
shoe-repairer
“His visit is a good sign the past few years, business in Myanmar has been in seri-
ous trouble. American involvement is going to be better than
for the country. It means Chinese involvement. But at the end of the day, what matters is
that Myanmar is being what the government is going to do.”
treated like any other coun-
try. And it will be good for
business.”

Ma Ei Ei Khing, a 28-year-old part-time translator
“I’m looking forward to his visit, but on the other hand, there will also be disadvantages. Americans

and other foreigners will come to Myanmar for tourism or on business: this might improve the country,
but I’m afraid some local people could lose out on opportunities if foreigners gain too much influence.”

Daw Aye Myint, a 42-year-old

convenience shop owner
“It could be good, but it’s too

soon to tell. It depends on the
government.”

U Mg Mg Win, a 40-year-old businessperson
“It’s really good that he’s coming. This will build

a strong relationship between our two countries,
and will lead to a lot of improvements.”

Mg Win (taxi driver, 34)
“His visit will bring a lot of business, which

is good for the country’s economy. When
business improves, so will the country.”

John, a 16-year-old
student

“I had no idea that
Obama’s coming
and have no interest
in it.”

Flag flurry over Obama's visit. Photo: afP

7

Burma or Myanmar:
Will the US make the switch?

By told The Myanmar Times, “I’ve heard it’s to Myanmar. The young generation is
politically incorrect to say Myanmar. confused.”
Jessica Mudditt Informally, in Germany we call it Birma.”
And yet the confusion isn’t new. When
D URING my first language Her friend Ran chipped in, “If I knew the independence movement took root
lesson in Yangon with my what I should call [the country], that in the 1930s, there was no consensus
teacher Zar Chi and a fellow would be really good.” among nationalists about whether to use
student from the United Bamar or Myanma (incidentally, the ‘r’ is
States, the “Burma” versus “Myanmar” Although the names confound many still often dropped today).
question arose. Our topic that evening well-meaning foreigners, the majority
was “Making Friends” so we were learn- of locals interviewed by The Myanmar Zaw Win, 30, said he has grown up
ing how to ask and respond to questions Times said they were totally unaware knowing the country as Myanmar and the
about national and ethnic origin. When that Myanmar and Burma have different term is his preference – but he remains
I mentioned that I was surprised to have political connotations in the West. saddened that the national flag was
seen references to “Rangoon” rather than changed in 2010, because the stripes of the
Yangon on the US embassy’s website, Aung Min, 49, said, “I like the sound previous one represented the 14 provinces
Nathalie said – with complete sincerity – of Myanmar. Most Myanmar people of the country, whereas the design of the
“That’s because the US is a country that prefer it, as well as Yangon. It’s easier to new flag is meaningless to him.
believes in human rights.” pronounce.”
The former insurgent said that some
Yet to me, “Rangoon” conjures up the However he did say that his friends ethnic minorities believe that Myanmar,
gin and tonics sipped on the balcony of sometimes argue about which name like Burma, only represents the majority
the British Club in the 1920s (albeit in should be used – although Zar Chi’s ethnic group. Neither is totally represen-
Katha and not the capital), described parents accept Myanmar, she said that tative of the estimated population of 55
so hauntingly by George Orwell in many older people remain fond of million – though few countries’ names in
Burmese Days. Like Yangon, Burma is a Burma. this world can claim to be so either.
British name; a corruption of Bamar,
which is actually the colloquial term A former government officer, 73-year- He also pointed out that Daw Aung
for Myanmar. Both historically refer to old Ram Gopal, told The Myanmar Times, San Suu Kyi says Myanmar when speak-
the majority Bamar ethnic group, which “I like the name Myanmar, because I like ing in the Myanmar language, but uses
today comprises about 68 percent of the government. I had no problem with Burma when speaking in English: a fact
a population that includes some 130 Burma being a British name, but what- little known to many in the West.
ethnic minorities. Colonisers and invad- ever the government does, I like.”
ers, whether the British, the Mughals or Mr Derek Tonkin, a prominent Myan-
so on, often had difficulty pronouncing Twenty-two-year-old Naw Naw ex- mar analyst and former British diplo-
indigenous place names: Like a young plained things a little differently. mat, told The Myanmar Times that Daw
child who creates their own version of a Aung San Suu Kyi is “taking a softer
three-syllable name, it often sticks. She said, “We usually say Burma line” on the Burma versus Myanmar
whenever we speak in English, and issue.
Myanmar’s former military rulers always have, so many wondered why
changed the country’s official name from the government changed the name to Mr Tonkin said, “While in the US,
Burma to Myanmar in 1989, which they Myanmar for English use. However my she said it was more a generational
claimed better represented the country’s opinions on the issue aren’t very strong – thing and because she belonged to the
ethnic diversity. However this remains I just see people, not a label.” older generation, she prefers to call the
hotly disputed. country Burma. That’s a shift, but the
. . . there is no escape fact remains that there is no escape
When I arrived in the country four from ‘Myanmar’ in terms of formal UN
months ago, I was a staunch “Burmist,” from ‘Myanmar’ in terms procedures and diplomatic protocol,
because in years past, the BBC and other since Diplomatic Notes or Credentials
Western media outlets – not to mention of formal UN procedures using ‘Burma’ are simply ‘returned to
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – had instilled in sender.’”
me a political, pro-democracy associa- and diplomatic protocol,
tion with the word. However I quickly During US Secretary of State Hillary
learnt to mimic my local colleagues and since Diplomatic Notes or Clinton’s visit to Myanmar last year, she
friends, the vast majority of whom refer said neither Burma nor Myanmar, but in-
to the language and people as Myan- Credentials using ‘Burma’ stead referred to it as “the country”. The
mar (which I also learnt is pronounced EU also dodges a decision by officially
Me-An-Mah). When speaking to expats, I are simply ‘returned to calling it Burma/Myanmar.
sometimes (somewhat guiltily) revert to
Burma. Among politically minded people sender. Zar Chi said, “It’s frustrating. Other
living outside the country – mostly in the countries should respect our official
US and the United Kingdom, using the Naw Naw added that citizens’ identity name.”
“M-word” is likely to result in icy stares cards never state “Myanmar” as a nation-
and a huffy change of subject. ality – in Naw Naw’s case, it says, Bamar In recent times, the linguistic waters of
+ Mon + Karen, because her father is international relations have been further
As Mark Farmener, of Burma Cam- Karen and her mother is both Mon and muddied due to Myanmar’s rapid, albeit
paign UK told the BBC in 2011, “Often you Bamar. incomplete, series of political reforms
can tell where someone’s sympathies lie that began with elections and Daw Aung
if they use Burma or Myanmar. Myanmar “It’s confusing,” she said with a shrug. San Suu Kyi’s release from house arrest
is a kind of indicator of countries that A former insurgent whose ethnicity is in 2010. The same year, Burma Campaign
are soft on the regime.” Mon and Bamar who spent 10 years liv- UK ended its call for tourists to boycott
ing in the jungle told The Myanmar Times, the country. Today, Myanmar is welcom-
However this perception is changing, “People inside the country have called it ing US President Obama, whom Van-
as is the country itself. Myanmar for a very long time, so at the ity Fair described in 2009 as “the most
time the name was changed it was no big famous living person in the history of the
Nevertheless, among the less travelled deal to us. It was more about the army world.” The significance of the visit from
(including my Melbourne-based travel trying to control everything. I would ac- the very man who repopularised the true
agent in 2006), “Myanmar” often results cept either name if it were put to a vote. meaning of “change” cannot be underes-
in blank stares – a fact several Myanmar I didn’t like it when the government told timated.
people acknowledged when interviewed. people like Daw Aung San Suu Kyi not to
say Burma.” Whilst life in Myanmar remains a daily
“I say Burma when I travel overseas,” Until pre-publication censorship was struggle for millions, Mr Obama would
said a citizen called Aung Min. abolished in August this year, the word be the first to acknowledge that life in
'Burma' was prohibited in news reports. America can also be calamitous, and I
Although Germany officially uses The former insurgent said, “The believe he would seek to work together
Myanmar, as does the United Nations, government has stopped telling people with Myanmar to improve the lot of both
ASEAN, Russia, Norway, China, India what to call the country and little by nations, while respecting the name of a
(itself also officially known as Bharat in little, other countries are beginning to sovereign, non-military-led nation. For
its constitution), Australia and Japan, a use Myanmar. But both names are prob- as Louis Armstrong famously concluded
German tourist in Yangon called Yudith lematic: Burma was inherited from the about the metaphorical difference
British and when the military govern- between saying potatoes or potahtos
ment took over, the name was changed and tomatoes or tomahtos in Let’s call
the whole thing off, “For we know we need
each other, so we better call the calling
off off!”

8

US President Barack Obama waves at supporters during a campaign rally in Aurora, Colorado, on November 4, 2012. Photo: afP

Four years ago, Yangon astrologist

predicted Obama’s second term

By Mr Obama would, without doubt, cessful. There will be no blood- prospective second term: “There’s as his “perspicacious quality”.
win re-election in 2012. As we now shed and the president will escape still a chance that he could face Aung Myin Kyaw also broke
Douglas Long know, this forecast ended up fall- from any enemies,” he said. an attempt on his life, but there
ing on the correct side of the 50/50 is no chance that it will succeed,” down the Saturn-influenced por-
A MERICAN computer divide. In April 2011, on the occasion Aung Myin Kyaw soothsaid. tion of the presidency into more
expert Nate Silver of the release of Mr Obama’s “long discrete chronological segments,
has received plenty Aung Myin Kyaw, who has been form” birth certificate, Aung Myin The astrologist has now con- as follows:
studying and practicing the astrol- Kyaw felt compelled to update ducted a third reading, following
of attention for his ogy of what he calls “eastern and the horoscope. He reiterated that this month’s election, providing September 13, 2012, to March 4,
western cosmology” for nearly 40 a second term as president of the greater detail about the ways in 2013: “Powerful management will
use of mathematics to predict, a years, explained that the reading US was unquestionably in the which the President’s second term be your main role.”
– based on Mr Obama’s date, time in office will be influenced by the
few months ahead of time, that and place of birth – showed that Mr Obama can rely alignment of the heavenly bodies. March 4, 2013, to August 7, 2013:
the planets Saturn and Jupiter on a “spiritual awaken- “International political controver-
Barack Obama had a 90.9 percent played key roles in foreseeing how ing” to make positive Aung Myin Kyaw started by sies must be reconciled using your
his presidency would unfold. changes in an sending his congratulations to Mr knowledge and wisdom.”
chance of winning re-election in atmosphere character- Obama for winning a second term
“Saturn, the so-called Evil One, ised by a “deficit of in the White House, but warned August 7, 2013, to April 10, 2014:
November 2012. is actually in a very positive and trust that “all is in a state of flux and “Learning and observation should
effective position in Obama’s nothing is stationary”. be your best policy. Let others go
Sounds marginally impres- zodiac. This is a very good planet stars for the incumbent. first.”
for Obama because of its powerful “President Barack Obama will According to the reading, from
sive, but the fact is that a Yangon position and relation to others,” September 13, 2012, to September April 10, 2014, to June 4, 2014:
the astrologist was quoted as say- always encourage others to ask 16, 2015, the influence of Saturn “You will be victorious in social
resident beat Mr Silver to the ing in an article published in The the hard questions, rather than means that Mr Obama can rely on communications.”
Myanmar Times just a week before simply accepting what seems ap- a “spiritual awakening” to make
punch by nearly four years, using his inauguration. parent on the surface. His Jupiter positive changes in an atmosphere June 4, 2014, to September 4,
also represents the soul’s need characterised by a “deficit of 2014: “You will enjoy financial
quite different methodology to “And because of the great power to grow, improve and experience trust”. results and personal prosperity.”
of Jupiter, Obama will surely win more,” the astrologist said.
determine well in advance that re-election in four years.” The president will also be called September 4, 2014, November 7,
“Saturn rules all foundations upon to use his “virtue and intel- 2014: “Unexpected contradictions
Mr Obama actually enjoyed 100 Aung Myin Kyaw said the strong and matter, and integrates soul lectual power” to prevent techno- and hidden plots will affect you.”
influence of Jupiter – a planet that and spirit into reality” with the logical competition from “leading
percent certainty of victory in this stands for peace, ease and wisdom result that “Mr Barack Obama is to a meaningless war”. November 7, 2014, to April 19,
– also ensured that Mr Obama sure to continue his second term 2015: “An assassination attempt
year’s election. would be a “fortunate and lucky” role as president of the US govern- A new influence, this one from can disturb you, but you will es-
political leader. ment with a spirit that is positive- Mercury, will take precedence cape without harm or injury.”
In early January 2009 The ly contagious to all others”. from September 16, 2015, to May
However, the astrologist warned 25, 2018, leading to a “great pro- April 19, 2015, to September
Myanmar Times received an unso- that he also foresaw an assassina- This interim horoscope likewise cess” that will result in “changes 16, 2015: “Good fortune will make
tion attempt on President Obama showed that President Obama’s in international relations”. you comfortable, respected and
licited, hand-scrawled note from sometime during his second term, luck would hold throughout his esteemed.”
most likely in the years 2014 or “A historic opportunity will
a local astrologist. In the letter, 2015, but that the president would make Mr Obama great” during Given Aung Myin Kyaw’s proven
escape unharmed. that time, although the president track record in predicting the out-
Aung Myin Kyaw (also known as must be sure to keep lines of com- come of US presidential elections
“An assassination attempt will munication open to maintain his – he’s one for one, even without
Williameast) explained that he be carried out but it will be unsuc- “perspective of the world” as well the use of highfalutin computer
models or mathematics – Mr
had read the star charts for Mr Obama would do well to take note
of these heaven-sent insights and
Obama with the aim of paying his act accordingly.

respects to the incoming United

States president, due to be inaugu-

rated on January 20 of that year.

“I came up with the idea to pre-

dict the future of Barack Obama,

just to honour and encourage

him in his political role as a great

leader,” Aung Myin Kyaw told The

Myanmar Times in an email inter-

view at the time.

His main prediction stated that

9

Bilateral relations: then and now

By Robert H. Taylor
T
HE visit of President
Barack Obama to
Yangon is obviously a

major event in Myan-

mar-United States relations. Despite

the fact that the United States

Congress has yet to repeal various

sanction legislation on Myanmar,

the visit is like a seal of approval on

the government of President Thein

Sein, at least for those who believe

“the West is the Best”. In addition to

messing up Yangon traffic for a few

hours, the visit will also give the US

President some good pictures for his

eventual top-selling memoirs. His

predecessor, George W. Bush, though

he used to talk about Myanmar as

a big problem, actually failed to

mention the country in his memoirs.

George W. Bush’s timing was bad. If

only the government of Myanmar

had held the national elections in

2006, rather than 2010, it would be

Mr Bush who might have had the

photo opportunities.

From the point of view of Presi-

dent Obama’s diary secretary,

dropping in on Myanmar while in

the neighbourhood, while seeing top

US Southeast Asian ally Thailand, Presiden U Thein Sein addresses the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2012 in New York City. . Photo: afP

and attending the East Asia summit

in Cambodia, makes sense. It saves United States proved to be coopera- D. Roosevelt declared to British to get bombed on at Pearl Harbour the most economically dynamic of
tive with Myanmar, particularly in Prime Minister Churchill during before flying back to Yangon via any in the world today. With Europe
travel time and checks off three the provision of military training. World War Two that he did not like Europe. However, he contacted the economically moribund and the
When subsequently Myanmar’s the Burmese. His sweeping asper- Japanese in Lisbon, Portugal, and Middle East an area of increasing
obligations with one long haul trip, relations with China deteriorated sion on a population approaching thanks to American Naval Intel- political instability, the best regions
during the Cultural Revolution, the 20 million was based on a single en- ligence, spent the remainder of the for the development of trade and
thus saving the strapped American United States had the good sense to counter with then Myanmar Premier war in a British prison in Uganda. investment are in Asia. Besides,
stay out of the conflict in order not U Saw. U Saw had flown to London much of America’s debt is held by
tax payer a bit of lolly. It is also a to make a bad situation worse. and Washington on the cusp of the American presidents before Presi- Asian economies, especially China,
Japanese invasion of Southeast Asia dent Franklin D. Roosevelt thought and the future of that debt may spell
chance to remind China that the President Harry Truman secretly in order to convince Prime Minis- little of Myanmar, if at all. Then part the future of the United States.
authorised, not even telling his ter Churchill to promise dominion of the British Indian empire, if they
United States under Obama is taking Secretary of State, the Central Intel- status to Myanmar in exchange for thought about Myanmar, it was as Strategically, the United States
ligence Agency to arm and support, Burmese support for the British war part of the problem of British impe- government has seen the Pacific
a stand for its Asian interests which, with Thailand and Taiwan, the KMT effort. When Churchill said no deal, rialism, not Myanmar as such. An Ocean as an American lake since
troops which fled across the border U Saw flew on to Washington and exception, however, was President the end of World War II. With the
of course, it would like to expand in with Yunnan in 1949. His idea was tried to bargain with US President Herbert Hoover. The President who is nominal demilitarisation of Japan,
that they would provide a diversion Franklin Roosevelt. best known for having had the bad the United States faced no challeng-
Myanmar. It might even encourage to Chinese forces engaged in the Ko- luck to be in office at the time of the ers from the Indian Ocean to San
rean War, at the other end of China. His offer was essentially, “You, Mr 1929 Wall Street crash and the com- Francisco Bay. Now China is begin-
some American trade and invest- The KMT did little of that, but they President, get Churchill to change mencement of the 1930s worldwide ning to develop its sea power and
posed problems for Myanmar’s sov- his mind and promise me domin- recession, which included the Saya strategic interests beyond its border.
States have long ereignty and territorial integrity, and ion status or independence after San Rebellion as a side show, Her- China has also been astute in utilis-
memories and long gave rise to the drug trade, which is the war, and I will stop taxing the bert Hoover was a mining engineer ing its financial and cultural power
planning horizons and one of the continuing legacies of US- American military equipment you before entering politics during World to win friends and gain influence
the will to power does Myanmar relations. are shipping up the Burma Road via War I. He made millions of dollars in Southeast Asia while reminding
not lapse with time. Yangon to your allies in China, the over a 10 year period in London, Japan that it is not the only country
Even before Myanmar gained KMT government of Chiang Kai- amongst other things, developing with interests in Northeast Asia.
ment in Myanmar so that the United its independence, United States shek.” President Roosevelt rejected the Namtu-Bawdwin Mines in the
States can make some money, presidents gave thought to Myanmar the offer and U Saw flew off in time Shan states. Americans had long States have long memories and
something it does not have much of, from time to time. President Franklin seen Myanmar as a fabled place of long planning horizons and the will
relatively speaking, these days. mineral resources from which to to power does not lapse with time.
Photo: afP make money and it is doubtful that Though China today is largely mili-
The last big day to mark on our has changed. However, it would be tarily incapable of projecting power
calendars for American presidents churlish not to think that President far from its shores, in time that
meeting Myanmar heads of govern- Obama is visiting for loftier motives. can change, and the United States
ment was the 1966 State Visit by wants to forestall that possibility.
Myanmar Socialist Programme Party In 2012, with President Obama en- Whether there is any reason to be
Chairman U Ne Win to Washington, tering his second and last four years so concerned is a question that is
D. C. Then President Lyndon Johnson in office, the reorientation of US not asked in Washington or Beijing.
was hunkering down in the White foreign policy away from the Middle Perhaps it should and save everyone
House in the midst of America’s East and back to East and South- a lot of grief, in addition to traffic
losing war in Vietnam and looking to east Asia is bound to be further jams. Meanwhile, Myanmar might
prove to a sceptical world that the advanced. Just as the United States as well go along for the ride, though
United States defended the rights appeared to ignore South and South- beware of the destination. Ask for a
of small states to remain indepen- east Asia during the Bush years, with seat near the exit.
dent. Little came from the visit, but the President concentrating on Iraq,
President Johnson subsequently Afghanistan and the larger Middle Robert H. Taylor is Visiting Professo-
described his private and off-the- East, the Obama administration has rial Fellow at the Institute of Southeast
record conversations with Chairman tried to redevelop links with Asia. Asian Studies, Singapore, and the
Ne Win as one of his most stimulat- This is for good economic and stra- author of The State in Myanmar and
ing meetings with a foreign head of tegic reasons. Mayeiya Thow Hto: Hpauk Kyaw Hlwa:
state during his time in the White Hmu Hnin Ahkya: Myanma Naingng-
House. Economically, India, China and anyei Hsaung Pa Mya.
the countries of Southeast Asia are
After the visit, the American
press was impressed, almost to the
point of disbelief, that Chairman
Ne Win did not ask for American
aid. He asked for nothing but to be
left alone. Informally, however, the

10

Reactions to President Obama’s victory and visit
from three ASEAN ambassadors to Myanmar

By As President Obama begins his tour of Southeast Asia less than two weeks after his re-election,
ASEAN eagerly anticipates a renewed focus on human rights and economic development as the US
Justin Heifetz looks to strengthen ties with the region. Amid election-time fears that US foreign policy would turn to
China and pass over the region, Mr Obama’s visits to Thailand and Cambodia – and particularly his
historic visit to Myanmar – have strengthened the ASEAN community’s commitment to foster lasting,
beneficial multilateral relations. Ambassadors to Myanmar representing Indonesia, Lao and Viet Nam
discuss how Mr Obama’s re-election will shape their countries and ASEAN.

iNdoNesiaN ambassador to myaNmar Lao ambassador to myaNmar VietNamese ambassador to myaNmar
sebastiaNus sumarsoNo NiLahath sayarath Chu CoNg PhuNg

What is your reaction to President What is your reaction What is your reaction
Obama’s re-election? to President Obama’s to President Obama’s
On behalf of the government and people re-election? re-election?
of the Republic of Indonesia, and also Both the President of the President Obama’s victory
personally, the result of the presidential Lao People’s Democratic made not only his own
election in the United States is wel- Republic, Choummaly people happy, but also the
comed. I am sure that Mr Obama’s Sayasone, and I send a international community.
re-election as president will enhance message of congratula- President Obama has
and strengthen the relationship be- tions to President Obama received countless acco-
tween Indonesia and the US in the years for his election victory. lades and whole-hearted
to come in various aspects, such as We praise him highly congratulations from
political security, economics and socio- for the cooperation and around the globe since his
cultural relations. bilateral relations he has re-election.
fostered between the
How will President Obama’s re-election benefit ASEAN? United States and the Lao PDR during years past, and we In my view, President
The interactions between President Obama with ASEAN leaders, including look forward to boosting these relations further. I look Obama led the United States during his first term with
the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, forward to President Obama reaffirming his willingness success, improving both internal and external affairs. I
have been established during the last four years in many forums, includ- to cooperate with the Lao PDR and his efforts to achieve believe that during his second term, President Obama
ing the East Asia Summit. global peace, international cooperation and sustain- will continue to lead the nation forward – as he made
able development. The relationship between the US clear in his presidential campaign and his speech after
President Obama is knowledgeable and appreciative of ASEAN as one and the Lao PDR has been especially strong for the past the election results were announced.
of the main regional organisations in Southeast Asia. He has continuously four years during Mr Obama’s presidency. We now look
shown his commitment in statements that support the realisation of an forward to more success in terms of cooperation and in Like other ASEAN nations and the international com-
ASEAN community by 2015. turn, the prosperity of the Lao people. munity, the leaders of Vietnam congratulate President
Obama on his re-election. The leaders of Viet Nam
How has President Obama benefited the development of Indonesia How will Mr Obama’s re-election benefit ASEAN? express their best wishes to the President and hope that
– and how do you expect his re-election to shape the development of President Obama’s re-election will bring positive change he will keep the US moving forward in its contributions
Indonesia? to the ASEAN member states, and especially the Lao PDR, to global development and stability.
Indonesia welcomes the re-election of Mr Obama as the US President because he will focus on the region as part of his foreign
up to 2016. The continuation of Obama as the US President will further policy. We look forward to his continued visits to South- How will President Obama’s re-election benefit
strengthen the bilateral relationships between the US and Indonesia, east Asia and the development of diplomatic relations ASEAN?
particularly as one of the comprehensive partners of the US. with the US. ASEAN is emerging as one of the most important players
in Asia and the world. The relationship between ASEAN
On the regional level, Indonesia believes that President Obama will How has President Obama benefited the development and the US – one if its strategic partners – will be con-
continue his active participation and support for ASEAN. of the Lao PDR? tinuously strengthened under President Obama. During
Cooperation between the Lao PDR and the US under Pres- President Obama’s first term, he actively improved the
As for the global and multilateral levels, there is no doubt that the US, ident Obama has led to progress in many areas, the most relationship between ASEAN and the US – especially the
together with other countries, including Indonesia, will continue to pur- obvious being an official visit to the US by Dr Thongloun relationship between Myanmar and the US. ASEAN na-
sue common efforts in the G-20, APEC and other international forums. Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign tions are highly appreciative of President Obama’s active
Affairs of the Lao PDR in 2010. and important role in developing ASEAN-US relations.
Given President Obama’s history and special connection with Indone-
sia, does his re-election have special importance for the country? Also, the historic visit to Lao made by Ms Hillary Clin- Recently, the US has been implementing foreign policy
We cannot deny that President Obama’s history and special connection ton in July 2012 brought renewed progress to our bilateral that prioritises the Asia-Pacific region and is actively
with Indonesia has helped to develop close relationships between Indone- relations. engaged in stabilising regional security. As a result, the
sia and the US during the last four years. Thus far, President Obama has ASEAN community will definitely attract attention and
very comfortably developed close contacts with Indonesia, especially with Under President Obama, the US lifted Lao PDR from support from President Obama’s government over the
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. It is not wrong to say that President EXIM Bank’s blacklist, signed the treaty on Open Sky, next four years. His visit to three ASEAN member states
Obama has helped to define and sustain the US' role in relations with helped the country to remove unexploded ordinances this month – including Myanmar – clearly demonstrates
Indonesia. and crack down on drugs. President Obama also support- the President’s commitment to ASEAN.
ed the Lao PDR in applying for World Trade Organisation
For Indonesia, the re-election of President Obama is a blessing and membership. How will President Obama’s re-election shape bilat-
should be optimised for supporting Indonesian interests at national, eral relations with Viet Nam?
regional and multilateral levels, such as the recent concern of ASEAN How will Obama’s re-election benefit Lao PDR? Similar to the people of Myanmar, the people of Viet
member countries on the South China Sea dispute. The Lao PDR hopes that in President Obama’s second Nam welcome any president elected by the Ameri-
term, the US will continue to cooperate with our country. can people. In my personal view, based on President
Furthermore, President Obama’s experiences of having lived and stud- We hope to see similar positive developments for the Obama’s great achievements during his first term, he
ied in Indonesia have developed a genuine friendship with the country, common benefit of the people of both nations – for has a clear understanding of how to further enhance
which will never be forgotten by Indonesia. sustainable development, world peace and international and foster the mutually beneficial relationship between
cooperation. Viet Nam and the US, while understanding the multi-
However, it should be remembered that President Obama is still an faceted complexities that exist.
American, and a president of a very big country who will look after the
interests of his own country while also considering global issues.

I wish President Obama every success during his presidency.





myanmartimes
tHe

1200 Kyats

No. 653: November 19 - 25, 2012 Heartbeat of The Nation www.mmtimes.com

‘We don’t Memo to US eases
Obama: import ban,
want to targets Asia
Don’t World, Htoo
miss this forget Group firms
about
moment’ China By Zaw Win Than

White House hopes visit will give The US needs to THE United States on November
‘tremendous boost’ to reforms tread carefully to 16 removed a ban on the import
ensure the Middle of all Myanmar products except
WASHINGTON – The White have used the prospect of Kingdom supports jade and rubies, three days ahead
House said last week that it his trip as an incentive to reform in Myanmar of President Barack Obama’s
hoped President Barack encourage further reform in historic visit.
Obama’s landmark visit a country where the military Page 2
would offer a “tremendous still plays a major role. Secretary of State Hillary
boost” to reforms underway Flags fly over the Great Clinton announced in September
but insisted he was clear- “We’re not naive about Hall of the People, site that the US would begin the
eyed about the country’s this. We absolutely are aware of the Communist Party process of easing restrictions
challenges. of the dangers of backsliding Congress, in Beijing on on the importation of Myanmar
and, if that takes place, we’ll November 13. Pic: AFP goods in response to “substantial
Freshly re-elected Barack respond accordingly,” Mr and significant” reforms that have
Obama will become the first Donilon said. taken place since President U
sitting US president to visit Thein Sein took office in March
Myanmar on November 19, Mr Donilon said that 2011.
on a trip that would have President Obama would
been unthinkable at the press for actions including A joint statement by US State
start of his presidency. the unconditional release Department and Department
of political prisoners. of Treasury on November 16
“This is really a moment Myanmar on November 15 announcing the removal of
that we didn’t want to miss,” pardoned hundreds more the import ban described the
national security adviser prisoners, but activists said move as “another step in the
Tom Donilon said at the that nearly all were ordinary normalisation of our bilateral
Center for Strategic and criminals and accused the economic relationship”.
International Studies on government of carrying out
November 15, calling the a stunt ahead of the US The statement noted that both
changes in Myanmar “really president’s visit. the government and National
remarkable”. League for Democracy leader
Mr Donilon, echoing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for the
“We think this is a remarks by Secretary of import ban to be eased and said
moment where the president State Hillary Clinton, said the move is intended to support
really can attempt to lock in President Obama would the government’s ongoing reform
the progress that’s been press Myanmar’s leaders efforts and to encourage further
made and really give a to improve the treatment change, as well as to offer new
tremendous boost ... to the of the Rohingya, a Muslim opportunities for Myanmar and
reform movement and the group in the Buddhist- American businesses.
democratisation movement majority nation.
in Burma,” he said. The statement cited a number of
On his lightning visit, reform steps, including the release
“It’s also important for President Obama will meet of hundreds of political prisoners,
the government of Burma, President U Thein Sein, removal of pre-publication
frankly, that has taken these who initiated the reforms, censorship requirements for the
steps, to see the president and Nobel Prize-winning press and enacting of a labour
responding positively and opposition leader Daw law that permits the formation
reinforcing them,” he said. Aung San Suu Kyi, who of unions.
was elected to parliament
Some rights groups have on April 1 after spending However, the statement said
charged that President a total of almost 15 years that because of “concerns about
Obama is going too soon to under house arrest. – AFP some areas of trade with respect
Myanmar, saying he could to Myanmar”, the waiver does not
affect the ban on the importation
of jadeite and rubies mined or
extracted from Myanmar and
articles of jewellery containing
them.

“The US government is closely
monitoring and supporting
Burma’s progress on reform, and
the core authorities underlying our
sanctions remain in place. Despite

More page 4

Comment 2

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

China: a hidden
danger in the
reform process

By Josh Gordon but the oil will be brought from
UNITED States President Barack Africa and the Middle East. The
Obama visits Myanmar this week. pipeline allows China to bypass
This milestone is one of many the Strait of Malacca, a potential
over the past year of reform for choke-point subject to control by
the once-pariah state also known the US Navy.
as Burma. These reforms and Chinese descriptions of China-
the consequent improvement of Myanmar relations invariably
US-Myanmar relations appear to stress harmony between the two
be an unalloyed good. In the past peoples from time immemorial.
year the reformist government of These often use the Burmese word
Present U Thein Sein has released “Pauk Paw” for the special fraternal
many political prisoners, allowed nature of the relationship. This
progressively greater political narrative glosses over historical
participation by the democratic conflicts, the last of which ended
opposition and made significant only in the mid-1980s when China
progress towards ending ethnic shifted from supporting revolution
insurgencies that have troubled to encouraging trade. China’s Hostesses wait in Tiananmen Square as delegates arrive at the Great Hall of the People for the start of
the country for decades. vision of “Pauk Paw” harmony the closing ceremony of the Communist Party Congress in Beijing on November 14. Pic: AFP

As Myanmar has reformed, the also papers over the anti-Chinese Myitsone project over its perceived reform process in Myanmar, and and deepen their implementation.
US, which once imposed a harsh sentiment prevalent in Myanmar. negative impact on the natural problems for Chinese projects there Opposition could contribute to
sanctions regime, has sought The perception in Myanmar is that environment and cultural heritage, as part of a US-directed plot to their stagnation.
to encourage and support the Chinese companies use bribes and less than a month before the contain China. Yuan Peng of the What should President Obama
process. US Secretary of State the Chinese government’s support suspension Myanmar’s Minister American Research Centre at the do on his visit to Myanmar to
Hillary Clinton visited Myanmar in for Myanmar at the United Nations for Electric Power 1, U Zaw Min, China Institute of Contemporary assuage Chinese anxiety? First,
December 2011. The US has lifted to obtain preferential concessions told the press: “We will not back International Affairs (CICIR) wrote he should make clear that China-
or suspended most of its economic for resource and infrastructure down just because environmental in the July 31 overseas edition of US-Myanmar relations are not a
sanctions. This, in turn, paves projects. This popular view holds groups are against it.” He may the People’s Daily that “the US will zero-sum game in which any gain
the way for aid, investment and that the Myanmar military, the have actually been correct, as the avail itself of various non-military for the US is a loss for China.
advice from the US, its allies, and Tatmadaw, has been selling out suspension appears to have had means to delay or hinder China’s Myanmar needs support from
multilateral financial institutions. the nation to the Chinese. more to do with the perception of progressive rise”. Yuan said these the US, China, ASEAN and its
For US and Western firms Myanmar As long as the Tatmadaw was the project as Chinese exploitation. include “[s]trengthening alliances other neighbours to successfully
holds the promise of rapid-growth exercising dictatorial authority, In a country suffering from chronic and enhancing partnerships while implement sustainable and
investment opportunities in an the model that Chinese companies power shortages, 90 percent of the undermining China’s relationships e q u i t a b l e r e f o r m s . S e c o n d ,
underserved market of 60 million President Obama should frame
people. But behind these positive US support for reform in terms
developments lurks a danger: the Support from China and Chinese companies for Myanmar’s reforms that the Chinese use: stability and
sensitivity and potential reaction “win-win” outcomes. Reform in
of China, Myanmar’s neighbour ‘ ’and development will help quicken and deepen their implementation. Myanmar will make the country
to the north, to increased US more stable and a more stable
involvement. Myanmar will better protect
brought to Myanmar worked, as electricity produced was to be sold with the North Korea, Pakistan China’s long-term interests by
For China, the relationship it does in China. In China the to China. and Myanmar”. The Obama pushing Chinese investors to
with Myanmar has economic key to any project is having good More recently protests against administration’s “Pivot to Asia” reach out to stakeholders. Chinese
and strategic value. Myanmar government connections. There the expansion of a Chinese-operated has only fed this dominant and support for reform in Myanmar
is a market for Chinese goods. is no need to develop relations copper mine at Letpadaung in paranoid strain in Chinese will result in a “win-win-win”
Myanmar also supplies or will with affected locals, civil society central Myanmar have drawn thought. situation which benefits Myanmar,
supply China with primary products or other stakeholders. When the n a t i o n a l a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l Why should Chinese anxiety the US and China.
ranging from agricultural and political situation in Myanmar attention. The Chinese pipeline about improvement in US-
fisheries to minerals and natural changed and the new civilianised project has been criticised by Myanmar relations matter? It (Josh Gordon is a PhD candidate
gas. China is also deeply involved government began to make reforms local and exile non-government might be tempting to see problems in anthropology at Yale University
in infrastructure construction that reflected popular will, Chinese organisations over land use, that Chinese projects have as just and his dissertation research is
in Myanmar, including several projects, not having developed compensation and environmental desserts for not taking account on Chinese identity in the China-
hydropower projects and a special support among non-government problems. International NGOs of a broad range of stakeholder Myanmar borderlands. Josh
economic zone in Kyaukpyu in stakeholders, were vulnerable. have criticised it for construction interests. But Myanmar and China has been conducting research
Rakhine State. China is also In fact, despite precursors, the in conflict zones, and members of share a long border and, despite a in Myanmar since 2003, and
building gas and oil pipelines reform period in Myanmar can be the democratic opposition have slowdown in its growth, China has conducted fieldwork both
and a transportation corridor dated from the September 30, 2011 privately called the project a is still an economic powerhouse. in Myanmar and on the China-
across Myanmar from Kyaukpyu presidential decision to suspend violation of Myanmar’s national Its influence in Myanmar will Myanmar border. He has also
to Ruili, on the China border. work on the main dam (of seven) sovereignty. continue to be large. Support from worked as a project consultant for
The natural gas will come from in the Chinese-backed Myitsone M a n y C h i n e s e p o l i c y China and Chinese companies Chinese companies researching
fields off Myanmar’s west coast Hydropower Project. intellectuals see the improvement for Myanmar’s reforms and investments in Myanmar’s energy
Despite public outcry against the of US-Myanmar relations, the development will help quicken sector.)

Dean pays tribute to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s bravery

By Tim McLaughlin and delivering speeches at Kyi won a seat in the Pyithu and concessions that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has career also includes a
FORMER chairman of the the International School Hluttaw. Aung San Suu Kyi will need helped lead the way. position on business news
United States’ Democratic of Yangon and American to undertake in the interest channel CNBC as a political
Party and governor of Center. “It is incredibly admirable of pushing the country’s “I do think that it helps to commentator, where he had
Vermont Howard Dean and not without risks,” said reform process forward. have people of the country a close view of President
last week applauded Daw “It is a very hard thing Dr Dean. “In a lot of ways it used to the idea that a Obama’s successful re-
Aung San Suu Kyi for to do,” Dr Dean told The is easier to be a martyr.” “There is much more that woman can govern, but election campaign, a feat
attempting to make the Myanmar Times when needs to be done. Clearly it is not enough,” said Dr he called “extraordinary”.
difficult transition from asked about Daw Aung San However, Daw Aung San much more,” he said of Dean. “In these times you
dissident to politician. Suu Kyi’s decision to enter Suu Kyi has been criticized the challenges facing the are not going to succeed if “The Obama machine has
mainstream politics. in some quarters for working country. you ignore one half of your been spectacular,” he said.
Dr Dean is on the board too closely with the military- work force, or potential
of directors of the National The Nobel Peace Prize backed government, which According to Dr Dean, workforce.” Dr Dean served six terms
Democratic Institute (NDI), laureate spent almost 15 features many former these challenges will include as governor of Vermont from
a non-profit, non-partisan years under house arrest generals, and the ruling establishing an independent Speaking just over a 1991 until 2003. In 2004 he
organisation working to and was released in Union Solidarity and judiciary, implementing the week before the arrival in made an unsuccessful bid
support and strengthen November 2010, just six Development Party. Others amended foreign investment Myanmar of US President for the White House, failing
democratic institutions days after a controversial have condemned her for not law and equality for all Barack Obama, Dr to secure the Democratic
worldwide. He spent general election that her taking a more direct stand ethnic groups. Dean acknowledged the Party nomination that
four days in Myanmar, party, the National League on the recent communal importance of the president’s eventually went to John
from November 10 to 13, for Democracy, boycotted. In unrest in Rakhine State. Dr Dean said he believes trip. Kerry of Massachusetts.
visiting local landmarks late 2011 the NLD decided that inclusion of more
to re-register and contest “If you get your hands women in national politics “It’s a big deal,” he said. “It Dr Dean then served as the
by-elections in April, in dirty, you can make some will be important for the essentially says we will use chairman of the Democratic
which Daw Aung San Suu real progress,” Dr Dean said country to succeed and in the carrot, not the stick.” National Committee from
of the cross-party wrangling this regard he said Daw 2005 until 2009.
Dr Dean’s post-political

3 news

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

Support democracy, No political prisoners released
Daw Suu urges India in Nov 15 amnesty: activists

NEW DELHI – National Daw Aung San Suu Kyi gives the Nehru Memorial By Zaw Win Than NLD members were among the president’s historic
League for Democracy leader Lecture in New Delhi on November 14. Pic: AFP NONE of the prisoners those being freed. visit to the United Nations
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi last released in advance of in New York.
week urged the people of influence of regional rival November 13, Daw Aung President Barack Obama’s State-run media said the
India to help her country China. San Suu Kyi cautioned India historic November 19 visit prisoners were set free for Estimates of the number
secure democracy as she against getting carried away were considered political “establishing the stability remaining behind bars
paid her first visit for 25 India shares a 1640 about the changes across its prisoners, human rights of the state and eternal vary but the Assistance
years. kilometre (1020 mile) border border. activists say. peace, on humanitarian Association for Political
with Myanmar, and the two grounds, to turn them into Prisoners (AAPP), a
“We have not yet achieved former British colonies have “It’s [got] to be able to take As of November 15, citizens who do their bit Thailand-based campaign
the goal of democracy,” Daw a long shared history. a good hard look at what is President U Thein Sein in nation-building … and group, put the figure at
Aung San Suu Kyi said really happening,” she told had granted an amnesty for prolonging friendship 283 in a list posted on its
during a speech in New Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s the Indian daily. to 452 prisoners, including with neighbouring website on October 31.
Delhi on November 14. father, General Aung San, a number of foreigners,
was a personal friend of “Not to be over-optimistic, under the constitution. ‘They should Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
“We are still trying, and Nehru. at the same time to be But a spokesperson for the said in July that more
we hope that in this last encouraging of what needs Former Political Prisoners’ have done [the than 300 prisoners of
and most difficult phase the Mr Singh’s government to be encouraged; because Association said it was amnesty] before conscience remained
people of India will stand is keen to rebuild ties with I think too much optimism disappointing none were and showed their behind bars.
by us.” Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who doesn’t help because then prisoners of conscience.
led her party to a landslide you ignore what is going ’genuine will to “According to our
Daw Aung San Suu victory in by-elections in wrong.” “According to our records, about 330
Kyi also expressed her April. records, a total of 231 give the amnesty. political prisoners are still
sadness that India, which Daw Aung San Suu political prisoners are waiting to be released. We
was previously one of Her release, the end to Kyi acknowledged that still left in prison. None countries”. The report said will continue to urge the
her strongest supporters, military rule last year and businesses were keen to of them were included the government would government to release all
changed tack in the 1990s the prospect of nationwide tap the opportunities across in this amnesty,” said U extradite the foreign of them,” she said.
and began to engage the elections in 2015 have India’s eastern border in Thet Oo. prisoners.
military government at a enabled Myanmar to re- competition with Chinese Campaigners including
time when it was a pariah establish links with the West. counterparts but added that He said the amnesty In October 2011, the New York-based Human
in the West. US President Barack Obama “investment has to be done was extended only to government released Rights Watch cast
is due to visit this week. in the right way”. those who had less than about 200 prisoners of doubt on the motivation
“I have been asked six months remaining on conscience, followed by for the latest amnesty,
whether I was disappointed President U Thein Sein During the four-day their sentences, as well as about 300 in January, which comes as President
that India had not stood has vowed to put the trip, Suu Kyi also visited sick and disabled inmates, including prominent 88 Obama will on November
staunchly by us throughout economy at the centre of a parliament and inspected gamblers and foreigners. Generation leaders. 19 become the first sitting
the years of our struggle for new wave of reforms. rural development projects. US president to visit
democracy,” she said. “It is strange that they In July, President Myanmar, where he will
But in an interview with – AFP released prisoners just U Thein Sein freed 46 meet President U Thein
“I was saddened to feel The Hindu newspaper on before Obama’s visit,” prisoners, 22 of whom were Sein and Daw Aung San
that ... India had drawn National League for prisoners of conscience, Suu Kyi.
away from us during our Democracy spokesperson while dozens more
very difficult days. U Ohn Kyaing said. dissidents were released “It seems there is a new
in September, just before game in Burma, which
“Disappointment is not “They should have done is the political prisoners
something we can indulge it before and showed their game,” said Human Rights
in,” she added, in a veiled genuine will to give the Watch deputy Asia director
criticism of the Indian amnesty,” he said, adding Phil Robertson, calling
government as she delivered that it was unclear if any the release “cynical” and
a lecture in memory of lacking in transparency.
the country’s first post-
independence prime minister – With AFP
Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Nobel Peace Prize-
winner had earlier held
talks with Indian Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh,
who hailed her “indomitable
courage”.

“Our good wishes are with
you as indeed with your
struggle for democracy,”
Mr Singh said in comments
reported by the Press Trust
of India news agency.

Mr Singh had invited
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to
New Delhi when he visited
Myanmar in May to try to
boost trade and counter the

news 4

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

tHemyanmartimes Miners begin march to NPT

mmtimes.com By Naw Say Phaw Waa
Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief (MTE)
Ross Dunkley MINERS from the Moehti Moemi goldmining Miners from the Moehti Moemi region of Yamethin township protest outside the
[email protected] region of Mandalay Region’s Yamethin headquarters of Myanmar National Prosperity in Yangon earlier this month. Pic: Boothee
Chief Executive Officer & Editor-in-Chief (MTM) township are walking from Yangon to Nay
Dr. Tin Tun Oo Pyi Taw, where they plan to protest in front evening stayed at a monastery in Bago. The from members of the clergy, administrative
[email protected] of government buildings and a company following day they slept at a National League officials, NLD members and even Special
Chief Operating Officer – U Wai Linn office. for Democracy office and then on November Branch officials.
[email protected] 13 stayed in Nyaunglebin, said Ko Nay Aung
On November 8, 85 of the miners set off Htet, another of the miners. By November 16 “Instead of blocking our way, the
EDITORIAL from Yangon to Nay Pyi Taw after holding they had progressed to Taungoo. government officials helped us out,” said Ko
[email protected] three protests in the former capital, said Ko Yaute Kyi. “Some members from the NLD
Editor MTE – Thomas Kean Youte Kyi, a member of the group. “The reasons why we walked to Nay Pyi helped us by walking with us. Some of them
[email protected] Taw are to show the public that we are gave us some medicine. However, the type
Editor MTM – U Zaw Myint They expect to arrive in Nay Pyi Taw protesting as well as that we can’t afford of people helping us has changed from one
[email protected] around November 20, where they will seek [to travel a different way]. Also, Nay Pyi town to the next.”
Editor Special Publications – U Myo Lwin permission to protest in front of the Ministry Taw is close to Yamethin, so we can just
[email protected] of Mines, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and the walk back to where we stay afterwards. We Ko Thaw Lin, a senior member of the
Deputy Editor MTM – U Sann Oo office of Myanmar National Prosperity, the are not protesting while we walk, we just Myanmar Science and Arts University
Business Editor MTE – Stuart Deed company with which they are embroiled in a walk normally,” Ko Nay Aung Htet told The Network who has been helping the miners,
[email protected] long-running dispute over an agreement to Myanmar Times last week. “When we arrive said he was “very worried” about the safety
Business Editor MTM – U Tin Moe Aung mine gold at Moehti Moemi. in Nay Pyi Taw we will apply for permission of the group.
Property Editor MTM – Htar Htar Khin to protest.”
[email protected] Myanmar National Prosperity won a tender “They have nothing. I’m worried some of
World Editor MTE – Geoffrey Goddard to mine gold in the area in late 2011. But in He said the group had received assistance them might collapse because of exhaustion …
[email protected] June, workers from the hundreds of small I’m also worried they could be arrested.”
Timeout and Travel Editor MTE – Douglas Long mines at Moehti Moemi began protesting
[email protected] after the company allegedly reneged on an
Timeout Editor MTM – Moh Moh Thaw earlier verbal agreement to split all gold
[email protected] found in the area 50-50.
Deputy News Editor – Kyaw Hsu Mon
Chief Political Reporter – U Soe Than Lynn Myanmar National Prosperity officials
Contributing Editor – Ma Thanegi reportedly made the promise to the small
[email protected] mining companies and individual miners in
Head of Translation Dept – U Ko Ko December 2011, saying they could excavate
Head of Photographics – Kaung Htet gold from the area for the duration of its five-
Photographers – Yadanar, Boothee year contract with the government.
Book Publishing Consultant Editor – Col Hla Moe(Retd)
Editor: U Win Tun After holding several illegal protests in
Mandalay Bureau Chief – U Aung Shin the mining area, the miners applied for
[email protected] permission to demonstrate in Yamethin but
Nay Pyi Taw Bureau Chief – U Soe Than Lynn were rejected twice. About 30 of them then
[email protected] protested in front of Myanmar National
Prosperity office in Yangon on November 3,
PRODUCTION 6 and 8, after which they decided to walk to
[email protected] Nay Pyi Taw.
Head of Production & Press Scrutiny Liaison –
U Aung Kyaw Oo (1) The group slept at Htaukkyant War
Head of Graphic Design – U Tin Zaw Htway Cemetery on November 8 and the next

MCM PRINTING Swedish PM highlights CSR in Yangon
[email protected]
Head of Department – U Htay Maung By Tim McLaughlin ensure that the reforms are Mr Reinfeldt and Swedish tap into Myanmar’s relatively
Warehouse Manager – U Ye Linn Htay FREDRIK Reinfeldt last week socially, economically and Minister for Trade Ewa Bjorling undeveloped telecoms sector, 14
Factory Administrator – U Aung Kyaw Oo (3) became the first prime minister environmentally responsible,” spoke before an address by years after it left the country over
Factory Foreman – U Tin Win of Sweden to visit to Myanmar Mr Reinfeldt said. Elaine Weidman, director of human rights concerns.
and used the opportunity to sustainability at Ericsson,
ADVERTISING play up the corporate social He described Sweden’s CSR which is positioning itself to Stressing a “triple bottom line”
[email protected] responsibility credentials of his guidelines as, “Respect for human take advantage of an anticipated approach that looks at the social,
National Sales Director country’s firms. rights, including workers’ rights, liberalisation of Myanmar’s economic and environmental
Daw Khin Thandar Htay respect for the environment, telecommunications sector. impacts of business ventures,
[email protected] Mr Reinfeldt, who has served anti-corruption and freedom of Ms Weidman presented a report
Account Director – U Nyi Nyi Tun as prime minister since 2006, also the internet.” Ericsson could use the boost. titled The Potential Economic
Classifieds Manager – Daw Khin Mon Mon Yi met President U Thein Sein in Nay The company announced on Impact of Mobile Communications
[email protected] Pyi Taw. Speaking at the Forum While Mr Reinfeldt said November 7 that it would cut in Myanmar. The study was
for Responsible Business and CSR Swedish companies could have a 1550 jobs in Sweden following a undertaken in conjunction with
ADMIN & FINANCE on November 13, Mr Reinfeldt positive influence on Myanmar 42 percent drop in net profit in the Deloitte.
Finance Manager – Daw Mon Mon Tha Saing said he believed that reforms in businesses, he admitted that the third quarter of this year.
[email protected] Myanmar must be undertaken in there is no one-size-fits-all The forum was organised
HR Manager – Daw Nang Maisy a responsible manner. approach to responsible business. Stockholm-based Ericsson by the International Council
[email protected] He said firms should aim to is the world’s largest producer of Swedish Industry, a non-
Publisher – Dr Tin Tun Oo, Permit No: 04143 “It is also very important to minimise the negative impacts of of mobile telecommunications profit organisation run by
Systems Manager – U Khin Maung Thaw their activities while maximising equipment. The company opened the Confederation of Swedish
[email protected] the positive impacts. an office in Yangon in June to Enterprise.

DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION From page 1 manufacturing sector. former regime designated on February 25,
Manager – U Ko Ko Aung positive changes, the United States remains “I think the US has eased the ban on our 2008. Gold Ocean Pte Ltd is the primary front
[email protected] concerned about corruption, remaining company used to transfer money between
[email protected] political prisoners, continued military ties products to encourage more political and Steven Law’s companies, foreign companies,
to the [North] Korea, and ethnic conflict,” economic climate changes. This is really and Burmese state-run organisations. China
ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES it said. “We are committed to working with good news for our export industries and will Focus Development Ltd is the new name for
Telephone: (01) 253 642, 392 928 the government of Burma to address these encourage us to export our items to the US,” Golden Aaron Pte Ltd, a company identified
Facsimile: (01) 254 158 concerns.” he said on November 17. as blocked property on February 25, 2008
Email: [email protected] and owned by Cecilia Ng, the wife of Steven
The Myanmar Times is owned by Myanmar Business leaders welcomed the decision However, not all members of the Law,” it said.
Consolidated Media Ltd and printed by MCM to suspend the ban, with Dr Sai Sam Htun, business community will have cheered the
Commercial Printing (licence provided by Swesone president of Loi Hein Group of Companies, announcement: a number of firms linked to “Asia Pioneer Impex Pte Ltd, Terrestrial
Media (08102) with approval from MCM Ltd and describing it as “great news for our business Htoo Group of Companies boss U Tay Za Pte Ltd, and Asia Green Development Bank
by Shwe Zin Press (0368) with approval from sector”. and Asia World Group of Companies’ U Tun are companies owned or controlled by Tay
MCM Ltd). The title The Myanmar Times, in either Myint Naing were added to the Treasury Za, a crony of the former regime who was
English or Myanmar languages, its associated logos “I think garment, textile and marine Department’s Specially Designated Persons sanctioned on October 18, 2007. Tay Za
or devices and the contents of this publication may products can now easily be exported to the (SDN) list. US firms cannot engage in uses his Singapore-based companies, Asia
not be reproduced in whole or in part without the US. I hope US President Obama’s visit to transactions with individuals on the list Pioneer Impex Pte Ltd and Terrestrial Pte
written consent of the Managing Director of Myanmar Myanmar will create some big changes here. or an entity in which a listed person owns Ltd, to conduct business transactions. He
Consolidated Media Ltd. I am sure he won’t come without any strong either directly or indirectly a 50 percent or began trading under the name Terrestrial
commitments. I also believe that we are still greater share. Pte Ltd following financial sanctions against
Myanmar Consolidated Media Ltd. facing many challenges in this transition Pavo Trading in 2008.”
www.mmtimes.com period but I hope things will slowly change The statement said the seven companies
… [for a] better future for our country,” he were “front companies owned or controlled” Asia Pioneer Impex, Terrestrial, Golden
Head Office: 379/383 Bo Aung Kyaw Street, told The Myanmar Times. by either U Tay Za or U Tun Myint Naing, Ocean and Great Success are based in
Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar. who is also known as Steven Law. Singapore, while Asia Green Development
Telephone: (01) 253 642, 392 928 U Wynn Thein, deputy managing director Bank, Golden Energy Company and Green
Facsimile: (01) 392 706 from Kaung Myanmar Aung (KMA) Business “Gold Ocean Pte Ltd, Great Success Pte Luck Trading are based in Myanmar, the
Mandalay Bureau: No.178, 74th Street, (Bet. 31st & Development Enterprise, said the decision Ltd, Green Luck Trading Company and statement said.
32nd streets) Chan Aye Thar San Township, Mandalay. to ease the ban would encourage more Gold Energy Co Ltd. are front companies
Tel: (02) 24450, 24460, 65391, 65392 companies to focus on the job-creating controlled by Steven Law, a crony of the
Fax: (02) 24460
Email: [email protected]
Nay Pyi Taw Bureau: No. 10/72 Bo Tauk Htein
St, Yan Aung (1) Quarter, Nay Pyi Taw-Pyinmana.
Tel: (067) 23064, 23065
Email: [email protected]



news 6

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

Fear haunts quake-hit upper Myanmar

Residents sleep on streets after shallow 6.8 magnitude quake that killed 26 people and left another 12 missing

By Phyo Wai Kyaw with have never experienced an Residents of Thabeikkyin in Sagaing Region sleep outside their homes after an earthquake. Pic: Kaung Htet
AFP earthquake like this. Every
building in our ward is now another six patients to A police officer denied Kyitaukpauk ward, Singu people had been injured in
DAYS after a powerful in a dangerous condition, and Mandalay Central Hospital that the quake had caused township, said: “Some the bridge collapse. Four
earthquake struck upper nobody dares to go inside. and the 100-bed military the collapse of gold mines buildings have been reduced have been confirmed killed,
Myanmar, leaving scores People live in the street with hospital in Thabeikkyin. in Thabeikkyin and Singu, to rubble. We don’t dare enter while two people remain
dead and widespread their belongings,” said Daw Four more doctors came trapping the miners. into the houses.” missing.
damage, residents in the area Khin Myint, of Saitkan ward, from Mandalay to help,
say they are living in fear of Thabeikkyin, on November so we are coping with the “I investigated the issue, A partially built bridge In early 2011, a powerful
aftershocks. 12. situation,” said Dr San Yu and no mines had collapsed. I across the Ayeyarwady earthquake hit in Myanmar
Ko, head of the township also went to some gold mines River also collapsed, sending near the boarders with
At least 26 people were In Thabeikkyin, about 200 health department. in Singu to check. Luckily, workers plunging into the Thailand and about 70 people
killed while 12 others are buildings out of 800 were the quake struck between water. Elsewhere several died.
missing and about 230 were toppled by the earthquake, Daw Tin Tin Win, of Kabe two shifts, so the workers gold miners were buried.
injured, Myanmar Red Cross and about 70 collapsed in ward, Thabeikkyin, said were above ground when The US Geological Survey
Society deputy general Singu, Minister of Finance 17 students were injured, the first earthquake struck,” Second chief engineer said six strong earthquakes,
secretary U Aung Kyaw Htut and Revenue U Phone including a girl who died. said officer U Maung Maung U Kyaw Linn of the of 7.0-magnitude and more,
said on November 13. Zaw Han of the Mandalay They had been in a classroom Htay of Latpanhla police Ayeyarwady bridge project struck between 1930 and
regional government said on when the earthquake struck, station, Sintku township on (Yadanar Theinga) said in 1956 near the Sagaing Fault,
The 6.8 magnitude November 12, adding that a and tried to hide under their November 12. an interview with state-run which runs north to south
earthquake struck on full account of the damage desks. daily newspaper Mandalay through the centre of the
November 11, about 70 miles was still being drawn up. Ma Kyu Kyu Khaing, of on November 15 that 18 country.
State media reported on
‘Every building in November 13 that local
donors had provided K300
our ward is now million, while NGOs and
in a dangerous donors gave clothing and
condition, and tarpaulins for earthquake
victims in Thabeikkyin and
’nobody dares to Singu. Indonesia donated
go inside. US$100,000.

north of Mandalay. Two “We have provided
5.0 magnitude earthquakes tarpaulin sheets to some
followed within minutes. of the victims and they
are staying in temporary
Hundreds of buildings in shelters,” U Aung Kyaw Htut
Sagaing, Kyauk Myaung, said on November 13.
Shwebo, Kin-u, Kanbalu,
Wetlet, Mandalay, State-run broadcasters
Amarapura, Tada-Oo, carried a message of
Kyaukse, Singu, Thabeikkyin, condolence to the victims
Mohnain and Mogok collapsed from President Thein Sein
in the quake. on November 11.

While tremors are relatively “The government will strive
common in the region, last to do its best in its relief and
week’s earthquake was resettlement efforts in the
unusually strong and sent area,” the announcement
terrified people running from said.
their homes in Mandalay and
surrounding villages. Fearful of further
aftershocks, even people
“I am 77 years old and whose homes weren’t
destroyed are staying
outdoors.

“We have 37 injured here,
including a 16-year-old girl
who died. We transferred

More earthquake DRR needed: experts

By Aye Sapay Phyu president of the Myanmar week’s earthquake could people died and pagodas
EXPERTS have described Earthquake Committee, affect other segments of collapsed in the area was
a devastating earthquake who discovered the Sagaing the fault near more heavily in 1956. The magnitude
that hit central Myanmar Fault in the 1970s, said populated areas. of the recent earthquake
last week as a “wake up populated area along is less than this one and
call” about the urgent the fault needed to be “There were two strong the reason for that may be
need for better earthquake better prepared for future earthquakes with a because of the relatively
preparedness, particularly earthquakes. magnitude over 7.0 in 1946 short gap between the two
in urban areas. at Tagaung [in Mandalay earthquakes,” he said.
He said earthquakes Region] over two days. The
The experts said the would have a event made us question why According to the
6.8-magnitude, November disproportionately large such quakes can happen in Department of Meteorology
11 quake, which had its impact in future because a very short time because, and Hydrology, four
epicentre near Shwebo, of the dramatic increase normally, it takes a long aftershocks with a
could also increase seismic in urban populations and time for big earthquakes to magnitude of 5.0 and above
activity in other segments associated structures that happen again in the same were recorded in Mandalay
of the Sagaing Fault, the could be considered man- area. Later we found that Region on November 11 and
country’s most earthquake- made hazards in the event two earthquakes can happen 12, while a tremor with a
prone region. of a quake. in two segments of the fault magnitude of 4.8 centred
that sit side by side. There about 35 miles south of Nay
The Sagaing Fault is a “There were no high-rise are many segments in the Pyi Taw was recorded on
1500-kilometre-long right concrete buildings in Bago Sagaing Fault that are close November 13.
lateral strike-slip fault in the 1930 earthquake, to each other like that … an
running from northern which recorded a magnitude earthquake in one portion Speaking at a seminar
Myanmar to Gulf of of about 7.0. About 400 of the fault can put stress earlier this year, Dr Maung
Mottama. The fault has people died in Bago, while on other parts of the fault,” Thein, a former chairman
three particularly vulnerable about 50 casualties were he said. of the Myanmar Geoscience
segments: Bago to Taungoo, recorded in Yangon. At the Society and adviser to the
Sagaing to Tagaung and time the total population U Soe Thura Tun, Myanmar Earthquake
Myitkyina to Putao. of the country was about secretary of the committee, Committee, said modern
14-15 million. We need to said that a team of experts seismology stations and
Experts said last week’s consider the differences studied the earthquake GPS measuring along the
shallow-focus earthquake, between Bago and Yangon site last week to learn Sagaing Fault, updated
which severely jolted towns then and now – those more about the mos recent seismic microzone maps,
in Mandalay and Sagaing differences will mean there quake. and an earthquake-
regions, was the strongest will be a different impact resistant building design
to hit the Sagaing section of between past and future “Earthquake of a code based on the maps
the fault in about 60 years. earthquakes,” he said. magnitude 7.0 to 7.5 and research data were
normally happen at 100 to needed for disaster risk
Dr Win Swe, vice Dr Win Swe also said 140 year intervals. The most mitigation.
there was a risk that last recent earthquake where



news 8

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

Obama continues his ‘Pivot to Asia’

I DAsiAn Focus to ASEAN but also attempted
to isolate Myanmar through
n epth economic sanctions and other
restrictions.
with “The US has basically
Tim McLaughlin ignored Southeast Asia
THIS week’s landmark visit until the end of the Bush
by United States President administration [and
Barack Obama will seek to the] appointment of an
consolidate the foreign policy ambassador to ASEAN. The
shift that occurred during his US’s Myanmar policy shift is
first term in office, analysts the most important positive
said. result of all US policy
issues in East Asia [and
Mr Obama will travel to was] even mentioned in the
Cambodia and Thailand Democratic Party platform
but it his decision to become for the convention,” said
the first sitting president Professor David Steinberg,
to visit Myanmar that has distinguished professor
attracted most attention, of Asian studies at the
coming barely 18 months School of Foreign Service at
after President U Thein Georgetown University and
Sein was handed the reins author of multiple books on
of Myanmar’s quasi-civilian Myanmar.
government. The encouragement of the
reform process in Myanmar
“ASEAN is the linchpin was mentioned among the top
of the US rebalance toward foreign policy achievements
Asia and Myanmar is a newly during President Obama’s
emerging important player first term in the 2012
in ASEAN. For years, the US Democratic Party platform
couldn’t fully engage ASEAN at the Democratic National
as a grouping because of its Convention, along with the
sanctions against Myanmar,” toppling of regimes during A woman folds US national flags at a shop in Yangon on November 16. Pic: AFP
said Murray Hiebert, deputy
director, senior fellow and the Arab Spring uprisings Power, special assistant to the rioting left 89 dead, and military regime has all but situation skillfully.
chair for Southeast Asian and recognition of newly president and senior director 110,000 have been displaced disappeared in the interests “The Chinese took Hillary
Studies at the Center for independent South Sudan. for multilateral affairs and since June. of bettering relations.
Strategic and International “Our historic opening human rights at the National Despite the visits by “It is my hunch that if Clinton’s trip (and the
Studies in Washington. to Burma will continue to Security Council, wrote on high-ranking officials and the US had pushed for a Myitsone Dam decision before
incentivise a democratic the White House blog that consultations with rights commission of inquiry on it) badly, and they may do the
“The US rebalance toward t r a n s i t i o n , a d e e p e r the US was “clear-eyed about groups, not all analysts feel past crimes before it started same on Obama’s trip, but I
Asia with ASEAN as e n g a g e m e n t w i t h t h e the challenges that Burma that the US will take the to normalise relations the think the US recognises that
centerpiece can be expected to United States, and national faces”. lead on issues related to government would have shut China and Myanmar must
continue with the re-election r e c o n c i l i a t i o n a m o n g Ms Power detailed a trip by minority rights, particularly down the reform process remain friends and close.
of President Obama,” Mr Burma’s many different a US delegation in October in relation to countries before it had really started,” I think Burma/Myanmar’s
Hiebert added. ethnic groups,“ the statement that aimed to encourage that share a border with said Mr Hiebert. neutralist policies since
said. further dialogue on remaining Myanmar. The US has also lifted independence have been
But the first tentative “And because human human rights challenges. The Joshua Kurlantzick, a a number of the economic sound, and this new opening
steps in re-engaging with rights violations persist, delegation “included experts fellow for Southeast Asia sanctions it put in place to is part of that process,” Dr
Myanmar took place in a punish the country and its Steinberg said.
March 2009 meeting between former leaders, although US
then-Minister of Foreign ‘ ’ASEAN is the linchpin of the US rebalance towards Asia companies are still banned While US foreign policy
Affairs U Nyan Win and from doing business with a is expected to continue on a
a mid-level member of the and Myanmar is emerging as an important player in ASEAN. large number of individuals, similar trajectory – unless
US State Department. Four who are also banned from Myanmar’s reform process
months later, on July 23, entering the US. falters – the individuals
Secretary of State Hillary we will continue to speak on labour rights and economic at the Council on Foreign As Myanmar’s ties with the on the US side will almost
Clinton signed the Treaty clearly about the additional development, rule of law Relations, said the US had US have improved, President certainly be different.
of Amity and Cooperation in steps that must be taken for and political reform, ethnic an “important” role to play U Thein Sein has gone to
Southeast Asia, which the the government of Burma to conflict and reconciliation, on ethnic and minority great lengths to reassure The Obama admin-
US had previously refused have a better relationship land-mine removal, and issues “but the US is not the China that Myanmar still istration’s most visible
to do because of its policy with the United States.” criminal justice,” and was major or critical player in values its relationship with face in Asia, Ms Clinton, is
towards Myanmar. Prior to his visit, President led by Michael Posner, Myanmar. Other countries it largest neighbour and expected to depart from her
Obama met representatives assistant secretary of state like China, India, Singapore, source of foreign investment. post, with US ambassador
“Southeast Asia and from prominent human rights for democracy, human rights and Thailand are far more During the years when to the UN Susan Rice tipped
ASEAN are critically groups at the White House and labour. important.” many Western countries as her likely successor. Since
important to our future,” Ms to discuss the situation in One high-profile issue In regards to the recent sanctioned Myanmar and taking the secretary of state
Clinton said at the time. Myanmar. A day after the trip is communal violence in unrest in Rakhine State, discouraged companies from post in 2009, Ms Clinton has
was confirmed, Samantha Rakhine State, where recent “the key countries here are doing business there, China visited all 10 ASEAN nations
It was a dramatic change Bangladesh, the Gulf states, pumped billions of dollars and, after this week’s trip,
in policy from the George W will have visited six of the
Bush administration, which ASEAN members more than
not only paid little attention once.

China, India, and other of foreign direct investment There are also questions
regional countries, not the into the country, mostly in surrounding Kurt Campbell,
US”, Mr Kurlantzick said. large infrastructure projects, the assistant secretary of
D e s p i t e d e c a d e s o f and became Myanmar’s most state for East Asian and
oppressive rule, earlier important trade partner. Pacific Affairs, although no
discussion of investigating Dr Steinberg said he official announcement has
accusations of human rights believes that Myanmar has been made that he will be
abuses under the previous handled this tricky diplomatic stepping down.

9 news

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

Yangon Police step in to stop illegal races
violence
prompts By Htoo Aung alcohol or taking illicit He said the crackdown me at high speed. We’re A car lies on its
police drugs and drive recklessly will continue through to just doing our job, but these side following a
action POLICE are cracking down on the streets of Yangon. December 31 but also sports car drivers are out on late-night crash on
on reckless drivers who They decided to set up the acknowledged that the police a spree,” taxi driver U Zaw Kabar Aye Pagoda
By Htoo Aung are turning Yangon’s main checkpoints to deter violence force has insufficient officers Zaw, 40, said. Road earlier this
THE police crackdown on the streets into late-night race and stop what one officer and vehicles to deal with the year. Pic: Yadanar
late-night antics of drink- and tracks. They have set up described as “anarchy” on problem. U Aye Lwin, 44, the owner passenger was.”
drug-fuelled young drivers nightly checkpoints to the streets. of a mini-mart on Kabar Aye Yangon police also made
who spill out of nightclubs curb dangerous driving, Residents told The Pagoda Road, said: “These a point of saying they are
in the small hours has been and arrested drivers found The illegal races usually Myanmar Times they races have been going on prepared to take action
prompted by a series of to be drunk or on drugs. take place on the weekend welcomed the move to for at least three years. One against errant drivers, even
violent incidents. They have also expressed from 11pm to 3am. Favoured bring some law and order to night, someone crashed into if they are the sons and
concerns that some may be locations are Bogyoke Aung Yangon streets. the back of my parked car in daughters of government
In one case on October 3, carrying weapons, following San Road, Pyay Road from front of the mart, sending it officials or prominent
a 27-year-old employee of a spate of violent incidents. the Inya Road to 8 Mile “I was out driving one flying. The driver who hit businesspeople. The
one of the country’s largest (See adjoining story.) junctions, and Kabar Aye night when I was forced to my car wasn’t killed, but his children and grandchildren
business conglomerates and Pagoda Road from University pull over as cars raced past of several prominent
a 21-year-old medical student “We’ve been setting up Avenue to Parami Road Myanmar identities have
were evicted from the DJ Bar checkpoints from early junctions. The speed limit been strongly linked to
nightclub at Inya Lake Hotel November at five major along these roads for buses illegal street racing and
following an altercation. locations on Insein Road, is 20 kilometres an hour associated violence.
Kokkine Road, Hledan, Lay and for private cars 48km
The incident escalated Daung Kan in Thingangyun an hour.
around 3am when the and in Kyauktada
student, along with another township to stop illegal car Police say that on the
21-year-old University of racing and to search for night of November 3-4, a
Medicine student, asked weapons, including knives, number of drivers were
the club authorities to have knuckledusters and baseball arrested for speeding and
a black Land Rover moved bats and so on. Anyone found to be unlicensed on
because it was blocking their caught with a weapon will be Kabar Aye Pagoda Road.
exit. charged,” a Myanmar Police Over a two-day period, six
Force spokesperson said. people were arrested for
reckless driving and fined,
The crackdown comes after while from November 3 to
one passenger was killed 6, 14 drivers were arrested
when a car crashed after a but none were found with
suspected race, and about weapons.
20 drivers have already been
arrested. “If those drivers who
confessed are arrested again,
Police say the drivers leave they will be fined again and
nightclubs after drinking lose their licences,” the police
spokesperson said.

‘Seven people in

four cars pursued
a car with four
passengers

following a brawl

’on Insein Road.

The owner of the car was the
man involved in the earlier
altercation, who then drove
his vehicle into a Toyota Vitz
owned by one of the student’s
friends. One man was injured
in the incident and required
hospital treatment.

The owner of the Land
Rover, who is said to be the
nephew of the flamboyant
owner of the high-profile
company he works for, was
subsequently charged with
attempted murder under
section 307 of the Penal
Code.

In a separate incident, a
brawl broke out on Insein
Road at San Yeik Nyein 3rd
Street in the early hours of
November 1.

Seven people in four cars
pursued a car with four
passengers, and during the
chase someone shot at the
lead car with a catapult,
shattering its rear window.
All the occupants of the cars
had been at the GTR club at
Inya Lake Hotel.

A 26-year-old woman and
three friends were in the
lead car, while the pursuers
included a man police
described as the woman’s
“old flame”. He and his six
accomplices attacked the
woman’s vehicle, and she and
the other three occupants of
her car later needed hospital
treatment for their injuries.

Four of the seven have
been arrested and charged
with seven offences, including
causing grievous hurt and
criminal intimidation,
according to police.

news 10

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

Govt sends team to study NLD leader pushes
hluttaw on Yangon
ASEAN Summit organisation university plan

By Kyaw Hsu Mon be finished by the end of Cambodian soldiers stand guard at Phnom Penh By Soe Than Lynn committees and commissions
FOR so many years 2013,” he said. International Airport on November 17. Pic: AFP A PROPOSAL from Daw and experts in specific subject
international meetings Aung San Suu Kyi to create areas.
meant only one thing Ambassador to ASEAN U said, we will not turn “[U Thein Sein] will go a regulatory team to oversee
for Myanmar: unwanted Min Lwin agreed Myanmar back but we have to avoid back to Yangon after arriving the refurbishment of Yangon Daw Aung San Suu
international attention. faces “big challenges” to be things that can impact the in Cambodia. That means Arts and Science University Kyi said the proposal had
But this week’s ASEAN ready for 2014 but said the democratisation process,” U there will not be a face-to- in Hledan has been approved already been discussed
Summit in Phnom Penh is government had shown it Min Lwin said. face meeting between the over the objections of by the hluttaw committee
expected to see the Myanmar was prepared to be flexible US president and U Thein the deputy minister for on education. “It will be
government applauded for to take on the chairmanship U Min Lwin also said Sein during the summit,” education. more effective if we start at
reforms undertaken over the role. More than 1000 ASEAN there would be no bilateral he said. Yangon University. In the
past 18 months. meetings are held each year, meeting between US Daw Aung San Suu past, Yangon University
with many of the major ones President Barack Obama U Aung Lin, the director Kyi argued in the Pyithu could compete with other
However, many Myanmar in the country chairing the and President U Thein Sein general to ASEAN, said Hluttaw on November 9 that international universities.
officials at the summit will grouping. in Cambodia because the President U Thein Sein Yangon University should be But now I can honestly say
have more important things Myanmar leader would leave would arrive in Phnom upgraded into an educational that there is no international-
to do than bask in the praise: “They are not problems the summit to see President Penh on November 17 and hub offering undergraduate standard university in our
namely, to gain insights to but they will be challenges Obama in Yangon. return to Yangon to meet courses because it already country,” she said.
help them prepare for 2014, for us,” U Min Lwin said US President Barack Obama has the infrastructure to be
when Myanmar will chair in an interview with The early on November 19. a top university. “I don’t mean to renovate
the regional grouping. Myanmar Times in Phnom only the buildings of the
Penh on November 16. “But Meanwhile, U Aung Lin Her proposal was seconded university but also its courses
The Myanmar delegation as the host we can expect confirmed that there would by Daw Dwe Bu of Injayan, and teaching methods. A
includes an observer team help not only from ASEAN not be any discussion about U Khin Maung Yi of Ahlone university should be oriented
tasked with studying how nations but also its dialogue the conflict in Rakhine State and U Ohn Kyaing of towards its students.”
major ASEAN meetings partners.” in the ASEAN Human Right Mahaaungmyay and passed
are organised, particularly Declaration on November 248 votes to 64, despite She added that
in terms of infrastructure, He said Myanmar has 18. the deputy minister telling international donors had
logistics, IT, accommodation no experience hosting the representatives there was no shown significant interest in
and overall management. chairmanship so has been need to create the supervisory helping to revive Myanmar’s
taking steps to ensure staff team. In a surprising twist, education sector but most
“We are sent under a are trained, including in the motion was supported wanted to know precisely
government program as an dealing with the international by most Tatmadaw how funds would be managed
observation team to learn how media. representatives, who hold and what they would be used
to host the chairmanship in 25 percent of seats. for.
2014. We have only one year “Japan and United States
left and really we need to will also provide capacity- “Wewanttoraisethequality Donors are concerned their
learn a lot to get up to speed,” building assistance. One [of higher education] rather aid will not be effective if it
a senior official from the thing that can be a challenge than quantity. … To the best is allocated too thinly but
Nay Pyi Taw Development for us is IT but we are trying of my knowledge, education a plan to revive Yangon
Committee said, asking not to improve the situation and of younger generations is University would win their
to be named. to follow the path of other relatively low, compared to support because it has
ASEAN nations,” he said. that of older generations. existing infrastructure and
He said that as part of the It is rare anywhere in the a good reputation, she said.
preparations a convention U Min Lwin said this world that educational levels
centre is being constructed week’s summit, which will are lower than those of 20 “If we can build a single
in Nay Pyi Taw near the be held on November 19 years ago. This implies that high-quality university with
Myanmar International and 20, will see Myanmar’s our education system has donors’ support then they
Convention Center (MICC), democratisation process gone in the utterly wrong will be more encouraged to
which was built as a gift from discussed. direction,” Daw Aung San help with other projects,”
the Chinese government. Suu Kyi said. she said.
The new centre, on a 32-acre He paid tribute to the
site, is being constructed by support of ASEAN nations “Based on the clarification “Some world-leading
Shwe Taung Development for the seven-step roadmap of the [deputy minister for universities are ready
Construction Company, he to democracy, which many education], the ministry to help with this kind of
said. Western nations decried as seems to have focused on program. … We can get the
a sham. postgraduate programs project moving very quickly
“The new centre will be … [but] it is questionable if everyone collaborates and
bigger than MICC and will “Our President U Thein how there can be qualified gets involved.
Sein has got a great deal postgraduate students
of encouragement from the without qualified “The donors will be
ASEAN leaders upon this undergraduate students,” less inclined to help if we
process. As the president she said. delay … so there is a need
to organise a supervisory
The motion proposed team led by the Union
forming a regulatory team Government to renovate
comprising officials from Yangon University to be a
the Ministry of Education, well-rounded international
members of hluttaw university. I believe that our
people also want to see it once
again become an outstanding
university.” – Translated by
Thit Lwin and Zar Zar Soe

11 news

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

Minister responds on daily licences

By Kyaw Su Mon Workers prepare copies of ‘The Myanmar Times’ on November 15. Pic: AFP “The government is in revenue from advertising,
HOPES remain high in the focused on its security. If it can’t be less than K200 a
media industry that daily emergence of independent the media men to perform doing, what we are writing dailies are allowed, there day,” he said.
private newspapers will private newspapers. And these tasks but rather and what we are talking will probably be a lot of
be allowed soon, despite I would like to ask press allows them to get on with about today will become the challenges. It may worry “And if [private
the government refusing to institution to join hands them independently. … history of each of us later.” that it will lose control if it publications] do not have
commit to a date. for quick emergence of a Let’s try to go ahead with loosens restrictions quickly,” their own presses, how can
good media environment,” quick launch of independent Mizzima editor U Sein he said. they publish a story that
The government has he wrote. private newspapers in Win said it appeared the they get late at night? Those
had a monopoly on daily the favourable media government would adopt a However, industry companies that have the
publishing since the “The ministry does not environment. What we are cautious approach towards insiders acknowledge ability to distribute to other
1960s, when the socialist directly or indirectly force allowing daily papers. that the minister is right towns immediately will get
regime nationalised the to question whether the a bigger market share.”
last private publications. industry is ready to publish
Minister for Information U daily newspapers given the U Sein Win agreed
Aung Kyi indicated shortly lack of financial, technical that almost every media
after taking office in late and human resources. organisation is already
August that private media facing a shortage of
organisations would be “Now state-run papers journalists and editors but
allowed to publish daily in are changing their policies he said that was not the only
2013 but he recently told the and layout to attract more challenge.
Pyithu Hluttaw, in response readers. At the same
to a question from U Thein time, private journals lack “Journals are particularly
Nyunt, that he could not revenue from advertising weak in distribution. When
give an exact date for private and face a severe shortage they come out daily, those
daily newspapers. of journalists. And they who do it earlier will have an
are facing distribution and advantage. In Myanmar, the
This elicited some criticism printing problems because market is only in the cities
from certain sections of some do not have their own … [because] development
the media industry. On printing presses,” said U of infrastructure is poor,”
November 6, Eleven Media Kyaw Swar Min, editor-in- he said.
Group chief executive chief of The Yangon Times.
officer Dr Than Htut Aung “To the best of my
was quoted in his own He said fewer than 10 knowledge, K100 a copy
publication as saying that of the 80 news journals in will be affordable in other
“[t]he government’s attitude Myanmar were ready to towns. The present price of
towards the private media is make the transition. a journal is about half the
not clear. It has no sincerity. average daily wage in these
Oppressing and controlling “Private publications areas. If this continues, the
independent media means cannot compete on price market for daily papers
the government has no with state-run papers. Even won’t grow as much as we
wish to exercise genuine if they can reduce the cover are expecting.” – Translated
democracy.” price because of an increase by Thit Lwin

“Two months ago, the
information minister
disclosed the publication of
private newspapers would be
allowed at the start of 2013
… [but] the government
is feeling reluctant to
grant permission for the
publication of private daily
newspapers. Only the
cronies have been granted
permission to monopolise
electronic media sector,”
he said.

U Aung Kyi responded
to the claims by writing
an open letter published in
state-run publications on
November 10.

He said he wanted to
“respond to some of the
allegations that may even
harm my reputation” and
denied setting a firm date
for when daily newspapers
would be allowed.

In an interview with The
Myanmar Times in early
September, the minister
said that “if the necessary
preparations are made I
estimate [daily licences]
might be granted early next
year”.

In his open letter, U Aung
Kyi said the government
wanted to complete
six steps, including the
formulation of a code of
ethics and code of conduct,
before allowing private daily
newspapers but added that
the government could allow
them “when the time is
somewhat ripe even if all
institutional requirement[s]
could not be fulfilled”.

“Every democratic nation
which allows publication
of daily newspapers has
organisations and rules
and regulation to enforce
journalism ethics and to
protect the individual rights
of the people,” U Aung Kyi
wrote.

“I on my part have been
trying best for soonest

news 12

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

Mandalay High Mandalay villagers push for
Court issues

statement on return of confiscated land
corruption

By Phyo Wai Kyaw and Sithu Lwin By Phyo Wai Kyaw and
Hlaing Kyaw Soe

STATE media in Mandalay last week MANDALAY residents evicted Ministry of Construction houses on land near Yadanarpon Bridge where residents of three villages
published the phone and fax numbers of to make way for the construction lived until they were evicted in 2001 for the bridge construction project. Pic: Phyo Wai Kyaw
the chief justice of Mandalay Region and of Yadanarpon Bridge more
encouraged the public to contact him if they than 10 years ago are pushing to discuss the issue. More than year in their new location. social and economic problems
encounter corruption in the legal system, for their land to be returned. 100 villagers went to meet the “The new place is flooded and we are all in trouble now.
following the dismissal of seven members officials, who called another five In the past we owned land and
of the judiciary in the city. In 2001, regional authorities villagers to come to the office on up to nine months of the year. even created employment by
moved residents from three November 9. We have to move beside the hiring labourers for our fields
The daily Mandalay newspaper, run by villages in Amarapura township Sagaing-Mandalay road and but now we work as servants
Mandalay City Development Committee, said because of the Yadanarpon “They asked me what the near the bridge in temporary and laborers,” they said.
on November 9 that the chief justice would Bridge project and resettled authorities told us before we huts every year during rainy
handle all complaints “in accordance with the them in new sites on a floodplain were moved from our village season until the water level They said each family from
law”. Members of the public who have been near the bridge, the villagers and about compensation. I down again. If not, we could the three villages was given
asked for a bribe should call the Chief Justice said. don’t want to use the word drown, be bitten by dangerous compensation of 2 tonnes of
U Soe Thein on (02) 24935 or fax him on (02) ‘compensation’ as we were not snakes or face other health wood to rebuild a house at the
33424 to report it. The statement, issued by “We sent a letter to Daw Aung even given enough money to problems,” said Daw Khin Mar new site and K10,000.
the Mandalay Region High Court, also said San Suu Kyi’s Rule of Law, Peace rebuild our houses,” said U and Daw Khin Than of Thapyay
members of the public can inform the chief and Stability Committee, the Maung Tint after he met the Tan village. “They told us that they
justice if they believe the decision in a court land investigation commission officials on November 9. would build roads and install
case is unfair. and Pyidaungsu Hluttaw in “As we had to move from our electricity at the new place but
the last week of September Residents said that the three original villages and were not nothing has happened and it is
Some lawyers said that together with the signatures villages face severe flooding every given any farmland, we face still like a jungle.”
of all villagers,” U Moe Naung
‘ ’there were bribery issues. from Khawar village said earlier
this month.
The statement also said the High Court
had dismissed seven staff, including two “Before the bridge project
township-level judges and two sub-township started and we were moved,
judges. The court also issued strong warnings the authorities promised we
to 11 staff, it said. could get back our old villages
if they are outside the project
The notice comes after seven members of area. However, when the project
the Pyithu Hluttaw Rule of Law and Peace was finished in April 2008,
and Stability Committee, headed by Daw the authorities did not give
Aung San Suu Kyi, visited Mandalay on back our land and Ministry of
November 2 to examine the operations of Construction continued to use
district and township courts. it. We object that officials from
… Ministry of Construction are
“Judgment is being swayed in Yangon and applying to get formal ownership
is completely wrong in Mandalay in some of our lands at Amarapura
cases … some lawyers also said that there township’s Settlements and
were bribery issues,” committee member U Land Records Department,”
Thein Nyunt said on November 2, adding he said.
that if the courts did not resolve these issues
themselves the committee would raise them As a result of the letter, officials
in the hluttaw. from Amarapura township’s
general administrative
department called residents
to their office on November 8

13 news

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

NLD to finish MDY

ward assemblies by

end of November

By Phyo Wai Kyaw Responding to criticism said that the NLD views all A women cries after her husband was released from Obo Prison in Mandalay on
NATIONAL League for from some members in the members as equals. November 15 as part of a government amnesty. Pic: Sithu Lwin
Democracy leaders in township that the assembly
Mandalay’s Pyigyitagun organisation process has been “The party’s main theme Ex-Tatmadaw released from Obo Prison
township plan to hold ward undemocratic, U Myo Naing is non-violence. We are still
assemblies in late November, conceded there might have accepting new members,” MOST prisoners released prisoners, Tan Chain Hsu, elsewhere in Mandalay
they said last week. been some “unfair issues”. said U Maung Kan, secretary from Mandalay’s Obo Prison 49, was sentenced to 20 Region, including three
of the district-level assembly under a presidential amnesty years prison for drug-related from Myingyan, five from
Party officials launched “But the process to form commission in Mandalay. last week were former offences in January 2000. Yamethin and three from
an assembly information the assembly commission and soldiers, along with a handful Meanwhile, Chin Kyone Meiktila.
campaign in Ayataw ward in selection process will only be “We are planning to give of Chinese nationals. Shwin, 23, received a 12-
Pyigyitagun on November 14, used for the assembly and cards to all party members year sentence for drug and “I think my husband should
with the meeting attracting those chosen are not being soon. First we intended to Altogether 26 prisoners, immigration offences in have been released earlier. I
about 60 members from appointed to permanent give smart cards but it is including 17 soldiers, six October 2007. didn’t cry when my husband
several wards. U Myo positions. We formed [the too busy in the head office to civilians, two Chinese and was sent to jail but now tears
Naing, secretary of the commission with] members do this so the regional office one elderly prisoner were According to a statement are rolling down my face
NLD assembly commission who could work well for instructed us just to give released from Obo Prison on issued by the President’s because of happiness,” said
for Mandalay Region, said the commission. These are normal cards,” he said. November 15. Office on November 14, 452 Daw Tin Tin Mar, wife of a
the party hopes to hold the prominent, public positions prisoners were released from prisoner released from Obo
assemblies across all wards but anyone can compete Ma Htay, an NLD member “I’m glad our punishment jails around the country. Prison.
in the township by the end in the ward assembly to from Pyigyitagun’s Salein was reduced. I was ordered to
of November. become a [township] ward, said she believes the serve a three-year sentence for “I was sent to jail for No political prisoners were
delegate. So instead of holding of the assembly can violating military discipline. I stabbing my husband to released, and an official from
“One ward can send up to blaming the commission support the democratisation had to stay behind bars for a death. I really appreciate the political prisoner network
six delegates to the township process [members] should try process. year,” said Ko Zaw Zaw Linn, being released,” said Daw said 44 remain behind bars
assembly. … This is the to focus on winning the ward who was previously from a San San Myint, 72. in Obo Prison. – Sithu Lwin,
basic process of the assembly assembly,” he said. “Most people in wards military medical unit. translated by Thiri Min
outlined by the NLD lack political knowledge and Another 11 people were Htun
headquarters. We will hold He also said party officials they spend most of their One of the two Chinese released from prisons
at least two more assembly wanted to cooperate with time focusing on earning
information campaigns in unhappy members provided enough to survive, so I think
the township before the ward they were being constructive the information campaign
assemblies are held,” U Myo and did not show aggression. will be beneficial because it
Naing said. On the issue of conflict can improve our knowledge.
between new and old party Another issues is that we
members, Mandalay officials need to attract more young
people to the party,” she
said.

MCDC vows to use

law, not force, to

remove squatters

By Phyo Wai Kyaw and But this time, we will proceed
Sithu Lwin in accordance with section 26,
A STANDOFF has developed as there are legal plots and
in Mandalay between city houses in the area as well.
authorities and squatters The owner of the land can
with the expiry of the latest press charges of trespassing
deadline ordering them to in accordance with the law,”
quit their homes. said U Tin Htut Kyaw, head
of the committee’s land
Mandalay City ownership department, said
Development Committee on November 14.
(MCDC) had given the
squatters until November He also said that he has
15 to clear the sites, but they received no instruction from
refused to budge. Although the Mandalay mayor other
some of the homes have than to charge squatters
already been bulldozed, the under section 26, which
city has said it will no longer entails a potential K300,000
use force to eject them. fine, three months in prison
or both.
MCDC says there are
thousands of homes built ‘We will not use
illegally on municipal land in ’force to remove
Chanmyatharsi, Pyigyitagun
and Amarapura townships. houses this time.
After warning them to leave
by September 16, MCDC MCDC and administrative
started destroying houses officials in Pyigyitagun
in Myayi Nandar ward of township also met with
Chanmyatharsi township on trespassers on November
September 17. 12 to urge them to leave and
press charges against those
However, after who sold the plots to them
encountering strong illegally.
opposition from residents,
the committee stopped “Some trespassers claim
demolishing the homes and they bought the land with
instead set a November 15 contracts but these are not
deadline for the squatters legal contracts. There are
to leave. more than 2000 plots in
that area and of those we
“We will not use force to have already issued official
remove houses this time documents for more than
like we did in Myayi Nandar 1000 plots,” U Tin Htut Kyaw
ward. At that time, we acted said.
under MCDC law sections 32
and 33 to destroy the houses.

news 14

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

Seminar ignites debate on Suvannabhumi

By Cherry Thein Department of Historical U San Win (left), a retired assistant
A REGIONAL seminar Research, said that the director of the Ministry of Culture’s
on the history of the remains of Mon sites have Department of Historical Research,
Suvannabhumi kingdom been found clustered around leads a field trip to the ancient town of
in Mon State has reignited the mouth of the Sittoung Mottama near Mawlamyine following
debate over the history River, the apex of the a seminar in the Mon State capital on
of the Mon region and its Gulf of Mottama, formerly November 3-4. Pic: Cherry Thein
people. Martaban.
Chief Minister U Ohn seminars and build site country’s historical heritage professional and respect the
“The Golden Era of “The evidence from these Myint said the November museums to present and research,” he said. ethics of scholarship. You
Suvannabhumi” was places tells us firmly that 3-4 seminar was the archaeological and historical can’t announce a certain
held on November 3 and there was a Suvannabhumi. first step towards better findings in Thaton township Participants urged thing with only one piece of
4 at Mon State Hall in I don’t want to argue with understanding Mon culture, as well.” the holding of seminars, evidence and need to collect
Mawlamyine in Mon State, other countries about promoting and protecting building of site museums as much as you can,” U San
with 11 scholars, including their findings because the state’s heritage and Mon State Minister for and provision of training Win said.
historians, archaeologists Suvannabhumi was a large learning about the old cities Planning, Commerce and to better safeguard
and other experts, giving area in Southeast Asia but of Suvannabhumi. Culture Dr Min Nwe Soe said archaeological sites. “I want to show what is
presentations on ancient we are responsible to say the seminar was the “first right and prove that there is
Mon kingdoms. what is right or wrong,” he “We want to encourage the step” towards promoting But U Kyin Pe, president a Thaton old city but I don’t
said at the seminar. holding of seminars like this better public awareness of the Mon State Hluttaw, want conflict on the issue.
The presenters said Thaton ... and thank the historians about the historical said that the program should If the issue is not resolved
and Bilin towships were the During the 1970s, U and archaeologists for importance of Mon State. focus on historical findings in a professional way, there
centres of the Suvannabhumi Aung Myint of the Forestry working hard so we can that benefit the country and will be no end to conflicts
kingdom, and presented Department used aerial better understand our “There is still a lot of should not be caught up in or racial riots and no peace.
archaeological findings and photographs to pinpoint heritage,” he told The work to do. The seminar “racial issues”. Historical heritage is our
other evidence to support the towns of Kyaikkatha, Myanmar Times. made us realise we have sweet passion but we need to
the claim, including the Taikkala, Zokthok, Thaton, many things we need to do Highlighting this point, the ensure we are professional
structure of ancient cities in Sampannago (Hmawbi) “We plan to hold more to protect and promote our seminar was almost derailed about the things we have a
the area, and the unique Mon and some smaller-scale by confusion over the identity passion for,” he said.
culture and architecture, sites, such as Kawhtin, of its organisers. In October,
which included extensive Leikkahon, Muthin, Zwegal, an article in the state-run U Aye Win, a resident of
tunnels through the soft Mayangon, Kadaik, in this Kyemon newspaper repeated Mudon township in Mon
laterite stone. area, U San Win said. Professor Aung-Thwin’s State who attended the
theory that Suvannabhumi seminar, said the event
However, they also “I am a habitant of Paung never existed and some “should have been held
acknowledged the concept of township in Mon State. I civilians and monks, decades ago”.
the Suvannabhumi kingdom earned my masters degree confusing organiser U San
is not uncontested, with on ancient cities between Win for the author of the “Most of the people believe
one presenter attempting the Sittoung and Than Lwin article, announced plans to there is no ancient Mon or
to rebut the case put rivers. I have undertaken try to disrupt the seminar but Suvannabhumi, there is
forward by Professor many field trips to historical this was eventually avoided. only Pyu. I don’t accept it but
Michael Aung-Thwin from and archaeological sites I can’t explain why because
Hawaii University that in Mon State and can “The people thought that I am not a historian. Thanks
Suvannabhumi never assure you that there was I am the one who said all to the people who organised
existed. In his 2005 book, Suvannabhumi based on my [archaeological sites] are this seminar we can re-
The Mist of Ramanna The findings,” U San Win said. Pyu but later they came explore and understand our
Legend that was Lower to know that wasn’t the history,” he said.
Myanmar, the professor said Other researchers gave case. We should be very
there were no Mon kingdoms presentations on the
in early Myanmar history architecture, religion, and
and that archaeological literature of the old cities of
sites in the area must be Suvannabhumi.
Pyu rather than Mon.
The seminar was the first
U San Win, a retired of its kind to be held in Mon
assistant director of the State and representatives
Ministry of Culture’s of the regional government
said they wanted to
encourage more cultural
seminars in the future.

Trade Mark CauTion Trade Mark CauTion

NOTICE is herby given that GLORY LTD. of 3-1, NOTICE is hereby given that HoYu kaBuSHiki
Shimoteno 1-Chome, Himeji-Shi, Hyogo-Ken, Japan is the kaiSHa (also trading as Hoyu Co., Ltd.) a company
Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark:- incorporated in Japan and having its principal office at
501, Tokugawa 1-Chome, Higashi-Ku, Nagoya-Shi,
Aichi-Ken, Japan is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of
the following trademark: -

(reg: no. iV/3944/2007) (reg: nos. Pyu conference to
iV/795/1982 &
in respect of: - “Money counting and sorting machines; iV/9243/2012) start November 30
Cash depositor machines; Cash dispensers; Money in respect of : -
handling machines for cashier; Money exchangers; “Bleaching preparations (decolorants) for cosmetic By Cherry Thein empire by the 11th century.
Coin counting and wrapping/packaging machines; purposes, hair dyes, hair coloring preparations, hair A SEMINAR on the Pyu The seminar is sponsored
Banknote bundling machines; Cash settlement system; sprays, hydrogen peroxide for cosmetic purposes, hair civilisation featuring more
Banknote counting machines; Automated teller waving preparations, shampoos, hair conditioners” than 50 presentations will by Tun Foundation and
machines; Counterfeit (false) coin detectors; Banknote Class: 3 be held at the Myanmar presentations will consider
recognition machines (Banknote checkers); Banknote Banks Association in contemporary documents
condition sorting machines; Electronic machines and Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the Yangon’s Yankin township about the Pyu from
their parts; computers; computer peripheral devices; said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will from November 30 to China and India, ancient
computer programs, recorded; computer software; be dealt with according to law. December 2. manuscripts recording the
Vending machines; Cash registers; Optical character Pyu civilisation, the views of
readers; Magnetic data media; Magnetic encoded U Kyi Win Associates The event’s organising colonial-era British writers
cards; Integrated circuit cards (smart cards); Magnetic for HoYu kaBuSHiki kaiSHa committee says the seminar on the Pyu and the “hidden
encoders; Voting machines; Magnetic encoded card will bring together more history” of civilisation,
readers”- Class: 9. (also trading as Hoyu Co., Ltd.) than 60 professor, scholars according to organisers.
P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. and historians from both
Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the Phone: 372416 Myanmar and abroad. “The seminar aims to
said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will Dated: 19th November, 2012 present the real history
be dealt with according to law. The Pyu civilisation of Pyu, their cities and
appeared in the second civilisation, culture and
U Kyi Win Associates century BC and was likely customs and to prove that Sri
for GLorY LTd. subsumed into the Bagan Ksetra is the first Myanmar
P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. kingdom,” a member of the
Phone: 372416 Dated: 19th November, 2012 organising committee said.

15 news

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

Learn from Poignant service to mark Remembrance Day
By Geoffrey Goddard
development PERHAPS the most
mistakes, UK poignant moments at the
expert urges Remembrance Day Service at
Htaukkyant War Cemetery
By Justin Heifetz “So what I was saying at on November 11 came with Kayin veterans of the Burma Campaign at the Remembrance Day ceremony at
MYANMAR should learn the conference about this the last line of the ode recited Htaukkyant War Cemetery on Sunday, November 11. Saw Hla Maung (right), 92,
from the mistakes of other country was don’t make the in honour of the fallen: “We served during the war as a pilot for the Royal Air Force. Pic: Geoffrey Goddard
countries as it looks to mistakes that the rest of the will remember them.”
increase food and energy world has made when you’re sadness and grief. comradeship and courage, wearing their medals.
production to drive economic trying to increase growth.” This was recited in unison In an address at the but also of sadness and fear “Wherever the diplomatic
development, says a top by allied and Myanmar and the brutal reality of
scientific adviser to the While in Nay Pyi Taw, veterans and their relatives beginning of the ceremony, war.” merry-go-round takes me
British government who Mr Beddington met Vice and friends, representatives British ambassador to … I will always remember
spoke in Nay Pyi Taw last President Dr Sai Mauk of 20 diplomatic missions and Myanmar Mr Andrew Heyn Mr Heyn said it was the on Remembrance Sunday
week. Kham, Minister for Science the British Royal Legion, and had alluded to the feelings fourth and last time he this place and the poignancy
and Technology Dr Ko Ko others who attended to join elicited by ceremonies would be speaking at the of it.”
Sir John Beddington, the Oo, Minister for National the rite of respect for those honouring those who die Remembrance Day ceremony
United Kingdom’s chief Planning and Economic who did not grow old or the in war. at the cemetery. As well as British veterans
scientific adviser, began his Development Dr Kan Zaw, years condemn last week. and their relatives, most
visit to Myanmar, aimed Minister for the President’s Referring to the veterans “I will never forget the of whom had travelled to
at advising the British Office U Soe Thein and After a short pause, two present – the few dozen honour and the privilege Myanmar on a trip arranged
government on ways Minister for Environmental Tatmadaw representatives, elderly survivors of a conflict of taking on this role,” he by the British Royal Legion,
it can foster sustainable Conversation and Forestry standing on the other side which claimed the lives of said. a small contingent of Kayin
agriculture in Myanmar, on U Win Tun to discuss of the grey, stone memorial more than 200,000 military veterans who had fought on
November 12. cooperation between of columns inscribed with personnel on both sides “When I look over at the the Allied side, also attended
Myanmar and the UK. the names of thousands – Mr Heyn spoke of how veterans, I feel somehow the ceremony.
At the Green Economy and of Britons, Indians and the ceremony “must bring you should be here but not
Green Growth conference in Mr Beddington suggested Africans, pierced the quiet back some very bittersweet me,” the ambassador said, Most of the British and
Nay Pyi Taw on November that Myanmar look to with the haunting bugle call memories; memories of acknowledging the small Kayin veterans were aged
13 Mr Beddington urged three methods to improve of The Last Post. group of elderly men, proudly in their 80s and 90s.
Myanmar “not to make the agriculture sustainability:
mistakes that the rest of the better strains of rice, climate- Then came two long
world has made when trying smart agriculture and rice minutes of silent tribute and
to increase growth”. systems with fish. quiet reflection before the two
buglers played The Reveille,
As the keynote speaker, “Better strains of rice can a lively counterpoint to The
Mr Beddington addressed grow in difficult areas where Last Post symbolising the
the challenges Myanmar will there’s too much salt and sunrise and awakening.
face because of its rapidly where the rice crop might be
increasing population. submerged,” Mr Beddington It was possible to sense
said. in those moments and
“As we’ve tried to produce especially in the two minutes
more food we’ve eroded Climate-smart agriculture, of silence that all present
the land; as we’ve tried to or agriculture that helps were united by a common
produce more water we’ve to prevent climate change bond borne of feelings
over-exploited the resources, while increasing yields, uses that included respect,
and we’ve also messed up less fertiliser and pesticide. compassion, gratitude,
rivers with pollution and
we’ve over-exploited forests,” Introducing very young
Mr Beddington said in an fish to rice paddies allows
interview on November farmers to easily harvest fish
13 after his speech at the with their crop.
conference.
Before the conference, Mr
“We need to look into the Beddington visited Yangon
future and say the future University, where he
can’t be like the past. We delivered a speech on green
need to increase and have growth to the university
growth, but we can’t do rector and staff. He then
that unless we do that in a visited Yangon General
sustainable way. Hospital and afterwards
met livelihood experts at
the British Club to discuss
sustainable agriculture.

Trade Mark CauTion

Foshan Shining Electronic (H.K) Company Limited, a company
incorporated in Hong Kong, having its registered office at Room
1019, 10/F, Nan Fung Commercial Center, 19 Lam Lok Street,
Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, is the owner and sole

proprietor of the following trade mark.

(reg.no iV/11915/2012)

In respect of International Class 11 - Apparatus of Lighting,
Heating, Steam generating, Cooking, Refrigerating, Ventilating,
Water Supply and Sanitary Purposes. International Class 35 -
Advertising, Business Management, Business Administration,
Office Function. International Class 37 - Repair and Installation
Services. International Class 42 - Scientific and Technological
Services and Research and Design relating thereto.

Fraudulent or unauthorized use, or actual or colourable
imitation of the said mark shall be dealt with according to law.
Dr. Mya Marlar Aye
Advocate
195, Mya Thidar Street, 29 Ward,
Thuwanna, Thingangyun Township, Yangon.



November 19 - 25, 2012

TiMESbusiness 17
the MyanMar tiMes
MasterCard marks first ATM transaction

By Zaw Win Than and
Aye Thidar Kyaw

MASTERCARD holders Co-operative Bank executive chairman and chief executive officer U Kyaw Lynn displays cash withdrawn from an ATM at the bank’s headquarters
visiting Myanmar can use in Yangon. Pic: Thiri Lu
their debit and credit cards
to withdraw cash from Co- Mr Corro told The Myanmar past few months to make executive chairman and terminals is expected to foreigners. Over the next
operative Bank automatic Times at a press conference sure this happened,” he chief executive officer, said be available within four six months, point-of-sale
teller machines in the at CB bank’s headquarters. said. the launch was an important months. And we expect programs will begin in
country following the launch step forward and coincides to issue MasterCards for hotels, shopping centres
of services on November “According to my He said MasterCard is with the 20th anniversary Myanmar citizens within a and restaurants, and in late
15. understanding, the CB bank also discussing possible of the bank’s founding. year,” he added. 2013, a credit card service
management will install partnerships with other “This is indeed an historic for Myanmar citizens who
The first withdrawal was more ATMs before the end private banks but would not milestone for our country, Master Card has been want to use foreign banks
made from an ATM at CB of this year. Obviously they disclose the names. CB bank and MasterCard. working with CB bank will open, he said.
bank’s headquarters at the will be placed in the location We are glad to be able to since August, said CB bank
corner of 23rd Street and where most tourists go, such “We are talking with a few contribute to the economic managing director U Pe “There’s no urgent need to
Strand Road in Yangon. as Mandalay and Bagan. private banks. Hopefully we development of Myanmar Myint. offer MasterCard services to
Myanmar’s first ATM As of today, all the CB will be able to make some by pioneering the move to Myanmar citizens because
allowed since the banking bank’s ATMS are accepting more announcements in a global payments system,” “Even though we expected they can use the Myanmar
crisis in 2003 was installed MasterCard withdrawals,” the near future,” he said. said U Kyaw Lynn. both MasterCard and Payment Union MPU card,”
at the same location in he added. He said Myanmar’s banking Visa to start in January, he said.
November 2011. sector was developing “Enabling the first arrangements went
Mr Corró said CB bank is in the right direction. international transaction quickly,” he said ahead “Myanmar has to offer
Initially services will be one of the most established “There will be a lot of at CB bank’s ATMs, of the November 15 press whatever services other
limited to debit cards. The commercial banks in changes in Myanmar’s opens up opportunities for conference. ASEAN countries provide,
bank will later offer credit Myanmar, with the largest banking sector. I think the business, retail and tourism so the government is trying
cards based on customer ATM network, which is why Central Bank is working for our country. The hotel Bank sources say domestic to provide the facilities so
feedback, if the Central MasterCard had chosen to hard to coordinate what’s and tourism industry will banks are trying to set up as not to be left behind,” he
Bank permits, he said. work with the company. happening. especially benefit from this new ATMs and open more said, adding that visitors
“We also working with other service. branches this year with were expected to come to
In September MasterCard banks but CB bank is the “And with the passing Central Bank permission. Myanmar in increasing
Worldwide became the first first to be licensed by any of the Foreign Investment “We are expecting a large numbers.
international payments international brand. … I’m Law, I am sure there will influx of foreign visitors CB wants to expand
networks to issue a licence quite confident with them be strategic partners coming during the Southeast from its current total of 28 In early 2013, CB bank
to a Myanmar bank, paving and I definitely believed in soon … So I am quite Asia Games scheduled in branches to up to 42 next is planning to offer China
the way for branded cards in our partnership with confident that the banking December next year. The fiscal year, and will install Union Payment services
to be issued and accepted in them… and they have been sector is moving in the right ability to use MasterCard at least 30 more ATMs, U and Visa card services,
Myanmar. working very hard in the direction,” he said. at point-of-sales (POS) Pe Myint said. along with Kanbawza and
Myanmar Oriental banks.
Mr Antonio Sebastian U Kyaw Lynn, CB bank As a first stage, the bank
Corró, MasterCard will provide services for
country manager and
chief representative for
Indochina, said tourists and
business travellers with a
MasterCard-, Maestro- or
Cirrus-branded card could
use them to withdraw kyat
from 36 Co-operative Bank
ATMs nationally, including
two at Yangon International
Airport.

“Today is an historic event
for Myanmar and CB bank,”
he said.

“Today is a first for CB
bank … [whose] ATMs
can accept MasterCard-,
Maestro- and Cirrus-
branded cards. This is very
important for Myanmar
… [and] will boost the
tourism sector because they
[tourists] don’t have to bring
their cash.

“They can go to any of CB
bank’s 36 ATMs and be able
to withdraw local currency,”

Business 18

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

Briefs

People examine cars at the Hantharwaddy car trading zone in Yangon recently. Pic: Nyein Maung Suzuki could restart
Myanmar production
Possible CIF change cools car market
BANGKOK – Japan’s Su-
In Depth suitable for car importers. with sub-2000CC engines many cars that are eligible to in Nay Pyi Taw. He added zuki Motor Corp has sub-
The changes will be sensible the customs duty owed is be substituted there’s no way that he was had not been told mitted a request to the
with and are designed to make 30pc and commercial tax is that speculators can control which prefix would follow government of Myanmar
Aye Thidar Kyaw imports easier for everybody, 25pc. However, importers of the market and permit prices balachaik, adding that the to restart auto production,
POTENTIAL car buyers including importers, the buses, trucks, ambulances must surely fall,” he said. department was already the chairman of the auto-
are waiting anxiously for ministry and the Road and heavy vehicles pay overstretched. maker told reporters on
an expected government Transport Administration 1-3pc in customs duty and “That is what is likely to November 10.
announcement in early Department (RTAD),” he a commercial tax of 5pc, the happen because President “We can’t accept any more
2013 concerning the cost, said. website shows. U Thein Sein said ordinary vehicles without upgrading “It will take three to five
insurance and freight charge citizens would be able to our department,” he said. years to build a new plant,”
used to value newly imported The change will also allow RTAD, operator of the afford cars in 2013,” he said. “Our compound is already said Suzuki chairman Os-
vehicles, dealers said last importers to buy cars made import substitution program, so cramped and everybody is amu Suzuki, adding it
week. The official added that busy with the car substitution would like to restart pro-
program as well as regular duction at its existing plant
The Ministry of Commerce “ ”If an announcement is made in 2013 then I’d expect licensing work,” he said. in Myanmar.
announced through its prices to decrease.
website on November 9 that U Aung Than Win, a dealer Suzuki said he hoped the
the Vehicle Supervision as recently as 2008, up from is accepting vehicles with the next prefixes eligible for in Hantharwaddy car trading government would approve
Committee will change the 2007, he added. the balachaik number plate substitution – bagone, la, tha zone, said buyers are waiting the request by March next
way it sets CIF values, which prefix. An RTAD official said and ah – were mostly Nissan for an announcement about year.
determine the amount of “We assume that prices are there about 4200 vehicles Super Saloons and Toyota CIF values and trading is
tax owed on the vehicle, likely to go down,” he said. with the prefix eligible for sedans and wagons more cool. Suzuki began making ve-
in January. However, the “The committee assesses import substitution. than 20 years old, which are hicles in Myanmar in 1999
announcement said the CIF values based on value “abundant” on the road. “If an announcement is but halted operations in
committee must first discuss books in Japanese websites,” “There are not many made in 2013 then I’d expect 2010. The company made
the matter carefully and will he said. balachaik-prefix cars, which However, U Thein Swe, prices to decrease and the 6000 vehicles during that
reveal more details later. means it’s not difficult for the officer in-charge of RTAD market to hot up again,” he period. – Reuters
CIF values are used to speculators to buy most of in Yangon Region, said that said.
“According to the calculate customs duty of them in order to control while he had heard a change Chery cars safe, says
announcement, the CIF 40 percent, with another prices, which is why I think would be made concerning Import permits are selling deputy minister
value will be changed to be 25pc for commercial tax for car prices have not fallen of CIF values he had not for K9.5-K10 million, while
vehicles with engines of 2000 late,” he said. received any directive from newer model cars with sub- DEPUTY Minister for
cubic centimetres or larger the department’s head office 1350CC engines, whose Industry U Thein Aung
in capacity. For vehicles “However, when there are CIF values are capped at said there is no evidence
US$5000, are selling for K10 that the Myanmar-made
million and above, he said. Myanmar Mini Wagon
and virtually identical Chi-
nese-made Chery QQ3 are
health hazards, a report in
the state-run New Light of
Myanmar newspaper said
on November 9.

U Thein Aung made the
denial to the Pyithu Hlut-
taw following a question
by U Aung Thein Linn,
former mayor of Yangon
and USDP representative
for South Okkalapa, after
23,000 of the Chinese-made
Chery and Great Wall Au-
tomotive cars were recalled
in Australia following the
discovery of asbestos, a
cancer-causing material
banned in Australia and
other nations, in some com-
ponents.

However, the Austral-
ian Competitions and Con-
sumer Commission said
that the asbestos did not
pose any risk to consumers
when using the vehicle.

– Oliver Slow

Trade Mark CauTion Trade Mark CauTion Trade Mark CauTion

kao kaBuSHiki kaiSHa (also trading as kao duluxGroup (australia) Pty Ltd., a company The Takii Memorial Foundation, a company
Corporation), of 14-10, Nihonbashi Kayabacho incorporated in Australia, of 1956 Dandenong Road, incorporated in Japan and having its registered office
1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, is the Owner of the Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia, is the Owner of the at 2-20-15, Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004,
following Trade Marks:- following Trade Mark:- Japan is the owner and proprietor of the following
Trademark:
SENSAI
reg. no. 6802/2009

reg. no. 9185/2009 reg. no. 7405/2012 reg. no. 4/11005/2012 (20.9.2012)
in respect of “int’l Class 44: Beauty salons; hairdressing in respect of “Class 02: Preparations for protecting
salons”. against rust and corrosion. Class 04: Lubricants; In respect of “Cafes or Restaurants” in Class 43.
oils”.
Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Fraudulent or unauthorized use, or actual or colourable
Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. imitation of the said Trademark shall be dealt with
according to law.
Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L
for kao kabushiki kaisha for duluxGroup (australia) Pty Ltd. u Than Maung, Advocate
P. O. Box 60, Yangon P. O. Box 60, Yangon. For The Takii Memorial Foundation,
E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
Dated: 19th November, 2012 Dated: 19th November, 2012 C/o kelvin Chia Yangon Ltd.
#1508-1509, 15th Floor, Sakura Tower

Bogyoke Aung San Road, Yangon,
The republic of the union of Myanmar.
dated 19 november 2012 [email protected]

19 Business

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

WIPO to aid Silk Road launches Myanmar Equity Index

By Stuart Deed “We are very pleased to launch in companies gaining exposure to
[our] debut equity index that allows Myanmar, “which represents one of
Myanmar’s investors to track performance of best investment opportunities in Asia
SILK Road Management has launched an expanding group of publicly and globally”.
the country’s first equity index to listed companies with assets and The eight companies tracked by
track the stocks of eight Myanmar- operations in Myanmar,” Silk Road the index are: Daewoo International
related publicly listed companies, Management founders Alisher Ali Corp (South Korea); Ratchaburi
a company press release issued on said. Elec Gen Holding (Thailand); Super
knowledge November 12 shows. “We are confident that more Group Ltd (Singapore); Italian-
The companies included in the index Myanmar-related companies will Thai Development Pcl (Thailand);
are listed on the Thailand, South seek public listings or go through Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd
Korea or Singapore exchanges and reverse mergers globally, including in (Singapore); Interra Resources Ltd
involved in sectors including (Singapore); Shangri-La
economy property, power generation, Hotel Pcl (Thailand); and
oil and gas, telecoms and “We are confident that more Ntegrator International Ltd
consumer goods. (Singapore).
The market capitalisation Myanmar-related companies will The index will be updated
of the companies tracked by quarterly and Silk Road
Trade-Related Aspects of the index is US$9.3 billion as ”seek public listings or go through will add more members as
By Aye Thidar Kyaw Intellectual Property Rights of October 31, and the daily reverse mergers globally. Myanmar companies seek
THE World Intellectual that applies to all WTO trading volume is about $40 initial public offerings and
Property Organisation and members, but the transition million, the press release reverse mergers in stock
the Union of Myanmar period for least developed said. The index includes an exchanges in Asia and
Federation of Chambers of countries, such as Myanmar, initial value of 1000 set for January Singapore, Hong Kong and London, as further abroad, as well as when
Commerce and Industry has been extended to July 1 1, and works by tracking the share well as Canada and Australia in 2013 regional publicly listed companies
signed an agreement to next year, WIPO’s website price performance of the companies, and beyond,” he added. acquire assets in Myanmar or
support commercial shows. it adds. The press release says the Silk make significant expansion into the
innovation in Myanmar, However, the index does not include Road Myanmar Index is up 49.7 country.
officials said last week. Mr Gurry said Myanmar two Myanmar companies listed in percent this year to October 31, The launch of the equity index
is drafting its intellectual the Yangon Stock Exchange – Forest making it the best performing closely follows the October 5 unveiling
The agreement was made property law but once it Products Joint Venture Corporation index in Asia and the fourth best of the company’s Myanmar Property
during a press conference at has done so WIPO will aim and Myanmar Citizens Bank – “due performing globally this year. Silk Index, designed to track property
the UMFCCI headquarters to open an office in the to their limited investability by Road Management attributes the prices Myanmar’s capital city,
in Lanmadaw township on country. international investors”. performance to growing interest Yangon.
November 14. WIPO is one
of 17 specialised agencies “I think the question is
under the United Nations how intellectual property
and has 185 member states; it here [in Myanmar] can
administers 24 international meet the economic agendas
treaties and is headquartered and commercial objectives,”
in Geneva, Switzerland. he said. “Intellectual
property protection helps
“I think intellectual to control the quality of
property became much Myanmar products and
more important, and their reputations abroad,”
knowledge economy, which he said.
is increasingly important in
production and technology,” He added that if Myanmar
said Mr Francis Gurry, implemented an intellectual
WIPO director general. ““We property law it would
have been delighted with the protect innovative design
cooperation we’ve had from in commercial products,
UMFCCI and we would like while copyright laws would
to make our contribution provide more money for
in Myanmar to develop the Myanmar’s musicians,
economy,” he said. authors and writers.

WIPO is assisting UMFCCI president U Win
Myanmar’s government Aung said that following the
by providing legal advice recently enacted Foreign
designed to implement Investment Law foreign
international standards in investors keen to do business
relation to the establishment in Myanmar would want to
of intellectual property laws, see intellectual property law
an intellectual property to protect their production.
office and to build staff
capacity within that office, “Myanmar will be more
he said. involved in intellectual
property and we’re
The World Trade cooperating with WIPO
Organisation and WIPO and our businesspeople
have an Agreement on to maintain intellectual
property and copyrights in
Myanmar,” he said.

Trade Mark CauTion

NOTICE is hereby given that Yoplait Marques a
company organized under the laws of France and
having its principal office at 170 bis, Boulevard du
Montparnasse, 75014 Paris, France, is the Owner and
Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -

(reg: no. iV/10817/2012)
in respect of:- “Cheese, fresh cheese, yogurts, curled
milk, cream, dairy products and dairy desserts”.

Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the
said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will
be dealt with according to law.

U Kyi Win Associates
for Yoplait Marques
P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.
Phone: 372416 Dated: 19th November, 2012

Business 20

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

Job watch Singapore cuts 2012 GDP growth forecast

U.S. Embassy seeks SINGAPORE – Singapore cut Singapore cut its economic growth forecast this year to 1.5 the rest of 2012. The electronics
Economic Specialist its economic growth forecast percent, the lower end of the target range, as the economy manufacturing cluster would
this year to 1.5 percent, the shrank faster than previously estimated in the third quarter, the continue to be weighed down
Basic Function of Position: lower end of the target range, government said November 16. Pic: AFP by tepid external demand,” the
as the economy shrank sharper ministry said.
Collects, maintains, and analyzes information than previously estimated in the The manufacturing sector, a softer global demand for
on all aspects of Myanma economy from third quarter, the government key pillar for the trade-driven exports. The 2012 growth figure is
published and unpublished sources, said on November 16. economy, contracted 9.6pc at the lower end of a 1.5-2.5pc
including a broad range of contacts. quarter-on-quarter, reflecting “Singapore’s economic growth projection issued by the ministry
Researches and prepares macroeconomic The Ministry of Trade and is expected to remain subdued for earlier in the year.
reports and reports on sectors at own Industry also projected tough
initiative or as requested. Performs times ahead in 2013 due to But growth may even come in
designated briefing, public diplomacy, global uncertainties, with “slightly lower than forecast if
advisory, and coordination functions. growth next year expected at the weakness in the externally-
Qualifications Required: 1-3pc. oriented sectors persists”, it
1. Bachelor's degree in economics, warned.
Gross domestic product (GDP)
commerce, public policy, business or grew a mere 0.3pc in the third GDP growth next year
public administration, mathematics or quarter from the previous would depend largely on
statistics. year, but shrank 5.9pc when the performances of the US
2. Three-five years of progressively compared to the previous three and European economies,
responsible experience in economic months, data from the Ministry Singapore’s two major export
research, policy or program analysis, or of Trade and Industry showed. markets, the ministry said.
closely related field.
3. Fluent speaking/reading/writing/ English The quarter-on-quarter “The global economic
and Burmese. shrinkage was much steeper outlook is still clouded with
4. Solid working knowledge of neoclassical than the 1.5pc fall estimated uncertainties. In particular,
micro and macroeconomic principles, last month. there remain concerns over the
public finance and trade theory; working extent of the fiscal cutback in
knowledge of the formal and informal “The pullback in quarter- the US and potential escalation
structures of Myanma economy and on-quarter growth momentum of the ongoing debt crisis in the
government, and of the Myanmar was largely due to the decline eurozone,” it said.
government's foreign and domestic in externally-oriented sectors
economic policy; functional knowledge of such as manufacturing and “Should any of these risks
the structure of the U.S. government, of wholesale trade,” the ministry materialise, Singapore’s
USG interests in Myanmar, and of USG said. economic growth could come in
policy toward Myanmar. lower than expected.” – AFP
5. Must have basic knowledge of MS Office
applications such as Word, Excel and SCG plans Myanmar cement plant
MS outlook and functional mastery of
software-based database and quantitative By Nyein Ei Ei Htwe Mr Kan Trakulhoon told The products are being exported “We are planning to build a
analysis techniques. SIAM Cement Group has Myanmar Times following a to Myanmar,” he said. “Three dam in Myanmar next year as
announced its intention to build press conference at Central years ago I was in Nay Pyi Taw well as a cement factory. We
Eligible candidate may submit application to a cement factory in Tanintharyi World Hotel in Bangkok on to look at an investment project are always looking for the latest
Human Resources Office, P.O. Box 521, Region but is waiting for approval November 5. and back then there were few and quickest ways to repair the
GPO, Yangon not later than November 23, for the project from President U Thai companies talking about environment that we work in,”
2012. Thein Sein and the Myanmar “But we still need permission Myanmar. he said.
Investment Commission, a from the president,” he added.
AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY company official said recently. “I brought our SCG “We have worked with many
POSITION VACANT However, he did not reveal management team to Myanmar NGOs to explain the benefits
Mr Kan Trakulhoon, SCG details about the possible to hold meetings for business of dam-building and we have
Expatriate Office Manager president and chief executive production capacity of the and to get views on Myanmar already started work on this
Visa and Immigration Office, officer, said the company is plant. because I wanted to educate issue in Myanmar too,” he said.
Australian Embassy Yangon also analysing the impact of them on what developments
The Visa and Immigration Office of the Australian the enactment of the Foreign He said senior SCG officials were taking place,” he added. However, he said the company
Embassy Yangon has a vacancy for a part time Investment Law on the project. had discussed the project with had not yet chosen the site to
expatriate Office Manager. President U Thein Sein during Mr Charoenchai build its dam in Tanintharyi
“We’ve already announced an official visit to Thailand in Chaliewkriengkai, a senior Region.
The hours of work are 7 hours 30 minutes per our plans to build our ‘Queen September and informed the engineer at SCG’s plant in
day, three days per week. Fill Cement’ plant in Myanmar company that he would make a Thailand’s Lampang province, SCG operates a scholarship
Salary offered is USD14.85 per hour, and have submitted our project decision on giving his approval said the company planned to program for ASEAN countries
proposal to the government,” to the project once he returned build a hydropower dam to and from 2013 the company
Applicants must be citizens of either Australia, to Myanmar. support its Tanintharyi Region will provide up to 200 grants for
New Zealand, Britain, Canada or the United cement factory. Myanmar students to study in
States and be entitled to work as a locally “We can see many SCG logos Thailand.
engaged staff member at a diplomatic mission in Yangon, which means our
in Myanmar. The successful applicant will be
request to hold a visa allowing regular travel to New Basel banking rules stumble, but markets implement
and from Myanmar and to work in Myanmar.
By Thomas Urbain but did not say when the new rules might remain anonymous, dismissed the entire
The Selection Criteria and Duty Statement may PARIS – Global banking reforms known be approved. issue as “a total non-event”.
be found at the Australian Embassy website as Basel III are stumbling in Europe and
(www.burma.embassy.gov.au) under “About Us/ the United States, but the rules have been US banks have argued that the changes Financial markets have already accepted
Job Vacancies”. published by major Asian financial powers will put them at a disadvantage to global the need for stronger bank capital ratios
and are already being enforced more broadly competitors, especially from Europe. and have essentially forced banks that want
Applications should be lodged at the embassy by financial markets. to remain credible to adhere to them, the
or emailed to [email protected] “Many industry participants have expressed analyst said.
together with a one page summary addressing The new regulations, drawn up in the wake concern that they may be subject to a final
the selection criteria and a copy of your CV with of the 2007 financial crisis and unveiled in regulatory capital rule on January 1 2013, Since late 2011, major global banks have
one recent passport sized photo. The closing late 2010 by the Basel Committee on Banking without sufficient time to understand the aimed for core Tier 1 capital ratios, a common
date for applications is 4:00 PM on 30 November Supervision, are designed to make banks rule or to make necessary systems changes,” measure of a bank’s financial strength, of 9
2012. stronger by requiring bigger cash reserves the US Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit percent, the future norm, and virtually all are
backed by more higher quality capital. Insurance Corp and Office of the Comptroller expected to have reached that level by 2013.
of the Currency said in a joint statement.
They are supposed to be phased in gradually To do so, banks have cut back on lending,
from 2013 to 2018, but on November 16 the “In light of the volume of comments received downsized investment banking operations
US Treasury said it would not implement new and the wide range of views expressed during and searched for more deposits.
rules on January 1 because US banks were the comment period, the agencies do not
not ready to meet the tougher standards. expect that any of the proposed rules would “A company looking for financing today
become effective on January 1, 2013,” the that cannot also offer some deposits is less
In Europe, talks have gotten bogged down agencies said. attractive than one which can,” Rocafull
as well, though Cypriot Finance Minister said.
Vassos Shiarly said on November 13 that he One bone of contention is how much
hopes to be able to announce an agreement latitude each country would be allowed to An example is that of French municipalities
on the issue at the next meeting of European set a minimum level of core capital required which face long-term financing needs but
Union finance ministers on December 4. of their banks. have been shunned by banks because
their revenues are collected by the French
Cyprus currently holds the rotating EU One option would “annul the principle of Treasury.
presidency. standard rules, which seems crucial to us”,
the European Banking Federation said. On November 15, French bankers blamed
By last month, only eight of 27 countries the delays on US counterparts, with the
following the Basel process had published The financial services director of the Sia head of BNP Paribas, Baudouin Prot, telling
final rules, including China, Japan, India consulting group, Thomas Rocafull, said that a forum organised by the French financial
and Switzerland. one reason for the delay could be the difficult markets watchdog AMF that Basel III had
economic climate at present. become simply “a European phenomenon”.
In the United States, the Treasury said
that US regulators who are members of “It is all well and good to reinforce standards Prot added that Michel Barnier, the
the Basel Committee “take seriously our and limit risks, but doing so at the bottom of European commissioner for the internal
internationally agreed timing commitments the economic cycle, in a weak period penalises market and services, “said he would not apply
regarding the implementation of Basel III” us twice,” and could undermine the volume Basel III as long as the Americans did not.
of credit available to the broader economy,
he noted. “I would like to know what Mr Barnier is
going to do” now, Prot remarked.
Meanwhile, an analyst who asked to
– AFP and Dow Jones

21 Business

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

Peanut oil price down post harvest: traders

By Myat May Zin “If the price of groundnut An employee of an edible oil shop in Insein township go for imported oil.” profit even if the groundnut
THE price of peanut oil in Myanmar is higher than inspects a bottle of peanut oil in August 2007. Pic: “Many companies are price falls to K1400-K1500
has been falling fast since K2000 a viss, Chinese Myanmar Times Archive/Aye Zaw Myo a viss.
the last week of October, traders will not buy and importing palm oil from
industry experts said last will rely on domestic crops price of oil fell to K4000, fall over the next few months. Malaysia and distributing “I believe the price of
week. instead,” he said. while raw groundnut was It should be about K3400 a throughout the country. peanut oil will not rise
selling for K1800 a viss,” viss in retail markets in Actually, sesame oil is more because the rainy season
They said the groundnut Customers are turning he said. order to increase customer healthy, but Myanmar crop has already been
(peanut) harvest took place from popular peanut oil demand. Otherwise, they’ll people prefer peanut oil,” harvested and the winter
in October, which coincided because the price of “I expect the price of oil to said U Sein Than Win. crop will be harvested in
with a significant fall-off Malaysian palm oil is much December. On the other
in demand from Chinese lower and the product is U Aung Linn, the owner hand, Chinese demand is
buyers who bought cheaper, freely available, say oil of Aung Seik Hti peanut oil also falling,” U Aung Linn
home-grown supplies. The traders in Yangon. mill in Myingyan township, said.
result is a market flooded Magway Region, said the
with supply. “In August and September, price of raw groundnut “The price of peanut oil
peanut oil prices increased and the oil that is milled here is K3800 a viss, but
“Chinese traders pay to a peak of K5000 a viss, from it are linked. If the with transportation charges
about 10.5 yuan a kilogram while raw groundnut was peanut oil price falls, the and with small profits added,
[equivalent to K2200 a viss selling wholesale for about price of groundnuts will the price increases to K4000
– 1.6kg or 3.6 pounds],” K2400 a viss,” said U Sein also fall, and groundnut in Yangon,” he added.
said U Naing Win, an Than Win, the owner of farmers will not get a good
exporter based at the Muse Wa Kyay Hmwe edible oil price for their crop – and Peanut oil is selling for
border trading zone in Shan trading in Theingyi Market will likely sow less the K4000 a viss in Yangon’s
State. in Yangon. following season. retail markt, while palm oil
is K1600 and sesame oil is
“After the rainy season But edible oil dealers K3200, a cooking oil trader
groundnut harvest, the said farmers could make a said on November 15.

Work on Laos-China

railway to start in

2013: state media

BANGKOK – Construction A Chinese firm will carry
of a US$7-billion train link out the construction, the
between Laos and China Vientiane Times report said,
will go ahead next year describing the project as the
after a Chinese bank threw biggest ever infrastructure
a financial lifeline to the scheme undertaken by
stalled project, state media communist Laos.
reported on November 16.
It will be a link in a vast
The two countries had network set to connect the
initially agreed to jointly southwestern Chinese city of
fund the line, which will run Kunming with Singapore.
from the Chinese border to
Vientiane, but Beijing pulled Landlocked Laos, one of
out over reported concerns Asia’s poorest countries,
about profitability. has no railway apart from
a short stretch of track near
Chinese state-run EXIM the Thai border.
bank has now stepped in
with a loan offer for Laos, an Under current plans the
official from the public works new Boten-Vientiane line
and transport ministry told will be 420 kilometres (260
the Vientiane Times, adding miles) long and require 76
the pair were “now ironing tunnels and around 150
out the details” of the loan. bridges to be built as it
carves through Laos, the
Another official at the report said.
ministry confirmed to AFP
that discussions on the details Passenger trains, which
of the loan were underway will run at up to 160
along with consultations kilometres an hour, will
over the route. stop at 31 stations once work
is complete, it added.
“The work has not started
yet, but we plan to finish The scheme has stirred
it in five years,” said the controversy in Laos with the
official, who did not want to proposed route likely to force
be named. thousands of people to move
from their homes. – AFP

Trade Mark CauTion

NOTICE is hereby given that Morimoto Mfg. Co.,
Ltd. a corporation organized under the laws of Japan
and having its principal office at 180, Suna, Ohaza,
Shijonawate-shi, Osaka, Japan is the Owner and Sole
Proprietor of the following trademark: -

(reg: no. iV/6139/2012)

in respect of:-
“Sewing machines, parts and fittings thereof”

Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the
said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will
be dealt with according to law.

U Kyi Win Associates
for Morimoto Mfg. Co., Ltd.
P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.
Phone: 372416 Dated: 19th November, 2012

ProPerty 22

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

JICA updates
30-year plan
for Yangon

Yangon Region Chief Minister U Myint Swe (2nd right) and Ms Kay Goon (far right) wait to start the drill to break By Htar Htar Khin sub-centre system and the
ground on the Trader Square project in Yangon on November 14. Pic: Boothee JAPAN International third one is the sub-centre
Cooperation Agency says it with green isles system,”
Traders breaks ground on 20-storey tower has partially finished survey he said.
work needed to draft a 30-
By Stuart Deed will offer a mix of offices and Myint Swe, the board of occasion, thanking the year master plan for Yangon “But according to JICA’s
YANGON’S downtown retail as well as hundreds of directors of Traders Square Quartermaster General city, a seminar was told last experts, the sub-centre
skyline will soon have parking spaces in its central Company and members of the for leasing the land for the week. system and sub-centre with
another 20-storey tower to downtown location alongside Kuok family, which owns the project. green isles are more highly
join Sakura Towers, Traders Traders Hotel at the corner of Hong Kong-based Shangri-La JICA’s presentation recommended because
hotel and Centrepoint Towers Sule Pagoda and Anawrahta Hotels and Resorts group. “In 1996 we opened Traders focused on the work it had Yangon city will have more
following a ground-breaking Roads. The project will have hotel, the first investment for done on a master plan for than 10 million people by
ceremony for a new project a total floorspace of 58,000 U Myint Swe delivered a our group in Yangon,” she Myanmar’s commercial 2040 and a single super-
last week. square metres. speech before a giant drill said. “Shortly afterward we capital. The seminar was centre CBD might not be
was ceremonially switched began the construction of held at the Yangon City workable.
When it is finished, the The ground-breaking on and plunged some inches two residential towers on Development Committee hall
US$100-million Traders ceremony was held on into the ground. the Shangri-La site opposite in City Hall on November 14 “We’d have to build many
Square commercial complex November 14 at 3pm and Kandawgyi Lake. and attended by nearly 150 skyscrapers and there
was attended by Yangon Ms Kay Kuok, director of people, including Yangon will be many traffic and
Region Chief Minister U Traders Square Company, “We are hopeful that by Region Chief Minister U environmental problems.
also spoke to mark the next year they will open as Myint Swe, Yangon Mayor We highly recommend sub-
residential apartments. In U Hla Myint, as well as centres to avoid traffic jams,
those early days we faced JICA representatives, high contamination of water
many challenges but we INGOs, YCDC officials and sources and environmental
never lost our confidence that reporters. problems,” Mr Tanaka said.
before long our investments
here in Yangon would succeed “Today we want to present However, implementing
and grow. We are very happy the interim report, some that model of development
that now the time has come,” half studies for the 30-year would require basic
she added. project,” said Mr Tanaka infrastructure to provide
Masahiko, JICA’s chief sufficient roads, railways,
Ms Kay Kuok said Traders representative in Myanmar. water and electricity.
Square would have 14 floors
of office space, two levels of “We want to present the Mr Tanaka said JICA
mixed retail and restaurant objectives and scope of all of is discussing its two
space, and six floors of car our studies for the [master recommended proposals with
parks above and below plan] of the project that is YCDC and a final decision
ground for more than 600 intended to finish in March might be made by March
cars. next year,” he said. next year, at which time the
interim study is expected to
She added that the Mr Tanaka said two be completed.
company hoped to have the projects underway since
building finished by mid- August are the overall He said ensuring clean
2015. strategic urban development water supplies for the city
plan of Greater Yangon and is a concern: “There are so
“We are excited and hopeful a project to improve water many water problems in
that as we now dig our first supply, sewage and drainage Yangon with water shortages
pile that very soon we will systems in the city. and quality. Issues such
be proud to add a new and as shortages and water
successful landmark to the He said a third project, delivered to users without
city of Yangon.” focussing on urban transport, treatment, as well as high
will begin in December. revenue losses caused by
deteriorated pipes need to be
Mr Tanaka said the resolved,” he said.
aim of the November 14
presentation was to propose “The aim of today’s seminar
three alternatives for the is to announce our project to
development of Yangon’s the public … [and to] to
central business district present what we’re doing now,
(CBD) by 2040. as well as hear the opinions of
various stakeholders.
“I’d say there are three
alternatives: the first one is “JICA experts will continue
the super CBD single core this study until March and
system, the second one is the will present a final report then
during another seminar,” the
chief representative said.

23 ProPerty

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

Spain’s banks freeze some home evictions

By Elodie Cuzin Police said she killed herself
“as the bailiffs were to evict her
MADRID – Spain’s banks People protest against house evictions outside the headquarters of Spanish Prime Minister Mariano from her home”.
announced on November 12 Rajoy’s People’s Party, in Madrid on November 12. Pic: AFP
they will freeze mortgage-related On November 11, the woman’s
evictions for two years in cases The decision was hammered Spain’s association of savings On November 9, 53-year- savings bank, Kutxabank,
of extreme need as a public out after a “deep and intense banks, CECA, issued a separate old former Socialist politician ordered an immediate halt to
outcry mounted over suicides by debate among associated banks statement saying it, too, had Amaia Egana jumped out of all mortgage-related eviction
desperate homeowners. so as to relieve the situation agreed to suspend evictions of her apartment window to her procedures until new related
of helplessness of many people the “most vulnerable” until new death in the northern Basque regulations were revealed.
The lenders reacted after two caused by the economic crisis”. regulations are announced. municipality of Barakaldo.
suicides in 15 days by indebted Her suicide came 15 days after
homeowners facing expulsion 53-year-old Jose Luis Domingo
in Spain, where both banks and hanged himself shortly before
borrowers were hammered by a bailiffs came to turn him out of
2008 property crash. his home in the southern city of
Granada.
The deaths shocked a country
already weary of tough austerity After the latest suicide, crowds
measures in the midst of recession of people demonstrated on
and record unemployment, and November 9 in Madrid crying
the news sent thousands into the “Guilty Guilty!” and “Shame!
streets in anti-bank protests. Shame!” as well as in Egana’s
municipality of Barakaldo.
As the uproar grew, Prime
Minister Mariano Rajoy’s right- Last month, a group of top
leaning government was to hold a magistrates released a report
rare meeting with the opposition denouncing the trend of forced
Socialists to discuss proposals to evictions, which they said have
combat the evictions crisis. risen by a fifth this year and
amounted to 350,000 between
The Spanish Banking 2008 and 2011.
Association noted “social alarm
created by mortgage-related Rajoy said Friday he hoped
evictions” and said it had that the talks with the opposition
informed the government on would include discussion of a
November 8 of its members’ “temporary halt to the evictions
decision. which are hitting the most
vulnerable families”.
The banks had agreed
“for humanitarian reasons He is also seeking ways to make
and within a framework of the banks better apply their code
social responsibility, to halt of conduct, to renegotiate debts
reposessions during the next and allow people to remain in
two years in those cases that their homes.
involve extreme need”, it said in
a statement. “It’s a difficult subject and I
hope we will soon be able to give
good news to all the Spanish
people,” Rajoy said. – AFP

Deep discounts on foreclosed
US homes are disappearing

WASHINGTON – News between foreclosure and non- be put up for sale – that
flash for anyone looking foreclosure sales. Discounts eventually could flood certain
for a house on the cheap: have shrunk to less than 1pc markets and push prices
Foreclosed homes probably in Sacramento, California, down again. That scenario
are not the bargain you 3pc in the Miami-Fort has yet to materialise.
are expecting, and certainly Lauderdale area and barely
not the bargain they were 4pc in Los Angeles. Instead, foreclosure
several years ago. inventories have remained
Stan Humphries, Zillow’s low in many places, creating
Nationally, the average chief economist, wrote fierce competition and driving
discount on a foreclosure in recently that foreclosures up prices.
September was only about 8 often can seem like a bigger
percent below market value, bargain than they are when “There are buyers, but
according to an analysis by comparing sale prices of unfortunately there are
Zillow. That’s a significant foreclosed homes with those not a lot of foreclosures …
change from the 24pc average of non-foreclosed homes. I started getting multiple
markdown in 2009, during offers about a year ago on
the depths of the housing “The typical foreclosure my [foreclosure listings],”
bust, and another signal that property is likely quite said Shirley Noel-Williams,
the country’s housing market different than the typical a Re/Max agent who
is inching toward recovery. non-foreclosure property,” specialises in foreclosures
Humphries wrote, noting in the Washington area.
“There’s no such thing as a that less expensive homes “Buyers are having a very
fire sale on a foreclosure right are more likely to be in difficult time. The market
now,” said Marc Joseph, a foreclosure than pricier is mostly short sales right
real estate agent in Fort homes, giving buyers now, and they don’t close
Myers, Florida. “unrealistic expectations quickly.”
about the discounts they
“We’re getting back to that will find when shopping for Noel-Williams said she
point where if something foreclosures.” currently has only two
good hits the markets, we’re foreclosure listings, and
getting multiple offers again. In many parts of the country, those she has had during
That’s been happening the the shrinking discounts on the past year have drawn
past six months.” foreclosures have resulted multiple offers. She has
in part from a shrinking begun taking on more short
That does not mean there number of foreclosed homes sales and more traditional
are not deals to be found for sale. As the economy has home sales to make up for
in certain markets. Zillow improved, fewer homeowners the lack of foreclosures.
said the highest discounts have defaulted on their
can be found on foreclosures mortgages. In addition, “As the market changes, I
in the Pittsburgh area, at banks increasingly have have to change,” she said.
27pc. Cleveland, Cincinnati begun to favour short
and Baltimore have average sales, loan modifications Joseph, the Florida
markdowns on foreclosures and other alternatives that real estate agent, said he
topping 20pc. keep people in their homes, recognises that the falling
avoiding the expensive and number of foreclosures is a
But in many hard-hit time-consuming process of good sign for the health of the
markets, particularly ones foreclosure. housing market, but he also
where home prices fell has witnessed the frustration
sharply and investors and Some analysts and agents among buyers who expect
buyers have swooped in to have speculated that banks bigger discounts.
buy up foreclosures, discounts are holding a massive
have all but vanished. Zillow “shadow inventory” – homes “They’re surprised. They’re
found that in Las Vegas that have gone through coming down, and they’re
and Phoenix, there is “no foreclosure but have yet to figuring out that last year’s
discernible difference” prices are gone.”

– Washington Post

teChnology 24

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

India puts

world’s

cheapest

computer

on market

NEW DELHI – India has importance of digital tools Afghan women using mobile phones in Kabul as part of a program which enables them to acquire literacy skills
launched a new version of for students. using mobile phones. The program was developed by an Afghan company with US$80,000 in financial assistance
what is dubbed the world’s from the United States. Pic: AFP
cheapest computer – on sale “Technology-enabled
to students at the subsidised learning is a very important Afghan women call up to learn literacy
price of US$20 – with a aspect of education,”
quicker processor and an Mukherjee said. KABUL – Afghanistan has provider and the ministry Dawson said. is mostly on uneducated
improved battery. launched a new literacy of education with financial “Cellphones are cheaper women,” said director of
“This must be adapted program that enables Afghan backing from the United than any computer and programs, Allah Baz Jam.
The Aakash tablet has to our specific needs and women deprived of a basic States. people are familiar with it. The ministry would do
been developed as a public- introduced expeditiously in education during decades of T h e M o b i l e T e a c h e r And also, the maintenance everything it could to promote
private partnership aimed all educational institutions war to learn to read and write software was developed by is much easier.” the Ustad Mobile for women
at making computing across the country.” using a mobile phone. Paiwastoon, an Afghan IT The free app can be and would also distribute the
technology available to The phone is called Ustad company, with US$80,000 installed on all mobile phones software on CDs and DVDs,
students in a country where The paperback-book-sized Mobile (Mobile Teacher) and dollars in US aid and is with a memory card slot and he told AFP.
only one in ten uses the Aakash 2, developed by provides national curriculum designed to tackle one of the a camera. Individual lessons, At the pilot project class in
internet. Indian engineers at elite courses in both national worst illiteracy rates in the which will also be made Kabul, Samira Ahmadzai, a
public universities operated languages, Dari and Pashto, world by using rising mobile available on the ministry of 24 year-old mother of two,
Makers of the tablet, by the Indian Institute of as well as mathematics. phone use. education website, will teach also said she had been unable
Britain-based Datawind, Technology, has a screen A l l t h e l e s s o n s a r e D e s p i t e m i l l i o n s o f new words and phrases. to attend school because of
say the Aakash 2 is powered measuring 18 centimetres audio-video, with writing, girls attending school, “We try to get to as many the Taliban.
by a processor that runs (seven inches). pronunciation and “And later, I got
three times faster than the phrases installed in married. Now with
original. It also has a bigger “Unlike the previous Ustad Mobile phones – ‘ ’People don’t realise how powerful these the permission of my
touch screen and a battery version which was a non- and they are distributed phones are, they work like computers. husband, I’ve come
with a life of three hours. starter, this time around free to students. to the literacy centre
there are some functions to learn to read and
Company CEO Suneet and features around the Seated on a carpet in write.”
Singh Tuli said glitches in Android tablet which make a small Kabul classroom
the first version have been it a decent computing device with a handful of women Afghanistan’s literacy rate people as possible. The other The Taliban were ousted
removed in the latest model, for that price,” stated pluggd. learning to read and write, among women remains at thing, we can add more by a US-led invasion in
which runs on Google’s in, an Indian website that Muzhgan Nazari, 18, said 12.5 percent, compared to subjects like English, Arabic, 2001 and have since waged
Android operating system. analyses gadgets. the Taliban, who banned 39.3pc for Afghan men, show Pashtu, health, agriculture,” an insurgency against the
schooling for girls during United Nations figures. Dawson added. Western-backed government
“This time we have done The first 100,000 devices their rule, were in power “This is the first time audio- “We interviewed phone of President Karzai.
our homework and all the will be sold to students at when she should have started visual literacy learners have shop owners about the Of Afghanistan’s 8.4 million
problems which were found engineering colleges and her education. the chance to receive lessons software and they are willing schoolchildren, 39pc are girls,
in Aakash-1 have been universities at a subsidised “I could not go to school on their cellphones,” Mike to install it for people like the education ministry says.
dealt with,” Tuli said on price of 1130 rupees ($20). because the Taliban took Dawson, CEO of Paiwastoon, they install other software US-led NATO troops will
November 12. Subsequently Aakash 2 will control of Kabul city”, told AFP. on mobiles,” he said. withdraw from Afghanistan
be distributed to bookstores she said, adding that her The company previously “People don’t realise how by the end of 2014 and rights
“We are much more in Indian universities. father had also opposed his managed the “One Laptop powerful these phones are, activists fear that some of
confident about Aakash daughters attending school. Per Child” program that they work like computers.” the gains made by women in
2 because the hardware Datawind says the “Since I heard about this handed out 3000 computers At the moment, some 100 the past decade could be lost
is different and the commercial sale price literacy training centre for to women and children in students are using the Mobile as Taliban pressure on the
applications are also new... without subsidies for Aakash women, I convinced my father Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Teacher in a pilot project in government increases.
a change in the (design) 2 is 3500 rupees ($64). and he allowed me to attend Baghlan and Jalalabad. Kabul, 65pc of them women, For now, though, the Mobile
team has made all the on a daily basis,” she said. “We can make the job of with plans to roll the project Teacher is bringing new hope
difference,” the Datawind More than 15,000 teachers Nazari is delighted with the teachers easier by using out across the country, the to those who missed their
chief executive said. at 250 colleges have been the program, which is being the video and the audio and education ministry said. chance of an education in the
trained in the use of Aakash rolled out by a commercial the questions and exercises,” “Our focus and target past. – AFP
The first version of the for education, according
Aakash was launched by the to the human resource
government in October last development ministry.
year but it was marred by
problems including a short India has nearly 115
battery life, initial long million internet users,
waiting lists and difficulties the world’s third-largest
with distribution. number after China and the
United States, data from
At the upgraded computer’s the Internet and Mobile
launch on November 11, Association of India shows.
Indian President Pranab
Mukherjee stressed the But this only represents
about 10 percent of the
population. – AFP

Cray supercomputer named world’s fastest Google ordered to pay up

WASHINGTON – A Cray achieved 17.59 petaflops, or petaflops. the United States, with 105 SYDNEY – Google was which he said implied he
supercomputer at the US quadrillions of calculations Rounding out the top five in Europe and 123 in Asia, ordered to pay A$200,000 was a major crime figure in
government’s Oak Ridge a second. including 72 in China. (US$208,000) in damages to Melbourne.
National Laboratory was were Fujitsu’s K computer an Australian on November
named on November 12 Titan, which gets funding at the Riken Advanced Intel provided the 12 after a jury in the Victorian Bond University media law
as the world’s fastest, from the US Department of Institute for Computational processors for 76 percent Supreme Court found the expert Mark Pearson said
overtaking an IBM Energy, is used for research Science in Kobe, Japan; an of the systems while AMD internet giant defamed it was a “groundbreaking”
supercomputer at another in energy, climate change, IBM BlueGene/Q system was used in 12pc and IBM him by publishing material precedent in Australia.
American research efficient engines, materials named Mira at the Argonne in 10.6pc/ linking him to mobsters.
center. and other scientific National Laboratory in “The judge has said that
research. Chicago, and another The announcement Milorad Trkulja, 62, an because you (Google) have
The ranking released IBM BlueGene/Q system came from the TOP500 list entertainment promoter, designed (the search results)
by researchers from the Titan knocked the IBM named Juqueen at the compiled by the University was shot in the back in 2004 to appear in this way, you are
United States and Germany Sequoia at the Lawrence Forschungszentrum Juelich of Mannheim, Germany; in a crime that was never the publisher of the material,”
found that Titan, a Cray Livermore National in Germany. the Lawrence Berkeley solved. Pearson said.
XK7 system installed at Laboratory in California National Laboratory and the
Oak Ridge in Tennessee, into second place. It Researchers said 251 of University of Tennessee. He accused Google of Google was said to be
could only manage 16.32 the 500 systems were in defaming him with material considering an appeal against
– AFP the decision. – AFP

TiMESWORLD November 19 - 25, 2012

25

the MyanMar tiMes

A calm, poised Xi

introduces himself

to China and world

BEIJING – Projecting one Hu gave 10 years ago
calm, poise and a touch to the day on his ascent to
of humility, China’s new power, which was heavy
leader Xi Jinping introduced on communist jargon and
himself to his country and references to socialist figures
the world on November 15, such as Karl Marx, Vladimir
beginning with an apology. Lenin, Mao Zedong and
His relaxed smile and Deng Xiaoping.
disarmingly friendly Xi avoided mention of
wave as he strode onto a those communist luminaries
platform at Beijing’s Great and expressed a desire for
Hall of the People were a better relations with the
radical departure from the outside world.
stiff appearances of other “Friends from the press,”
top leaders including his Xi said, “just as China needs
predecessor Hu Jintao. to learn more about the
An Israeli soldier aims at Palestinians protesting Emerging at the helm of a world, so does the world
against strikes on Gaza at the Qalandia checkpoint in new seven-man leadership need to learn more about
the occupied West Bank, on November 16. Pic: AFP committee, he vowed to China.”
improve the lives of ordinary “I hope you will continue
Rocket targets Jerusalem as Chinese. your efforts to deepen
“Our people have an ardent m u t u a l u n d e r s t a n d i n g
love for life. They wish to between China and the
have better education, more world.”
stable jobs, more income, Over 19 minutes, Xi also
Israel mobilises reservists greater social warned that
security, ‘ ’Xi spoke well… China faces
JERUSALEM – Palestinian militants from the territory to strike the outskirts senior cabinet minister Moshe Yaalon better many “severe
fired rockets at both Jerusalem and Tel of the Holy City. warned that Israel was poised for a medical and it’s a good start. challenges”
Aviv on November 16, aiming for Israel’s ground offensive. health care, such as
political and commercial hearts and It marked a major escalation by improved widespread
prompting the call-up of thousands more Hamas in the face of a deadly pounding “We are preparing all the military housing conditions, and a corruption and the party’s
reservists in readiness for a potential since November 14 by Israeli aircraft options, including the possibility that better environment,” he alienation from the country’s
ground war. that has sparked outrage across the forces will be ready to enter Gaza in said. 1.3 billion people.
Arab and Islamic world. the event that the firing doesn’t stop,” “They want their children Pu Xingzu, a professor of
The Israeli military said it had sealed he said. to have sound growth, have politics at Fudan University
off all the main roads around the Gaza A rocket attack also killed three good jobs and lead a more in Shanghai, said the speech
border, declaring the area a closed Israelis. As ground troops massed, there was enjoyable life. To meet their sent a message that Xi’s
military zone, in the latest sign that no let-up in Israeli air attacks. desire for a happy life is our leadership style would be
Israel’s patience with the rocket fire was Neither rocket on November 16 mission.” “low-key, practical, and
at an end and it was poised to launch its caused casualties or damage, police A child was among the dead reported X i ’ s a p p o i n t m e n t a s close to the people”.
first ground offensive on the territory said, but they sowed panic in both of the by the territory’s emergency services China’s top leader was “It was short, it was
since 2008-9. Jewish state’s main population centres, on November 16, two of whom were a widely expected move practical – not really high-
setting off warning sirens and sending brought in to Gaza City’s Shifa and the appearance before sounding with empty words
US President Barack Obama people scurrying to shelters. hospital as Egyptian Prime Minister hundreds of foreign and or ‘officialese’,” he said.
reiterated US support for Israel’s right Hisham Qandil toured the wards on an domestic journalists was a Some users of China’s
to defend itself during a call with Israeli One hit a Jewish settlement bloc unprecedented solidarity visit. rite in which the Communist p o p u l a r T w i t t e r - l i k e
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the occupied West Bank just south Party announces its new microblogs saw the speech
about the conflict in Gaza. of Jerusalem, which is home to many Israel denied its aircraft had killed leader every decade. as a refreshing departure.
commuters, but caused no injuries or the pair. In his first comments, “I hope the new crop of
New Israeli air strikes on Gaza damage. he apologised for starting leaders will not disappoint
overnight on November 16 killed six In Obama’s call to Netanyahu, the late, in an unexpected the people’s hopes, will
Palestinians, raising the toll in two A second rocket crashed into the sea off president “reiterated US support for human moment, before innovate and reform, and
days of violence to 30, a Hamas health Tel Aviv “some 200 metres (yards)” from Israel’s right to defend itself, and discussing the aspirations courageously strive to
ministry spokesman said. the beachfront US embassy, sending expressed regret over the loss of Israeli of China’s increasingly vocal create a democratic and
beachgoers fleeing, witnesses said. and Palestinian civilian lives”, the population. constitutional new nation,”
Israeli ministers approved the call- White House said in a summary of the A l t h o u g h s h o r t o n wrote one user.
up of as many as 75,000 reservists as The two rockets were the farthest conversation. specifics, the speech before “Xi spoke well, without
Netanyahu held late evening talks at Gaza militants have fired into Israel, a sprawling watercolour the old empty, cliched,
the defence ministry in Tel Aviv with exceeding even the 60 kilometres (36 Netanyahu, who initiated the call, depicting the Great Wall was bombastic and fake words
his inner circle, Channel Two television miles) achieved by a rocket that hit the expressed his deep appreciation for US delivered in a tone not often we are used to hearing... it’s
reported. sea off Jaffa, just south of Tel Aviv, on investment in the Iron Dome rocket seen at China’s top level. a good start.” – AFP
November 15. and mortar defence system, “which has It differed markedly from • Related reports, P. 32.
The military wing of the Islamist effectively defeated hundreds of incoming
Hamas movement that rules Gaza said UN and Palestinian officials said UN rockets from Gaza and saved countless
it fired the rocket at Jerusalem, the first chief Ban Ki-moon would travel to the Israeli lives”, the summary said. – AFP
region in days to push for a truce.
• Related reports, P. 27.
Even before the latest rocket fire,

world 26

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

Crisis at BBC worsens over Outrage in Britain
‘basic’ journalistic failures after terror suspect
released from jail

LONDON – The BBC began LONDON – British earlier this year that
disciplinary proceedings on authorities reluctantly Abu Qatada could not be
November 13 over a news released terror suspect Abu deported while there was
report that wrongly accused Qatada on bail on November a “real risk that evidence
a British politician of child 13 after judges ruled the obtained by torture will
sex abuse as it widened the previous day that the radical be used against him” in a
hunt for a new leader to cleric dubbed Osama bin possible retrial.
tackle one of the worst crises Laden’s right-hand man Home Secretary Theresa
in its history. in Europe should not be May ordered Abu Qatada’s
extradited to Jordan. extradition anyway after
The world’s largest Heavily bearded and she was given assurances
broadcasting organisation wearing a black cap, the by Jordan that he would be
reportedly wants an outsider Islamist preacher smiled treated fairly.
for its new director-general slightly as he was driven out B u t t h e S p e c i a l
who could overhaul an of the high-security Long I m m i g r a t i o n A p p e a l s
unwieldly management Lartin prison in central Commission – a semi-secret
culture. England in the back of a panel of British judges that
black minibus. deals with national security
The “Beeb” is under a pall Several hours later, a small matters – ruled on November
caused by two programs – group of protesters gathered 12 in Qatada’s favour.
one smearing Conservative outside Abu Qatada’s house They said statements
politician Alistair McAlpine, in northwest London and from Abu Qatada’s former
which was broadcast, and chanted slogans calling co-defendants Al-Hamasher
another which was shelved for his deportation, as the and Abu Hawsher may have
but accused late star A video grab shows BBC director-general George Entwistle (left) announcing his father-of-five arrived at his been obtained by torture
Jimmy Savile of being a resignation outside the broadcaster’s headquarters in London on November 10. Beside modest terraced home. and created a risk that any
paedophile. him is the chairman of the BBC Trust, Chris Patten. Pic: AFP The court trial would be

An internal investigation report and the BBC’s response the former PepsiCo executive victims over 40 years. He ruling on ‘ ’A mockery unfair.
on November 12 found “basic” to the Savile scandal has has only been at the BBC for died last year aged 84. November 12 The panel’s
journalistic failures led the led to calls for a changes to seven years and gave a shaky was a severe blow of justice.
flagship show Newsnight to the annual “licence fee” that performance in television The BBC has also found for the British decision was
run the story falsely saying all Britons with a television interviews on November 12. itself embroiled in a row government, deridedbyBritish
that former Tory treasurer must pay, and even a possible over the revelation that newspapers on
McAlpine abused children break-up of the organisation. The Times newspaper Entwistle would receive which has kept November 13.
at a care home in Wales in reported that Chris Patten, a £450,000 (US$715,000) the preacher in custody for The Daily Telegraph called
the 1970s. Publicly funded under a who heads the BBC Trust, payoff – the equivalent of a most of the last 10 years and the decision “a mockery of
Royal Charter, the British the broadcaster’s governing year’s salary. repeatedly tried to send him justice”.
The probe into the Broadcasting Corporation body, wants a new chief who to Jordan. “Yet again, the extremist
program, carried out by the has nearly 23,000 employees was not a BBC “lifer” like Deputy Prime Minister “I am completely fed up cleric – regarded as a serious
BBC’s Scotland director and a global audience of Entwistle. Nick Clegg added to the with the fact that this man is threat to national security –
Ken MacQuarrie, “will be about 239 million people, pressure on November 13, still at large in our country. has exposed the limitations
used to inform disciplinary says the BBC. Other heads have also telling the BBC that the sum We believe he is a threat to of the British state to decide
proceedings, which will begin rolled at the BBC, with head was “hard to justify”. our country,” Prime Minister who can and cannot stay
immediately,” the BBC said The furore has already of news Helen Boaden and David Cameron said during within its borders,” said its
in a statement. claimed the top job at the her deputy Stephen Mitchell On November 15, the BBC a visit to Rome. editorial.
organisation after director- being asked to “stand aside” announced that it would Abu Qatada was convicted “Why should Britain
The BBC has not yet said general George Entwistle on November 12 pending an pay McAlpine £185,000 in absentia in Jordan in 1998 stand as guarantor for the
who will be punished but resigned on November 10 after internal review into the way (US$294,000) in damages for involvement in terror rectitude of the Jordanian
it took the unusual step of just 54 days in the position. the claims against Savile were for falsely implicating him in attacks, but British judges legal system?” it asked.
saying that Peter Johnston, handled by Newsnight. child sex abuse allegations. accepted his argument that “Would any other country
director of BBC Northern Histemporaryreplacement, evidence obtained by torture in the world have been
Ireland, had been involved Tim Davie, has pledged to Police say they believe The BBC on November 15 might be used against him willing to demonstrate its
in the decision to run the “get a grip” of the crisis but Savile abused more than 300 marked 90 years since its
program. first radio broadcast. – AFP

The botched Newsnight

in a retrial. judicial impotence in such a
The preacher, a Jordanian humiliating fashion?”
of Palestinian origin who is The cleric, whose real
in his early 50s, will be name is Omar Mohammed
under a curfew 16 hours a Othman, arrived in Britain
day but can leave his home in 1993 claiming asylum.
between 8:00 am and 4:00 Videos of his sermons
pm. were found in the Hamburg
He will have to wear flat used by some of the
an electronic tag and hijackers involved in the
restrictions will be placed September 11, 2001 attacks.
on who he meets. He has also defended the
The European Court of killing of Jews and attacks
Human Rights had ruled on Americans. – AFP

Trade Mark CauTion

YoSHikaWa CorPoraTion, a company
incorporated in Japan, of 360-31 Minato-Cho,
Satsumasendai-shi, Kagoshima, Japan, is the Owner
of the following Trade Mark:-

CirCLe Feeder

reg. no. 8464/2012

in respect of “int’l Class 07: Powder and granular
material feeder; weight or volumetric or counting
feeder; chemical processing machines and apparatus;
parts and fittings thereof”.

Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said
Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law.

Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L
for YoSHikaWa CorPoraTion
P. O. Box 60, Yangon
E-mail: [email protected]
Dated: 19th November, 2012

27 world

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

Briefs Gaza conflict adds tension Iran reaches
nuclear
BP agrees to pay
$4.5b oil spill fine to Palestinian UN move milestone

WASHINGTON – BP UNITED NATIONS – hostile rival camps. Hamas military commander, heart, yet it continues to VIENNA – Iran is on the cusp
agreed on November 15 to Israel’s air strikes on the The latest military strikes Ahmed Jaabari, who was engage in violence that does of being able to triple output
pay a record US$4.5 billion Gaza Strip have heightened killed in an Israeli air strike nothing but set back the of nuclear material that, if
in US fines for the 2010 the tensions surrounding the on Gaza, which Israeli in Gaza on November Palestinian cause,” said Rice, further treated, could be used
Gulf of Mexico oil spill and Palestinian bid for observer Prime Minister Benjamin 14. The strike followed a frontrunner to be the next in the core of a bomb, a new
will plead guilty to criminal membership at the United Netanyahu has threatened dozens of rocket attacks on secretary of state. UN atomic agency report
negligence in the deaths of Nations planned for later to expand, come as the Israeli from the Palestinian showed on November 16.
11 workers and obstruction this month. United Nations and many territory. Pic: AFP The Israeli ambassador
of justice. key players warn that time it now, so they will not change meanwhile warned the The International Atomic
The Palestinian UN envoy is running out to establish a it unless the United States Security Council meeting Energy Agency quarterly
Two of the British energy said the attack on November Palestinian state. has something to offer,” said that Palestinian success at update said that fitting
giant’s on-board supervi- 14 – which killed the top one Middle East diplomat. the United Nations could out of the Fordo plant was
sors face involuntary man- Hamas military commander The US and Israeli lead to more violence. “complete” – despite extreme
slaughter charges for failing in the territory – was governments say there can be US ambassador Susan sanctions pressure.
to prevent the April 20, 2010 deliberately timed to torpedo no Palestinian state without Rice, who strongly defended “The false idol of virtual
explosion on the BP-leased the UN vote and influence direct peace talks that have Israel’s military strikes at statehood will change nothing Fordo began in 2011 to
Deepwater Horizon rig. Israel’s general election in been deadlocked for more an emergency UN Security on the ground, raising enrich uranium to purities
January. than two years. Council meeting on November expectations that cannot be of 20 percent, a process at
Attorney General Eric 14, said rocket attacks by met,” he said. the heart of the international
Holder cautioned that more Israel’s UN ambassador The Palestinians refuse Gaza militants are harming community’s concerns.
people may yet face crimi- retorted that events in Gaza talks while Israel expands its efforts to end the Middle East “The state that they
nal charges and that the had shown the futility of the settlements in the occupied conflict. envision includes Gaza – that Enriched to this level,
government’s legal battle Palestinian campaign for territories. Abbas has said, means it includes Hamas. uranium can be used to
with BP is far from over. international recognition. however, that he would “Hamas claims to have The Palestinian leadership produce medical isotopes –
return to talks if the UN the best interests of the is marching down a road that Iran’s stated intention – but
Tymoshenko ends “They should change their vote is successful. Palestinian people at can only lead to more conflict, when further enriched, a
hunger strike request from a Non-Member instability, and violence.” relatively easy process, it
State to Non-Member TheUnitedStates is talking can go in a bomb. Experts
KHARKIV, Ukraine – Terrorist State,” said with Palestinian officials in a Palestinian ambassador say that about 250kg of 20pc
Jailed Ukrainian opposition ambassador Ron Prosor. bid to at least delay the vote, Riyad Mansour questioned uranium is needed to convert
leader Yulia Tymoshenko UN diplomats said. why Israel is fighting so into enough 90pc material for
on November 15 agreed to The United States and hard against the UN vote one nuclear weapon.
end her hunger strike, her Israel are lobbying furiously The Europeans are if it believes the bid is
doctors said, more than two against the Palestinian bid, pressing Abbas to delay the meaningless, saying Israeli The IAEA’s findings
weeks after she began her which president Mahmud UN move until after Israel’s leaders are “dead afraid” of “provide further troubling
protest over alleged fraud Abbas is scheduled to put to election and President Barack Palestinian admission to the evidence that Iran is
in polls won by the coun- the UN General Assembly on Obama’s inauguration in General Assembly. continuing to pursue sensitive
try’s ruling party. November 29. January, in order to give the nuclear fuel-cycle activities
US administration more time “I believe part of the timing in violation of UN Security
The former premier has Abbas has had no control to prepare a new peace bid, of the attack by the Israelis Council resolutions and is
been refusing food since Oc- over Gaza since 2007, when diplomats said. on Gaza is trying to divert slowly enhancing its nuclear
tober 29 as she serves out the Islamist Hamas seized attention away from our weapons breakout potential,”
a seven-year sentence for power from his Fatah faction “The Palestinians are energies in mobilisng the analyst Daryl Kimball of the
abuse of power while in of- in a week of street battles, doing this because they are international community” for Arms Control Association
fice which she says is part cleaving the Palestinians into frustrated. They believe they the UN vote, he said. – AFP said. – AFP
of a political vendetta by her have nothing to lose going for
arch-foe President Victor Damascus
Yanukovych. condemns
Doha talks
Record UN vote
condemns embargo

UNITED NATIONS – A DAMASCUS – A meeting of
record 188 countries voted the Syrian opposition hosted
on November 13 for an an- by the Qatari capital amounted
nual UN General Assembly to a “declaration of war,”
resolution condemning the the country’s deputy foreign
five-decade old US embargo minister, Faisal Muqdad, said
against Cuba. on November 14.

The debate saw Cuban “The Doha meeting was
Foreign Minister Bruno a declaration of war. These
Rodriguez criticise “the in- people (the opposition) don’t
human, failed and anachro- want to solve the issue
nistic policy of 11 successive peacefully through the
US administrations” since mechanisms of the UN,”
the embargo was imposed Muqdad said, in the first
in 1962. The vote in favour official Syrian reaction to the
rose from 186 for the 20th gathering.
anniversary resolution last
year. The United States, “We read the Doha
Israel and Palau opposed document and they reject
this year’s resolution and any dialogue with the
the Marshall Islands and government.”
Micronesia abstained.
Opposition factions met
Diamond sets in Doha, Qatar for four days
auction records until November 11, when
they agreed to set up the
GENEVA – The flawless National Coalition and bring
‘Archduke Joseph” dia- together rebel forces under a
mond, from India’s famous supreme military council, as
Golconda mines, broke sev- well as establish a judicial
eral world records when it commission for rebel areas.
was sold at auction in Ge-
neva on November 13 for They plan to form a
US$21.47 million. provisional government once
the coalition has been widely
The price which the 76 recognised internationally.
carat jewel fetched at the
Christie’s sale is a record France on November 13
for the auction of a clear, became the first Western
colourless diamond. country to recognise the
coalition as the sole legitimate
It is also the highest auc- representative of the Syrian
tion price a carat for such people. The United States
a gem and the record for has recognised the coalition,
a Golconda diamond, the but stopped short of treating
same mines which pro- it as the only legitimate
duced the Koh-i-Noor which representative of the Syrians.
adorns the British queen’s
crown. – AFP The National Coalition’s
declaration also included
an outright rejection of any
negotiation with the regime.

– AFP

Features 28

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

Narcissm and the fall of Petraeus

COMMENT To label someone as noble adulatory biography of General David Petraeus poses with his biographer, Paula Broadwell, in an image
as Petraeus with psycho- Petraeus, was a media event taken in Afghanistan on July 13, 2011, when he was commander of the International
by Amity Shlaes jargon would be tacky if that delivered not a single Security Assistance Force. Pic: AFP/ISAF NATO
this particular psycho- but multiple moments of
NEW YORK – It was her six- jargon didn’t capture so gratification. rules of soldiering, Petraeus
minute mile that did it. Or her much. In myth, Narcissus has already tarnished his
youth. That’s the assumption was the hunter so beautiful Scholars have reliable incredible feats. It is this
about the choice by David that he fell in love with his ways to identify narcissists. poor wager and not the affair
Petraeus, America’s most- own reflection. Narcissism One is as simple as the size itself, that so many Petraeus
revered military statesman, occurs in modern life when of signature. In the case fans resent.
to pursue an extramarital an individual suffers from a of chief executive officers,
affair with Paula Broadwell, need for affirmation of his or the prominence of their There is evidence that
who co-wrote a biography her own importance. photos and names in news similar damage can be
of him. releases relative to those of wrought by narcissists in
There are levels of colleagues is a giveaway, as business. The presence of
After the announcement narcissism – all successful is the length of an executive’s a narcissistic CEO tends to
by Petraeus on November 9 people nurse some vanities. Who’s Who entry. mean a company enjoys a
that he would resign his post But like gambling, lower return on assets than
as director of the Central narcissism can go from Many theorists these others, say scholars Charles
Intelligence Agency because a habit to an obsession. days find some benefit in Ham, Nicholas Seybert and
of the relationship, television To a serious narcissist, narcissistic leadership. Sean Wang. Companies led
and the internet have been flattery becomes crucial to Narcissists don’t have to by narcissists pay lower
alive with descriptions of the survival. He will therefore be unfaithful. And they dividends to shareholders.
physical allure of Broadwell, be drawn to anyone who are often notable for great They acquire too many
who is 20 years younger than makes him like what he sees talent. Their desperation companies due to the leader’s
Petraeus. in the mirror: a younger, to produce the work that vain assumption that he or
attractive partner suggests wins mega-recognition she can add value. The silent
But a woman’s age or the that he himself is young can pull forward a whole tragedy at many companies
time in which she runs a mile and attractive. Narcissists company. In The Productive is the growth forgone due to
are probably not the primary gravitate especially toward Narcissist, author Michael the vanity of chief executives
explanations for Petraeus’ anyone who supplies Maccoby argues that the and another mirror, the
actions. Age or looks matter, that flattery reliably or, egotism of some executives board of directors.
yet only secondarily. The even better, assures the helps them undertake
force driving all these gents is narcissistic feed, providing great projects and make Again: to categorise
probably something stronger something that elicits praise their companies advance. someone who has achieved
than sex. What drives them from others. Translate Maccoby’s as much as Petraeus has
is narcissism. concept to the military, feels wrong. Yet it isn’t a
All In, Broadwell’s and the theory fits as well: bad idea to try to understand
Petraeus’ self-esteem gave narcissism, or vanity, the
Trade Mark CauTion him the courage to wage the Victorian label many of
controversial surge of troops us prefer. Although most
kao kaBuSHiki kaiSHa (also trading as kao in Iraq. of us hesitate to diminish
Corporation), of 14-10, Nihonbashi Kayabacho our heroes with labels, we
1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, is the Owner of the “Why do we all go along can be assured that others,
following Trade Marks:- for the ride with narcissistic and not merely benign
leaders?” Maccoby asked. personal coaches or clever
reg. no. 7301/2009 “Because the upside is deputies, quickly pick up General David Petraeus kisses his wife, Holly, after
in respect of “int’l Class 3: Soaps; perfumery; essential enormous.” the vulnerability of the being sworn in as director of the Central Intelligence
oils; cosmetics; hair lotions; dentifrices. int’l Class Agency in a ceremony at the White House on September
21: Household or kitchen utensils and containers (not Related benefits of 6, 2011. Pic: AFP
of precious metal or coated therewith); combs and narcissism were found by
sponges; brushes (except paint brushes); perfume scholars Arijit Chatterjee
atomizers (containers), cosmetic brushes, eye brow and Donald Hambrick. In
brushes, hair brushes, nail brushes, shaving brushes, an article in Administrative
hair combs, powder compacts not of precious metals Science Quarterly, they
(containers), dispensers for liquid soap, soap holders, noted that narcissism in
sponge holders, powder puffs”. CEOs correlated positively
to “strategic dynamism and
reg. no. 7302/2009 grandiosity.” Corporate narcissist and won’t hesitate psychiatrists. He is a leader
boards do their part to to exploit it. At the CIA or on his way to becoming just
reg. no. 7303/2009 reinforce narcissism by in the corner office, the boss another case. – Bloomberg
approving payments to who doesn’t recognise his News
media consultants and other own narcissism and combat
handlers in the name of it is ceasing to be worthy of (Amity Shlaes is a
improving the performance his rank. He is a project of Bloomberg View columnist
of their management stars. the human-resources people and the director of the Four
and the consultants and the Percent Growth Project at the
At business schools, Bush Institute).
teachers often console
students who have been
exploited by self-centred
bosses by noting that these
bosses are relatively easy
for juniors to manipulate:
You just take the subject of
discussion back to them.

But narcissism has a dark
side: It skews the judgment of
the narcissist. With the news
of his little affair, against the

reg. no. 7304/2009 No security threat from scandal: Obama

reg. no. 7305/2009 WASHINGTON – President socialite Jill Kelley, said his security,” he told his first expressed confidence in
in respect of “int’l Class 3: Soaps; perfumery, essential Barack Obama assured client would fully cooperate news conference after his Allen, after the married
oils, cosmetics, hair lotions”. Americans on November with the Pentagon probe. re-election. four-star general was placed
14 that the sex scandal under investigation by FBI
Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said that brought down CIA Petraeus and Allen were “General Petraeus had agents.
Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. chief David Petraeus and exposed after Kelley, 37, an extraordinary career,”
ensnared another top who organised parties for he said. “But by his own Allen denies any sexual
Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L general has not compromised military officers, complained assessment, he did not meet liaison with Kelley, but the
for kao kaBuSHiki kaiSHa national security. to an FBI agent friend of the standards that he felt volume of correspondence,
P. O. Box 60, Yangon threatening emails, which were necessary as the director some of it reported to be
E-mail: [email protected] Petraeus, the most turned out to be from of the CIA with respect to this “flirtatious” in nature,
Dated: 19th November, 2012 celebrated US general of Broadwell. personal matter.” could amount to a breach of
his generation, resigned on military rules.
November 9 to pre-empt Obama said he had seen In probing Petraeus
revelations of an affair with no evidence it had harmed and Broadwell, the FBI Allen had been due to
biographer Paula Broadwell, the security of the nation or happened upon a vast trove be confirmed by a Senate
a married army reservist. its troops. of messages Allen had sent committee last week as
Kelley, a married “social NATO’s new supreme
A lawyer acting for the US “I have no evidence at this liaison” for US Central commander in Europe, but
commander in Afghanistan, point from what I have seen Command in Florida who Obama put the process on
General John Allen, who that classified information hosted military officers at hold until the Pentagon
is also under investigation was disclosed that in any her Tampa mansion. completes its investigation.
over mails he sent to Florida way would have a negative
impact on our national The White House has – AFP

29 Features

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

The secret to Obama’s survival
and more intractable than anything important metric than the question
COMMENT since the Great Depression. US presidential election results that often favoured Romney –
who can be trusted to handle the
by Greg Sergent 2) Facing an extraordinarily Final results, in electoral college votes economy, which speaks to technical
determined opposition that sought know-now, not values or character.
WASHINGTON – The prevailing to deliberately deny Obama any Barack Obama 332 270 Romney’s narrowly tailored “Obama
explanation for Barack Obama’s re- cooperation of any kind, on the votes failed and I’m Mr Fix It” economic
election amid a difficult economy is gamble that the sitting president Democrat 206 needed message just didn’t resonate with
that – unlike in 2008 – it was more would bear the blame for failing to to win voters. A survey taken just before
perspiration than inspiration. It unite the country, for government Mitt Romney the election by Obama pollster Joel
was ground out on the margins. It dysfuntion in the face of crisis and MMaassssaacchhuusseettttss 11 Benenson found that majorities
was rooted in demographic bean- for the failure of the economy to Republican believed the crisis Obama inherited
counting and a campaign to tear heal. was “extraordinary” and that it
down Mitt Romney that was all 12 New Hampshire 4 could not be fixed in four years.
prose and no poetry – a ruthless, 3) Being the target of an Maine
systematic, data-driven dismantling unprecedented barrage of hundreds Washington Montana North Vermont Sure, painting Romney
of his character and qualifications and hundreds of millions in outside 3 Dakota 4 Rhode Is. 4 relentlessly as disconnected
on every level. ad spending, one that painted a dire 3 Minnesota from and even disdainful of the
picture of the Obama economy and Wyoming Connecticut 7 challenges ordinary Americans
All of that is true. But it misses widespread economic suffering in Oregon 3 10 Michigan 3 New Jersey 14 face was pivotal. But the contrast
a major part of the story – that hard-hit battleground states for 7 New between that picture and Obama’s
the Obama team also consciously months. Idaho Colorado South Wisconsin 29 York Delaware 3 willingness to fight for the kind of
built his re-election on a narrative 4 9 Dakota 3 Pennsylvania Maryland 10 economy and future they want may
designed to be as inspiring as the Obama guru David Axelrod 10 16 Washington DC 3 have been even more pivotal – a
one that lifted him to victory in is a believer in the centrality of New Nebraska Iowa picture perhaps further reinforced
2008, albeit in a different way. This storytelling to politics – he has been Mexico 5 O18hioVirWgi2.n0ia Virginia by the extraordinary conditions
year’s narrative turned on the sheer described as “the keeper of Obama’s Nevada 6 Indiana North Carolina Obama faced, including those
range and scale of obstacles Obama narrative.” 6 5 Illinois 11 South Carolina created by his GOP opponents.
faced – the story of a leader who Utah Kansas 10 20
perseveres relentlessly in the face of Faced with terrible economic California 6 8 5 13 Republicans have long been
extraordinary conditions to improve conditions and an implacable mystified by Obama’s ability to
the future of the middle class. opposition, Obama’s brain trust 55 6 Missouri Kentucky 15 retain his bond with voters in
knew Obama would only survive if Arizona Oklahoma Arkansas Tenness1e1e 9 defiance of conditions that self-
This storyline is key to Obama’s 76 evidently seemed to doom him. If
ability to defy the odds and survive, 11 16 they just prevented Obama from
something that continues to succeeding, he’d surely sink under
flummox his opponents, just as Bill 6 9 Georgia Electoral the fundamentals – voters originally
Clinton’s survival skills mystified 8 college votes transfixed by his transformative
his. And in the ultimate twist, Texas Louisiana 538 2008 candidacy would “break up”
Republicans themselves helped 38 with him and opt for someone who
Obama build this narrative. 3 Alaska Florida could unite Washington and fix
things faster.
Obama’s original victory was 4 29
improbable enough. But consider The ultimate irony is that
the extraordinary hurdles he Hawaii Mississippi Alabama this miscalculation may have
overcame to win reelection. He led Republicans themselves to
won despite: Source: US television stations unwittingly conspire in creating
the narrative that enabled Obama
1) Inheriting an economy in free willingness to battle GOP opposition putting up unprecedented roadblocks to survive.
fall and a crisis that is proving deeper as a sign of strength and character. at a time of national crisis, they may
It ran ads portraying his embrace have only reinforced voters’ sense – The Washington Post
of the unpopular auto-bailout to that whatever their disappointment

‘ ’Every president inherits challenges. Few have faced so many.

he ran a scorched earth campaign help struggling workers as an act with the recovery, Obama is the one
designed to tear apart his opponent. of political heroism. The contrast who can ultimately be trusted to
But the Obama team also married with Romney “turning his back” on fight relentlessly on behalf of their
this to an uplifting narrative about the auto industry was pure cinema. interests.
Obama that appropriated the very And so was one of the Obama
economic and political obstacles camp’s most important closing ads, Poll after poll found the GOP
he faced. which featured Morgan Freeman brand in tatters. And poll after
cinematically intoning: “Every poll – despite relentless attacks
The chosen storyline was president inherits challenges. Few on Obama as out of touch with
dominant throughout. The Obama have faced so many.” economic suffering – continued to
camp ran ads showing dramatic find strong trust in him to fight for
stills of him grappling early on with The Obama team long believed the middle class.
just how dire the economic crisis that Republicans themselves were
had become. It ran ads painting his contributing to this storyline. By Ultimately, the “middle class”
question may have proven the more

Romney breaks silence with bitter outburst about ‘gifts’

WASHINGTON – Mitt a forgiveness of college to his backers were “free up the elderly voters in the per family, in perpetuity,” undocumented youths to
Romney, in his first remarks loan interest, was a big contraceptives”. November 6 election and Romney said. “I mean, this temporarily remain legally
since an unexpectedly gift,” Romney said. earned a definitive 59pc of is huge.” in the United States.
lopsided election loss to The president’s the white vote.
Barack Obama, blamed Romney’s remarks, controversial health care The former Massachusetts Romney seemed still
his defeat on November reported by the New reform plan was another But in addition to young governor – whose landmark rueful after his defeat, which
14 on “gifts” showered York Times and the Los campaign plum that helped voters, minorities rallied achievement while he led the his own campaign team
by the president on his Angeles Times, echoed secure the youth vote, around Obama, with 93pc state was a health reform had predicted he would win
female, African-American controversial remarks Romney said. of African Americans, 71pc program on which Obama easily, and which many polls
and Hispanic supporters. made to donors at a private of Hispanics and 72pc of patterned his own national leading into the election said
fundraiser, denigrating the “Obamacare also made a Asians casting a ballot for health initiative – depicted was too close to call.
A little more than a week “47 percent” of US voters difference for them, because the president. the president’s medical care
after the election, Romney who he said failed to pay as you know, anybody now plan as a campaign bonbon “I’m very sorry that we
in a phone call with his income tax. 26 years of age and younger Romney said the against which his campaign didn’t win,” he said.
national finance committee was now going to be part perquisites on offer were could not compete.
accused Obama of following Those comments in May, Romney, who apparently
the “old playbook” by captured surreptitiously ‘ ’I’m very sorry that we didn’t win. For Latinos’ “free health had been convinced that he
bestowing favours on key on video, confirmed some of their parents’ plan, and particularly tempting to low- care was a big plus,” Romney would be moving into the
Democratic constituencies voters’ views that Romney that was a big gift to young income voters. said during the 20-minute White House, said he and
in exchange for their was an elitist who cared people,” Romney told his call. his campaign advisers were
support at the ballot box. only about the rich. backers. “You can imagine for still sorting out what their
somebody making $25,000 “But in addition with futures would hold.
“In each case they were He told the donors on the “They turned out in large or $30,000 or $35,000 a regards to Hispanic voters,
very generous in what they November 14 conference numbers, a larger share in year, being told you’re now the amnesty for children of “So now we’re looking and
gave to those groups,” said call that Obama “made a this election even than in going to get free health care illegals, the so-called ‘Dream saying, ‘OK, what can we do
the defeated Republican big effort on small things,” 2008,” he said. – particularly if you don’t Act’ kids, was a huge plus going forward?’” he said.
presidential nominee,. while his own campaign had have it – getting free health for that voting group,” he
been about “big issues.” The conservative care worth, what, $10,000 said, referring to a program “But frankly we’re still so
“With regards to the Mormon nominee locked introduced by the president troubled by the past, it’s hard
young people, for instance, Among the goodies this year allowing some to put together our plans for
Romney said Obama gave the future,” the defeated
candidate said. – AFP

Trade Mark CauTion STar MarT oils, oils for industrial use in the making, surfacing and
paving of roads, kerosene. Servicing, maintenance
CHeVron inTeLLeCTuaL ProPerTY LLC, a reg. no. 1457/1995 and repair of vehicles and service stations for vehicles,
company incorporated in United States of America, of in respect of “Restaurants including self-service restaurants including self-service restaurants, snack
6001 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94583, restaurants, snack bars and cafeterias; catering services, bars and cafeterias, catering services, retailing of goods
U.S.A., is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:- retailing of goods including packaged oil, automotive including packaged oil; automotive parts and accessories,
parts and accessories, hardware, photographic requisites, hardware, photographic requisites, cosmetics, newspapers
arieS cosmetics, newspapers and magazines, food, drink and and magazines, food, drink and confectionery”.
confectionery”.
reg. no. 2030/1995
STarCard
BioSTar
reg. no. 1458/1995
reg. no. 2029/1995 in respect of “Credit card services”.

CanoPuS CaLTeX

reg. no. 2025/1995 reg. no. 1934/1990

CaPeLLa deLo reg. no. 2496/1997

reg. no. 2031/1995 reg. no. 1936/1990 Sri

CYGnuS rPM reg. no. 2313/1996
in respect of “ Lubricating oils and greases in Class 4”.
reg. no. 2027/1995 reg. no. 1931/1990
TeCHron
MeroPa urSa
reg. no. 568/1997
reg. no. 2028/1995 reg. no. 1933/1990 in respect of “Gasoline additives and motor fuel
additives in Class 1. Gasoline in Class 4”.
PinnaCLe THuBan

reg. no. 2072/1995 reg. no. 1935/1990
in respect of “Industrial oils, greases (other than edible
oils and fats and essential oils) lubricants, dust laying
absorbing compositions, fuels (including motor spirits
and illuminants)”.

PMo PreMiuM STarFak reg. no. 7415/2005

reg. no. 2071/1995 reg. no. 1932/1990

in respect of “ Petroleum products”.

rando

reg. no. 2073/1995

reGaL (STar MarT Logo in Color) reg. no. 7958/2005
reg. no. 4279/1996
reg. no. 2074/1995 in respect of “Class 1: Chemicals and chemical
in respect of “Servicing , maintenance and repair of intermediates for use in the industrial arts, namely
Syn Star vehicles and service stations for vehicles; restaurants naphthenic acids, alpha olefins and catalysts used in the
including selfservice restaurants, snack bars and manufacture of detergents, surfactants, engine lubricants
reg. no. 2075/1995 cafeterias; catering services; retailing of goods including and base oils; polymers, resins, solvents, surfactants,
packaged oil automotive parts and accessories, hardware, engine corrosion inhibitors, chemical preparations used to
VanGuard photographic requisites, cosmetics, newspapers and prevent the freezing of moisture in storage tanks and the fuel
magazines, food, drink and confectionery”. systems of heating units and internal combustion engines;
reg. no. 2076/1995 motor fuel additives for deposit control, detergency,
kaleidoscopic Corporate Logo in Color emulsification, engine octane requirements and brand
QuenCHTeX (reg. no. 489/1995) detection; automotive coolants; industrial coolants. Class
4: Petroleum and petroleum-derived products, namely
reg. no. 4925/1995 CaLTeX kaleidoscopic Corporate Logo motor fuels, motor oils and engine lubricants, lubricating
(Horizontal Version) in Black & White oils and greases, fuel oil, fuels for burning, heating and
STarPLeX cooking, diesel fuel; base oils used as lubricants; kerosene;
(reg. no. 490/1995) aviation fuel; industrial oils and lubricants; synthetic oils
reg. no. 4921/1995 in respect of “Chemicals used in industry, agriculture, and lubricants; natural gas; liquefied natural gas; lubricants
horticulture and forestry; fertilizers and fertilizing for marine use; petroleum naphtha; hydraulic oils. Class
SYnLuBe preparations; moisture repellents and preparations for 37: Service, repair, and maintenance of motor vehicles;
assisting ignition; preparations to assist gasoline and diesel motor vehicle lubrication services”.
reg. no. 4922/1995 engine cleansing; plastics in the form of powders, liquids or
pastes for industrial use; chemical cleaning and degreasing oroniTe d-TeCT
TeXando preparations; petroleum, gasoline, motor spirits, naphtha,
lubricants, oils and greases, petroleum greases, gas oil, reg. no. 1089/1999
reg. no. 4923/1995 fuel oils, furnace oil, paraffine, heating oils, illuminating
reg. no. 3994/2001
TeXaTHerM in respect of “Chemical additive to gasoline for the
purpose of brand detection; in Class 1”.
reg. no. 4924/1995
Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said
uLTra-duTY Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law.

reg. no. 4927/1995 Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L
in respect of “Petroleum, gasoline, motorspirits, naphtha, for CHeVron inTeLLeCTuaL
lubricants, oils and greases, petroleum greases, gas oil, ProPerTY LLC
fuel oils, furnace oil, paraffine, heating oils, illuminating P.O.Box 60, Yangon.
oils, oils for industrial use in the making, surfacing and Dated: 19th November, 2012
paving of roads, kerosene”.

31 world

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest a paradise for scientists

GUARAQUECABA, Brazil 1994 by a foundation set With funding from the results in the death of palm
– Brazil’s Salto Morato up by Brazilian cosmetic Boticario Foundation, trees, as well as illegal
Nature Preserve is a haven giant Boticario, is home Pamplona Campos has hunting and poaching.
for scientists studying the to about 2200 species of been studying for nearly Species most threatened
dwindling Atlantic rainforest, birds, mammals, reptiles two years the interaction by either hunting or loss of
an area less renowned than and amphibians – 60 pc of between plants and fruit- habitat include the ocelot,
the Amazon forest but all of Brazil’s threatened eating birds, as well as the the armadillo, the puma and
just as biologically diverse species. impact of forest degradation the black-fronted piping-
and equally threatened by The nature preserve, which on local bird species. guan, a bird noted for its
human encroachment. opened to the public in 1996, On a recent morning large red throat wattle and
T h e p r e s e r v e i n is part of a mosaic of public tour of the reserve, the large white patch on the
Guaraquecaba, in the and private “conservation ornithologist showed off wing-coverts.
southeastern state of units” set up to preserve his intimate knowledge of Amaral Ferreira said
Parana, covers a corner what is left of the forest. various singing species, his staff of 10 is too small
of what was once a huge “In order to preserve including the rufous-capped to monitor trails, conduct
littoral rainforest known as you need to know,” reserve motmot, the sabia – the surveillance and deal with
the Mata Atlantica. administrator Eros Amaral national bird of Brazil – and the thousands of visitors,
The Mata covered 1.3- Ferreira said. the flame-crested Tanager. including campers, who come
million square kilometres, Boticario-funded scientists There are 324 different bird each year. “I need at last
or about a are literally species on four more
quarter the having a the nature people,” he
size of the ‘ ’In order to preserve field day preserve, The reserve is a said.
Amazon as they including He sees
rainforest, you need to know. conduct nearly 200 World Heritage site. great
when research bird species potential
Portuguese in this found only for a growth
colonisers arrived in the 2253-hectare (5567-acre) in Brazil. There are also in ecotourism at the site, but
16th century. biodiversity paradise. 43 species of frogs, 55 of said this would require major
Today less than 10 percent Marcelo Silva, a biologist fish, 36 of reptiles and 58 of investment to upgrade access
remains, the result of from the Pontifical mammals. roads, increase surveillance
deforestation for agriculture U n i v e r s i t y o f P a r a n a , Salto Morato researchers and open more trails.
a n d r e l e n t l e s s u r b a n studies the reproduction and have also discovered two new The nature preserve,
sprawl. Sixty-two percent of pollination of the bromelia, fish species and a previously which runs educational
Brazil’s 194-million-strong an exotic plant characterised A Phyllomedusa distincta, known as the monkey frog, unknown species of three- programs in partnership
population live in the region, by flowers with a deeply cleft pictured last month in the Salto Morato Nature Reserve. fingered frog. with local schools and an
including in major cities calyx. Pic: AFP Amaral Ferreira said environment police unit, has

such as Sao Paulo and Rio “Bromelias reproduce people come here to pick relative of gingers, bananas, surveillance cameras have a visitor center, a research
de Janeiro. either sexually or asexually them in an unsustainable and birds-of-paradise. established the presence of center, a training facility
What is left extends in and they provide the nectar and destructive way.” at least three pumas on the and a weather station.
fragments along Brazil’s that humming birds use Singing birds are also in reserve. Hailed as a model in nature
coast. Less than two percent to pollinate other plants. Ubiquitous in the lush, abundance, much to the One of his major headaches reserve management, Salto
of it is under strict protected So they play a vital role,” humid reserve are various delight of Ricardo Pamplona is the widespread and illegal Morato was named a World
status. Amaral Ferreira told AFP. species of palm and banana Campos, an ornithologist harvesting of wild palmitos Heritage site by UNESCO in
Salto Morato, founded in “ U n f o r t u n a t e l y , m a n y trees as well as the red and from the Federal University inside the reserve, which 1999. – AFP
yellow heliconia, a close of Parana.

Obama firm on taxes in

fiscal cliff showdown

W A S H I N G T O N – U S compromise and I’m open of the cliff, and then open
President Barack Obama to new ideas,” Obama said talks on long-term deficit
told opposition Republicans at his first news conference reduction next year.
on November 14 they would after being re-elected on But Boehner rejected
have to accept tax increases November 6. tax increases for the
for the rich if the country The Democratic president wealthy, proposing that
was to avoid going over the s a i d i t w a s c r u c i a l t o the government only seeks
fiscal cliff. reach agreement soon on more revenues from the
Obama said he wanted to extending the existing tax rich by removing special
extend tax cuts set to expire breaks for middle class breaks they receive in the
at year-end for 98 percent Americans with incomes tax code.
of Americans to mitigate below $250,000 a year. Obama dismissed that
the impact of the cliff, an But he drew the line at approach as unlikely to
austere program aimed at giving that advantage to have much impact on the
slashing the deficit that richer households. US deficit, which has topped
could also send the economy “We should not hold the $1 trillion a year for four
into recession. middle class hostage while straight years.
“Let’s go ahead and lock we debate tax cuts for the “It’s very difficult to see
that in. That will be good for wealthy,” he said. how you make up that trillion
the economy. It will be good The fiscal cliff comprises a dollars if we’re serious
for consumers. It will be law agreed by Republicans about deficit reduction, just
good for businesses. It takes and Democrats in August by closing loopholes and
the edge off the fiscal deductions. The math
cliff,” Obama said. tends not to work,” he
But the president ‘ ’We should not hold the said.

insisted any middle class hostage… After Obama spoke,
agreement could not Boehner said he was
include extending the optimistic that an
tax breaks for the agreement could be
wealthiest two percent of 2011 that forces harsh budget reached to avert the cliff.
Americans, a position most cuts from January 1 and the The other issues raised at
Republicans have rejected. expiration of a wide range of the news conference included
O b a m a s a i d i f t h e tax cuts originally designed immigration reform and
Republicans accept his plan, as temporary measures to climate change.
legislation could be passed boost economic growth. “We need to seize the
within weeks to avert the I f b o t h t a k e p l a c e , moment” on immigration
tax increases scheduled to economists say they could reform, Obama said. “And
take effect on January 1. He suck as much as $600 billion my expectation is that we
said he would then be ready out of the economy next year get a bill introduced and
to enter longer-term talks for and force it into recession. we begin the process in
a comprehensive agreement O b a m a a p p e a r e d t o Congress very soon after my
on deficit reduction next agree with the Republican inauguration.”
year. leader of the House of On climate change, Obama
“We face a clear deadline Representatives, Speaker said he was a firm believer
that requires us to make John Boehner, who on that it was real and “as a
some big decisions on jobs, November 14 proposed consequence, I think we’ve
taxes and deficits by the the two sides carve out a got an obligation to future
end of the year.... As I’ve short-term compromise to generations to do something
said before, I’m open to mitigate the worst effects about it.” – AFP

Features 32

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

A pragmatic, ambitious ‘princeling’

BEIJING – With a revolutionary power, a slow process faced by all Vice President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing a diplomatic cable released on
hero for a father and a pop star incoming Chinese leaders. on November 15 after his long-expected appointment as head of the whistle-blower site WikiLeaks
for a wife, China’s new leader Xi Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo Standing Committee. Pic: AFP recounted a 2007 conversation
Jinping has impeccable political Nonetheless he is seen as a between Clark Randt, the then US
pedigree but has given few clues cautious and skilful politician, provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang, he has unusually deep US links for ambassador to China, and Xi that
about how he will govern the able to navigate the factional before briefly taking the top post a Chinese leader. revealed the future president as a
country. divides of the party hierarchy. in the commercial hub of Shanghai big fan of US World War II films.
in 2007 – earning a reputation as As part of a research trip in
Xi, 59, walked into the Great Xi, a slightly plump figure 1985 he spent time in Muscatine, The cables described Xi as
Hall of the People in Beijing on typically seen on state television pragmatic yet ambitious, willing
November 15 as general-secretary with a deadpan expression, rose to tilt with the political winds to
of the Chinese Communist Party, up the party ranks mainly on get ahead.
the most powerful position in the China’s fast-growing eastern
world’s most populous country and seaboard. They said he was uncorrupted by
second-biggest economy. money yet with a sense of political
As the son of the late Xi entitlement, feeling that fellow
He is expected to become national Zhongxun, a respected Communist “princelings” like him “deserve to
president in March and hold both elder, he is part of the “princeling” rule China”.
posts for the next decade. generation – the privileged
offspring of hallowed figures who His extended family have
He has risen to the top of the played key roles in the revolution business interests worth hundreds
secretive party by presenting that brought the party to power of millions of dollars, found an
himself as a compromise candidate in 1949. investigation by the Bloomberg
–acceptable to outgoing leader Hu news agency earlier this year,
Jintao, still-influential former Despite this pedigree, Xi Jinping which said there was no indication
president Jiang Zemin, and other was “sent down” to the Chinese of wrongdoing on his or their
power-brokers. countryside to live and work part.
alongside peasants, as were many
But since he has largely kept his young educated Chinese during Xi’s public persona is given a
policy leanings to himself, how he Mao Zedong’s 1966-76 Cultural sprinkle of glamour by his wife
will address China’s challenges Revolution. Peng Liyuan, who holds the rank
remains unclear – even though he of army general and sings songs
takes over at an uncertain time, His father fought alongside Mao praising the party.
with growth slowing as public and served as vice-premier until
expectations and scrutiny rise. he fell in one of Mao’s political Some analysts suggest Xi’s
purges, then was rehabilitated status as a consensus figure could
Xi has avoided revealing any under pragmatic former top leader mean less paralysis between
leanings that might threaten his Deng Xiaoping. factions than under Hu, who
status as a consensus candidate, heads a group of leaders who
backing non-controversial policies While labouring in the poor moved up through the Communist
and positions during his rise Youth League.
up the party ranks, said China The reason he has got ahead is because he is a follower and has
political analyst Willy Lam. But the curtain drawn across
‘ ’not struck out and done something that is radically different. the party and its leaders makes
“He’s a team player. He played that impossible to predict, said
by the rules of the party. He’s not northern province of Shaanxi, a supporter of economic reforms Iowa, deep in the Midwest, and Patrick Chovanec, a Tsinghua
a risk-taker. He doesn’t want to Xi joined the Communist Party and an effective manager. paid his host family a return University professor.
take risks that might jeopardise and in 1975 moved to Beijing to visit in February while on an
his career.” study at the prestigious Tsinghua He created a stir during a 2009 official visit to the United States, “It would have been
University. speech in Mexico by scoffing at where his daughter is a student counterproductive for (Xi) when
Whatever his beliefs, few expect “foreigners with full bellies and at Harvard. he was still relatively junior to
Xi to stray far from the Communist He oversaw some of China’s nothing to do but criticise our show himself. The reason he
template of gradually opening the most economically dynamic and affairs” – many Chinese harbour A reputed basketball fan, Xi has got ahead is because he is a
economy while maintaining tight reform-minded areas, the eastern resentment against the West – but also took in an NBA game, while follower and has not struck out and
political controls, especially as done something that is radically
he will need to first consolidate different,” he said. – AFP

China’s next premier: An affable administrator

BEIJING – Li Keqiang stepped Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang in the Great Hall of the People he said. But a top priority for Li will
up to number two in China’s in Beijing on November 15 after being appointed to the number “In a sense they are actually be to boost China’s economic
Communist hierarchy on two position of the Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo Standing growth, which is export-led and
November 15, but despite his Committee. Pic: AFP rivals for the top position,” sagging because of weak demand
seniority and affable manner he Chovanec added. for manufactured goods in Europe
may struggle to exert real power “One concern with Li is that The factional nature of the and the United States.
as the country’s next premier. he has been dogged in the past seven-man Politburo Standing There are parallels with Li’s
with... not personal scandals, Committee leaves him lacking current superior Wen, who also Analysts say Li has been at the
Vice Premier Li is expected to but policy embarrassments, “political heft”, he added. struggled to force through policies forefront of efforts to wean the
take over as premier from his boss as he battled with factions in the country towards more balanced
Wen Jiabao in March, holding the upper reaches of the party, and development, with domestic
reins of day-to-day government officialdom in the provinces and consumption playing a greater
in the world’s second-largest ministries, say analysts. role.
economy.
Similarly, Wen cultivated an Li is also said to be focused on
His rise is said to have been image as the friendly face of developing a Chinese middle class
brokered by President Hu Jintao the Communist Party, voicing while retaining an interest in the
as part of a behind-the-scenes qualified support for political plight of the country’s less well
deal to bolster the influence of the reform, comforting disaster victims off – a reputation derived from his
Communist Youth League, where and condemning corruption modest background.
both men made their name. –though a New York Times report
last month said his relatives had Public discontent over China’s
But despite his high rank on the amassed $2.7 billion in “hidden unequal wealth distribution is a
Politburo Standing Committee, riches” since 1992. key concern for the authorities,
analysts say Li does not have a who are anxious to avoid social
power base of his own – and risks Li, a native of eastern China’s unrest.
being isolated. poor Anhui province, worked as a
manual labourer before gaining a But some analysts say Li’s
A bureaucrat who speaks fluent law degree from Peking University reputation as a standard bearer
English, Li, 57, has an easy smile and a doctorate in rural economics, for the poor is not backed up by
and a more youthful bearing than then rose through the ranks of the his previous actions.
his stiff party peers. Youth League.
“This issue has already resulted
He has sought to nurture He became the party leader in trouble for the government,
a reputation as a careful in Henan, in central China, as there are a huge number of
administrator and has voiced and Liaoning province in the protests that occur in China on
support for the kind of economic northeast, both of which prospered a day to day basis,” said Barry
reforms many experts say China under him, before being promoted Sautman, a China analyst and
sorely needs – but questions to Wen’s deputy. associate professor of social science
remain on his efficacy. at the Hong Kong University of
The perception of him is he is not necessarily seen as the Science & Technology.
As party boss in Henan province,
Li took flak for the handling of an ‘ ’most effective policy-maker out there. But there was “no indication”
HIV/AIDS epidemic stemming that Li and Xi “are any different
from a tainted government- particularly in Henan,” said Xi Jinping, who is expected to As China’s second most from the current leaders in this
backed blood donation program. Patrick Chovanec, a professor at take over as president in March important decision maker on the respect”, he added.
Entire villages were infected, Tsinghua University. and is a “princeling” seen as closer economy, Li has been praised
but his provincial government to former leader Jiang Zemin, will for helping to steer the country “There is nothing they have
responded with a clampdown on “The perception of him is he is need to be convinced on policy through the global financial crisis done in the past to suggest they
activists. not necessarily seen as the most matters if Li is to exert influence, relatively unscathed. might do something different
effective policy-maker out there.” from what has been done over the
At the national level, a stream course of the last 30 years or so,
of health scandals have also which is to make things even more
happened on his watch. unequal.” – AFP

33 asia

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

Briefs Japan airs hope for better ties with China

Manila urges unity TOKYO – Japan said on November deputy press secretary Naoko Saiki. owns the Tokyo-controlled Senkaku But Beijing reacted with fury,
on maritime row 15 it wants to develop “mutually “We really hope that the mutually islands, which Beijing claims under allowing large and sometimes violent
beneficial” relations with China’s new the name Diaoyus, flared again in street protests in cities across the
MANILA – Philippine leaders, as the two countries remain beneficial relationship based on September when Japanese Prime country that left some Japanese
President Benigno Aquino embroiled in a dispute over islands in common strategic interests will be Minister Yoshihiko Noda nationalised businesses in ruins.
on November 15 urged the East China Sea. further developed and enhanced three of them.
Southeast Asian countries with the new leadership” of China, The riots could have cost Japanese
to present a united front to The sovereignty row is affecting the she said. Noda wanted to avert the purchase firms more than $100 million in
China over the South Chi- huge trade ties between the region’s of the outcrops by the fiercely- the last two months, estimated a
na Sea at a regional sum- two biggest economies and shows Saiki was speaking hours after nationalist then-Tokyo mayor foreign ministry report released on
mit this week. little sign of being resolved. China’s all-powerful Communist Party Shintaro Ishihara. November 13.
unveiled a new seven-man leadership
Aquino said all 10 mem- Relations between the two capitals council steered by Xi Jinping to take The prime minister had calculated The cost includes the vandalism of
bers of the Association of are some of the “most important... for command of the world’s number two that Ishihara’s plan to develop the buildings and other physical damage,
Southeast Asian Nations Japan and China and for the whole economy for the next decade. rocks was inflammatory, and he hoped as well as the indirect effects such as
should speak with one voice world”, said the foreign ministry’s to take the heat out of the row. reduced sales, the report said. – AFP
at the East Asia summit in The long-rumbling row over who
Cambodia.
US shift to Asia is Australian minister
China insists it has sov- rejects criticism of
ereign rights to nearly all for real: Panetta ties to Washington
of the South China Sea de-
spite the competing claims PERTH – The United States US Marine base in Australia SYDNEY – Foreign Minister confidently make its own way
of four ASEAN members to insisted last week that its Bob Carr on November in the world.”
parts of the waters. much-touted shift to the About 250 US marines arrived in northern Australia early this year 15 played down scathing
Asia-Pacific region is for as part of an American “rebalance” towards the Pacific comments by former leader Keating singled out the
Apart from the Phil- real as US and Australian Paul Keating that Australia relationship with close
lipines, the other ASEAN officials met for annual Darwin Darwin has become too compliant neighbour Indonesia, which
members with overlapping strategic talks. Alice to the United States while he said had been neglected.
claims to islands and wa- Springs Sydney neglecting relations with
ters in the South China Sea US Pentagon chief Leon Asia. “Policy towards our nearest,
are Brunei, Malaysia and Panetta told reporters before Darwin International RAAF bombing CANBERRA largest neighbour, Indonesia,
Vietnam. flying into Perth that the Airport and Gunnery Australia hosted annual has languished, lacking
Americans were ready to Range Robertson Barracks security and strategy talks framework, judgements of
Japan to vote on follow through on a plan to First part of a with US Secretary of State magnitude and coherence,”
December 16 pivot to the Pacific despite 2,500-strong US Hillary Clinton and Defence he said.
crises in the Middle East and Marine deployment Secretary Leon Panetta in
TOKYO – Japan’s lower fiscal strains at home. arrived in April 2012 Perth on November 14, with But Carr rejected the
house of parliament was both sides talking up their critique, insisting Australia’s
dissolved on November 16 “The rebalance is real. Charles Darwin Home to more than close ties. foreign policy objectives had
ahead of a general election It’s going to be long-term,” National Park 4,000 Australian not been surrendered to the
on December 16 expected Panetta said on November soldiers Keating, who as Labor United States.
to result in a change of gov- 13. prime minister between
ernment. Yarrawonga 1991-1996 championed closer “We are in a treaty
The United States is ties with Asia, particularly relationship with the United
Voters are likely to punish expanding military exercises 2 km Indonesia, said the region States because we’ve got a
Prime Minister Yoshihiko with allies and gradually saw Australia as a client major task, and that is the
Noda’s fractured Democrat- moving its most advanced Source: Australia Department of Defence map “rebalance” towards the of the United States which security of this continent,
ic Party of Japan after three ships, weaponry and aircraft Pacific after a decade of tended to fall in with its a small population, a large
years in power marked by to Asia – including deploying the US would welcome ground wars in Iraq and foreign policy. continent, an uncertain
policy flip-flops and weak Marines to northern Australia-India joint naval Afghanistan. region, an uncertain world.”
leadership. Australia – as part of a long- exercises in the future. “Our sense of independence
term strategy, he said. ThemovetostationMarines has flagged, and as it flagged Carr said it was easy to
Noda is the third prime She also said the US in Australia represents a we have rolled back into an work with a Washington
minister since the DPJ But that did not mean supports the peaceful rise significant strategic shift by easy accommodation with the administration that “says it
beat the long-ruling Liberal having to scale back its of China. Washington and has irked foreign policy objectives of wants Asia, says it wants
Democratic Party in 2009, military presence in the Beijing, whose rapid rise is the United States,” he said in a role for itself in the Asia-
and the sixth in as many volatile Middle East, he “(We) hope to see gradual behind the US recalibration a speech on November 14. Pacific and says it wants to
years. added, on his third trip to but consistent opening up of forces to Asia. engage in the peaceful rise
Asia since June. of a Chinese society and He added that the current of China”.
EU suspends aid to political system that will The two countries Labor government must show
Afghanistan Speaking at the University more closely give the Chinese announced on November 14 that it could set its own path “These are goals that it’s
of Western Australia in people the opportunities that that the US would station a without kowtowing to the easy for Australia to work
KABUL – The European Perth, US Secretary of State we in the United States and powerful radar and a space United States. with and easy for Australia
Union announced on No- Hillary Clinton underlined Australia are lucky to take telescope in Australia as to influence. The America
vember 12 that it is sus- America’s “expanding for granted,” she said. part of its strategic shift “Not to measure up to this we deal with is somewhat
pending 20 million euros engagement” in the region. towards Asia. challenge would be to run different from the unilateralist
(US$25 million) in aid for In what could be her the risk of being seen as a America of the earlier years of
Afghanistan, warning that “It’s important that we final visit Down Under in Panetta described the deal derivative power, perpetually this century.”
cash will be increasingly make absolutely clear we her current job, Clinton as a “major leap forward in in search of a strategic
conditional on the govern- are here to stay,” she said, joined Panetta for talks with bilateral space cooperation guarantor, a Western Carr added that Australia’s
ment adhering to agreed adding that it was important Australian counterparts Bob and an important new outpost, seemingly unable to relationship with Indonesia
reforms. to see India become more Carr and Stephen Smith. frontier in the United States’ was “very satisfactory”.
involved in the region and rebalance to the Asia-Pacific
Payment of the 20 mil- The talks follow the arrival region”. – AFP – AFP
lion euros, aimed at reform- of about 250 US Marines
ing the justice system, was in northern Australia this
deferred because of a lack year as part of an American
of progress on the issue,
EU ambassador Vygaudas
Usackas said.

Body, cocaine found
on abandoned yacht

SYDNEY – A yacht that
washed up on a deserted
island in the South Pacific
with a badly decomposed
body on board was carrying
more than 200 kilograms
of cocaine worth up to
US$120 million, police said
on November 16.

Australian Federal Police
said international law agen-
cies had been monitoring
the 13-metre (42-foot) JeR-
eVe since it left Eucador in
August until they lost con-
tact with it last month.

Two divers found the boat
earlier this month off Ton-
ga’s Vava’u island group.

– AFP

asia 34

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

UN failed civilians in A Cambodian woman paints
“SOS” next to a portrait of
Sri Lankan conflict, US President Barack Obama
on a roof near Phnom
admits Ban Ki-moon Penh International Airport
on November 14. On
UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations He said a top level panel would look into November 15 Cambodian
failed to protect thousands of civilians caught the implementation of UN humanitarian police arrested eight people
in Sri Lanka’s civil war, UN leader Ban and protection mandates. for having painted “SOS”
Ki-moon said on November 14, warning of on their roofs ahead of
“profound implications” for the global body. UN experts have said tens of thousands of Obama’s visit to Cambodia
civilians were killed between January and this week. A human rights
A damning review of UN action during May 2009 as government forces launched group said the eight people
the final months of the civil war in 2009, in a final onslaught on Liberation Tigers of were the members of
which tens of thousands of people were killed, Tamil Eelam separatists in the north of the about 180 families living
criticised the UN leadership, UN Security country. near the airport who have
Council and top UN officials in Sri Lanka. been served with eviction
Rights groups have given a toll of up notices to make way for
UN staff were afraid to publicise to 40,000 dead with most killed in army its planned expansion
widespread killings, top UN leaders did shelling. and are demanding fair
not intervene and the 15-member Security compensation. Pic: AFP
Council did not give “clear” orders to protect Overall, the UN estimates some 100,000
civilians, said the report. people perished during the 37-year conflict Fund accuses Cambodia of graft
which ended with the wiping out of the entire
There was “a grave failure of the UN to Tamil Tiger military leadership. Both sides PHNOM PENH – A major The mismanaged money government’s National
adequately respond to early warnings and have been accused of war crimes. international aid fund amounts to under US$1 Malaria Centre to handle
to the evolving situation during the final has accused Cambodia of million and was allocated to the next multi-million dollar
stages of the conflict and its aftermath, to The review, led by former UN official “serious” corruption in the Cambodian officials to spend grant.
the detriment of hundreds of thousands Charles Petrie, said senior UN staff in use of money intended to on anti-malaria programs,
of civilians and in contradiction with the Sri Lanka were afraid to highlight deaths combat malaria and other said a source with knowledge “Cutting back on anti-
principles and responsibilities of the UN,” because they feared it would put at risk life-threatening diseases. of the investigation, speaking malaria efforts could have
said the report. humanitarian access to hundreds of on condition of anonymity. severe consequences,” the
thousands of civilians. TheUN-backedGlobalFund statement added.
“The report concludes that the United to fight AIDS, tuberculosis Cambodia’s Health
Nations system failed to meet its It said some workers showed “commitment and malaria said a probe into Minister Mam Bunheng told Malaria that is resistant
responsibilities,” Ban said as a redacted far beyond the call of duty” but the the use of grants “uncovered AFP he had no knowledge of to the most commonly used
version of the report was released. government’s “stratagem of UN intimidation” credible and substantive the corruption claims. “I have artemisinin treatment was
prevented the UN from protecting civilians. evidence of serious financial not received information found on the Thailand-
“This finding has profound implications wrongdoing, on procurement about it,” he said, declining Cambodia border eight years
for our work across the world, and I am In Colombo, Mahinda Samarasinghe, Sri and other issues”. to comment further. ago, and was later discovered
determined that the United Nations draws Lanka’s plantations minister and special in western Thailand,
the appropriate lessons and does its utmost envoy to the UN Human Rights Council, told In a statement late on The Geneva-based Global Myanmar and Vietnam.
to earn the confidence of the world’s people, reporters there was no “intimidation” of the November 14, it said it had Fund said it would continue
especially those caught in conflict who look UN, but said the government was willing to taken swift action to tackle giving money to Cambodia, a No further details of
to the organisation for help,” Ban said. address shortcomings raised by the report. the graft problem. But it country on the frontline of the the graft allegations were
would maintain support to battle against drug-resistant provided. A report by the
– AFP Cambodia so as not to derail malaria. fund’s investigative unit will
efforts to halt the spread of be published “in the coming
drug-resistant malaria. But it is expected to find weeks”, the statement said.
a recipient other than the
– AFP

Time out 35

The Myanmar Times November 19 - 25, 2012

Street artists okay Yangon welcomes ‘Glass
with muralistic decay Palace’ author Amitav Ghosh

By Zon Pann Pwint November 12, said the By Douglas Long Amitav Ghosh speaks at the Indian embassy in Yangon one of the great challenges
WHEN street artist Arker general impression of street WORLD-RENOWNED Bengali on November 15. Pic: Thiri of writing. … Your language
Kyaw heard that Barack artists is that they “go out author Amitav Ghosh gave a becomes more and more
Obama would visit Yangon at night and spoil the walls talk at the Indian embassy Mr Ghosh said his uncle enormous impact The Glass symbolic, and in that sense
this month, he had the idea and roads”. in Yangon on November 15, introduced him to great Palace. more and more modernist.”
to paint a public mural of the focusing the discussion on his writers such as Maurice Collis,
recently reelected president “But if we could present novel The Glass Palace, which Knut Hamsun, John Steinbeck “Our interests coincided in Mr Ghosh said his writing
of the United States the best ideas that would follows events in Myanmar and Nikolai Gogol. He later many ways. He was a writer of The Glass Palace was also
attract the most viewers, from the Konbaung dynasty found that these same authors who had a deep interest in driven by the question of what
“I painted Obama’s portrait I think they would change to the modern era. had “an enormous impact” people and real life. When I happened to King Thibaw and
on a wall at Yangon Eye their attitudes about us,” on Indian writers as well as left his house he gave me a Queen Supayalat after they
Hospital on Natmauk Road, he said. “As long as there Mr Ghosh is the award- famous Myanmar authors such mimeographed, translated were exiled to Ratnagiri,
near Kandawgyi Park. My are a few supporters who winning author of seven novels as U Mya Than Tint. version of the book he was India, following the surrender
friends helped me create the encourage street art, we will in the English language, as well then working on, which was of Burma to the British in
mural at 3am on November 12, continue painting.” as five works of nonfiction. He said his uncle, like many called Tales of Ordinary 1885.
as a mark of welcome to the The Glass Palace, published Indians, had been “haunted” People,” he said.
American president,” Arker On the other hand, Ko in 2000, has been translated by his experience in Burma. “One of the reasons I write
Kyaw, who uses pseudonym Thuta said some people into more than 25 languages, “For this book he went fiction rather than history is
Night for his creative work, have reproached his group including Myanmar by writer “When they came back to out and interviewed people, because there aren’t really
told The Myanmar Times. for seeking popularity by Nay Win Myint and retired India, which in many ways almost at random. These are historical sources for the
painting murals of famous forestry official Hteik Tin is a hard and difficult place, wonderful stories that come things I write about. With
But the artist said a friend people. In September they Thet. they would remember Burma alive in this book. Many of Thibaw’s life in Ratnagiri,
called later the same day to created a mural of U Thein as a place of great softness, the little stories that went there’s so little material.
tell him that someone had Sein, shortly before the Mr Ghosh took the stage at kindness, gentleness,” he into The Glass Palace were One really does have to try to
used spray paint to deface the Myanmar president’s first the embassy to tremendous said. inspired by Saya Mya Than imagine it. This is the great
portrait. The group suspects trip to the United States. applause, and began by Tint, and I feel a deep sense of challenge of writing fiction,”
the vandalism was perpetrated commenting on how much “These memories haunted gratitude toward him.” he said.
by the government or by Another member of the the atmosphere of Yangon had exiles everywhere, and my
another group of street group, Ko Soe Wai Htun, said changed since his last visit 15 family were also exiled from He said Mya Than Tint, Ludu “When I started writing
artists, although this is pure the group had a general rule years ago. what is now Bangladesh. But U Sein Win and other writers those bits about Thibaw, I
speculation. to never paint over another there was something different he met on that trip would said to myself, how am I
person’s work. “It’s like going from one in the quality of the memories talk at great length about the going to write in the voice of
Considering the short planet to another,” he told that people carried back from press scrutiny board and the a man who is so immeasurably
lifespan of the mural, some “It causes the other artist’s the audience. Burma. There was a yearning, techniques of government distant from me? What do
might consider the effort to idea and presentation to be a wish to reconnect, to be censorship. I know about what he was
have been a terrible waste spoiled,” he said. He also commented that back.” thinking?”
of time. But Arker Kyaw said he thought it was “really “These were writers who
street artists are well aware However, he admitted miraculous” that so many Mr Ghosh said his trip to had struggled with very deep He said he found inspiration
that their work is never likely that the wall where the people had read The Glass Myanmar 15 years ago was and intense literary questions, from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s
to last long. Obama mural is located had Palace, and that it has been prompted by these stories told of modernism and language, book August 1914: “In that
previously been painted with translated into so many by his uncle. and they were going to this book, there’s an amazing 100-
“Paint applied to streets the word “POSH”. languages. office where there was a page monologue that happens
and exterior walls never lasts “At a certain point in my young military officer who in the head of Czar Nicholas
long. It will be removed one “But it had been done a “When I was writing The life I wanted to write about had hardly read anything in just before the fall of the
day. But that doesn’t stop my very long time ago, so we Glass Palace for years and this uncle of mine, this his life, and whose principal Romanov dynasty. And that
desire to be a street artist, painted over it to create the years, I would sometimes man who had been pouring interest was golf. If he didn’t really inspired me. I thought,
and I will continue to paint,” Obama mural,” Ko Soe Wai think, ‘What am I doing? Am these stories into my head like what you had written, if Solzhenitsyn can do that,
he said. Htun said. I mad? Who’s going to read a for 20 years. It was at that he would roll it up into a ball then why can’t I?”
book about Indian labourers point that I first came to and hit it with a golf club,”
Another issue for street “Street art has to be who were in Burma 100 years Myanmar,” he said. “It was an he said. Mr Ghosh added that he
artists is the need to paint presented in a public area ago?’” he said. extraordinarily powerful and preferred to depict characters
at night, mainly because without any permission. intense experience because “But these writers told who took action to change
the questionable legality of The essence of street art Mr Ghosh told the audience I was fortunate to be able to me that censorship was their lives.
their work. comes from the public’s that the book really began in meet many wonderful writers, impossible. If you’re a writer
excitement. But in Myanmar a “very lonely little house” such as Saya Mya Than Tint.” who knows his work, you can “I think people aren’t
B u t A r k e r K y a w, w h o culture, we have to respect in Kolkata, India, where his always find a way to say what victims. Even when they live
started painting when he was homeowners and the elderly, uncle’s family lived after He said Saya Mya Than Tint’s you want to say. And that is in very difficult circumstances,
in ninth standard, said he’s so in some places we paint having fled their home in writing ended up having an they try to make the best of
not bothered by losing sleep only when they have given Burma when the Japanese it. When I met Saya Mya Than
when he venture out in the their consent,” he said. attacked in 1941. Tint and Ludu U Sein Win,
wee hours of the night. this became very real for me
“However, we feel excited “My uncle was an because they lived through
“Some people say making when we paint in some areas entrepreneur and founded unimaginable difficulties. But
street art is like defacing without asking permission.” a very successful timber Saya Mya Than Tint was not
public property. That’s why I business in Burma, but when filled with self-pity, he was not
try to paint subjects that will He added that many of the Japanese bombed Rangoon thinking of himself as a victim,
appeal to many people. I want their artworks are removed on December 24, his timber he was trying to get on with
street art to be considered almost immediately, but yard caught fire and he lost life,” he said.
a legitimate part of the art there’s at least one place everything,” he said.
scene in Myanmar,” he said. where their efforts persist. “I think it’s very important,
“He had to move back to when you write about
Ko Thuta, who participated “There’s one house we Kolkata, and he and his wife people who are in difficult
in the creation of the Obama painted where the child and his son moved into the this circumstances, not to
mural on the morning of of the homeowner keeps tiny house. It was a strange sentimentalise them. It’s easy
reminding his parents not thing to see this person, who to think that people who are
to remove our artwork. We was accustomed to being rich, poor, who are suffering, have
get great pleasure out of as his life slowly dwindled. I forgotten laughter. But people
knowing this,” he said. used to sit by his bedside and in very difficult circumstances
listen to his stories.” also smile, laugh, love and
live.”

Jason Mraz to perform live in Myanmar

The Obama mural, disrespected. Pic: Boothee MULTIPLE Grammy Award-winning singer- by 2002 Grammy winners Ozomatli in Myanmar on national television and will
songwriter Jason Mraz will perform Yangon in 2009. Mr Mraz nabbed two of air across MTV’s international network
at a free concert at Yangon’s People’s the awards in 2010. as a special edition of MTV World Stage
Square on December 16, along with local in early 2013.
musicians R Zarni, Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein, Also sharing the stage with the
Chan Chan, Chit Htu Wai, Linn Linn, Sai artists at the free concert will be The concert is being produced in
Sai and Pyo Gyi. representatives from the anti-human- partnership with the Myanmar
trafficking sector, government and donor government’s Central Body for Suppression
The event is being organised by MTV community who work to fight human of Trafficking in Persons.
EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking), trafficking in Myanmar, according to a
with the aim of raising awareness press statement released by MTV EXIT The event is also supported by
and increasing prevention of human on November 17. Walk Free (a global movement to end
trafficking. modern-day slavery), the US Agency
MTV EXIT has also launched a contest for International Development, the
In headlining the MTV EXIT Live in giving fans a chance to win a trip to Australian government’s Agency for
Myanmar concert, Mr Mraz will become see Mr Mraz live in Myanmar. Contest International Development, the United
only the second Grammy-winning act details can be found online at www. Nations Inter-Agency Project Against
to perform at an open-air concert in mtvexit.org. Human Trafficking, and the Association
Myanmar, following an outdoor show of Southeast Asian Nations.
The Yangon concert will be broadcast in



37 timeout

the MyanMar tiMes November 19 - 25, 2012

Side Effect to play
concerts in Germany

By Nuam Bawi Institute, which I forwarded it helped us get sponsorship Side Effect’s singer and guitar player, Darko. Pic: Christopher Davy
YANGON-BASED indie band to the filmmakers so they because they knew who we
Side Effect will depart could apply for funding for a were and what we’ve been Effect will get money from country. Side Effect played in and has cultivated an alt-
Myanmar on December 3 for tour. We were able to make doing,” Darko said. the entrance fees paid by Bali, Indonesia, last November rock sound that combines
a trip to Germany, where this happen because of our audiences in Germany. as part of ASEAN Fair 2011. punk, power pop and other
they will perform concerts in teamwork.” The other members of genres in a manner similar to
Hamburg, Berlin and Gera. Side Effect are bassist “We don’t expect to make “I’m excited to perform in bands like The Strokes, Franz
Darko said one reason they and guitarist Jozeff K and much money because, to be Germany but I’m not nervous Ferdinand and The Pixies.
The brief tour will be got funding was the film drummer Tser Htoo, with honest, we’re not even that because I have confidence
sponsored by the Goethe Yangon Calling, which has Hein Lwin playing bass for well known in Myanmar and that our music will provide Side Effect will be musically
Institute and organised by been shown at several film live performances. However, there won’t be too many a different taste to the supported by the Berlin rock
two German two filmmakers, festival around the world, the funding only allows for people who know about us audiences, even though we and punk band Priscilla Sucks.
Alexander Dluzak and Carsten and which earlier this month the three core members to in Germany,” he said. play punk, rock and indie The shows will be held in
Piefke. The directing duo won the audience award at travel to Germany. music derived from Western Hamburg on December 7,
created a documentary in Notfall Filmfestival 2012 in The trip to Germany countries,” Darko said. Berlin on December 8, and
2011 about the punk scene the Netherlands. Darko said the band will mark the band’s first Gera on December 14.
in Myanmar titled Yangon members do not expect a performances in a Western Side Effect formed in 2004
Calling. The film included He said another reason huge amount of enthusiasm
interviews with Side Effect was the widespread media from the audiences in
and several other bands coverage over an incident Germany. “We can’t expect
earlier this year in which the a big reaction for these
“Although the two US-based fundraising website concerts because the German
filmmakers wanted to invite IndieGoGo closed Side Effect’s public isn’t familiar with us
us to Germany a long time account (aimed at raising or our country,” he said.
ago, they couldn’t make money to buy a drum kit
it happen due to lack of and other equipment) over “Also, as musicians we are
money,” said Darko, Side fears that it contravened more familiar with music
Effect’s singer and guitar. international sanctions. from America and Britain. As
far as I know German music is
“One of my Myanmar “We sent all the links more like techno, so I don’t
friends gave us contact for international media know how much they will
information for the Goethe coverage about our band enjoy rock music.”
along with our application to
the Goethe Institute. I think Darko said that according
to their contract, Side

Author tells of health problems, inhumane prison conditions

By Zon Pann Pwint The final section describes how launched at the House of Media took it away and made me wait
the author started writing the and Entertainment in Yangon on two more weeks before I could
MANY books that have been Ma Thida answers questions book two years ago, while she was November 12. actually take it,” she said.
published recently by ex-political about her book ‘Sanchaung, attending a fellowship program
prisoners in Myanmar have told Insein, Harvard’ at the House at Harvard University’s Radcliffe During her time in prison she Ma Thida said the policy of
their tales by mixing reality with of Media and Entertainment in Institute for Advanced Study in suffered from tuberculosis, prison authorities to intentionally
fiction. Yangon on November 12. Pic: the United States. resulting in a fever that lasted delay the delivery of medicine
Zon Pann Pwint for six months. Authorities also constituted a clear abuse of
But a new Myanmar-language book At the time of her arrest in made it difficult for Ma Thida to human rights that undoubtedly
by ex-prisoner Ma Thida, entitled 1993, Ma Thida was working as access the medicine sent by her caused the further deterioration
Sanchaung, Insein, Harvard, sticks a surgeon at the Muslim Free parents. of her health.
to the facts, chronicling how Hospital in Kyauktada township.
imprisonment under inhumane She had written many short “My health deteriorated. Even As a result, she also developed a
conditions affected the author’s stories and novels, but none of though I suspected that I suffered gynaecological medical condition
health, and how she overcame them had been published. from tuberculosis, I had to wait called endometriosis.
her tribulations with the help of three weeks to take an X-ray,
vipassana (insight) meditation. She was sentenced to 20 years and then I had to wait three “Authorities arranged for me to
in prison, but was released in more weeks to get the results,” be sent to Insein Hospital, where
As the title suggests, the book 1999. she said. I waited 20 hours before I had a
is divided into three sections: In medical checkup. Then I was sent
“Sanchaung” Ma Thida tells of her “Before I was arrested, I “When the X-ray showed that I back to the prison,” she said.
arrest, while “Insein” details the imagined writing about life in had tuberculosis, my parents got
time she spent incarcerated in the prison. When the judge sentenced permission to send medicine. But “The health care in prison was
Yangon prison.. me to 20 years in prison, I confess I had to wait two weeks to receive of extremely poor standard, and
that I was secretly delighted,” the medicine they sent, and when there were many infringements
said Ma Thida, whose book was I finally got it, the authorities of the prisoners’ human rights in
this regard.”

Myanmar audience enjoys
K-pop cover dance contest

By Nuam Bawi prize (K500,000) was handed styles worn by the performers
WHILE South Korean pop out to Fantastic Boys. Girl of the songs chosen for the
star Psy’s song “Gangnam Universal netted third place contest.
Style” continues to thrill and K300,000.
and annoy people around “We were expecting to
the world in roughly equal The leader of Girl win first prize, but we’re
measure, audiences in Universal, Thet Mon, said she satisfied that we got third
Myanmar were able to enjoy participated in the contest out of 25 groups,” Thet Mon
the K-pop Cover Dance Final because she thought Korean said.
Contest, held at Myanmar styles were “very cool” and
Convention Center on because she “likes their The K-Pop Cover Dance
November 10. music a lot”. Contest was followed by
the semifinal round of the
The event showcased “I’ve always enjoyed Face of Myanmar contest,
the talents of nine dance dancing to K-pop. Their featuring 46 contestants
groups — whittled down poses and body movements chosen from more than 200
from the original 25 groups are really cool,” she said. applicants.
that took part in the contest
— and also featured a dance “It looks like their dance Judges chose 30 contestants
performance by Poppin steps are very soft when we to compete in finals, which
Hyun-Joon Crew from South watch them, but when we will be held at Strand Hotel
Korea, whose members try dancing like them it’s on November 24.
acted as judges for the very difficult. We need to
contest. exert so much energy to get The top six finishers
the moves right, so I’m very will get the chance to
The first prize of K1 million interested in it.” participate in the Asia
went to the Black Diamond New Star Model Contest
group, while the second She said her group spent 2013, which will be held
a lot of time practicing, in January 2013 in South
making special efforts to Korea. Contestants from
imitate not only the dance 15 countries are expected
moves but also the clothing to take part.

timeout 38

November 19 - 25, 2012 the MyanMar tiMes

Vile vines: A boxed wine smack-down

By Barnabas McCoy Boxed wine and inappropriate glassware: The makings of a long also revealed a secret life of testers? Why is the colour draining
night of painful guzzling. Pic: Roberto Robertson drinking fermented liquids from from their faces, and why are their
IT’S common for foreigners who move obscure, unboxed sources: “This eyes rolling back into their heads?
to Myanmar to harbour reservations particular box. But Sabine, from who admitted that she had no is the boxed wine you’ve been
about what essential comforts the Land of Boxed Wine Down regrets about the colour that the searching for: the box wine that The first clue that Berri Estates
might, or might not, be available Under, saved the day by toggling wine left on her teeth. almost tastes like it came from a might turn out to be the boxed
for consumption in their new home. the dongle to start the liquid bottle.” wine of our nightmares was its
Are there shops in Yangon that stock spurting from the nozzle. Roberto Robertson steered the colour, variously described by
Cool Ranch Doritos? Pineapple pizza? commentary back into the realm “Easy on the way down, those present as mud brown,
Christmas decorations? Spoons? The inaugural taste went to of gestation by stating that the presumably easy on the way up, treacle black, and possessing
Bronco, who took a Texas-sized sensation of strong alcohol “lingers this is an inoffensive quaffing light-absorbing qualities of satanic
Topping many a discriminating gulp, wiped his lips with his dusty on the palate like a drunken wine,” he added. proportions.
oenophile’s list is fear over whether bandana, and expertly opined that stranger who won’t leave your
boxed wine will be available for Fonvene’s suspiciously light-bodied house party”. The Black Widow concurred, Skeeter referred to it as a
regular ingestion. This was a taste was “suggestive of one part stating that despite the unflattering “shudder-inducing wine”, the
particularly important issue during wine, four parts water”. Twera, a woman of few words, brand name, Cantine Ronco quaffing of which “might feel
the waning years of Than Shwe’s said Fonvene simply “tastes like “surprised” her by not making her better than getting run down by
wooly regime, when supplies of Skeeter noted a “strong alcohol cooking wine”. “want to heave”. She added that an International Harvester tractor
imported luxury goods were erratic smell” that overwhelmed the the wine was “forgettable but pulling a four-share plough, but
at best, yet cracking open a 5-litre attack, evolution and finish, Among the tasters possessed drinkable” and that she could even not by much ”. He expressed a
box of wine and guzzling the and rendered the wine virtually of more refined palates, Sabine imagine “spending an evening with desire to toss the nearly full box
liquid delights encased therein flavourless. “Fonvene is so dry, it reckoned Fonvene was a “mild, this one”. from the balcony of the sixth-floor
was widely recognised as the finest sucked all the moisture out of the full-bodied red with a surprisingly apartment where the taste test
means of weathering your fourth air in a one-foot radius around my subtle kick for a wine of 13 Sabine continued the occurred, and watch it explode on
eight-hour nocturnal power failure drinking glass,” he further noted. percent”, while Attila — who comparatively stellar ratings by the street below.
of the week. apparently harbours an odd fetish saying although Cantine Ronco
The Black Widow agreed that the for sampling alcoholic beverages made her sweat, she had “no But others had to take the tasting
Happily, while there have been aroma was overwhelming, comparing dispensed from glass bottles — said complaints”. plunge as well. Attila said it went
many benefits to Myanmar’s it to the reek of ethanol. it reminded him of pinot noir. down like “terrible port” and was
recent progress toward the idea of Skeeter, by this time his eyes “not recommended AT ALL”, while
contemplating possible pathways to “A disappointing start, Fonvene “Fruity taste but too rough spinning in clockwise circles The Black Widow complained that
potential democratisation, none have would probably make an ideal to distinguish specific fruits. from the close attention he had the bouquet “hits you like a cloud
been more important or pronounced beverage for a frat party,” she said, Enjoyable,” he said. been paying to the NASCAR race, of doom”.
than the wider availability of boxed but added generously: “It does Cantine Ronco (K14,500) managed to tear himself away from
wine, and in greater varieties. have the prettiest box, though.” the television, take a sip of wine After Bronco’s sip, he whinnied in
With his first taste of Cantine and mutter, “Fruity smell. Not as distress, snorted in anger, stomped
In light of this, the time seems ripe Another aesthetically charitable Ronco, Mr Robertson, like Attila, alcoholic as Fonvene. Tough to his feet on the carpet, wiped his
for a taste test of this greatest of comment came from Grapelips, distinguish specific tastes.” mouth with his dusty bandana, and
Australian inventions (overshadowing shouted, “Berri is the illegitimate
even the dual flush toilet and the Other tasters were less keen. child of Australian winemaking,
Super Sopper), with the aim of Grapelips offered to chug a bottle unloved, uncared for and, as a
aiding the uninitiated in choosing of vinaigrette salad dressing if she result, exhibiting a taste akin to
the best brand for their next party could please avoid taking another bile mixed with concentrate Ribena
or extended blackout. Towards sip of Cantine Ronco, while Attila, berry drinks!”
that end, The Myanmar Times whom others present suspected
called together a multinational might be an agent planted in the Sabine said the wine was “berri
coalition of the finest boxed wine room by Fonvene winery, dissed bad” (nyuk nyuk) and added that
tasters available — representing the Italian entry by claiming that she wouldn’t wish it on her enemies,
Australia, Britain, the United States, it had a “sour taste” and was “not the latter point emphatically
France and Myanmar — to determine a pleasant wine”. seconded by Mr Robertson. He
Yangon’s best buys. suggested that painters who create
The others fell silent as Bronco, murals depicting scenes in Buddhist
The eight tasters were as follows: spurs a-jangling on the carpet, hell “should show sinners drowning
Bronco, Skeeter, Twera, The Black moseyed on over to the Cantine in Berri”.
Widow, Sabine, Roberto Robertson, Ronco box and filled his mouth-
Grapelips, and Attila the Invisigoth. trough with the ruby-red nectar. Grapelips flaunted her worldly
(Note: Boxed wine tasters, being Wiping his lips with his dusty erudition by grandly informing
a rare and courageous breed, bandana, he declaimed: “Boy everyone present that there is
usually find it desirable to take on howdy! Ronco is like a fair-weather a word in the Czech language
superhero-like personas, as well as friend — unassuming and inoffensive that refers to the sadness one
super-cool monikers to match.) for the most part but you know feels when they realise they are
that this product of fine Italian depressed, and that she felt “this
We limited the taste test to red craftsmanship will, probably at the word applies to Berri”.
varieties, and settled on three 3-litre point, betray you”.
brands: Cantine Ronco (Italy), Berri Twera, a woman of few words,
Estates (Australia) and Fonvene Bronco’s rough-and-ready said Berri Estates simply had a
(France). We primed the wine by recommendation for a food match taste that was “too strong” to be
storing the 5-litre boxes in a locked — “whatever is in the fridge; palatable.
and sealed car for 24 hours, and Ronco doesn’t care” — cemented Conclusion
tasted them at about 30 degrees the brand’s already formidable
Celsius, which we figured was near reputation as the Chuck Norris of The clear winner among the
enough to the recommended 15-16C. boxed wine. tasters — aside from a couple of
For added atmosphere, we watched dissidents who have since been
NASCAR truck racing on All Sports Twera, a woman of few words, admitted to a mental hospital
Network during the taste test. said Cantine Ronco was simply to undergo successive rounds of
[SPOILER ALERT] “the best one” of electroshock therapy and intensive
The results are enumerated the three. reeducation — was Cantine Ronco.
below, in the order in which the Berri Estates (K21,600) Fonvene stood out as tasteless
wines were sampled. hooch best reserved for getting
Fonvene (K17,300) Last came Berri Estates, issuing drunk fast as civilisation collapses
forth from the Netherland of around you. That end-of-days
The test was almost over before Oz from whence boxed wine calamity might very well be
it started, as some of the less originated. Add this to the fact induced by the opening of one
experienced tasters had trouble that it was the most expensive carton too many of Berri Estates,
figuring out how to break into this product in the test, and of course which can best be described as
it would be the runaway favourite, the Apocalypse in a wine box. The
right? But wait, what’s that strange horror, the horror …
look crossing the faces of the taste

Drinking and dancing in the rarified air above Singapore

By Pinky city. There’s a taxi stand just ladies. This results in a very a panoptic vista worthy of be enjoying their drinks and want to sit should probably
SINGAPORE boasts three a few step from the front crowded venue: The ladies the great gods of Valhalla!” having a great time. Based make a reservation, as
buildings that top out at entrance of the building, and come because entry is free, depending on your cultural on the people I talked to, it seating is limited.
around 280 metres (919 feet) the Raffles Place MRT station and the men, knowing this, references. seemed like most of the locals
in height, and they share is right there as well. come fishing for ladies. were bankers, but there were Of course it’s best to go
the status as the country’s As I stood there at the top plenty of tourists and business when the weather is clear so
tallest: One Raffles Place, The bar charges a cover of Whether 1-Altitude really of the world, with a good travellers as well. you can fully enjoy the view,
Republic Plaza and United S$25 (US$20) a person, which is the “world’s tallest al drink in my hand, swaying and don’t forget your camera
Overseas Bank Plaza One. includes one drink. An ID card fresco bar”, as it bills to the beat of trendy dance The Gallery and Bar at to capture the amazing
and nice dress are essential: itself on its website, there music, I could feel all the 1-Altitude is a great place scenery.
On the top floor of One No one under the age of 21 is no disputing the fact stress and fatigue of my to hang out with friends, but
Raffles Place is a rooftop gets in, and don’t even think that the view is amazing. travels to Singapore suddenly the friendly crowd means The Gallery and Bar at
bar called 1-Altitude, about wearing short or sandals The entire city-state of disappear. it’s also okay to walk in by 1-Altitude is located at
easily accessible because because you won’t be allowed Singapore is under your feet, yourself and simply strike up One Raffles Place, Level
of the building’s convenient past the door. and seeing it commonly As the evening wore on, the conversations with people at 63; Tel (+65) 6438-0410.
location in the centre of the induces exclamations such music got louder and the bar the bar. I’d imagine that it Opening hours are Monday
I was lucky enough to be as “Wow!”, “Gadzooks!” became more crowded. By gets quite busy on weekends, through Thursday 6pm to
there on a Wednesday, when or “By Thor’s hammer! ’Tis midnight the place was in full and groups of people who 1am, Saturday and Sunday
there is no cover charge for swing and everyone seemed to 6pm to 2am.