AP — The head of Myanmar's military-backed government addressed parliament on the occasion of the administration's 100th day in office, defending his government's record and presenting a five-year plan for his administration, which faces an ongoing conflict and international criticism.
President Min Aung Hlaing, the former commander-in-chief who seized power from a civilian government in 2021, was sworn in as president in April following elections that critics say were designed to entrench the military's hold on power.
Speaking before more than 900 parliamentary members, officials, and military representatives at the parliament building in Naypyidaw, President Min Aung Hlaing said his government had laid important foundations since taking office, prioritising two key issues: restoring peace and stability, and promoting national development.
Min Aung Hlaing said he would spend two years accelerating the building of a modern and developed nation on the basis of democracy and a federal system, followed by a further three years of full-scale national construction.
He also said a special election would be held in 2027 in 102 constituencies that were unable to cast votes during three rounds of elections held at the end of last year due to armed conflict.
He said the government would continue to enforce conscription laws while also reinforcing the military and police, as these forces are fighting pro-democracy activists and armed ethnic rebel groups across the country. He added that his government had invited armed groups fighting the military to lay down their arms and had held talks with 13 ethnic armed groups.
Meanwhile, Min Aung Hlaing also criticised the five-point consensus that Southeast Asian leaders reached in 2021 to end the conflict in Myanmar, saying the agreement was designed without the approval of all member states and that the regional bloc was treating Myanmar unfairly. ASEAN had called on Myanmar to immediately cease violence and to hold dialogue between conflicting parties facilitated through an ASEAN special envoy.
He also spoke of significant energy and infrastructure development plans, stating that the government would proceed with 10 power generation projects, including the controversial Myitsone hydropower project, while continuing to pursue the construction of a nuclear power plant. The hydropower project had been suspended for more than 10 years following protests over its potential environmental impact.
He said Myanmar authorities are taking action against money laundering, drug trafficking, and scam centres, adding that more than 72,000 foreigners linked to scam centres have been repatriated to 58 countries.
Min Aung Hlaing acknowledged that the large-scale departure of young Myanmar citizens from the country has affected economic development, but made no mention of the conscription law as a key factor driving the youth exodus.
Nan Lin, a spokesperson for the Strike Committee, a non-violent activist group, said that Min Aung Hlaing's remarks demonstrated the military's intention to retain power, adding that the country would face worsening hardship under what he described as the military government's failed policies.
"No meaningful change can be expected from a military government. They will use the conscription law to control young people through fear, and the situation may continue to worsen for as long as they keep sacrificing the young to hold onto power," said Nan Lin.
