4-Pillar Issue: 4-pillar workshop held in Nay Pyi Taw

A 4-pillar workshop was held on Wednesday in Nay Pyi Taw between the legislative, the administrative, the judiciary and the media pillars.

The workshop was to discuss ways to promote mutual trust and balanced cooperation between the media and the three other pillars based on media ethic and to develop the Myanmar’s media industry as well as for greater access to freedom of information, ways to proceed and develop good ideas and mutual cooperation on access to information.

This 4-pillar workshop was attended by SAC members Daw Dwe Bu and Mahn Nyein Maung, union ministers Dr. Thida Oo, U Maung Maung Ohn, U Aung Naing Oo and Dr. Myo Thein Kyaw and many other officials from the 4 pillars.The workshop began with screening video Documentaries on nation building, role of the media and outcomes of the Mocha disaster risk overcoming and collective action.

And, Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn stressed the importance of cooperation for access to information between the 4 pillars and that no matter what political system is used, the government, all the people and organizations need to be united and the media should give more emphasis in strengthening these forces.

In order for the people to have the right to know the right information, all sectors must work together. Also, Chairman of the Press Council said that it is the duty of every citizen to love and protect his or her country. The legislative, the administrative and the judiciary pillars should respect and respond to constructive reviews and comments, he added.

And, SAC member Daw Dwe Bu stressed that it is necessary to reveal the true news. When the people themselves have the right to discuss their problems, they rely more on the 4 pillars, she added. Also, Union Minister Dr. Thida Oo said that regarding the Freedom of Expression, instead of giving full freedom, there can be restrictions on the necessary space for a country that is marching towards a true and disciplined democracy.

And, Union Minister U Aung Naing Oo expressed his belief that it will be very effective if the three pillars and the media will cooperate more to restore true news for the country and reduce the hatred among the public. And, concerned governmental officials made discussions on ways to further fulfill citizens' right to information.

And, media persons urged the Myanmar Press Council to open courses to ensure a continuous generation of journalists. The officials and media persons discussed matters including basic causes of poor-quality news by some journalists, speeding up the flow of information and freedom of access to information.

And, Permanent Secretary U Myo Myint Maung read and confirmed the results of the workshop. Then, Union Minister U Maung Maung Ohn gave the closing speech.