Media Briefing: MOI Union Minister gave Interview to Japanese News Agency

Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn gave an online interview to the Mainichi Dailies from Japan on Thursday.

Journalist Ms Mana Takagi raised questions on allowing international passenger flights, control on the overwhelming of social media, press freedom, economic situation, foreign investment, handing over of economic management to the newly elected government of the upcoming election, opinion on Rakhine State situation based on his experience during the assignment as the Chief Minister there and opinion of Rakhine political parties on PR system that will be practiced in the upcoming election.

The Union Minister responded the queries, saying that plans are underway for allowing the international flights, and it will be implemented depending on the control measures of COVID-19 disease. Concerning the social media, he pointed out that there was no control over the use of social media, and stressed that the public need to use it efficiently in a correct way.

The ministry is also planning to conduct awareness program for the public. For press freedom, there was no restrictions on it but there needs to have mutual respect in line with the rules and regulations. He also explained the economic condition, and saying that due to COVID-19 global pandemic, the economy has been in decline and at present, many of the factories have been back in operation. Despite less inflow of foreign investment, the investment volume increased with over 558 million US dollars, and it could create over 35,000 job opportunities.

He stressed that there will be more progress of economy during 2022. He also explained about the PR system, and it has been agreed by 62 political parties according to the meeting results. Along with the gaining of trust by the national races, he expressed that Rakhine Political parties could accept the PR system which has been accepted by most of the political parties.