SSPC Meeting: SSPC Chairman delivered the opening address

The State Security and Peace Commission, held a meeting, on August 12, with the attending and delivering an opening address by the Commission Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

In his opening address, the Chairman stated that the State Security and Peace Commission was formed and assigned responsibilities by the National Defence and Security Council to provide necessary guidance and to effectively coordinate activities relating to national defence, security, peace, the successful holding of multi-party democracy general elections, and related matters.

He noted that their responsibility is to ensure the successful holding of the multi-party democracy general elections so that, upon their completion, the Hluttaw can be convened, and the new government emerging from the Hluttaw can assume the duties of the State.

Holding elections is necessary for the formation of the respective Hluttaws, from which the President, Vice Presidents, administrative bodies, and Union-level organizations appointed by the President can be designated, thereby forming the government.

Therefore, it is important to ensure the success of the elections in line with the law. He further explained that, during Hluttaw sessions, at least 50 percent of parliamentary representatives must be able to attend. To achieve this, elections must be held in all townships where it is feasible to do so.

Political parties intending to participate in the elections should also be provided with arrangements to conduct campaigning. He stressed the need for systematic scrutiny of the qualifications of parliamentary candidates and noted the possibility that domestic and foreign elements, including organizations, might attempt various means to disrupt the success of the elections.

He added that candidates and political party members participating in the elections must be provided with necessary security measures to safely conduct their activities from the campaign period through Election Day. Regarding education, he stated that according to current records, more than seven million students are presently attending school nationwide.

On combating illegal trade, he pointed out that valuable natural resources of the State have been smuggled out through illicit routes and illegal goods have been brought in, which hinders economic improvement. Next, the Commission Secretary, Joint Chief Executive, and members including the Union Minister for Home Affairs, the Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy, Air), and the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, gave sector-wise briefings.

The Vice Chairman of the Commission then explained matters relating to the activities of opposition groups and EAOs by state and region, military operations and security measures taken by the Tatmadaw to achieve progress, as well as the ongoing joint efforts of the Tatmadaw, the People’s Security and Counterterrorism Teams, and the People’s Militia Groups in combating narcotics, illegal trade, and other illicit activities.

Commission members Prime Minister U Nyo Saw, Commission Member U Aung Lin Dwe, and Union Minister for Defence General Maung Maung Aye, each presented their preparations and arrangements to ensure the successful holding of the elections. Following the presentations, the Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission provided necessary guidance and delivered concluding remarks.