U Thein Kyi, Chairman of the National Political Alliance (NPA) presented the policy, stance and work procedures of his party through radio and television on the evening of 7 November.
The full text of the presentation is as follows: –
Esteemed voters,
Our National Political Alliance (NPA) was formed to compete in the 2020 general election held in accord with the Constitution (2008). It was founded with nine political forces, including founders U Tin Tun Maung (father of film star Dwe), U Kyi Win from Mingaladon Constituency, U Mya Hlaing from Twantay Constituency, U Hla Soe from Minbu Constituency, U Tin Win from Kyaiklat Constituency and U Thein Kyi from Taungdwingyi Constituency. At present, U Thein Kyi is serving the duty of Chairman of the National Political Alliance (NPA).
Our party participated in the 2015 general election and the 2020 general election successively without derailment from the electoral programme and democracy, and served the duties in respective positions for the sake of the nation to achieve greater success.
Our party will compete in four seats for the Pyithu Hluttaw. U Kyaw Kyaw Han of our party will compete in Taikkyi Township constituency, U Nyan Lin Aung in South Okkalapa Township constituency, U Aung Myo Min in Mingala Taungnyunt Township constituency and U Thein Kyi in Tamway Township constituency in the 2025 general election. Our party aims to compete in the election in order to achieve success in democracy and federalism.
The motto of our party is:
Peace comes first.
Democracy is fundamental.
Improvement of the lives of people is pivotal.
Without peace, there can be no democracy.
The current situation in the country clearly shows that without democracy, the lives of the people, including their security, access to food, clothing, shelter, and transport, are in a downward trend, and they have to face hardships.
Thus, our party has been cooperating with the current government since the time of President U Thein Sein in the peace process.
The restoration of peace is not something that only a government, an individual, or an organization can accomplish. To truly understand and realize the value and essence of peace, each generation must pass down good traditions and legacies from one generation to the next.
Hence, a country has two forces: the constructive element and the destructive element.
At present, the armed conflicts, trespass from the east and the west, and acts of violence that our country is experiencing are being exploited by destructive forces as if they are gaining strength. Terrorism is not only the enemy of our country but the common enemy of the entire world.
Every country has historical institutions and organizations that have preserved the state from being destroyed. For example, in China, it is the Communist Party, and in India, it is the parliamentary system. In Myanmar, the only historical institution that has maintained the unity and integrity of the country is the Myanmar Tatmadaw.
Accepting the actual politics of the country, the constructive elements of the country have to join hands with Tatmadaw in carrying out the nation-building undertakings together without distinction of civilian and military.
The entire population must be aware that if the constructive elements are not strong and effective, the destructive elements will quickly rise again, and the country will have to endure disastrous consequences. For peace and the achievement of democracy, the entire population needs to participate in the electoral process and walk the path together.
Esteemed voters,
The political rights of the people include the right to vote for those who will govern them and the right to stand for election themselves. Without political parties, elections cannot take place, and even the most basic level of democracy electoral democracy cannot be realized for the people. Through elections, a government emerges that represents the people and exercises the power entrusted to it by them. Under the federal system, based on the constitution, powers and responsibilities, such as legislative authority, tax and budget allocation, and natural resource management, can be properly divided between the union and state governments.
Therefore, for a multiparty democratic system to be strong, the entire population must participate actively. Only then can elections be held regularly, and democratic rights be realized. For a strong and stable union government, the people need to be qualified citizens with good capabilities.
Esteemed voters,
As mentioned above, if peace and democracy are firmly established, social life will not only become more harmonious and secure but also improve significantly in various areas, including:
1. Education
2. Health
3. Social welfare
4. Economy
Therefore, to advance social well-being and achieve peace and democracy, the most important factor is the rule of law.
Therefore, from an early age, citizens need to be taught to develop a love for their country, respect for their language and religion, obedience to the law, and understanding of civic duties.
Regarding the health sector, National expenditures for health may vary from country to country depending on each nation’s revenue. However, a government has the legal means to protect the health and longevity of its citizens. For example, this includes food and medicines. If everyone truly loves their people and the country, they must carefully monitor and inspect the food they consume daily and the medicines they use. Only by doing this can they truly love the people. On the other hand, this approach can reduce the costs of citizens seeking medical treatment abroad while strengthening domestic healthcare and medical research industries.
Regarding social matters, from the reign of King Anawrahta, the founder of the first Myanmar Empire, it has been necessary to preserve and protect Buddhism and the country’s cultural heritage. Our human society is held together by these cultural traditions. Undermining these traditions while claiming to promote democracy and human rights is deceptive, and it only intends to harmfully destroy Myanmar society with ignorance. For example, lessons can be drawn from the government’s actions between 2015 and 2020. Therefore, as a party, we believe that future governments should work to develop and strengthen the religions, beliefs, and cultural traditions that unite Myanmar’s society, while simultaneously striving to implement the democratic system in a manner consistent with Myanmar’s own methods and character.
Regarding the country’s economy, the world is currently experiencing waves of agriculture, industry, and technology. However, our country remains a society primarily based on agriculture. Therefore, it is necessary to practically and effectively develop the agricultural sector. When it comes to establishing industry and advancing technology, the most critical factor is ensuring access to electricity in any way. Without electricity, no country can realistically achieve true development. Future governments must make decisions and take action to secure the nation’s energy needs, whether through the ways Myitsone project or nuclear energy.
Esteemed voters,
A country cannot remain isolated in the international community. Therefore, it must interact and maintain relations with the international community. In particular, our country is strategically located between two powerful nations, India and China, and also serves as an outlet to the Indian Ocean. To ensure Myanmar’s stability, peace, and the achievement of democracy, it is necessary to carefully balance power with competing global forces between the West and the East and neighbouring strong countries, while continuing to pursue an independent and active foreign policy. In this way, Myanmar has to navigate international relations cautiously and skillfully.
In conclusion, the most important and final point is that future governments should not discard or completely restart the policies and pathways established by previous administrations. Instead, it is necessary to cultivate a political culture in which good policies, plans, and programmes must be effectively implemented.
May the voters enjoy peace and prosperity.
“May the country reach its goals, and may its citizens also achieve theirs”.
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