Media need to lend their support by serving as a bridge between the Hluttaw and the public, and by helping in the ongoing efforts to build a Hluttaw trying to earn the trust and confidence of the people and contributes to the interests of the nation, said Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Yi at a meeting with editors and reporters from 48 local news agencies, local-based foreign news agencies and local media at Zabuthiri Hall of the Hluttaw Complex in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.
Speaking on the occasion, the Speaker stated that there are two types of Hluttaw systems: the bicameral system and the unicameral system. Depending on a country’s geographical size, population, and ethnic composition, some countries around the world have bicameral legislatures, while others adopt a unicameral legislature. Myanmar, with a population of more than 51 million and 135 ethnic groups, practices a bicameral Hluttaw system.
He underscored that the Hluttaw serves as an intermediary institution that bridges the government and the people. It carries out its duties in accordance with the motto: ‘The people’s voice is the Hluttaw’s voice; the people’s aspirations are the Hluttaw’s aspirations; the Hluttaw implements the people’s expectations.’
According to the Constitution, he continued, the Pyithu Hluttaw is formed with 330 elected representatives for 330 townships based on location and population and 110 Defence Services Personnel Representatives, totalling 440. Currently, the Pyithu Hluttaw is constituted with 351 lawmakers due to vacancies.
The Speaker highlighted that the Pyithu Hluttaw has four principal responsibilities. The first is to constitute the legislative branch and to elect and approve the heads of the three branches of government—the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The second responsibility is legislation, which involves repealing, amending, replacing, and enacting laws in line with changing times and circumstances. The third responsibility is to ensure checks and balances among the other branches of government. The fourth responsibility, as representatives elected by the people, is to represent the interests and aspirations of the people.
He underlined that to carry out these responsibilities, the Hluttaw has established Hluttaw committees, comprising four Standing Committees and 18 Select Committees, totalling 22. These committees are often referred to as ‘mini-Hluttaws’ or the ‘pillars of the Hluttaw’ because they play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and effective functioning of Hluttaw affairs.
The Speaker replied to queries raised by media personnel.
Also present at the meeting were Pyithu Hluttaw Deputy Speaker U Maung Maung Ohn, Vice-Chairman of the Coordination Committee for Development of Hluttaw U Hla Thein, Information Team leader Dr Nanda Hla Myint of the Pyithu Hluttaw and officials.
MNA/TTA
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