IN RECOGNITION of workers, who are a vital driving force essential to national economic development, Labour Day has been commemorated annually. The observance of the commemorative day has reached its 88th anniversary on 1 May 2026.

FEDERALISM means a system where different states have their own powers but still belong to one union. It is based on sharing power between the central government and the states through a common constitution.

It was an emotional and inspiring morning to see thousands of people waving Myanmar national flags, under the February sunshine, welcoming home our bravest and most gentle warriors from the frontline.

When we speak of a nation, its sovereignty and territorial integrity are as vital as life itself. No government of any country in the world would simply look on and do nothing if terrorists launched attacks against its security forces, police outposts, and innocent civilians. Such a response is legitimate both under international law and under a nation’s right to self-defence.

AT the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, The Gambia has filed a case accusing Myanmar of violating the Genocide Convention. This case has now reached the stage of the final hearing. On 10 January, the BBC aired an interview with The Gambia’s lawyer, Mr Arsalan Suleman, regarding this case. Carefully examining the information Mr Suleman shared in this interview, one can see their true intentions, attempts to influence judicial proceedings through the media, and certain baseless accusations.

It might be wondered who wrote this open letter to Founder President Mr Mervyn Thomas of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). I am simply an ordinary citizen who loves our country and people. Particularly, I am an ordinary person who cannot accept one-sided accusations and pressure from international organizations and individuals, that aim our country and people to be in ruins.

MYANMAR shares borders with five neighbouring countries, and some of these borders are easily crossable and difficult to monitor. This makes it challenging to control illegal trade and contributes to the occurrence of illicit commerce. According to the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT), it is estimated that over US$460 billion worth of goods are traded illegally worldwide each year.

The “Seinn Lann Myaing” Family moved to the United States in 2001. At that time, they faced an important decision that would affect not only their own lives but also the lives of their children. Like many immigrant families who arrive in a new country, they wanted to integrate quickly into society. They thought the best way to do this was by adopting the language of their new home. Therefore, they made a deliberate choice: they would stop speaking their native language, Myanmarsar (Burmese), at home and would communicate only in English. Their reasoning was simple. Since they were now living in an English-speaking country, they believed that English should completely replace their mother tongue.

MYANMAR successfully showed off its brilliant endeav­ours in implementing the literacy campaign with mass participation in central Myanmar in the 1960s. Among international literacy initiatives, Myanmar’s efforts in promoting literacy have been historically prominent. During the colonial period, literacy rates declined due to adverse circumstances. As a result, literacy programs were carried out actively under the leadership of UNESCO, achieving notable success.

NATIONAL reconciliation is the process of restoring unity, trust, and mutual respect among different groups within a country after periods of conflict, division, or misunderstanding. It is a journey towards healing the wounds of the past and building a shared future. Reconciliation is essential not only for political stability but also for social harmony and sustainable development.