HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION

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ISSUE 719 | MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Shocked MSF told to leave

Government orders Mdecins Sans Frontires to cease all activities and leave Rakhine State amid accusations of bias in its treatment of patients and the revelation its Memorandum of Understanding expired in January 2013. NEWS 3
Managing director Ross Dunkley and Dr Tin Tun Oo shake hands on February 28, watched over by new investor U Thein Tun (centre).

NEWS 4

Uncertain future for 30,000 HIV patients

The decision to force Mdecins Sans Frontires-Holland to cease operations is already causing fear and confusion among HIV patients who rely on it for life-saving medicine.

FEATURE 6

The hunt for black gold

Each year thousands of people give up life on the farm or in the city for the chance to strike it rich on the dusty, desolate oilelds of Magwe Region.
BUSINESS 22

Salt industry nearing collapse, say producers

Myanmars once-booming salt industry could be wiped out within a few years unless it receives nancial support from the government, industry experts warn.
BUSINESS 22

Booze-makers push back against reform

Local producers say plans to overhaul Myanmars antiquated liquor import rules will hurt the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
PROPERTY 29

PAGE

U Thein Tun buys into The Myanmar Times

The chairman of Tun Foundation Bank has bought out majority shareholders Dr Tin Tun Oo and Dr Khin Moe Moe, paving the way for the award-winning newspaper to begin a push into daily publishing. Pepsi U Thein Tun said he felt very fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with a market leader with its best years still ahead of it.

A Golden City emerges

Singapore-owned rm unveils plans for a US$230 million project in Yankin township that will include nine 33-storey residential towers.

PHOTO: BOOTHEE

2 THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Page 2
THE INSIDER: The local lowdown & best of the web
regional perspective on Myanmars striking reforms in light of ongoing press freedom struggles in other ASEAN nations. with promotional material so perky it appears to have been devised by the creative team behind Myanmore. #zerodiscrimination was intended to promote awareness and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, and end discrimination against, well, everyone. To mark the occasion, The New Light of Myanmar ran an A+ editorial that explained why discrimination is just not cricket (and when it is). Discrimination against someone because of his character defect(s) is acceptable, but making fun of someone because of his physical weakness is completely wrong. Duly noted. The poster girl for the #zerodiscrimination campaign was none other than Nobel laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, whose face was splashed across the UNAIDS website next to this quote: People who discriminate narrow the world of others as well as their own. I believe in a world where everyone can ower and blossom. Daw Suu could not be reached ahead of deadline for comment on the success of ZDD or the whole MSF debacle. But if historys taught us anything, it could be reasonably expected that the thrust of her response would be rule of law. The car-sized jade boulder reported to have been found in Hpakant back in February has turned out to be a 37-tonne disappointment, with Kachin minister of mines Aung Naing telling DVB it was just a rock. Soon after the rock was found on February 9, government troops cordoned off the area and local prospector Aung Naing Win was taken into protective custody. Wild estimates of the boulders size and value were bandied about. The story made international headlines. But, it turns out, there was nothing that special about it. We tried to move the rock and it cracked. Even before that we had presumed, based on an initial study by experts, that it was not jade, the minister told DVB. ........................................................... NEXT WEEK: Newly arrived foreign photographer announces intention to publish groundbreaking photo essay on Yangon punk scene.

online editor Kayleigh Long | kayleighelong@gmail.com

The East-West Center International Media Conference is set to kick off in Yangon on March 10, with Deputy Information Minister and Presidential Spokesman U Ye Htut slated to deliver an address on current developments and future plans for Myanmars media reforms. Its a topic many will be curious about, indeed, given the detention of Unity Journal reporters over a series of stories that leveled allegations about a secret chemical weapons facility operating in Magwe division; the nger-wagging at foreign media over coverage of a recent alleged massacre; the three-month prison sentence handed down to Eleven reporter Ma Khine; the bungle over journalist visas not to mention the furore over that TIME magazine article and its admittedly alarmist title, which led to the issue being banned from the country. According to a release by the EastWest Center, Ye Htuts address will be followed by a panel of Southeast Asian journalists discussing a

Ye Htut to give speech on press freedom: stance unclear

Speaking colloquially, it would be like appointing the head prostitute as the chairman of the commission for the elimination of prostitution.
NLD co-founder U Win Tin explains to The Irrawaddy why appointing retired military gures to head up a commission on corruption might not be such a swell idea.

A promotional poster available for download on the UNAIDS website.

#zerodiscrimination campaign a resounding success in Myanmar

Once was Burma...

Archival material provided by Pansodan Gallery

1970s socialist propaganda magazine Forward. Date unknown.

The biggest story in the country last week was, arguably, the decision to order a shutdown of MSF services and punt the humanitarian organisation from Rakhine State, after days of speculation and negotiation nally yielded a result. The reason for their eviction was due in no small part to the widespread perception that they operate with a pro-Muslim bias, which reportedly served to exacerbate existing tensions in the region. Despite repeated protestations from MSF that any disparity in treatment was down to fundamental qualitative differences between the needs of various communities, theyve been branded discriminatory and it looks as though they probably wont be getting a Christmas card from Thein Sein this year. While few can deny this is a tragic development, and what some would even go so far as to call a humanitarian disaster in the making, it also comes at a rather inconvenient time. March 1 marked the inaugural Zero Discrimination Day (ZDD) for UNAIDS: an awareness campaign

Hpakant jaded over cracked rock

Su Myat Noe Oo for NOW! magazine. Photo: Pyay Han (ColorMax)

Style

Statement

www.mmtimes.com

NEWS EDITOR: Thomas Kean | tdkean@gmail.com

News 3

Savvy businessman U Thein Tun buys into Myanmar Times

ONE of Myanmars most prominent businessmen, U Thein Tun, has bought into the pioneering media company that owns The Myanmar Times. The Myanmar Times is one of the strongest media brands in this country, said editor-in-chief and managing director Ross Dunkley, and we welcome someone with the stature of U Thein Tun to our partnership. I am excited to be investing in The Myanmar Times at such an important time for the company and for journalism in this country, said U Thein Tun. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with a market leader with its best years still ahead of it. He described The Myanmar Times as a respected and wellestablished operation that has attracted a loyal following. Internationally it is the countrys best known English-language newspaper, he said, while it is a major force in the Myanmar language as well. As the rst local newspaper to win publishing awards for excellence in journalism, it is very well positioned to consolidate its role as a must-read for decision makers in Myanmar and the region. Of course, I am delighted to become the chairman and major shareholder in the company, U Thein Tun said. Founder and chairman of the Tun Foundation Bank, U Thein Tun is an entrepreneur best known outside the country for launching the Pepsi franchise in Myanmar in presanction times. He recently entered a partnership to produce Carlsberg beer and is chair of the joint venture company. Today, his holdings cover everything from banks, airlines and hotels to manufacturing, brewing and property development. He has now acquired a majority stake in Myanmar Consolidated Media, the business established by U Sonny Swe and Mr Dunkley at the start of 2000. He has purchased shares from the companys majority holders, local publisher Dr Tin Tun Oo and his wife Dr Khin Moe Moe, who also publish Pyi Myanmar daily, a fashion magazine and medical/health journals. Mr Dunkley and U Sonny Swe formed The Myanmar Times partnership late in 1999, at a time when the Myanmar government was seeking to project a more balanced image in the international community. In March 2000, the pair launched its rst publication, The Myanmar Times, in English. The Myanmar edition was launched a year later, and in 2006 Dr Tin Tun Oo acquired U Sonny Swes stake and became the publisher of The Myanmar Times and NOW! magazine. Mr Dunkley said the substantial resources and inuence of U Thein Tun would be invaluable as the company seeks to expand and deepen its reach in a resurgent and dynamic media sector. We will launch The Myanmar Times daily in both languages, with the priority being the English edition, said Mr Dunkley. We have aggressive growth plans and believe that the public both here and abroad is not yet being served up the quality content they deserve.

Demonstrators hold placards and chant slogans during a protest against MSF in Sittwe on February 22. Photo: AFP

Patients in limbo as govt shuts MSF clinics

Perceived bias toward Muslims in Rakhine State was a key factor in decision

KAYLEIGH LONG
kayleighelong@gmail.com

INTERNATIONAL aid group Mdecins Sans Frontires has been ordered to suspend operations nationwide and withdraw from Rakhine State, amid government accusations that it has been biased toward the states Muslim population. MSF Holland said in a February 28 statement it was shocked at the decision to force it to shut its operations and leave Rakhine State. This decision by the Union Government will have a devastating impact on the 30,000 HIV/AIDS patients and more than 3000 TB patients we are currently treating in Myanmar, said the organisation, which has been in Myanmar for 22 years. MSF staff voiced concerns that the national and regional health departments are not equipped to take over treatment of these patients. Weve always emphasised patients over politics: Weve been here through sanctions, when no one else was. We have the infrastructure, logistics, experience and staff. No one else has that, MSF communications director Eddy McCall said. The aid organisations clinics in

Rakhine, Shan and Kachin states, as well as Yangon Region, where it treats 17,000 HIV patients, were instructed to suspend their activities on February 27. A resident of northern Rakhine State, who asked not to be named, said the closure of the two MSF clinics in Maungdaw township would create an incredible problem for those who require treatment. There are not enough facilities in the states hospitals to treat Rakhine and Rohingya people, and the movement restrictions placed on Rohingya mean those who live in villages, IDP camps and remote areas cannot seek treatment [at government facilities]. They also cannot get the hospital referrals and facilitated transport that MSF provided. There are 500 HIV-positive people who now have no access to ART treatment. But state government health ofcial U Aung Thurein said he was condent there would be no shortfall in treatment. With the help of the [Union] Ministry of Health and other NGOs, [the state government] can ll in the gaps, he said on February 27. While the organisations programs in Rakhine State are almost certain to close permanently, it was not yet clear if its activities would resume in other states and regions. Negotiations with the Ministry of Health and other officials in Nay Pyi Taw are ongoing to renew the

organisations Memorandum of Understanding, which expired in January 2013, Deputy Information Minister U Ye Htut told The Myanmar Times on February 28. However, MSF Switzerland does not appear to have been affected by the shutdown order, as it operates under a separate agreement that remains in force. Its Dawei-based facility provides treatment to around 7000 HIV patients. Opposition to the organisations presence largely in Rakhine State has mounted in recent months, with protestors taking to the streets to demand the closure of its operations. There is a widespread perception among ethnic Rakhine that MSF favours the states Muslim population. U Ye Htut said this perceived bias was a key factor in the decision to order MSF to leave. They do not operate with impartiality, he said. MSF countered that it provides treatment based on need, not ethnicity or religion. In our 22 years of presence in Myanmar, MSF has proven that we deliver healthcare to people based solely on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender, HIV status or political affiliation, it said in the statement. Many have voiced concerns that the ousting of MSF will encourage protesters to focus on forcing out other international NGOs operating in the state.

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with a market leader with its best years still ahead of it.
U Thein Tun

Even the strongest of the dailies are not without their weaknesses, and that says to me there is incredible untapped opportunity for us in this market. We hope to make a sizeable impact as advertising in the dailies begins booming. We will be expanding laterally as well, said the 77-year-old incoming chair of MCM, and will push forward into digital media and commercial and educational printing, as well as book publishing. Our goal is to cater to the growing demands of a young population looking for affordable and high-quality products. We will also remain committed to training and human resource development as a core guiding principle of the company. After all, our staff are our greatest assets. Staff

4 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

US to focus agriculture support on smallholders

SANDAR LWIN sdlsandar@gmail.com THE United States Agency for International Development aims to transform the rural economy by increasing support to Myanmars smallholder farmers, its administrator said during a visit last week. The investments in agriculture are most important, Rajiv Shah told The Myanmar Times in an exclusive interview on February 27. [We can make] effective investment to help people move themselves out of poverty. The United States [is] committed to helping the people, the farmers and their families of Myanmar to grow more food, grow more nutritious crops and improve their incomes. While the Myanmar government has sought to entice foreign and domestic investment in large-scale agriculture, Mr Shah said research has shown smallholder farmers can be more productive and have a larger impact on rural development. All of the producers in this country are smallholder farmers. We see small-scale agriculture as highly productive and [it can] drive rural development transformation across this region. We know that can happen right here, he said in a speech to the agencys development partners and civil society organisations in Yangon on February 27. Under a three-year agricultural assistance program that is already underway, the agency plans to distribute new technologies and improve

We see small-scale agriculture as highly productive and [it can] drive rural development.
Rajiv Shah USAID administrator

farmers access to markets. By equipping farmers with knowledge and skills and capital that they need to move themselves out of poverty, you can transform the rural economy here within the next decade, Mr Shah said. We set specic targets for all our programs in this area to increase rice yield by 30 percent, double the production of high value crops and reach 300,000 farm families with new technologies in just the next three years. The agency will pursue a publicprivate partnership approach, it said in a statement. Connecting smallholder farmers to markets in this country and throughout the region is a

fundamental tenet of the initiative; tapping into the power of partnerships can bring about transformative change here, the statement said. Mr Shah said the government needs to ensure its policies support transparent investment in the sector. Deepening private sector engagement, supporting new research and technologies, and encouraging market-oriented reforms can transform agriculture in this country. We should engage global and local entrepreneurs in achieving economic growth through agriculture. Most importantly, we have to ensure these partnerships are transparent and responsible so that everyone feels the benets of economic development.

An HIV-positive man receives treatment at a health centre in South Dagon on February 28, just hours after being informed all MSF clinics had been told to close. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

Fear, confusion as clinics shut

At an NLD-run health centre in South Dagon township, HIV patients struggle to comprehend government-ordered closure of MSF clinics
SHWE YEE SAW MYINT poepwintphyu2011@gmail.com WHEN it came, the news was devastating for the patients at the South Dagon health centre. But the day had started like any other. About 30 patients had boarded a bus at 8am on February 28 to collect their anti-retroviral (ART) medicine at the nearby Thazin clinic, run by Mdecins Sans Frontires Holland, also known as Artsen Zonder Grenzen, or AZG, in Thaketa township. But when they arrived the gates were locked. Hundreds of other HIV patients were waiting outside for their daily dose of medicine. After half an hour, a doctor emerged to explain the organisations predicament: In response to protests in Rakhine State, the government had ordered it cease all operations, on the grounds that its memorandum of understanding had expired in January 2013. Those gathered outside the Thaketa clinic on February 28 represented just a small proportion of the 30,000 people MSF provides with lifesaving ART treatment. The doctor told me the MSF clinic was closed because of an issue in Rakhine state. MSFs permission to treat patients had been withdrawn and the head of MSF was negotiating with the government at that exact moment, said Ko San Nyunt Aung, who has coordinated the medicine runs from the South Dagon centre since 2008. I asked her when the clinic would reopen and she said they plan to open as normal on Monday [March 3], but she could not answer for sure, he added. The patients returned to the South Dagon centre, which is run by Daw Phyu Phyu Thin from the National League for Democracy and provides treatment, medicine and counselling to HIV patients who would otherwise not be able to afford it. For some the shock was too much. One 25-year-old man, who had arrived at the shelter just ve days earlier and was expecting to undergo his third counseling session with MSF on February 28, later collapsed because his blood pressure rose dangerously. When The Myanmar Times visited, he was conned to his bed for treatment and was so weak he could not talk. Ma Yin, who has been taking ART for about nine months, said she was scared of what would happen if she stopped treatment. When the patients heard the clinic might not open again they are afraid. They are afraid they will die. I feel exactly the same I only have enough [ART] to last three days, she said. More than 70 HIV-positive patients live at the centre while receiving treatment. While sometimes the centre has enough emergency ART stocks to last a few months, as of February 28 it only had enough to treat the patients for another three days. There are few other options for treatment. While drugs can be bought at pharmacies, they are too expensive for most, while the limited state budget for health means government clinics can meet only a fraction of the needs. They just waiting to hear their fate, said U Thein Htay, the warden of the South Dagon centre. Ko San Nyo Aung said he was doing his best to keep residents at the South Dagon centre positive. He has even managed to keep some ill patients from learning about the MSF clinic closures. The patients feel like they are in a hopeless place, he said. If some of them nd out the full reality of the situation I am worried about the consequences. I am just trying to be optimistic that the clinic will reopen on Monday. But really, we have no idea if that will happen.

They are afraid they will die. I feel exactly the same I only have enough [ART] to last three days.
Ma Yin HIV patient

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News 5

Criticism as speaker sends back draft laws

Controversial legislation on interfaith marriage, population control drafted by U Wirathu-led group could be used as a weapon in the 2015 election, MP warns
EI EI TOE LWIN eieitoelwin@gmail.com PYIDAUNGSU Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann has drawn criticism from MPs for returning four controversial laws drafted by a committee led by U Wirathu back to the government. The Committee for the Protection of Nationalism and Religion sent the four draft laws to the president along with more than 1.3 million signatures of support, arguing that new legislation is necessary to resolve unbalanced social issues that are the main cause of current internal conicts. The laws focus on converting religion, interfaith marriage, monogamy and population control. President U Thein Sein then forwarded them to parliament on February 25 and urged MPs to enact them according to section 98 of the constitution, which gives the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw responsibility for legislation not specically mentioned in the constitutions legislative list. Thura U Shwe Mann called an emergency meeting on February 27 and decided to send the laws back to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Union Attorney Generals Office and the Ministry of Immigration and Population to rewrite them as bills. He added the laws should also be examined by the National Human Rights Commission, which was established with members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs. The speaker said the laws are very important for the sake of the people and the state but also touch on complicated religious issues. We must be cautious about enacting these laws, he said. Therefore we believe that government ministries should give suggestions and make a bill for each of the laws. Our parliament will do our duties according to section 98 based on these bills. A number of MPs said the laws were long overdue, while others suggested they were being used as a political tool. It would have been better to enact them after the 2015 election, said U Hla Swe, an outspoken Amyotha Hluttaw representative from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). He said the president and parliament were playing volleyball with the drafts, which were being used by some as a weapon to advance political interests in the 2015 election. This is a dangerous situation and I think some are deliberately trying to create a problem. [Enacting these laws] is like throwing a stone into a tranquil lake, U Hla Swe said. U Tun Aung Kyaw from the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party said the laws were needed immediately. We dont need to say too much more. It is very clear from what has happened in Rakhine [that the laws are needed]. While the marriage law, which would place restrictions on who Buddhist women can marry, has attracted widespread criticism, Daw Nan Sae Bwa from the Phalone-Sawaw Democratic Party said it is needed to preserve the rights of Buddhist women. She conceded they might not conform to international human rights standards but said they were suitable for Myanmars conditions.
Protesters hold placards during a protest in Sittwe on February 22. Photo: AFP

Police reject public protest area proposal

EI EI TOE LWIN eieitoelwin@gmail.com THE Ministry of Home Affairs has rejected a proposal to set up spaces in Yangon and Mandalay where people can speak freely without having to seek government permission. Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brigadier General Kyaw Zan Myint said Myanmar citizens were not wellacquainted enough with democratic practices to enjoy such a privilege. He said the ministry is also concerned the proposed speakers corners could cause disturbances. Because of these factors we have no plan to allow a public forum area where anyone can express their opinion without asking for permission, he told the Pyithu Hluttaw on February 25 in response to the proposal from U Soe Yin, the representative for Kamaryut. U Soe Yin said his idea is modelled on Speakers Corner in Londons Hyde Park, but similar places have existed in Myanmar in the past. Public speaking areas existed under the monarchy, enabling governors to come and settle disputes and problems. During the parliamentary democracy period, Yangons Mahabandoola Park was designated as a public space for free expression. If a public area is designated for people to express their opinions and their thinking, the rate of law-breaking and protesting in our young democracy will decrease, he added. However, Brig Gen Kyaw Zan Myint said the state needs to have peace and stability as it changes from dictatorship to democracy. He added that people already have the right to protest under the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law provided township police approve their request. Translation by Thiri Min Htun

[Enacting these laws] is like throwing a stone into a tranquil lake.

U Hla Swe USDP representative

6 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

LIGHT truck moves along the dirt road in Magwe Region. Inside, women vendors, their faces daubed with dust, carry goods in baskets. On the roof and running board, young men in faded clothes chewing betel nut sit and stand. They talk loudly above the noise from the truck, their eyes radiant and their voices eager. They have one destination and one goal: nding the black gold of the oil eld. Situated beside the Minhla-Thayet road in Minhla township, Htan-kine is not a new eld but many people from around the country still travel here to undertake the labour-intensive process of extracting oil. Some estimate there are 100,000 people; local officials simply stare when asked for the official gure.

AUNG SHIN
koshumgtha@gmail.com

We have many people here, the full range of characters. No law can rule here. There are no authorities.
U Myint Win Prospector at the Dahatpin eld

The eld can be seen from a distance: derricks covering the hilly slopes, sparse outcrops of trees amid the harsh desert and a disorderly array of tents. Motorbikes move here and there, while people shop at roadside stalls. At the entrance to the eld, the light trucks that pass for buses in this part of Myanmar wait beside htawlergyi (agricultural vehicles). The bustling morning scene is more like that of a small town than an oileld. Lorries loaded with barrels of oil move around the eld, buying up the oil as it is pumped from the ground. A large woman carrying a handbag she could only be an oil trader, around here watches the photographer as he snaps away and the workers smile. Why are you taking photographs? Please dont. I worry that the number plate of our car will be in the picture, she said. She is not the only one wearing a worried look. Production at the eld

118,000
Selling price for a barrel of oil produced on the elds of Magwe Region

KYAT

has plateaued in recent months and people are already starting to drift away as more wells come up empty. One Dyna truck can carry 18 50-gallon barrels. Before, we could buy enough to ll two or three trucks a day. Now the oil production is coming down and we just ll one truck a day, said one oil trader. The efforts to produce oil still emit a serious din, which is only enhanced by the erce sun. The workers tents are packed tight amid the derricks and the pumps roar nonstop. The eager oil prospectors at the mouth of every well get their crude through a 3-inch pipe. The prospector squats, holding the pipe in one hand, the other hand controlling the pump. A spurt of crude can be extracted from the well once every hour, and this can be done by hand or with a pump depending on the depth and pumping rate of the well. In deeper wells, we use compressors to get all the crude oil out, said one prospector, U Tin Hlaing, his cheeks stained black by his precious bounty. Six months ago, U Tin Hlaing moved his family to Htankine from rural Minbu township. He initially worked as a labourer but when he saved enough money he spud his own wells. From his seven attempts, ve are still producing. I was a farmer. Later I moved to the oileld together with my family. Agriculture doesnt work anymore because of weather and some other reasons. At the moment we have everything we need, even if I havent saved much money yet, U Tin Hlaing said. His wells pump 1.5 barrels of crude each day. With one barrel selling for K118,000, he can make a daily prot of more than K100,000 - vastly more than he could hope for farming, even at the best of times. But nding this treasure of the desert is not always so easy. For every U Tin Hlaing, there are countless losers. The only ones who always win are the landowners, who charge hundreds of dollars for small patches in which to sink a well. They get at least K300,000 for one well. Look there are hundreds of oil wells here, and the land cant be more than an acre, one middle-aged oil worker said. Ko Myo Lwin, a prospector from Thahmyar village in Natmauk township, is already sinking further into debt. We worked in a group of three. Only one of the three wells we sunk was successful and it only yields 2 gallons a day, he said. Weve already lost K7 million. There are many losers here, people who never get anything no matter how many

On the hunt for black gold

Thousands leave their farms and villages each year hoping to strike it rich on the oil elds of rural Magwe Region. While a few prosper, most prospectors struggle to make money on elds rife with scam artists, vagabonds and prostitutes
Photo Caption. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

wells they dig. Ko Zaw Moe Latt, a prospector from Nabuai village in Myingyan, has blown K4 million over the past 10 months at Htankine. But he is determined to stick it out. I worked in the elds at Ngashantaung, Kyauktaka, Suwen and Weltaung for almost six years. It was the same losing and winning, over and over, he said. Most of the prospectors give up after the losses begin to mount. Ko Thein Tun invested in some oilelds but never made a dime. Instead, he started Yangon restaurant at Htankine to make a buck. In previous months, we made K150,000 a day

but only get half of that now because production is coming down, he said. The hungry oil hunters are turning their sites to other elds, both new and old. One of the busiest of late is Dahatpin, about 32km (20 miles) further along the Thayat-Minhla road from Htankine. The Dahatpin oileld is not totally barren, as it abuts a mountain range. But what was once Dahatpin forest is now a jumble of trampled trees, smashed by the workers who arrive in their droves. As the eld expands day by day with prospectors, it swallows everything living around it.

Dahatpin has been divided into ve blocks, of which four and ve are the newest. Block ve is the most attractive because of its high production, and word about it has quickly spread around the other elds. In the elds swollen market, vendors sell everything from vegetables, meat and sh to cloths and industrial materials. Smaller betel nut stands, teashops, traditional restaurants and a few more fashionable outlets have already sprung up around the eld, which takes a full day to explore. But an air of anxiety pervades Dahatpin because of the large number of new arrivals. The lack of law and
Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

www.mmtimes.com

News 7

Doubts emerge over anti-graft commission

All members of the Anti-Bribery Commission have close ties to former military regime, say politicians
EI EI TOE LWIN eieitoelwin@gmail.com THE recently formed Anti-Bribery Commission has already come under attack from politicians, with some questioning whether retired government officials are wellplaced to enforce a new law aimed at tackling graft. President U Thein Sein formed the 15-member Anti-Bribery Commission on February 25 under the Anti-Corruption Law, which was enacted in November 2013. The commission is headed by retired Tatmadaw officer U Mya Win. Its members include other former military officers and ambassadors, and ex-government officials from the Audit Office, Attorney Generals Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development. It includes just two MPs, both from the Amyotha Hluttaw. National League for Democracy patron U Win Tin said the commissions members should be independent experts with no links to the former military government. I feel disappointed, U Win Tin said of the bodys composition. I dont want to accuse them, saying they were denitely connected with corruption but most government officials have some links with bribery, said U Win Tin. If possible I want the committee to feature individuals who are admired by the people. Even the two MPs have close relations with the previous government, said U Aye Maung from the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party. Both attended the National Convention that drafted the 2008 Constitution. But its not unusual when you consider most current Union Government ministers come from the former military regime even president U Thein Sein ruled wearing a military uniform, he said. MPs also expressed concern over the procedure for appointing members, who were nominated by the president and two speakers. Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann had told MPs they could object to any of the selections but representatives complained that they did not get biographies of all commission members, and most lacked key information. Finally, parliament approved the commission members without objection, said Amyotha Hluttaw representative U Phone Myint Aung. He said he wasnt concerned so much about the members as whether they could effectively implement the commissions duties. It doesnt matter whether a cat is white or black, as long as it catches mice, he said, quoting former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. Upper house representative U Hla Swe from the Union Solidarity and Development Party said commission chairman U Mya Win, a former major general, was a smart person.

Number of members on the new Anti-Bribery Commission

15

Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

order is palpable, hovering over the eld like a dark cloud. We have to be friendly even with thieves. We dare not quarrel with them even if we catch them stealing, said U Myint Win, a farmer-turnedprospector from Sakhangyi village in Aunglan township. We have many people here, the full range of characters. No law can rule here. There are no authorities. In this environment, every business partner is a potential scam artist. The characters here come from all walks of life, said one oil trader, before growling, A recent problem is fake oil, where people mix their crude with other liquid. I have been fucked over by that several times. While the money ows out of the

Only one of the three wells we sunk was successful ... There are many losers here, people who never get anything no matter how many wells they dig.
Ko Myo Lwin Prospector at the Htankine eld

ground quickly, it also leaves the hands of the oil workers just as fast. You can nd prostitutes here in the oilelds. The majority of workers are young men. They arent stingy to pay for that because they were earning well. I worry that they will forget to use a condom when they have sex with them, said Ko Moe Gyi, who drives buses between Dahatpin and Minbu. The number one rule to survive at Dahatpin? Dont believe anyone, he said. Theres no rule of law here. There could be criminals hiding here and nobody would ever know. Sometimes I wonder how the government will conduct the census here, with so many thousands of people in these oilelds.

When auditors used to come to audit his regiment, he would not provide them with anything. The auditors even had to bring their own lunch. So I think with this kind of attitude he can do his best, said U Hla Swe, a former lieutenant colonel. I expect the commission will perform its duties effectively and practically. Few question whether an AntiBribery Commission is needed. If MPs needed any reminder, it was provided on February 26, when the Judicial and Legal Affairs, Complaints and Appeals Committee said in a report that it had received many complaints about corruption. It urged stronger action to clean up the government. Although good governance and clean government has been a priority for U Thein Sein since he took office, the government has had only minor success in tackling systemic corruption. In January 2013 he formed an Anti-Corruption Committee. Chaired by Vice President U Sai Mauk Kham and featuring several union ministers, it has not yet issued a single report to the public. Another anti-corruption committee was formed in parliament.

8 News
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Views
Public companies: Beware the hype
Myae, Mahar Danan, Dana Thiri and Lin Thitsar were the big names at the time. They werent officially public companies and were also not given permission to offer nancial services like a bank. Typically their businesses were neither inspected nor restricted by the authorities. Perhaps the worst government decision was to impose a strict news blackout so that accurate information about these credit associations was never available to the public. Their enticements caught the attention of many around the country. The promises of quick prots prompted thousands of people to rush and open a savings account. When the situation deteriorated and resulted in a banking crisis, the authorities issued surreptitious warnings to the public. But just a few people got back the money they had deposited in these savings accounts. When the crunch came, long queues of angry people could be seen in front of the offices of the credit companies in Yangon. A new era of public companies The country needs to establish a stock market to support the development of the economy. Until recently there were only about ve public companies but now a lot of new public rms have emerged in a short period as the government has granted approval very quickly. Hundreds of public limited companies, mostly based on a business sector, geographic region or specic project have appeared. While they are calling themselves public companies, most havent completed all of the required procedures. Yet because they announce that they are selling shares to the public, people come and invest. Now the Deputy Minister for Finance U Maung Maung Thein has warned people to think carefully before putting money into a public company. Most of the owners of the public companies are ready to leave Myanmar if something happens. They have already bought air tickets to run away to Thailand or Singapore if there is a problem with their company. So people should think before investing in a public company, he said. What should be done? The exact regulations for public companies already exist. The government should control the companies to follow these existing rules. In particular, it must strictly monitor the granting of permission to sell shares. The next important issue is to improve awareness and education about public companies. At the same time, those setting up these public companies need to be pushed to improve their transparency. Information shouldnt be secret, and the leaders of the companies should not be able to avoid releasing information. So government supervision will be required to ensure transparency. If a public company breaks the rules or encounters any other difficulties, the government needs to publicise this information. If a stock market is built on weak companies then it will have ow-on effects for condence in the economy as a whole. But for now, when it comes to Myanmars public companies it really is a case of buyer beware. Translation by Zar Zar Soe and Thiri Min Htun

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Wanted: one p
Political talks between the four or ve main stakeholders

EI EI TOe LWIN
eieitoelwin@gmail.com

newsroom@mmtimes.com

SITHU AUNG MYINT

MYANMAR is the only Southeast Asian country without a functioning stock exchange but that is soon likely to change. Daiwa Institute of Research in particular is pushing for the emergence of a stock market by the end of 2015. On February 14, Yusuki Kawamura, the companys vice president, conrmed Daiwa had already met with more than 60 local companies that could be listed on the exchange. Just one day later, Deputy Minister for Finance U Maung Maung Thein warned the public during a speech in Myitkyina that it should be careful of public companies. The easing of government restrictions on the formation of public companies has led to rapid growth of late and many rms are now out hawking shares. A stock exchange depends on strong and credible public companies. But what are these new public companies actually doing? And what can the history of public companies in Myanmar tell us about what is likely to happen in the future?

Information shouldnt be secret, and the leaders of the companies should not be able to avoid releasing information.

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The past: boom and bust There were less than a handful of successful public companies under the military regime, but it wasnt for a lack of trying. Around 1995, some public companies gradually emerged but they were not legally registered as such. What they had in common was an advertising campaign urging people to deposit money and promising high monthly returns, ranging from 5 to 7 percent. While it was never clear exactly where the prots were coming from, they gave the impression they were involved in businesses where they were guaranteed to make a prot. The government neither restricted these advertisements nor audited or inspected any of the companies. Many people fell for it and put their life savings into these rms. Predictably, it wasnt long before they lost their savings. Among the loss-making public companies, Jiong Yuan was one of the more prominent. Then in the 2000s cooperative credit associations sprung up in large numbers. They functioned in a similar way, persuading the public to deposit money by offering high returns through interest. Aye Yar

TO amend or not to amend the constitutional issue hangs over Myanmars entire political landscape. While people have been told for many years that Myanmar would transform into democracy, over the past three years most have gured out that a political system based on the 2008 Constitution is far from the democracy that was promised. While there have been positive changes, the state is facing new challenges, such as sectarian violence and civil war, complicated land disputes and the jailing of protesters exercising the fundamental right to freedom of expression. Accordingly, amend the 2008 Constitution and amend section 59(f ) the clause that bars Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from the presidency have begun to echo across Myanmar. People and political groups from both Myanmar and abroad who want to establish a genuine democracy are calling for the changes to be made before the coming election. And change appears to be coming. The parliament collected tens of thousands of submissions on which sections should be amended and has formed a committee that will submit a bill by the middle of next year. The president has said he agrees the constitution should be reviewed and changed to meet international standards of democracy. Meanwhile, the opposition National League for Democracy has held public awareness talks and informal polls across Myanmar that have drawn hundreds of thousands of people. At the same time, however, some people in the hluttaw are trying to organise a campaign against constitution amendments, according to Pyithu Hluttaw representative Thura U Aung Ko. These are widely believed to be hard-line elements in Thura U Aung Kos own party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). Recently, some public events have been held to solidify support for keeping section 59(f ) on the grounds it is needed for national protection. The controversial monk U Wirathu is a known advocate of section 59(f ). This has led to something of a tugof-war that has cast doubt on whether section 59(f ) or indeed any sections of the constitution will be amended before 2015. Political analysts say Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is likely to face more obstacles and come under more concerted attacks from opponents in the coming 18 months as elections scheduled for late 2015 approaches. However, if the government or other forces seek to maintain the constitution as it is, this is also likely to create instability in coming years, experts say. Well-known analyst U Yan Myo Thein says what is needed to avoid instability and ensure fair elections next year has already been proposed months ago: four-way talks. There is no denying that there needs to be a political agreement between the USDP, government, military and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Thats why she urged a meeting of all four groups. They can get an agreement if they hold a four-way meeting, he said.

President U Thein Sein and National League for

In August, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi invited President U Thein Sein, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann to participate in the talks. Since emerging from house arrest she has tried to cultivate positive relationships with all of them, but is closest to Thura U Shwe Mann.

The military and USDP need to accept the fact that Myanmars political reforms can only move forward through negotiation.
U Yan Myo Thein Political analyst

Almost immediately proposed talks were nixed by President U Thein Sein, who argued they would undermine the parliamentary process. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has vowed to try again and Thura U Shwe Mann has said he will accept the offer, but it remains unclear whether the government intends to consider it further. While U Thein Sein appears to be the holdout, U Yan Myo Thein said it is just as likely that the military opposes the talks. Both the president and the commander-in-chief are members of the National Defence and Security Council. It may be that the military thinks

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News 9

ANALYSIS

political agreement
are needed to ensure Myanmar avoids instability prior to the 2015 general election

Sarawaks White Rajah calls it a day

accoutrements. He even had a gurgling gold fountain. He drew up below in his skyblue Rolls-Royce and strode in like a king a small, wiry man with a wide smile and a mouth full of white teeth. I liked him a lot. And so, apparently, did Sarawakians, who returned him to power with large majorities in eight elections. Under his rule, the state remained essentially independent, with outsiders needing to produce their passport to enter from Malaysia. Even other Malaysians need to show their identity card. Sarawak holds its own elections at a different time from the rest of Malaysia and the ruling National Fronts dominant party, the United Malays National Organisation, has no formal presence in the state. Yet Taib always delivered a large bank of seats to the Front and for that reason, among others, no Malaysian prime minister has ever dared to cross him.

rogermitton@gmail.com

ROGER MITTON

Democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi shake hands at a Union Day ceremony on February 12. Photo: Supplied/Presidents Office

it is early to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi or they do not yet trust her. Neither the government nor the military is ready to make political agreement yet, U Yan Myo Thein said. But the military and the USDP need to accept the fact that Myanmars political reforms can only move forward through negotiation. All need to accept that building condence and political give-and-take is important. Such a meeting, however, would be unusual in Myanmar, which largely lacks a political culture of negotiation. Ko Myo Yan Naung Thein from the Peoples Network for Constitutional Reform said it is likely that there are invisible forces at work behind the scenes. The proposal is very clear, so it is difficult to say why they are having problems meeting. As far as I know, the president and commander-inchief are on good terms and the commander-in-chief once said he would follow the way set by former Senior

General Than Shwe. We have to consider what is happening behind them, said Ko Myo Yan Naung Thein, who is also the director of political training school Bayda Institute. Such a meeting would have benets not only for amending the constitution but also efforts toward national reconciliation and establishing a federal union system. He warned that without talks Myanmar risks perpetuating the cycle of conict and instability it has endured since independence. If they can start the quadrilateral meeting, I also want to see a national ethnic representative involved. Then it will truly represent all people in Myanmar, Ko Myo Yan Naung Thein said. United Nationalities Federal Council general secretary U Khun Okkar agreed the issue has signicance for ethnic minorities and also urged the inclusion of an ethnic representative. He believe there is no prospect of amending the constitution through the hluttaw alone but at the same time

the peace process wont be resolved unless there is constitutional change. All need to participate to nd a solution for next year, when we expect to set a framework for political dialogue. We support the current situation in which all people including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi are trying hard to amend the constitution. From the outside we are also seeking to amend it. One recent event has given some hope of an impending breakthrough. The television broadcast of the Union Day ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw on February 12 clearly showed U Thein Sein, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Thura U Shwe Mann and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi seated together at the same table. Is it an indication that the four plan to meet again for political talks? This kind of thing is never a coincidence. Im sure it is deliberate, said Ko Myo Yan Naung Thein. This could lead to the starting of official four-way talks. Translation by Thiri Min Htun

On February 28, a truly momentous event took place: The last White Rajah of the East Malaysian state of Sarawak nally stepped down. There will never be another like him. Indeed, it is amazing that such autocratic and absolute rulers can still exist in this day and age. His predecessors were magnicent men, the original White Rajahs, a trio of dashing Englishmen who ruled the Kingdom of Sarawak before it became part of Malaysia. The adventurer James Brooke, the rst of those Rajahs, was given the territory in 1841 as a reward for helping the Sultan of Brunei suppress marauding pirates and rambunctious natives. He became absolute ruler of a resource-rich slab of land twice the size of Sri Lanka and much bigger than Hungary or Portugal. James was succeeded by his nephew Charles, who, after ruling for almost half a century, made way for his son Vyner, the last and perhaps most popular of the Caucasian White Rajahs. According to legend, Vyner was one of the few monarchs who could justiably emulate Frances 17th century Sun King, Louis XIV, and say, Ltat, cest moi I am the state. He was that powerful. But of course such a situation could not continue in the modern world and in 1946 Vyner ceded Sarawak to the British in return for a pot of gold. Contrary to expectation, however, Vyner was not the nal White Rajah, for not long after Sarawak joined Malaysia, Taib Mahmud appeared on the scene. He proceeded to rule Sarawak imperiously for even longer than Vyner, nally standing down in Kuching, the state capital, on February 28 after 33 years in power. Taib became known as the new White Rajah, partly because of the way he exercised command, but also because of his shock of white hair and his regal lifestyle. As I vividly remember from interviewing him some years ago, his capacious state room on the 22nd oor was festooned with opulent suites and blue and silver

Years Taib Mahmud ruled Sarawak until his retirement on February 28

33

Of course, he had to endure the petty irritations that come with an ostensibly democratic system, but there was never any doubt that he would win every state election. Indeed, he won the last one in 2011 by a handsome majority and it was those seats, delivered by Taib, that helped Prime Minister Najib Razak remain in power in Kuala Lumpur. But Taibs last victory margin was less than in previous polls and there was a 6.4-percent swing against him among local voters. Knowing the writing was on the wall, Taib, now 77, decided to call it a day but not before following Rajah-like tradition and anointing his brother-in-law, Adenan Satem, as his successor. He is expected to request, and be given, the ceremonial post of state governor, which will ensure he avoids prosecution for his many peccadilloes. Among those who will miss him most is the now-vulnerable PM Najib, who will rue not being able to persuade the last White Rajah to stay on until the next election and deliver all those seats once again.

10 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Tatmadaw admits rapes but denies they are institionalised

NAN TIN HTWE
nantin.htwe@gmail.com

IN BRIEF
Solo protest to mark Peasants Day in Pyin Oo Lwin
A land rights activist in Pyin Oo Lwin plans to stage a solo protest to mark Peasants Day on March 2 to show solidarity with farmers facing land conscations. U Htay Aung from the northern Shan State arm of civil society group Facilitators Network with ILO said he would proceed with the protest even if police do not give permission. I will carry a placard calling for the withdrawal of charges against the farmers, to start quickly four-way [political] discussions for the development of the country and to not arrest farmers except for criminal cases, he said. Although farmers in Pyin Oo Lwin district had planned to protest on Peasants Day, U Htay Aung said he had persuaded them to let him protest on his own because he was worried about the consequences they would face. There are more than 2000 acres currently disputed in Pyin Oo Lwin district and altogether tens of thousands of acres have been conscated. Local farmers have been facing many troubles, said Pyin Oo Lwin resident Ko Nyi, who has helped farmers involved in disputes. Si Thu Lwin, translation by Thiri Min Htun

THE Tatmadaw has rejected allegations that rape is an institutionalised practice in the military but admitted that its soldiers committed 40 known rapes of civilian women in the past three years. The response to a report released by the Womens League of Burma (WLB) in January came in the form of a full-page article in the army-run Myawady newspaper on February 26. The article, written under the name Min Kaung, said immediate action would be taken against those found guilty, adding that other rapes and attempted rapes had been committed against dependents of army staff members. The paper said senior officers had investigated victims complaints, and that perpetrators had received punishments ranging from a transfer to imprisonment and even the death penalty. In Same Impunity, Same Patterns

the Womens League of Burma said soldiers had committed 100 rapes in the past three years, a gure it described as the tip of the iceberg. The report said crimes of sexual violence committed by the Tatmadaw spanned different areas, involved different battalions, were frequently committed in ongoing conicts, and that gang rape and the aggravated nature of the sexual violence were part of a wider use of torture in which high-ranking officers were implicated. Sexual assaults by soldiers and senior officers, usually in ethnic areas, are part of a structural pattern in which senior officers are implicated, it said. Most cases are linked to the military offensives in Kachin and

Number of rapes committed by Tatmadaw soldiers in the past three years, according to ofcial media

40

northern Shan states since 2011, the report said. It also says that most victims were ethnic women like Kachin, Shan and Palaung. The Shan Womens Action Network, the Kachin Womens Association Thailand, the Karen Womens Organisation and the Karen Human Rights Group provided information and documentation for the report. In one example from October 2013, a Kachin woman in Putao was raped by a major for being the wife of a man accused of supporting the Kachin Independence Army, the Kachin Womens Association Thailand said. The report also mentioned a woman who died after being gang-raped by soldiers in Tang Yang township, eastern Shan State. All these elements conrm that these crimes are more than single, random, isolated acts by rogue soldiers, but rather are a sign of a structural pattern, the report said. But the Myawady article disputed the accuracy of the information in the report, as well as its contention that senior officials condoned rape. WLB is not an official organisation and has no accurate information. It gets information as it likes,

Min Kaung wrote. The Tatmadaw as a whole should not be blamed, as only a few people commit these crimes. Every organisation in every country has the same situation. Min Kaung said the army operates a zero-tolerance policy. Instead of writing based on fabricated information, [the WLB] should help by educating the victims on how to [le] charge[s to] the nearby authorities. But Ma Nang Seng Moon, coordinator of SWAN, an umbrella organisation that includes the WLB, told The Myanmar Times that the information in the report is all true. And its only 1 percent of whats really happening. There are many cases which we cant reach and victims dare not speak, she said. I think we have the right to speak the truth, especially when the government is talking about peace, change and transparency. [Rape is] still happening. It should be stopped. Neither the Ministry of Defence spokesperson or Deputy Minister for Information U Ye Htut responded to requests for comment last week.

Motorcycle owners get 90 days to register vehicles

Motorcyclists face a government crackdown designed to ensure riders are licensed, pay road tax and drive more safely. One feature of the program could include a giveaway of free safety helmets. Unlicensed drivers have 90 days from February 17 to get a licence, or face legal action. The government estimates that the countrys 2,833,309 motorcycles could bring in taxes worth K278.187 billion, or around US$283 million. Another aim of the crackdown is to reduce motorcycle-related crime, as well as accidents. In the states and regions, about 60 percent of the public use motorcycles. Accidents involving motorcycles are the leading cause of death among people aged between 14 and 40, said Police Colonel Kyaw Htwe, commander of the Nay Pyi Taw trafc police. We will educate people by distributing pamphlets about the dangers of motorcycles at the Road Transport Administration Department. If donors can be found, we will even distribute helmets free of charge. Owners will pay K22,000 to register their bikes, as well as tax to the value of up to 10pc of the vehicle. Aye Nyein Win

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News 11

Amid conflict, Muslim youth look to future

MYAT NOE OO
myatnoe.mcm@gmail.com

PARTICIPANTS at the rst Muslim Youth Forum have spoken out about the increased conict and discrimination that they face in democratising Myanmar. They now hope to establish a youth network to strengthen bonds between young Muslims and other communities, as well as participate in the upcoming Myanmar Youth Forum. The forum, in Yangons Thanlyin township on February 22 and 23, brought together more than 200 people from across the country to discuss a range of issues, including Myanmars communal conicts. In Shan State there is religious discrimination and Muslim youths exclude themselves they do not cooperate with others and feel inconsequential, said Ma Yin Yin Htwe from Lashio township. After attending this forum I plan to share information about the discussions with them. Economics student Ko Sithu Maung said he was sad at the way Muslims have been treated in recent years. Throughout the history of Myanmars independence movement and search for democracy, Muslim youth

Participants gather at the Muslim Youth Forum in Thanlyin on February 23. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

always cooperated, he said. We were swimming in the stormy seas together but when we saw the shore, they left the Muslim people behind. Now they treat us like this and it is

very sad for Muslim people. But Al-Haj U Aye Lwin, the chief of convener of Myanmars Islamic Centre, which organises interfaith dialogue and outreach programs, said

young Muslims have to work harder to show society what they are capable of achieving. Today no one can be neglected because of their religion or ethnicity, he

said. In Myanmars history there were people who could not be ignored because of their quality. Young people have power but it is important to use this power in the right way. To that end, two participants from the forum will be selected to take part in the Myanmar Youth Forum in early March, according to organisers. Al-Haj U Aye Lwin said he is hopeful some may then also be selected to participate in the ASEAN Youth Forum, which Myanmar will host later this year. Myanmar people from any religion or ethnic group can attend the ASEAN Youth Forum if they are smart enough, so we hope this forum can help train them so they can go to the youth forum. International guests said the forum had brought together some brilliant young minds and expressed hope that this would result in solutions to the problems Muslims face. I noticed the same excitement and enthusiasm that young people display everywhere when they feel that they will have a forum where they will be allowed to participate, make input and have a say in their future and when they also feel that their input contributions will be valued and appreciated, said Michale Jeewa, the chief executive officer of the Asian Peoples Disability Alliance.

Multi-faith group tours Bago religious sites

SHWEGU THITSAR khaingsabainyein@gmail.com SEEKING to build cooperation and understanding across different faiths, a group of 30 young people representing four religions toured Bago on February 22, taking in Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Hindu landmarks. We brought these people together to have peace among the youths and to establish a helpful society, said Ma Thinzar, a Muslim from Smile Education, the education and development foundation behind the tours.

We want to decrease the ghts and quarrels between these different [religious] viewspoints.
Ma Thinzar Smile Education

Similar tours have already taken place in Yangon and Mandalay, with plans for Taunggyi, Mawlamyine and Myitkyina next, she said. Our group includes religions of different kinds: Buddhism, Christianity, Muslim, and Hinduism. We want to decrease the ghts and quarrels between these different viewpoints. The group visited a pagoda, church, mosque and Hindu temple in Bago. During the trip, youth leaders from each religion explained the foundations and essences of their faith, and answered questions to clear any con-

fusion. Group members also had the opportunity to speak to religious leaders directly. There might be questions, such as why a religion has a particular event. Because of the explanations from the leaders, they will have clear understandings again, said Ma Mon Mon Kyi, a Buddhist from Smile Education. Smile Education was established in 2007. After Cyclone Nargis in 2008, it expanded to become a religious and social development group. Its recent interfaith initative is organised in conjunction with Piti education organisation.

A political anatomy of land grabs

KEVIN WOODS newsroom@mmtimes.com THE phrase land grab has become common in Myanmar, often making front page news. This reects the more open political space available to talk about injustices, as well as the escalating severity and degree of land dispossession under the new government. But this seemingly simple twoword phrase is in fact very complex and opaque. It thus deserves greater clarity in order to better understand the deep layers of meaning to farmers in the historical political context of Myanmar. Understanding the deeper signicance and meaning that farmers attach to the words land grab entails frank discussions of formerly taboo subjects related to the countrys history of armed conict, illicit drugs, cronyism and racism. Various state and non-state armed actors have been responsible for land grabs in Myanmar during the past several decades, mirroring recent historical periods. Through the Great Depression under British colonial rule, the Japanese occupation during WWII and eventual freedom from foreign domination, rice production in the Ayeyarwady Delta, propped up by British colonial capitalism, collapsed under heavy debt burdens, with farmers losing their land and livelihoods. Fast-forward through General Ne Wins reign and the lead-up to the 1988 uprisings, during which authoritarian, quasi-socialist principles were applied to land and livelihoods in the Burman lowland areas. Meanwhile, war and counterinsurgency spread through the different ethnic upland peripheries, waged in part by ethnic militia proxies. After the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) later the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) took power in September 1988, the countrys rst experiment in post-colonial capitalism sparked a new wave of land grabs. This time the main culprit was the Burmese military, which had orders to do business. In reality, this mostly resulted in abandoned factories and idle wastelands forcibly emptied of farmers and their productive labour. Farmers today have been confronted by yet another wave of land grabs following Cyclone Nargis, constitutional reform, a new Westernlegitimated government, and neoliberal economic and legal reform packages. Whereas land grabs during previous periods were predominately conducted directly by military-state and non-state armed actors for their benet alone, crony companies with extreme wealth and political leverage have become the new driver of land grabs in different parts of the country, often nancially backed by foreign investors. As the Myanmar military recedes from direct involvement in the countrys political and economic affairs, the power of the gun is less necessary to secure land concessions. Instead, the newly-minted Myanmar government, backed by its new land-related laws and policies, is working hand-in-hand with former military-favoured businessmen and their companies, enabling them to gain access now legal to the countrys biggest and most promising new billion-dollar asset: land. Ironically, the over-played rule of law mantra is what provides state legitimacy in carrying out what can be thought of now as a legal land grab, where the new land-related laws are haphazardly and improperly applied to legally turn farmers into squatters and their farm elds into vacant wastelands for corporate investment. When the law books are not enough to legitimate the legal land grab, the government releases its police force to convince farmers that the principle of might is right still applies. Farmers at Letpadaung and in Kachin States Hukaung Valley, or those at the struggling Special Economic Zones (SEZs), need no such reminder. This means we have entered the terrain of legal land grabs that cannot easily be contested on legal grounds, including more than 5.2

A farmer spreads fertiliser in a paddy field in Demoso township in Kayah State in 2013. Photo: Kaung Htet

As the Myanmar military recedes from direct involvement in the countrys political and economic affairs, the power of the gun is less necessary to secure land concessions.

million acres of private agribusiness concessions that have been awarded to date. Of this, more than 3 million acres have been legally awarded since the new government took office and started applying its new landrelated laws. The national governments Land Acquisition Investigation Commission cannot accept any land grab cases from before 1988, or any case deemed legal according to the laws in effect at the time mostly the 1991 Wastelands Law and the two new land laws enacted since 2012. This sets a dangerous precedent for what is considered a legal land seizure, both past and present, and for the rule of law, which is being used to support so-called legal land grabs. But it is not only law books backed by state police forces that are calling the shots these days in the countrys last wild frontier. In many ethnic areas of the country Shan State in particular armed ethnic militias are on the frontline of land grabs in areas under their inuence. Pyithu Sit (peoples militias) and Border Guard Forces (BGFs), which have come out of the Myanmar militarys decades-long war and

OPINION
counterinsurgency against armed ethnic groups and communist armies, continue to use guns and intimidation to secure large-scale land concessions. It has been well documented that many of these armed actors, which continue to escape national attention from governments and civil society despite the spotlights on the national peace process, are backed by businessmen engaged in the illicit drugs economy, and now in licit agribusiness as they seek to diversify their investment portfolios. Some of these colourful characters are now elected statesmen who help pass the very laws that enable them to legally secure their expanding clean loot. In areas that are now being governed under tentative new ceasere agreements with the Myanmar government, new social and economic grievances are being documented, such as in Kayin areas. Land grabs are happening even before the ink on the peace deals has dried. Peace as a business venture is already starting to jeopardise the

national peace process and ceaseres with the different armed organisations, as local constituents come to understand peace as a different kind of war. This has already happened to populations in Kachin State, where nearly two decades of ceasere conditions enabled massive land grabs and Myanmar militarisation to take place the very reason the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) has refused to commit to yet another ceasere agreement. Examining a political anatomy of land grabs in Myanmar not only allows us to better understand the deeper meanings and injustices associated with land grabs as viewed by farmers, but also hopefully allows us to move a step closer to solving the ongoing land conict crisis in Myanmar. This violent history, which continues today under new guises, is not easily forgotten by the millions who have suffered injustices, where farmers continue to view the current reform period through their own lived experiences of widespread mistrust, intimidation and dispossession.
Kevin Woods is a PhD candidate at UCBerkeley in the United States.

NGOs distribute comics to educate, inspire farmers

BILL OTOOLE botoole12@gmail.com WHEN it comes time to register their land with the government, farmers in the Ayeyarwady Delta could be forgiven for not knowing where to begin. Indeed, experts and activists who have been studying the issue for years speak often and openly about the confusing web of policies that govern land use. These laws, some of which have been on the books since the late 1800s, lay out strict and complex procedures for how smallholder farmers can register, sell and even choose the crops on their land. Many land rights activists have criticised the policies as well as what they see as the governments lack of effort in educating smallholder farmers on the procedures. The lack of understanding is common everywhere, said U Win Myo Thu, the managing director of the Economically Progressive Ecosystem Development Group (EcoDev). Of course the situation is worse in remote areas. In an effort to bridge this knowedge gap, EcoDev has partnered with another NGO, Land Core Group, for the past several years in producing a series of comic books meant to educate farmers on the ner points of their land rights. U Win Myo Thu told The Myanmar Times that the literature has been designed to accommodate a wide range of languages and education levels. Farmers need to know their rights, so we keep [the comics] simple so the farmer can read them right away They have been used extensively to enhance their understanding. The project began in the delta region in 2006 and has since spread across the nation. According to U Win Myo Thu, the project has been so successful that it has received support from the Ministry of Agriculture, which offered expert and advice, and even distributed the comic on an informal basis. U Win Myo thu said that in addition to being an education tool, the comics have inspired scores of farmers to become activists themselves. He explained that once a farmer understands how limited his rights are, he becomes galvanised to change the system. The simplied version clearly demonstrates the weaknesses of the law, he said. He added that recent well-publicised cases of farmers demonstrating against these laws are the direct result of the work that EcoDev, the Land Core Group and other NGOs have done to educate farmers about their rights. Thats why land campaigning has spread all over the country: [NGOs] pioneered it.

Miss Farmer Contest evokes peasant pride

NANDAR AUNG
nandaraung.mcm@gmail.com

THIS is not your typical beauty contest: There are no evening gowns or high heels. There is no catwalk where models stride to the beat of thunderous techno music. Instead, the participants have donned the attire of farm girls at work: short, ankle-exposing longyis, coarse cotton shirts, bamboo hats and woven paddy baskets. Most of them have covered their faces not with expensive imported cosmetics but with traditional thanakha. Once on stage, the woman do more than just stand around trying to look pretty: They go through the motions of scattering seeds, harvesting paddy, fetching water and handling farming implements. This is the Miss Farmer Contest, organised by the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and the Myanmar Rice Federation. On February 25, 50 hopefuls gathered at the Panda Hotel in Yangon for an early elimination round. That day 30 were chosen to participate in

the nals, which will be conducted at Myanmar Expo 2014 at the Myanmar Convention Centre from March 5 to 8. Over the course of four days the numbers will be whittled down to 10 nalists, from which the top three will be chosen on March 8. The contest was held for the rst time in Yangon in 2012. It proved to be so popular with the public, as well as with members of agricultural groups such as Myanmar Paddy Producers Association, that the organisers decided to hold it again this year. The rules stipulate that the contestants must be aged 18 to 25, weigh more than 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and be at least 157 centimetres (5 feet 2 inches) tall. There are no restrictions on education level or religion, and the contest has attracted women from across the country. One of the judges, Daw Aye Mar Oo from Johnny Brothers sawmill and

I have never felt disappointed just because Im a peasant.

Proud farm girl from Mon State

wood-based products company, said the contest provides the opportunity to showcase the farm-girl lifestyle to the public and to raise their stature. This is different from the other beauty pageants held in Myanmar. We choose girls who are strong and healthy in appearance rather than those who simply have good-looking faces and skin, she said. This contest is intended to encourage those girls who, as farmers, are our benefactors and who believe in themselves. Without them, we would have no rice to eat. One contestant, fast-talking 23-year-old Ma Ei Nandar from Bago Region, wore a red chequered longyi, traditional Myanmar blouse and thanakha. She said she felt thankful to the organisers for holding the contest. Some Myanmar people from big cities have a low opinion of farmers. I come from a farming background so I dont feel the same way. I think this contest can also help expand the minds of the farm girls who participate, she said with tears welling in her eyes. Another young participant from Mon State she was proud to be a peasant girl. Me and my family live as peasants. I have a lot of work to do, and I always help my family when Im free

A contestant participates in the Miss Farmer Contest on February 25. Photo: Thiri

after my school, but I have never felt disappointed just because Im a peasant, she said. I am always working toward becoming successful, and if I achieve my goal then my family will be rich one day. Nang Than Than Htay, a 22-yearold ethnic Kayin, delivered a performance at the Panda Hotel on February 25 using a homemade bamboo tool for digging. She also showed off her

techniques for sowing seeds, transplanting paddy into the soil and reaping plants with a sickle. I like to spend my time with plants, and farm work also helped me raise money to attend university, she said. Having earned her degree, she is now trying to nd work in Yangon. I hope this contest will be a good step toward advancing my life, she said.

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News 15

NGO accuses govt of Rohingya persecution

Fortify Rights says 12 leaked government documents evidence of crimes against humanity, a charge the government has dismissed as baseless

TIM MCLAUGHLIN
timothy.mclaughlin3@gmail.com

A REPORT released on February 25 has again accused the Myanmar government of crimes against humanity for its persecution of Rohingya Muslims, who reside mostly in Rakhine State. Thailand-based non-government organisation Fortify Rights says in its report Policies of Persecution: Ending Abusive State Policies Against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar that it has found explicit government policies imposing extensive restrictions on the basic freedoms of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmars Rakhine State. The report draws on 12 leaked government documents. Eight of the 12 were published along with the report, while four of the most recent documents, dated to 2013, were withheld for security reasons, the group said. Of the eight published, three are regional orders and ve are addenda to the regional orders, produced between 1993 and 2008. The documents detail restrictions on movement, marriage, childbirth, home repairs and construction of houses of worship, and other aspects of everyday life, the group says. When contacted about the report, U Ye Htut, deputy minister for

information and spokesperson for the president, told The Myanmar Times that the government do[es] not remark on baseless accusations from Bengali lobby groups. The government does not recognise the term Rohingya, instead using the term Bengali. One of the documents, Regional Order 1/2005, lays out a two-child policy that is enforced in Maungdaw and Buthidaung in northern Rakhine State. The policy became the centre of debate last year when it was roundly criticised by human rights organisations and even drew a rare condemnation from National League for Democracy chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi. While the order does not specify the number of children that legally married Rohingya couples are authorised to have, it became a strict two-child policy in practice, whereby newly married Rohingya couples once they satisfy the odious and abusive process to get permission to marry are forced to sign a statement saying they will not have more than two children, the report said.

Police stop a three-wheeled motorbike taxi carrying Muslim Rohingya in Maungdaw township on February 1. Photo: Si Thu Lwin

Percentage of Rohingya women in northern Rakhine State who have undergone at least one abortion

14.3

Authorities have also required women to take pregnancy tests before issuing marriage permission. The decision to enact the policy was made in order to control the birth rate so that there is enough food and shelter, the document said. While data is limited, the birthrates of the Rohingya are often cited as a cause for concern by Rakhine Buddhists, who fear being overwhelmed by Muslims. The fear is shared in part by the wider Buddhist population outside of Rakhine State, many of whom believe it is part of a larger Islamisation of Myanmar. The policy, Fortify Rights said,

was produced and circulated on May 1, 2005, by the Maungdaw Township Peace and Development Council. It was circulated again three years later by the chief officer for immigration at the Border Region Immigration Control Headquarters (BRICH). BRICH was subsumed into the Myanmar Police Force in July 2013. The repercussions for unauthorised childbirth have forced some Rohingya women to ee to neighbouring Bangladesh or Thailand, often taking to the sea on dangerous boats, Fortify Rights said. Fear also drives many Rohingya women to resort to illegal and unsafe abortions. These clandestine efforts

to terminate pregnancies rather than face government abuses for unsanctioned childbirth have resulted in death and harmful medical repercussions, the report said. The group also said that it had reliable and credible source with research showing that 14.3 percent of Rohingya women living in northern Rakhine State had undergone at least one abortion. Of these, 26pc had multiple abortions, which are generally carried out in unsafe conditions using crude methods. In addition to the two-child policy, the group said that documents from January 1993, May 2005 and November 2008 and additional information from August 2009 show a consistent state policy of restrictions on marriage imposed against Rohingya in Rakhine State. Procedures that Rohingya couples must go through before being married include presenting themselves to local law enforcement on multiple occasions, paying marriage fees as high as US$100 and having women take pregnancy tests before marriage licences are approved. But the report noted that the policies appear to have been eased in recent months, in what the group called a positive development. The report also detailed government policies aimed at restricting and monitoring the movement of Rohingya populations in Rakhine State, where many Muslims need permission to travel between townships, even in emergency situations.

16 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Police look west for change of tactics

MYANMAR police raise riot shields to fend off a hail of plastic bottles from angry demonstrators but the clash is just an exercise, as the force seeks to shed its military-era image with the help of foreign trainers. The European Union on February 20 showcased the results of its rst round of training with the Myanmar Police Force, which aims to prioritise human rights in operations and modernise techniques. The program has coached some 1419 officers so far in crowd management techniques. It follows incidents of religious unrest and protest crackdowns, which drew accusations that police have not reformed in line with the countrys political changes. The mentality that we try to give is that the police [force] is there for the citizen. It is not there to annoy; citizens, it is not there to beat up citizens. It is there to protect the people of this country, EU ambassador Roland Kobia said. Myanmar began to emerge from decades of harsh military rule in 2011, when a new regime took power under President U Thein Sein. It ushered in a widely-praised series of reforms, including freeing hundreds of political prisoners and welcoming opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi into parliament. But authorities also face a number of challenges as society throws off the shackles of army control, with protests over a variety of issues now a

People throw water bottles at riot control policemen during a crowd management training session for the Myanmar Police Force in Yangon on February 20. Photo: AFP

common occurrence. A botched raid on a demonstration at a copper mine in November 2012 sparked an outpouring of anger after police used phosphorus against protesters, injuring dozens of monks and villagers. Police have also been accused of failing to act - or even being complicit in - in several episodes of sectarian violence over the last two years. There were things which were not done in accord with human rights in

the past, said Police Lieutenant Yazar Mya Nyein, one of the rst batch of trainees. Now, after the training, we know how to respect human rights. Our ways of thinking have been changed and we now know we are working to protect the interest of the people, he added. The 10 million euro (US$13 million) EU project will continue until March 2015 and aims to train a total of 4000 officers.

Our ways of thinking have been changed ... We are working to protect the interest of the people.
Police Lieutenant Yazar Mya Nyein EU training participant

There are also companion schemes focused on community policing, legal reform and efforts to improve cooperation with the media and civil society groups. Mr Kobia said the project could be a stepping stone to rebuilding societys trust in police and authorities in general. This can also be helpful on a wider scale to rebuild trust in their own government. AFP

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Airline staff accused of breaking DCA rules with baggage checks

ROSIE rosie.hanaint@yahoo.com BUDGET carrier Golden Myanmar Airlines says it will investigate allegations that its security staff refused to allow passengers to take Myanmar food on a ight to Singapore, in apparent violation of Department of Civil Aviation rules. On February 21, passenger Ma Mar Mar Oo passed through an x-ray check and proceeded to the check-in counter at Yangon International Airport. Golden Myanmar Airlines security staff opened her bag. After nding food products that she said she had planned to give as a present to friends in Singapore, security staff told her that she could not take the bag on the ight. She was forced to leave it behind in Yangon, said her brother, U Min Htike. They told her that the airline had already warned passengers they could not carry Myanmar food products on their ights, he said. The security accused her of planning to sell the food at Peninsula Plaza in Singapore They said it not only to my sister but also about 10 other passengers. They said, You cant take it and have to leave it, otherwise you will be put in jail when you arrive in Singapore. If you dont follow my explanations and prohibition, you cant go on this ight. U Myint Thu, a security staff member with the Department of Civil Aviation based at Yangon International Airport, conrmed that the incident occurred. He said only staff from the DCA, airport police force, special branch and customs are permitted to check passengers baggage for dangerous or prohibited items. He said, however, that the DCA could only investigate if it received a written complaint. A spokesperson from Golden Myanmar Airlines said the airline had not issued any notications about passengers taking food items on their ights and would investigate the complaint. We will investigate and nd out the truth and if that really happened we will take action against that staff member to preserve our airlines dignity, chief commercial officer U Yae Chan said last week. Except for illegal items such as drugs we allow our passengers to take what they like, he said. If they want to take food to eat, give as presents or sell in Singapore, thats none of our business. Passenger can sell things in Singapore to cover their airfare and no staff from our airline are allowed to open the passengers bag.

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DELOITTE GREENHOUSE

Myanmars largest Chinese temple opens

MON MON AYE JEREMY MULLINS newsroom@mmtimes.com A CHINESE temple that donors say is the largest of its kind in Myanmar ofcially opened its doors in Mandalay last month. Covering almost 13,000 square feet, Jin Taw Yan Buddhist Temple, which opened on February 18, was built on land near the Ayeyarwady River that has reputedly housed Chinese-style temples for 500 years. Construction is estimated to have cost K4.5 billion and began in 2009. Some 800 separate donors contributed, with 20 percent of the total coming from family members of Capital Diamond Star Group, owned by businessman U Ko Ko Gyi. Jin Taw Yan Buddhist Temple managing director U Myint Naing said that while the temple was built

Jin Taw Yan Buddhist Temple. Photo: Supplied

in the traditional Chinese style it employed local construction materials. Unlike similar buildings in Mandalay that are often tied to Chinese clan associations, such as Yunnan or Fujian, this temple is open to all, he said.

However, it is likely to take on special signicance for members of the large Chinese diaspora in Mandalay, U Myint said, as jin taw yan means far away from me in Chinese.

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News 17

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Notice is hereby given that Lo Ting Kuang Company Limited of 298/64-65 Pitsanulok Road, KwaengSiyakmahanak, KhetDusit, Bangkok Metropolis, Thailand is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -

Monks hold photos of the 17 martyrs at a February 20 memorial service.

(Reg: No. IV /639 ) In respect of: Bed sheet, bed linen, duvet covers, mattress covers and pillow case in Class 24. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U NyeinKyaw B.Sc., Dip Engg., R.L., D.B.L. For Lo Ting Kuang Company Limited Room 007, Inya Lake Hotel 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar Tes: (951) 9662866 E-mail: nyeinkyaw@rajahtann.com Date: 3rd March, 2014

IN PICTURES
PHOTO: SI THU LWIN

Representatives from about 40 political parties and civil society groups last week paid their respects at Mandalays Martyrs Mausoleum to those killed in the 1938 anti-colonial protests. Participants laid wreaths and bunches of owers as part of a range of events from February 19-21 to mark the 75th anniversary of the protests, in which 17 people were killed in Mandalay.

Maids arrive in HK as fears for welfare grow

THE rst official group of maids from Myanmar since the government relaxed a ban on working abroad as a domestic helper arrived in Hong Kong on February 24, as the city tries to plug a shortage of workers. An initial group of 19 women drawn from around 200 expected over the next three months arrived in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory, said the agency which arranged their employment. They are the rst group legally in Hong Kong following a change last year to Myanmars migration law. Some 300,000 helpers, mainly from Indonesia and the Philippines, are already in Hong Kong. Concerns about the welfare of domestic workers have grown after an Indonesian maid was allegedly scalded and beaten repeatedly over an eight-month period by her Hong Kong employer. The allegations sparked angry protests by domestic workers in January and saw other maids come forward alleging abuse. The employer is facing criminal charges. Immigration Department data showed that 47 Myanmar nationals were already working in Hong Kong, but were brought in on an individual basis by fellow citizens with Hong Kong residency. Campaigners from activist group HK Helpers Campaign said Myanmar women were the group most vulnerable to abuse in the region. Activists handed out Myanmarlanguage advice leaets to the new arrivals at the airport Monday. They have limited skills in Cantonese and English. They are not Internet-savvy ... They are probably the most vulnerable group [of maids] from Southeast Asia, Tom Grundy said. Women from Myanmar have been working legally for several months as domestic helpers in Singapore but with limited rights, according to Yangon-based Andy Hall, a migration activist and researcher. He said Myanmar implemented almost no regulation on agencies wishing to employ the workers, and their fate in Singapore was really concerning and involved serious debt bondage. Hong Kong is facing a potential shortage of domestic helpers from traditional providers. Indonesia last year reiterated it would ban the export of domestic workers from 2017. Between 1000 and 2000 maids from Myanmar are expected in Hong Kong in the next year, said Law Yiukeung of the Golden Mind agency, which brought them to Hong Kong. Foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong by law must be paid at least HK$4010 (US$517) a month, are entitled to room and board, and receive statutory holidays. AFP

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Monthly minimum wage for a domestic helper in Hong Kong, in addition to room and board

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News 19 CRIME IN BRIEF

Bicycle ght leaves brother dead
A man in Insein Township has been charged with murdering his brother after a dispute over a bicycle turned violent. U Naing Win, 53, allegedly attacked his older brother with an iron rod on February 22 after a disagreement over borrowing a bicycle the previous day. U Naing Wins older brother, who suffered from heart disease, fainted during the ght. He died while being transported to a local clinic. The mans son reported his uncles actions to ofcers at the Insein police station. U Win Naing has been charged with murder and is currently at Insein Hospital recovering from his own injuries. resulting crash killed Captain Saw Naing from No 72 Infantry Regiment and injured three other passengers. The injured passengers were transferred to Darpain Hospital for treatment. The driver of the truck has been charged with causing death by negligence and causing grievous hurt.

Man hit and killed by train

These five cars were seized by police in relation to the alleged assault of a taxi driver and passenger in Yangon on February 17. Photo: Supplied/Myanmar Police Force

Parents hand over sons after alleged taxi assault

TOE WAI AUNG linnhtet.lt@gmail.com FIVE young men have been arrested in relation to an attack on a taxi driver and passenger in Hlaing township in the early hours of February 17. The men were handed over to Hlaing police by their parents at 6pm on February 25. All are residents of South Okkalapa township. Their parents had earlier handed over their sport cars after hearing that a white Nissan Fairlady parked at Taw Win Cherry Housing had been seized on February 19. On February 22, a white Toyota V300 Aristo and grey Mazda RX-8 were handed in to police. While police were conducting investigations, the parents of two other alleged offenders handed over a black Jeep Grand Cherokee and grey Nissan Fairlady on February 25. On February 17, the men allegedly forced a taxi to stop near the 6.5-mile bus stop on Pyay Road around 1:15am by surrounding it with their cars. The group had been driving adjacent to the taxi along the road but the motive for the alleged attack is unclear. One of the taxis three passengers got out of the car and was allegedly beaten by an individual with a baseball bat. Four other men then allegedly beat the taxi driver, police say. Both of the injured men were later treated at Yangon General Hospital. The taxi driver sustained injuries to his shoulder, hand and head, while the passenger was hurt on the thigh and elbow. The taxis bonnet, left side and rear were all badly dented, and nearly all the windows were smashed out. The ve men are expected to face four charges, including causing grievous hurt. Translation by Thiri Min Htun

Sleeping man killed by elephant

U Poe Sein, 66, was killed when he was stepped on by an elephant while sleeping in a banana plantation. According to neighbour U Kyaw Oo, U Poe Sein was sleeping at the plantation in Pauk Taw village in Bago Region when an elephant stepped on him at about 3am. In an effort to scare off the elephant, U Kyaw Oo started his chain saw. He then alerted police at the Oktwin police station.

Police are still trying to identify a man who was hit and killed by a train in Hlaing township on February 23. The man, who is thought to have been about 50, was dead when police from Padauk Chaung station arrived at the section of track near the Thiri Myaing railway station. Police said the man was hit around 4:50am by a train travelling from Insein township to downtown. Toe Wai Aung, translation by Thiri Min Htun and Win Thaw Tar

Passenger killed in YangonMandalay Highway crash

Tatmadaw captain killed in Yangon bus accident

A Tatmadaw captain was killed when a bus was rear-ended by a truck on February 23. The bus was running between Hlegu and Thingangyun on No 2 Main Road and had stopped to pick up passengers at the Se Myaung bus stop at about 9:30am. A large truck failed to stop and ran into the back of the bus. The

A 25-year-old man has been killed on the Yangon-Mandalay Highway after the driver of the vehicle he was travelling in lost control following a tyre blowout on February 22. Ko Kyaw Naing Oo, 25, was killed in the accident, while the driver suffered severe injuries and was taken to Mandalay hospital. The driver has been charged with causing death by negligence and inicting grievous hurt. Police Lieutenant Myat Soe Naing said the car went off a bridge after a back tyre burst. Driver fatigue is thought to have been a factor in the crash. Pyae Thet Phyo, translation by Thiri Min Htun

20 News

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Myanmars success is ASEANs success

ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh on critics of regional integration efforts and clearing up misunderstandings about the ASEAN Economic Community
it should be changed and if so which sections should be examined? The ASEAN Charter came into force at the end of 2008. After ve years the charter may be reviewed based on the decision of an ASEAN Summit. Member states would have to discuss and decide on whether the review will take place. The review of the ASEAN Charter, if and when it is undertaken, will have signicant implications on the future direction of ASEAN. While [a] decision [on this] is pending, our focus now is on the ASEAN Community building process. ASEAN has community-building targets in line with the roadmap to ASEAN Community 2015. What are the encouraging signs for regional integration and where is more progress needed? ASEAN must remain united, cohesive and resilient while working together toward the ASEAN Community by December 2015. [We can overcome] internal and external challenges; I believe that our shared beliefs and values, our mutual interests, and our interdependence and enhanced sense of belonging will be the glue cementing our unity. With less than two years to go to the December 2015 deadline, to date about 83 percent of the measures [required] have been or are being implemented. Narrowing development gaps is also one of the main challenges to be tackled. We believe that this will be the foremost challenge for ASEAN in the years to come. [Only] when we bridge the development divide in the region [will] we become truly one ASEAN Community. How do you respond to critics who say ASEAN integration is moving too slowly? ASEAN integration is a work in progress. To accelerate the process toward the AEC as 2015 draws near, we are focusing our efforts on the timely implementation of [priority targets] that can

SANDAR LWIN
sdlsandar@gmail.com

This is obviously a big year for Myanmar, which is hosting ASEAN for the rst time. What are you expecting from it as the chair of the regional group in 2014? This year is an instrumental turning year in deciding the success of ASEAN Community building process. The role of Myanmar as the ASEAN Chair in the delivery of key targets and priorities in 2014, and in the development of the ASEAN Communitys post-2015 vision, is therefore very signicant. The chairmanship year also comes amid Myanmars ongoing democratisation and reform process, which has been enjoying strong support from ASEAN member states. ASEAN is committed to extending all necessary assistance and cooperation to ensure the accomplishment of Myanmars chairmanship. Myanmars success is ASEANs success. One of the issues on the agenda is the ASEAN charter. Do you believe

ASEAN secretary general Le Luong Minh (left) shakes hands with his predecessor Surin Pitsuwan. Photo: AFP

Narrowing development gaps ... will be the foremost challenge for ASEAN in the years to come.
Le Luong Minh ASEAN Secretary General

contribute the most to the realisation of the economic community. While we anticipate this year and the next to be tougher and more intense, ASEAN remains rmly committed to the realisation of the ASEAN Community. The bottom line is that stronger implementation of AEC initiatives is needed at the country levels by ensuring that national agenda are in line with regional initiatives Bottlenecks need to be addressed. It is also imperative that member states deal effectively with the practical but important aspects of implementing the AEC, particularly strong internal coordination and budgeting processes to support the timely implementation of AEC projects. According to your experience, what kind of activities could accelerate the blocs integration? Effectively communicating the economic community to ASEAN citizens and businesses will help to ensure the communitys goals are achieved. As the [deadline] approaches, developing and disseminating appropriate key messages to national and regional audiences will enable the start of the AEC to gain maximum exposure and impact. It is critical that correct messages are disseminated in a coordinated manner across all of ASEAN. In particular, the goal should be to clarify to the general public and the business community how the community works in order to inform and prepare them for the changes as they become part of the AEC. It is also important to reassure [them] by addressing their concerns. This entails clearing up misunderstandings on some AEC initiatives. We are now in the process of developing an AEC information kit, which will contain key messages that broadly

communicate community achievements, opportunities and implications for the private sector and the general public, to be presented in a way that is clear, concise and easy to comprehend. ASEANs current policy stresses non-interference in members domestic affairs. But cant domestic issues in countries like Thailand and Myanmar hinder the blocs progress? ASEAN subscribes to the vision of building an ASEAN Community as a concert of Southeast Asian nations, living in peace, stability and prosperity for a better future of the ASEAN peoples. This is the very foundation that has brought ASEAN countries together and bonded them. While pursuing their respective national interests member states [must] bear in mind the shared community interests. This notion is enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, which requires members to uphold shared commitment and collective responsibility in enhancing regional peace, security and prosperity, and to enhance consultations on matters seriously affecting the common interests of ASEAN. In future, can we expect ASEAN to play a larger role in balancing power in the region? I am optimistic that as long as ASEAN stays strong and united we will be a signicant stabilising factor in the wider Asia-Pacic region. Geography has put ASEAN in a unique bridging position between the great Asian powers. ASEAN has withstood the test of time, and has contributed immensely to regional peace, stability and prosperity. As such, ASEAN is well positioned to present itself as part of the solution to global challenges.

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Accolade Wines Australia Limited, a company incorporated in Australia, of Reynell Road, Reynella, South Australia 5161, Australia, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-

Reg. No. 13864/2013 in respect of Class 33: Alcoholic beverages (except beers); wines. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Accolade Wines Australia Limited P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 3 March 2014

BERRI ESTATES

www.mmtimes.com

News 21

IN BRIEF
GMA to add eight domestic routes
Golden Myanmar Airlines will add eight new domestic destinations to its schedule from May 13, a spokesperson said last week, in a move that will greatly expand low-cost air travel in Myanmars uncompetitive domestic aviation sector. From its base in Mandalay the airline will begin offering ights to Nyaung Oo, Heho, Myitkyina, Putao, Bhamo, Lashio, Tachileik, Kengtung and Thandwe using a newly acquired ATR 72-600 aircraft, chief commercial ofcer U Yae Chan said last week. He said the airline would stick to its policy of offering cut-price fares. We are the rst and only low-cost airline in Myanmar, he said. We are in competition with the other airlines but believe our model is advantageous for both passengers and for the nations economic development. Golden Myanmar Airline launched its rst ights in January 2013. Rosie

Website launched to monitor MP performance

KYAW PHONE KYAW newsroom@mmtimes.com A WEBSITE has been launched to monitor the performance of MPs in Nay Pyi Taw. The website is run by the Open Myanmar Initiative, a non-prot research and education organisation led by 88 Generation Peace and Open Society members as well as former political prisoners, researchers and IT technicians. The website, omimyanmar.org, is still in the beta phase while OMI uploads more documents and information from the previous eight sessions of the hluttaw. The group said the website will help bring transparency to the hluttaw, as most of its documents are only available as hard copies. The official hluttaw websites lack data, which makes it hard for members of the public to nd information. The website will soon also be accessible through a smartphone app. We have nished the application. We only need to complete the data entry, said Ko Soe Thiha Naung, a technical officer at OMI. People using this application can select their state or region and township. They can see who their MP is and check what proposals and questions they have submitted in the hluttaw. OMI will also ask MPs for their email addresses and phone numbers to upload onto their website. At rst, we planned to put a function in our app that would make it very easy to call MPs. But then we thought it might be a problem if MPs get too many phone calls, Ko Soe Thiha Naung said. Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Hsipaw U Ye Tun said the website is a good initiative because it will help MPs keep in touch with their voters. However, he said it should contain more information than just questions and proposals, as MPs also carry out a range of other activities, such as resolving problems through direct negotiations with local officials in their constituency. He said he supports putting MPs phone numbers in the mobile application. I always keep my phone powered on for the people, he said. I told them even while Im attending the hluttaw I will call back. I know that what tends to happen is when someone gets a high position they dont care about taking phone calls from other people and I dont want to be like that.

IN PICTURES

Five Star Line to buy three ships

Myanma Five Star Line is to add three ships to its eet. The three 10,000-tonne vessels are being bought second-hand from Japan, and will bring the lines eet total to 25 ships. Despite the need to upgrade its ships, most of which are at least 30 years old, the company considered it best to acquire second-hand ships rather than new ones. The three ships it is buying are between ve and 10 years old. We are doing this in preparation for the ASEAN economic community, and we will also be training our staff, said U Maung Maung Soe, the secondary general manager from Myanma Five Star Lines ship construction arm. He said the ships would be arriving midyear. Shwegu Thitsar

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Thant Kyaw and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung chairman Kurt Beck shake hands after signing an agreement on February 26 under which the German foundation will help to build capacity in three ministries. The organisation, which opened a Yangon branch office on February 28, will train staff from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pyae Thet Phyo

Thousands of Palaung displaced in two years

SHWE YEE SAW MYINT
poepwintphyu2011@gmail.com

Tourist arrivals climb after Jan fall

Tourist arrivals have bounced back from a dip in late December and early January caused by unrest in Thailand, and are now back on track to reach 3 million by the end of the year, ofcials say. U Tin Tun Aung of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism said the overall number of arrivals had not decreased, while more visitors were arriving across the land borders. Visitors arriving by air were down 40 percent in January on the previous month, although early indications suggest February will show a strong rise. We were questioning whether we could reach the target of 3 million tourists this year because of the decrease, he said. But we now expect to do so. Some airlines laid on special roundtrip Bangkok-Yangon promotions because of the conict. Nyan Lynn Aung and Ei Ei Thu

FIGHTING in northern Shan state has displaced more than 3000 people since 2012, a local womens organisation has reported. The Palaung Womens Organisation said in a February 25 report, An Unseen Crisis, that the fourfold increase has taken place in ethnic Palaung areas because of conict between the Myanmar army and ethnic armed groups. The report said 1000 Palaung people were displaced at the end of 2011 but over the past two years an additional 3000 were forced to ee their homes. Since 2011, local people have been forcibly displaced in Palaung because the offensive has continued despite ongoing ceasere

negotiations between the government and the ethnic groups, said Lway Poe Ngeal, joint general secretary-2 of the Palaung Womens Organisation. She said the government had doubled its troop numbers in northern Shan State from 16 battalions to more than 30 in order to crush resistance from the Palaung and other armed groups and secure large-scale investment projects, including gas pipelines to China. About 1 million Palaung live in Shan State, mostly in the north. When the army moves against Palaung villages, they clear their way forward by using heavy weapons, said Lway Poe Ngeal. The shelling of villages, the burning of homes and property, forced portering, torture and sexual violence have caused new displacements from more than 20 villages during the past year, Lway Poe Ngeal said. Armed groups in Manton, Namkham, Kutkai, Namtu, Namphakar, Namhsan and Kyaukme

have been targeted in the campaigns. The number of IDP camps in the area has increased from two at the start of 2012 to nine, including ve for Palaung. Because insufcient humanitarian aid reaches the camps, some IDPs have been forced to return to their villages even though conditions are still unsafe, Lway Poe Ngeal said. We returned to our native village for food, but there was still ghting and mines. It isnt safe. We couldnt go to the farm, and all we could eat was bamboo shoots, a woman from the Thoe Hone IDP camp in Manton township was quoted as saying in the report. One boy was killed by a land mine when he returned to his village in Mongton township last August, the report said. If the government is sincere about wanting peace, Lway Poe Ngeal said, it must stop its military offensive and pull back its troops from ethnic areas.

22 THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Business
Booze-makers want strict rules on imports
ZAW HTIKE AYE THIDAR KYAW newsroom@mmtimes.com PLANS to liberalise the importation of alcohol have run into opposition from local liquor companies who claim a new law opening the market would put their businesses at risk. The issue of imported alcohol became controversial late last year after customs raids on importers, who are technically illegal under the current laws, seized thousands of bottles of wine, leading to a temporary alcohol drought in local stores. With imported alcohol suddenly withdrawn from the shelves at the peak of the holiday season, U Win Myint, from the Ministry of Commerce, said the government would work quickly on a new policy easing outdated import regulations, promising to deliver, no later than March, on a policy that would not raise the price of booze. But with March rapidly approaching, local liquor manufacturers are cautious, saying at a press conference last week that any leniency shown toward foreign importers would hurt local industry. We have more than 10,000 farmers under contract to grow corn as a raw material for our products. If our business decreases because of unlimited importation of liquor, they would suffer too, said U Zaw Win, deputy chair of the Myanmar Liquor Association (MLA) and director of Asia Beverages Company, which produces ABC beer and whisky. In order to retain a competitive advantage over foreign brands, local producers are asking that the ministry set a minimum retail price of US$6 per bottle of imported alcohol in order to prevent cheap regional imports from undercutting local alcohol. MORE ON BUSINESS 26

Salt industry to collapse,

Still caught in the wake of 2008s deadly Cyclone Nargis, salt farmers continue to close down in droves as small

SU PHYO WIN
suphyo1990@gmail.com

MYANMARS once-booming salt industry, destroyed by Cyclone Nargis, will be completely wiped out within a couple of years unless it receives nancial aid from the government, industry experts warn. The storm, which killed an estimated 138,000 people and caused billions of dollars worth of damage to the economy when it struck in May 2008, also dealt a heavy blow to the once burgeoning salt trade, wiping out hundreds of salt farms in Ayeyarwady Region. Farmers claim they have never been able to recover from the cyclone and despite loans from the government could not turn a prot as prices for locally produced salt have tanked as a result of less demand. Nargis struck in 2008, but we are still dealing with its aftermath. We have never been rehabilitated, said U Zaw Min, secretary general of the Salt Producers Association in Labutta township, which bore the brunt of the storm. Prior to the cyclone, there were more than 700 registered salt farmers in Ayeyarwady, and another 260 in Rakhine State, where a vast majority of the local industry is based. Once Nargis hit, only 472 were able to continue production. As a result of the supply dropoff, domestic salt prices spiked more than 10 times to reach K300 per viss (one viss equals 1.6 kilograms or 3.6 pounds), but soon dropped to as low as K25 per viss in 2010 as the market turned to Thai imported salt to cover demand. With the industry reeling and the price of salt barely able to cover expenses the government opted to give salt farmers a preferential rate of

Salt farmers in Ayeyarwady Region collect salt from the fields last week. Photo: Supplied

K60 per viss as well as began offering low-interest loans through several banks. According to government data, salt farmers in Ayeyarwady took out a total of K305 million in loans to repair their land, but even at just 1.5 percent interest per month, or 18pc per annum, many farmers were unable to pay anything back and defaulted, with K90 million still

unaccounted for six years later. We didnt get loans for all our land, just for the land we have a licence for and the salt prices are going down all the time after the cyclone, U Zaw Min said. Banks were forced to either write off the debt or have offered an extension on the loans, though the indebted farmers doubt they will ever be able to make the payments.

Our industry left in notoriety and only producers can understand why we cant pay back the loans, U Zaw Min said. Since 2010, salt prices have only rebounded marginally, to between K80 and K90 per viss today, as farmers increasingly turn elsewhere to make income. In Labutta township alone, where more than 190 salt producers once

BUSINESS eDiTOR: Philip Heijmans | pheijmans13@gmail.com

23

Car importers want more notice on policy changes

BUSINESS 25

Govt to submit pagodas for UNESCO status

PROPERTY 28

Exchange Rates (March 1 close)

Currency
Euro Malaysia Ringitt Singapore Dollar Thai Baht US Dollar

Buying
K1338 K299.7 K781 K30.2 K985

Selling
K1356 K299.4 K771 K30.1 K978

experts fear
businesses to face a hard time securing all-important loans
al government, said U Zaw Min, adding that Ayeyarewady Region produces 200,000 tonnes of salt a year, 66pc of Myanmars total salt production. The remainder of domestic salt comes from Rakhine and Mon states, where farmers are facing similar problems, he said. This is a national issue. This township was built on the salt industry, said U Tin Win, a salt producer in Ayeyarewady Region. If the industry is destroyed, we dont know what will happen. U Soe Win Mg, a former salt farmer, said that the loans he received from the government only covered half of the cost incurred from damage caused by the cyclone. I was able to get K15 million from the government after Nargis, but my cost was more than K28 million, so I could only pay back 50pc of the loan, he said. I decided to stop production this season and now I have opened a grocery in my township, he said. With prots from the salt trade dwindling, the industry is facing other issues as well, as domestic salts are notoriously poorer quality than the imported alternatives. Local salt costs K80-90 a packet and imported Thai salt costs K250280, but people prefer imported salt because of the quality, said the Salt Producers Associations joint secretary general, U Soe Win Mg. To make matters worse, salts are no longer being used the way they once were as fruit and seafood producers have moved away from using salt in food preservatives in favour of more modern practices. Now salt is sold only for personal consumption and demand is much lower, he said. Prot margins are very narrow, he said, adding that the only hope left for the industry is for the government to either fund or promote private investment in constructing reneries able to produce better-quality salt.

Businesses worry red tape will remain an obstacle despite reforms

ZAw HTIKE
zawhtikemjn1981@gmail.com

CUTTING red tape in line with regional standards is going to be an uphill struggle for many government departments, experts said, as the government has instructed its ministries to simplify bureaucratic procedures to meet ASEAN standards by the end of March. U Tin Maung Than, director and senior research fellow of Myanmar Development Resource Institute (MDRI), who is involved in the effort, said the initiative came after the World Bank published its annual Doing Business in Myanmar at the end of last year, which ranked Myanmar the 182nd most difficult country, out of 189 countries, to do business in. Corruption exists in the government and in the private sector. Corruption and rent-seeking have become part of daily life. Many ministries do not follow the instructions of the presidents office, he told a seminar on February 24 at the International Business Centre in Yangon. In identifying the key issues, U Tin Maung Than added that there is a fundamental lack of understanding on the part of the government in how such problems affect policy reforms. The previous government issued many regulations related to doing

business, which are not necessary and involve too many steps. Other countries conduct a regulatory impact analysis, but Myanmar officials dont know how. One solution discussed at the forum is to decentralise the government in favour of power-sharing between the ministries and other relevant government bodies, said U Tin Htut Oo, chair of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC). Deciding even a small thing needs an instruction from the

of the management committee for the Shwe Lin Ban industrial estate in Yangons Hlaing Tharyar township. They say they have been eliminating unnecessary procedures, but some of this goes back more than a decade. Another such issue is the governments failure to bring in a letter of credit system to ensure badly needed loans for local companies now worried they will have no access to capital and, in turn, no way to compete with foreign rms. Sometimes we nd reliable foreign buyers but they want to use

Deciding even a small thing needs an instruction from the minister and the structure of many ministries dates back to the socialist mindset and should be reorganised.
U Tin Htut Oo Chair of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC)

were, today just 64 remain, according to data by the Salt Producers Association. In the same area, which once produced 71 million viss of salt on 8992 acres, just 30 million viss of salt are produced while the lands used to make it have been reduced to 3821 acres and that number is dropping. Nearly the whole industry will go out of business soon if we dont get aid from the regional or nation-

Myanmars global ranking as one of the most difcult countries to do business in, according to the World Bank

182

th

minister and the structure of many ministries dates back to the socialist mindset and should be reorganised. Otherwise, it will not be possible to reduce red tape whatever instructions the government sends. While the perception of Myanmar among international businesses is unfavourable, local business community leaders said there has been only a minimal reduction in red tape under the current government and remains a constant problem for businesses, which are unable to offer modern services due to outdated policies and bureaucratic practices. Its better than under the previous regime, but at the ground level, when it comes to building permits or money transfers with state-owned banks, there is a lot of paperwork, said U Nay Lin Zin, secretary general

the letter of credit system. Although weve found a good opportunity, we cant take advantage of it, said U Myo Htwe, managing director of locally-based commercial importerexporter Farmer Phoyarzar Co. U Than Aung Kyaw, director of the Ministry of Commerces Directorate of Trade, said that a lack of modern business practices is not entirely the fault of the government as policies hinge on existing sanctions abroad. The government does not allow the letter of credit system because of continuing US sanctions on money transfers and issues related to tax avoidance, he said. The ministry will consider allowing letters of credit when Central Bank of Myanmar regulations have been nalised and the US permits money transfers with Myanmar.

PTTEP to invest $3.3b in new Myanmar gas and oil projects

Thai oil rm prepares to make even more investments in onshore and offshore blocks
AUNG SHIN koshumgtha@gmail.com STATE-owned Thai oil rm PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) will spend US$3.3 billion over the next ve years to develop gas projects throughout Myanmar, company executives announced last week. The rm, one of Thailands largest, currently has funds in seven oil and gas projects in the country and plans in part to use its latest allocation to begin extraction operations this year at a gas eld project in the Gulf of Martaban called the Zawtika Project. Zawtika will produce rstly at the rate of 300 million cubic feet per day ... and offer signicant benets for both Myanmar and Thailand, the rm stated in a press release dated February 27. Both countries will share its gas production to meet their growing energy appetite and to support other development in their respective countries. PTTEP also plans to expand its incountry investment through mergers and acquisitions with the focus on producing or near-term producing assets in order to increase production and proved reserves, the statement reads. About 27 percent of Thailands electricity consumption is generated by natural gas from Myanmar, which is exported at the rate of 1.1 billion cubic feet per day. In addition to the Zawtika Project, PTTEP has contracts for oil and gas exploration and production projects in the offshore block M-3, which is expected to begin in 2018, as well as offshore blocks M-11, MD-7, MD-8 and onshore blocks PSC-G and EP-2, according to the release. PTTEP is one of 30 oil conglomerates seeking to win an exploration licence for one of Myanmars coveted 30 offshore blocks currently up for grabs.

IFC announces stake in Yangon power distributor

AUNG sHIN
koshumgtha@gmail.com

Both countries will share its gas production to meet their growing energy appetite.

Press release PTT Exploration and Production PLC

The World Banks International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced last week that it will transform the governments Yangon Electricity Supply Board (YESB) into a corporate entity that will become a reliable source of energy for the city. According to a February 28 statement, IFC has signed a deal with the Ministry of Electric Power that includes providing technical assistance and support the YESB in exchange the equity shares in the power distributor. With IFCs help, the government and YESB will take necessary actions that allow YESB to operate as a standalone and regulated

electricity supplier within a three year time frame, the release states. The agreement would pave the way for other foreign developers to invest in Myanmar and provide much-needed power supply to close the fast-growing gap between soaring demand. Huge investment in the power sector is needed to improve power supply, said the ministrys deputy minister U Maw Thar Htwe. The government encourages private sector participation and the restructuring of state-owned enterprises to reform the power sector. This transformation will eventually extend reliable and affordable power, improve system reliability and reduce distribution losses. The project will also set an example for the corporatisation of other parts of the power sector and beyond, Karin Finkelston, IFC vice president for Asia and the Pacific, said in the release.

24 Business IN BRIEF
International Finance Corporation gives $5m to develop trade sector The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank, announced it will to provide US$5 million to the Myanmar Oriental Bank (MOB) in an effort to bolster trade. By boosting MOBs capacity to deliver trade finance solutions, we are helping improve trade flows that are vital to enterprise growth as the economy opens up, IFC representative Vikram Kumar said during a signing ceremony at Yangons Traders Hotel on February 18, adding that the IFC hopes to extend the program to other banks by the end of the year. MOB chair U Mya Than said domestic banks needed to build a dependable reputation in trade financing, a new concept in Myanmar. This $5 million credit can guarantee our banks when we need to promote trade, he said. The international banking community cannot know how much domestic banks can be trusted as this is their first contact with them. Aye Thidar Kyaw United Overseas Bank invests in power plant for Mon State and says that more energy projects are on the way Singapores United Overseas Bank Ltd (UOB) announced last week that it signed an agreement to build a 230 megawatt (MW) combined cycle gasfired power plant in Mon State. The new plant, to be built in Mawlamyaing township by Singaporeanbased firm Asiatech Energy, will begin producing as much as 43MW as soon as later this year with the remainder to be available when the plant is completed at the end of 2015, according to a release issued by UOB. Myanmar has the potential for tremendous investment, but challenges remain, UOBs managing director, Frederick Chin, said during a symposium in Yangon on February 26, adding that UOB will invest in two power firms to build additional natural gas-fired power plants in the near future. We are also looking to invest more in energy, oil and gas, construction and other infrastructure development, said Sam Cheong Chwee Kin, an executive director of UOB. Aung Shin British American Tobacco reports rise in profits despite Europe issue The worlds second-biggest maker of cigarettes, British American Tobacco, announced last week a slight increase in annual net profit while warning of headwinds in southern Europe. Earnings after tax grew 3.5 percent to 3.272 billion (US$5.44 billion) in 2013 from net profit totalling 3.163 billion ($5.27 billion) a year earlier, the maker of the Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike and Pall Mall brands said in an earnings statement. Revenue was flat but after stripping out currency fluctuations, it grew 4pc to 15.822 billion ($26.39 billion) year-on-year. British American Tobacco continued to perform strongly in 2013, with another year of excellent earnings growth and cash flow, partially offset by currency headwinds, chair Richard Burrows said in the earnings statement. Difficult trading conditions persist in some parts of the world, notably southern Europe, but these results demonstrate that the groups strategy continues to deliver robust profit and dividend growth. AFP

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

A woman receives an injection at a clinic in Yangon. Photo: Thiri Lu

London

New govt taskforce for health insurance trial

SHwE GU THIT SAR
khaingsabainyein@gmail.com

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that NISSHIn SEIFUn GROUP InC. a joint stock company organized under the laws of Japan, Manufacturers and Merchants of 25, Kanda-Nishiki-cho 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademarks: (Reg: No. IV/4555/2001)

(Reg: No. IV/4556/2001)

PRIVATE international insurance company representatives are to serve in a special task force created to introduce a health insurance system to Myanmar, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue has announced. The government recently announced its intentions to deliver a standardised health insurance system by 2015, though sceptics are worried that it will be incredibly difficult to turn around such an undertaking in so little time. Nevertheless, the ministry has announced that it will launch a survey on the health requirements of the lower class as well as pledged to form a task force that will oversee a one-year-long trial program set to begin in Yangon, Mandalay and other cities. After the trial period we will review and adjust the program to go nationwide, said Finance Minister

U Maung Maung Thein, adding that the task force will be composed of ministry officials, Myanmar Medical Association officials and local insurance companies. The president directed us to look into health insurance, and foreign insurance companies are interested and ready to help, he added. Though none of the 13 private insurance firms in Myanmar offer health insurance, such a policy would cover the costs of medication for serious ailments once established, he said. Costs will be determined after a study of what diseases are most common. Industry professionals said that despite the aim to afford the general public with health insurance, it

Private insurance rms currently open for business in Myanmar

13

would likely only appeal to wealthier citizens who have dispensable income. They also urge the standardisation of equipment and treatment regimes among hospitals in order to rationalise costs. In Yangon, you have Pun Hlaing, Victoria, Asia Royal, and SSC hospitals. Their equipment, technology and costs are all different. The government should set rules and standards so that the health insurance is done properly, said an official with Aung Myint Moe Min, a private health insurance firm, who asked not to be named. Establishing a health insurance system requires a lot of preparation. We need exact plans and exact standards, the official said. Despite the issues, local insurance firms look forward to the opportunity to expand their services. We welcome this. Health insurance means the cost of medication will not be a burden anymore, said U Thaung Han, managing director of CB Insurance. There will be a lot of benefits for citizens, though there isnt a lot of information about how to do this, so we need help from foreign companies.

(Reg: No. IV/4557/2001)

The Fine Print

Legal & tax insight

(Reg: No. IV/4558/2001)

(Reg: No. IV/4559/2001) in respect of:- Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee, flour, and preparations made from cereals; bread, pastry including pasta and confectionery, ices; honey, treacle, yeast, baking-powder, salt, mustard, vinegar, sauces including pasta sauces (expect salad dressing), spices, ice, and premix for making confectionery and for making bread Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates For NISSHIn SEIFUn GROUP InC. P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416

In Myanmar, a longer term lease may help attract more investors

ALESSIO POLASTRI alessio@pwplegal.com WINT THANDAR OO wint@pwplegal.com AS property prices and rents continue to rise, real estate professionals and speculators may be beginning to wonder when the bubble will burst. Perhaps for that reason, many developers seem less interested in the real estate market than expected. My understanding is that investors are more attracted to the hospitality industry than to building condominiums. Two reasons could help explain this. One is market uncertainty due to lack of regulation, and the other is the length of the lease period under the current law. On the rst concern, parliament is expected to enact a new condominium law soon that could bring some clarity and allay some concerns. But the second problem may be more complicated. Many property deals are signed on the basis of the so-called 70-year lease. In fact, it is a 50-year lease that can be extended twice, for 10 years each time. Foreign investors are not enthusiastic about this mechanism, and are more familiar with the 99-year lease common elsewhere. The longer period is also more attractive to investors looking to resell the property for a prot. There is provision for a longerterm lease in section 36 of the Foreign Investment Law, but this is only applicable to remote areas, and not for downtown Yangon or Mandalay. Maybe real estate would look like a better long-term investment if the maximum lease term were extended to 99 years.
Wint Thandar Oo is a partner and Alessio Polastri is managing partner of Polastri Wint & Partners.

Dated: 3rd March, 2014

www.mmtimes.com

Business 25

Policy changes disrupting for car importers

AYE NYEIN wIN
ayenyeinwin.mcm@gmail.com

LOCAL car dealers tired of losing money due to frequent and erratic policy changes regarding imports blame the government for creating an unstable market. Since allowing imported vehicles into the country in 2011 as part of nationwide reforms, the auto sector has seen gradual and sweeping policy changes aimed at regulating the market, while attempting to protect consumers from outdated and unsafe vehicles. Where experts believe such changes are a necessary part of an evolving trade, the pace of reforms has been swift and car dealers are unable to keep up, resulting in a number of financial and logistical issues that result in dealers often winding up with huge losses. At first, policies changed stepby-step and then the government let everyone import vehicles. We didnt expect that to happen when it did and we had some losses, said Ko Nyi Nyi Zaw of Shwe Baho car importers. Over the past three years, the government has imposed a number

of new tariff reduction and subsidy programs geared at getting older cars off the roads and although car owners saw an opportunity to save or even make money, dealers claim they are not made privy to such changes often announced through the state media. In June 2012, owners of cars bearing licence plates 20 years or older received a registration fee reduction of 40-60 percent when importing a newer vehicle. Three days later, the prices of import licences decreased 15pc, undercutting orders by dealers made beforehand. The import substitution scheme was originally implemented in September 2011, driving up the demand for cars with older plates, however the program was suspended in May the following year. Upon speculation of the launch of a similar program, potential car buyers withheld from purchases, driving down sales. Shortly after the scheme was cancelled, a separate import program was implemented that allowed anybody with at least US$10,000 in a state-run bank to import a car made in 2007 or later, causing a flurry purchases, while driving down the demand for older cars. I think the governments policy changes have been positive. But they dont give us enough time to pre-

A mechanic puts away tools after inspecting imported vehicles at a body shop in Yangon. Photo: Boothee

pare, said U Soe Htun, chief executive at local dealership FarmerAuto. We want the government to announce policy changes three months in advance as it takes us about two months to ship cars to Myanmar. The change in CIF [Cost, Insurance and Freight] rates was the

third change. We would like it to be constant. If the importers know the CIF price in advance, they can manage their money, but now the CIF price has been increased for some models and decreased for others, said Ko Khant Win of ASE Auto. We cant guess what the prices

will be later this year or next year ... If the market is unstable because government policy is unclear, rumours can make things worse, he said. More than 231,608 cars entered Myanmar ports between 2011 and the end of 2013, according to data by the Myanma Port Authority.

Mandalay rice down on pest issue

THAN NAING SOE thennaingsoe@gmail.com The price of rice in Mandalay is likely to remain high until April as an infestation of pests in the areas main supplier, Sagaing Regions Shwebo and Wetlet, has destroyed hectares worth of paddy, said rice experts. The price for high-end ayeyarmin has grown 15 percent to K30,000 per bag (one bag is the equivalent of 49 kilograms) since the beginning of the year due to rice stem borers, which destroy rice stocks at the seedling stage, said U Thein Zaw, chair of the Rice Wholesale Centre. There has been a shortage of moderate quality rice for middleclass and low-income groups, he said, adding that despite the price hike, prices for some brands remain lower than in Yangon due to their notoriously poor quality. Demand for Yangon rice is also high even though its cheaper than Shwebo rice, he said. Nevertheless, prices are expected to drop once more come April when seasonal supply from Kawlin and Wuntho is expected to hit the market. As of last week, the price for Shwebo pawsan (new rice) in Mandalay reached K32,000 per bag, while the same bag sold for K38,000 in Yangon. Some experts are worried that the rice industry in Myanmar has become unsustainable as prices are mainly being driven by illicit trading in the north on the Chinese side of the border. Rice producers are currently withholding stock from its traditional trading partners in an attempt to secure more favourable prices from China, where traders are able to offer a higher price from dodging local taxes. Translation by Zar Zar Soe

26 Business JOB WATCH

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization with a mission to support sustainable democracy worldwide. International IDEA is implementing programming in support of Myanmars democratic transition through the development of comparative knowledge resources, the promotion of institutional development and the facilitation of inclusive dialogue about democratic reform options. We are seeking a highly talented Myanmar national with experience and interest in democratic reform to join our team as a Program Officer. For full details and to apply, please visit: http://www.idea.int/about/vacancies/ Deadline for applications: Friday, March 14, 2014

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Lego builds up profits, hunts global talent

TOY-MAKER Lego posted rising annual profits and revenue last week and said it would set up global management hubs to attract more foreign talent to the groups management. Im very excited that its the ninth consecutive year of organic growth, chief executive Joergen Vig Knudstorp said at a press conference at the family-owned companys headquarters in Billund, Denmark. Net prot in 2013 rose 9 percent to 6.12 billion kroner (US$1.12 billion). Sales grew by 10pc, marking a quadrupling in just 10 years. The prole of the 64-year-old privately held Danish company is currently riding high worldwide thanks to a smash-hit animated lm, The Lego Movie, which is succeeding with both critics and customers. The results, though, did not include any sales boost from the movie, which was released earlier this month, after the end of the groups scal year. The large US, British and Central and Northern European markets achieved healthy single digit growth rates, whereas markets like France, Spain, Russia and China grew double digits, Lego said. The unlisted company said it expected the global market for traditional toys to experience at to low-digit growth in 2014, but that the group would continue to outperform. During the coming years the Lego Group expects to grow moderately ahead of the global toy market, it said. This is expected to be achievable due to the groups continued focus on innovation and its commitment to global expansion, it added. Lego expects an additional 600 to 800 people to join its target consumer group over the next decade in China, as more people there enter the urban middle class. To meet burgeoning growth in developing markets and elsewhere, it aims to attract more international talent by setting up major regional sites in London, Singapore and Shanghai as well as at its existing facility in Connecticut in the US. Each site will have a signicant top management presence, the company said. What we have found is that the brick, the building system and that creativity is not just a Danish idea, Mr Vig Knudstorp said. It is equally relevant in any culture. This is one of the things I took home from my visits with Chinese children, he said. To take the bricks all over the world, we need a different kind of organisation. We need a set-up that is much more diverse, much more international than we are today, he said. Legos Friends collection, launched in late 2012 and aimed at girls between the ages of ve and nine, and last years hugely successful Legends of Chima, where animal tribes battle for world dominance, added the most to sales growth. But old-time favourites like Lego City and Duplo were also among the top sellers. The group, which has come under re in the Danish press for not branding itself as a Danish company, said it would continue to be headquartered in Billund. But it would be arrogant to think that simply because you are Danish you [know] what it takes to succeed in countries all over the world, Vig Knudstorp said. The worlds second-biggest toy company has staged a remarkable comeback since running into trouble in the 1990s, when it expanded into other sectors and failed to foresee the rise of big box retailers such as Wal-Mart and ToysRUs. AFP

PATH is an international, nonprofit organization that currently seeks qualified candidates for Administration & Finance Manager (Tracking code: #5925) in our Yangonbased office. The Administration & Finance Manager will serve as the operations lead for PATHs program in Myanmar, ensuring efficient office financial and administrative systems and processes in compliance with PATH policies and procedures. Responsibilities include monitoring all financial transactions and bank accounts, preparing payroll and monthly financial reports to PATH headquarters, all aspects of office management and logistics, consultant and vendor contracting, and supervision of administration and finance assistant. Knowledge, skills and experience required: A minimum five years' relevant experience with an international organization or NGO including a supervisory role. Bachelors degree in accounting or equivalent; Strong accounting and financial management skills. Excellent word processing and database skills; Proven communication and interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and ability to work effectively in a team; Excellent written and spoken Myanmar and English. For full position description and information on the application process, please visit the jobs section of the PATH website (www.path.org).

cONTINUED fROm BUSINESS 22 The cheapest and lowest-quality products have more of a social impact, said U Aung Moe Kyaw, group chair of International Beverages Trading Company (IBTC), adding that certain cheap whiskies being sold on the market from Singapore and Thailand are in fact not whisky at all, but sometimes poisonous fakes. The Ministry of Commerces Illegal Trade Prevention and Supervision Control Committee has conscated millions of kyats worth of illegal products since September at seaports and border crossings, officials have said. Currently, there are 25 local liquor factories employing about 12,000 permanent workers, MLA sources said. The government banned importing alcohol and certain foodstuffs in 1995 as part of an effort to protect local production of goods. To get around the ban, some businesses have been known to collaborate with hotels to import additional alcohol products that are then sold to restaurants and retailers, while others simply import through illegal channels. Despite laws against the importation of wine, hotels and duty-free shops are allowed to bring alcohol and cigarettes into the counttry. U Aung Moe Kyaw said that local industry should be protected, while permitting imported beverages to be sold in Myanmar. Our industry has created many job

A customer shops for wine in downtown Yangon. Photo: Boothee

NEW VACAnCIES APPLY NOW!

opportunities for local people, and it deserves protection, he said. U Win Myint said that the MLA should feel free to formally submit its position to the ministry for consideration. When the MLA submit their proposal, we will think about which points are suitable, he said, adding that the deadline for passage of the new regulations has been delayed until the end of March as revisions are still being made to the rules pertaining to import licences, while the FDA is looking into establishing restrictions for low quality imports.

U Hla Maung, an economist and retired official of the Ministry of Commerce, agreed that local manufacturers should be protected, but that it would be better for the food and beverages sector if clear regulations on imports were in place while easing restrictions, provided a higher tax is applied. A complete restriction on importing alcoholic products is not in line with the countrys current situation, he said, adding that the current tax of 50 percent on legally imported alcohol is quite low when compared to other countries in the region.

Business Development manager Marketing manager Sales and distribution manager Brand manager Logistic officer Medical doctor Project manager Sales engineer Site engineer Chief Accountant Accountant HR Manager HR Executive Legal executive Secretary Passenger service agent ( airline) Receptionist Customer service

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Myanmar is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the following positions: Sr. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Title and level Programme Assistant(LICA-3)(Re-advertised) Operations Associate (LICA-4) Finance, Budget and Reporting Analyst (LICA-5) Programme Associate (LICA-4) Field Finance Assistant (LICA-3) (vacancy extended) Finance Assistant, Reporting (LICA-3) Public Health Officer (Tuberculosis)(LICA-7) Duty Station Yangon Yangon Yangon Yangon/Naypyitaw Yangon Yangon Position National National National National National National Deadline 7 March 14 7 March 14 7 March 14 7 March 14 11 March 14 13 March 14 13 March 14

Multiple Duty Station National

The benefit package for the above positions includes an attractive remuneration, 30 days annual leave and 10 holidays per year, medical insurance learning and development opportunities and a challenging work environment with 250 national and international colleagues. All applications must be made through the UNOPS E-recruitment System. Please go to https://gprs.unops.org and

No. 851/853 (A/B), 3rd Floor, Room (7/8), Bogyoke Aung San Road, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 229 437, 09 49 227 773, 09 730 94007 Email: esearch@yangon.net.mm, esearch.myanmar@gmail.com www.esearchmyanmar.com www.facebook.com/esearchmyanmar

click on the post that you are interested in applying for. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact UNOPS directly on the numbers below. For any quires please do not hesitate to contact UNOPS at 95 1 657 281-7 Ext: 147

www.mmtimes.com
LONDON

Business 27

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Central Retail International Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Nevada, USA and having its principal place of business at 520 S.7th Street, Suite C, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:-

Reg. No. 4/3887/2013 in respect of Stationery, office supplies, books, magazines and all goods included in Class 16. Wholesale/retail store services featuring stationery, office supplies, books, magazines and all services included in Class 35. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: 959 4500 59 247, Email: info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited Email: saowaluck@siampremier.com For Central Retail International Ltd Dated: 3 March, 2014.

People arrive at the London headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Photo: AFP

Standard Life may leave an independent Scotland

FINANCIAL services group Standard Life warned last week that it may move some of its operations out of Scotland if the country votes for independence in a referendum in September. The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) said separately that there would likely be a signicant impact if Scotland chose to end its 300-year-old union with England. A key issue in the debate is the currency of an independent Scotland, with Edinburgh saying it would keep the pound sterling but London saying that would not be possible. The statements by the two companies put renewed pressure on Scotlands pro-independence First Minister Alex Salmond ahead of the vote on September 18. Standard Life chair Gerry Grimstone said in the companys annual report that it was proud to have been based in Edinburgh for the past 189 years. But if anything were to threaten this, we will take whatever action we consider necessary including transferring parts of our operations from Scotland in order to ensure continuity and to protect the interests of our stakeholders, he said. Chief executive David Nish said Standard Life had already made preparations for a possible move. We have started work to establish additional registered companies to operate outside Scotland, into which we could transfer parts of our operations if it was necessary to do so, he wrote in the annual report. Mr Nish said several key issues remain uncertain in case of independence, including the currency and the nancial services regulations of an independent Scotland and its future within the European Union. He added however that the company had a long-standing policy of strict political neutrality and at no time will we advise people on how they should vote. Meanwhile British state-rescued RBS, which announced a near-US$15 billion loss for 2013, said that uncertainty over Scottish independence posed a nancial risk. A vote in favour of Scottish independence would be likely to signicantly impact the Groups credit ratings and could also impact the scal, monetary, legal and regulatory landscape to which the Group is subject, the report said. Were Scotland to become independent, it may also affect Scotlands status in the EU. Edinburgh-based RBS is 81-percent owned by the government after a huge bailout during the global nancial crisis.

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Central Retail International Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of USA and having its principal place of business at 520 S.7th Street, Suite C, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:-

Reg. No. 4/854/2013 in respect of Department Store in Class 35. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: 959 4500 59 247, Email: info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited Email: saowaluck@siampremier.com For Central Retail International Ltd Dated: 3 March, 2014

Total losses sustained by the Royal Bank of Scotland in 2013

$15

BILLION

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Central Retail International Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Nevada, USA and having its principal place of business at 520 S.7th Street, Suite C, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:-

Reg. No. 4/3891/2013 in respect of Sport equipments, sporting articles and all goods included in Class 28. Wholesale/retail store services featuring sport equipments, sporting articles and all services included in Class 35. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: 959 4500 59 247, Email: info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited Email: saowaluck@siampremier.com For Central Retail International Ltd Dated: 3 March, 2014.

28 THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Property
NYAN LIN AUNG
29.nyanlynnaung@gmail.com

BUSINESS eDiTOR: Philip Heijmans | pheijmans13@gmail.com

New UNESCO approach for Bagan

Bagan Archaeological Zone is to get another shot at UNESCO status with efforts to push through the historic areas most important temples first
THE government will try a different approach to get UNESCOs World Heritage status for its historic Bagan Archaelogical Zone by attempting to register pagodas individually as opposed to as a singular site a method that has thus far been met with failure, officials announced earlier this month. Authorities have wanted UNESCO to include the most important Bagan pagodas on its World Heritage List, a register of culturally signicant sites from every continent, for a number of years. In 1996, UNESCO denied Bagans application, however, claiming that recasting and restoration carried out by the military government had damaged the integrity of the site. U Naing Win, director general of the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library, said that with little progress being made on its application, the Ministry of Culture would turn to registering pagodas within the historic site one at a time, starting with Arnandar, Damayangyi and Suularmani temples. We are also seeking recognition currently for three Pyu-era cities Beikthano, Halin and Tharaykhittaya [Sriksetra]. Then we will try to register Bagan, said U Naing Win. UNESCO would also be requested to provide technical expertise in conservation, restoration and the nomination process, he said, adding that the ministry is working to resolve various management issues in Bagan as well as to elaborate a more systematic plan for the sites preservation and conservation.

A view of a few of Old Bagans many historic pagodas. Photo: Philip Heijmans

Next month, the ministry will also ask UNESCO to register a Bagan-era stone Myazaydi inscription, it was decided at a February 17 meeting in Nay Pyi Taw. With more than 2200 temples, Bagan has become increasingly

popular among foreign visitors, with nearly 200,000 people going to the site last year. Tampawady U Win Maung, an independent archaeology expert, said that although it would be difficult to secure World Heritage listing for the

entire area, it was within the governments interests to try and win status for its most precious pagodas. The department of archaeologycant observe the old temples and show the original gure of the temple, so the renovation process

has been difficult. However, the decaying temples and pagodas need to be conserved, he said. Pyu-era areas were proposed to UNESCO at the beginning of January and its a very good step forward.

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

PHNOm PENH

Cambodias NagaCorp lifts lid on giant new development project

Phnom Penhs lone casino is seeking an expansion on its already huge casino complex, promising to spend more than $350 million on new facilities and underground retail outlet
CAMBODIAS largest casino operator, Nagacorp recently announced it would invest US$369 million in its latest project opposite the Buddhist Institute. The Hong Kong-listed casino operators latest Phnom Penh venture, Naga2, will include a casino, a hotel and a conference hall. The announcement of the investment by NagaCorp was made on the companys website, where it reported that the company had already launched the $369 million project, which is slated to feature between 200 and 300 gambling tables, 500 gambling machines and 50 VIP rooms. The project will also include a 1033-room hotel, a conference hall with the capacity to hold 4000 people, 18,000 square metres of retail space, as well as a spacious park. According to the announcement, construction at the new projects work site is proceeding on schedule, and the overall project will be finished by the end of 2015. The project will feature three components: the so-called TSCLK Integrated Complex, the NagaCity Walk and a tourist park. The company cites high occupancy rates at its current NagaWorld complex as the reason for its new phase of development, and announced on its website that Naga2 will be connected to NagaWorld, bringing the casino and hotel complex to a new level. NagaCorp reported profits of more than $140 million in 2013, according to Reuters. The company has yet to provide detailed information about the heights and full scale of the new buildings under construction, but artists impressions of the complex on the NagaCorp website show a total of five buildings. Dith Channa, VMC Real Estate general manager, hailed the new project as a boon to Phnom Penhs tourism and real estate sectors, attracting further tourists to the Kingdom and in turn stimulating more investment. The project has a good location close to the river, he said. Meanwhile, president and CEO of VTrust Group Kuy Vat noted that not everybody was in agreement that Phnom Penh needed further development of its gambling industry, even though some gamblers also happened to be keen investors. Phnom Penh Post

Bigger is better
Far from the madding crowds of downtown Yangon, this imposing new house would suit a big family. Located in South Okkalapa township, in the Mya Thida housing complex, the 3000-square-foot (278-square-metre) partially furnished house occupies a 6400-square-foot (600-square-metre) compound. It comprises three double bedrooms, one single bedroom, a shrine, living room, dining room and kitchen. The two-storey house also has a veranda and the oors are of smart Korean parquet. Ten air-conditioners, a telephone land line, garage and a power meter are included. The house is a 10-minute drive from Myin Thar market. Myat Nyein Aye Location : Price : Contact : Phone : South Okkalapa, Mya Thida housing K3 million a month (rent) Estate Myanmar real estate agency 09 43118787

Total capital to be spent on new Naga2 project in Phnom Penh

$369

MILLION

Quote of the week

29

Pyu-era areas were proposed to UNESCO at the beginning of January and its a very good step forward
Tampawady U Win Maung, archaeology expert

Missile tests stoke tensions in S Korea

WORLD 34

JAKARTA

YCDC okays development on land sold by foreigners

Yangon authorities pave way for new development projects
mYAT NYEIN AYE myatnyeinaye11092@gmail.com MYANMAR citizens who have acquired land owned by foreigners may now have the right to build on it if they pay a land tax, according to the Yangon City Development Committee. Under the current law foreigners may not own land in Myanmar even though some plots were bought by foreigners more than 50 years ago. Many of these plots have been acquired by Myanmar citizens under informal agreements, but the change of ownership has not been registered. Until recently, any de facto owner applying to build on plots of this kind had to apply to the central government for permission, but a change in the law earlier this year has given YCDC the authority to grant building permits. Starting this month, YCDC, Department of Engineering (Building) will issue permits for limited construction.

IN PICTURES

The sun sets over a large-scale residential project in Yangons Mingalar Taung Nyunt township last week. Photo: Philip Heijmans

Applications submitted to YCDC asking to build on land previously owned by foreigners

200

Singapore, Myanmar firm roll out $230m Golden City

ZAw WIN THAN
zawwinthan@gmail.com

Previously, we didnt have authority to issue permits for construction or demolition on land owned by foreigners, said U Nay Win, deputy director of YCDCs engineering department, adding that the home affairs ministry has now given YCDC authority to act. In some cases, land officially owned by foreigners has actually been owned by Myanmar citizens for 15 or 20 years, he said. Owners without an official sales contract will be entitled to build up to three storeys, and those with a contract can build up to eight storeys. The way is now open for YCDC to act on 200 applications to build high-rises or houses on land officially owned by foreigners. All permits will be reported in the stateowned media so that objections can be filed. If there is no objection within 15 days, construction can begin. Informal land deals are common in Yangon because registered owners have to pay tax. Informal owners have no proof of ownership. They should register their ownership and pay the tax, said U Nay Win. Most foreign-owned land is in Insein, Kamaryut and Thingangyun townships.

SINGAPORE-owned development rm Uni Global Power Ltd together with local partners have rolled out plans to build a US$230 million complex in Yangons Yankin township that will feature several residential skyscrapers, a ve-star hotel and a shopping mall. The project, dubbed Golden City, began construction earlier this year and will include nine 33-storey residential towers, a 200-room hotel and a luxury shopping mall, all to be built by 2018, said Alex Zhu, chairperson at Golden Land Real Estate Development Co, the projects developer. We spent two years researching Myanmar for this project, he said, adding that his rm will develop the project with locally-based Nature Link Co Ltd. We applied for land lease in March last year and got the approval from MIC [Myanmar Investment Commission] on September 22 for 50 years, up to 70 years, he said. The land is owned by the Ministry of Defence. The rst phase of the project, to be nished in 2016, will include four 33-storey residential towers, he said, adding that the entire project would include 3.6 million square feet (334,445 square metres) of developed space. Mark Wen, operations manager at Golden City, said they had yet to nd a

Onlookers inspect a model of the new Golden City project, which is expected to be completed in 2017. Photo: Zarni Phyo

brand to manage the hotel space, but that they were speaking to international hotel chains. Now we are talking to a few big international hotel chains including Marriott Garden Hotel, but we are still in negotiation with them and nothing is conrmed yet, he said. Despite progress, developers admitted that they are currently facing a roadblock as 38 shops located on the development site have yet to move off the land despite having no lease to

operate there. Their lease agreement contracts expired at the end of 2012, Mr Zhu said, adding that those shops have agreed to move off the premises by the end of the month. Our local partner talked with them nicely and asked them to move out in a very nice way. Golden City is not the only largescale real estate project in Yangon. Serge Puns Yoma Strategic Holdings plans on spending $350 million for the

mixed-use Landmark Project downtown, as well as the 420-acre Star City near Thilawa Special Economic Zone, which is already under construction. Shwe Taung Group, meanwhile, is hoping to spend upwards of $500 million in the next ve years on several projects across town, while Vietnams Hoang Ang Gia Lai (HAGL) has invested $440 million in the property market, including the HAGL Centre, which will include 161,000 square metres of office space.

30 Property
TAIPEI SINGAPORE

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Taiwan to get regional air hub

TAIWANS ambitions to become a regional air hub nally look set to take off with approval for a mega aerotropolis to cash in on improving ties with China and the rise of budget airlines in the region. The ambitious plan to transform the main Taoyuan International Airport into a regional aviation centre is tipped to attract more than US$16 billion in investment for the islands biggest infrastructure project in more than three decades. Covering nearly 7000 hectares [17,000 acres], the aerotropolis will include a free trade zone, a third terminal at the airport and an industrial park to house goods-distribution and aviation-related industries. First mooted in the booming 1990s by the then-Kuomintang government, the project stalled after elections in 2000 when the Democratic Progressive Party ended the KMTs 51-year grip on power. With the KMT now back in power and the economy faltering, President Ma Ying-jeou revived the project during his 2008 re-election campaign. Since then, government agencies have been working out the details of the mammoth undertaking which could generate more than 200,000 jobs. The project is now set to take off from the drawing board after the interior ministry recently gave the nod to its urban development plans. The approval of the urban development plans marks a major step forward in the development of the Taoyuan aerotropolis project, Wu Chih-yang, the head of the Taoyuan county government, told a recent news conference in Taipei. From now on, the project will get off from the paperwork stage, he said. Mr Wu estimated that within the next 15 years the government and private sector could pour up to Tw$500 billion (US$16.5 billion) into the project, the islands biggest national infrastructure plan since the late 1970s. Up to 260,000 jobs would be created by the project which he said if properly carried out could help the economy get up and running again. Critics and the opposition say the project is intended to help sway voters for mayoral elections in November and the faltering economy has been the biggest source of mounting complaints against Mr Mas administration. Once one of Asias most dynamic economies, Taiwan grew just 1.48 percent in 2011, 2.11pc in 2012 and is predicted to rise 2.82pc this year. Despite the economic gloom, Taiwan has enjoyed a dramatic rise in tourist arrivals, thanks largely to improving ties with former bitter rival China over the past few years. Taoyuan International Airport, west of Taipei, had its original terminal renovated last year after three decades in operation as it could not cope with the increased passenger traffic, much of it from China. A third runway is scheduled for completion by 2020, 10 years earlier than originally scheduled. The airport is predicted to see its annual cargo handling capacity nearly triple to 4.5 million tonnes by 2030, up from 1.7 million tonnes last year, and passenger capacity double to 60 million visits from now. The airports passenger load has seen double-digit growth in the past two years. This denitely had something to do with the improvement of cross-strait ties and direct ight links, said Wen Yung-sung, spokesperson for the Taoyuan Airport Corp, the rm in charge of the airports management and development. AFP

It is too early to relax property cooling measures in Singapore

SINGAPORE said that measures it had implemented to cool down the property market have succeeded but it was too early to relax them. The remarks by Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam in parliament came amid concerns by analysts about property prices soaring to unsustainable levels in emerging markets, including those in Asia. Our cooling measures have been aimed at moderating the market so as to prevent property prices from getting too far out of line with incomes, Mr Shanmugaratman said as he unveiled the 2014 national budget. We are not engineering a hard landing, but neither are we able to eliminate cycles in the property market, with upswing in prices in some years followed by corrections, he said. Given the run-up in prices in the last four years, it is too early to start relaxing our measures. The government will continue to monitor the property market and adjust the measures when necessary. Singapore last year imposed

A general view shows private condominiums in Singapore. Singapore said that measures it had implemented to cool down the property market have succeeded but it was too early to relax them. Photo: AFP

Given the run-up in prices in the last four years, it is too early to start relaxing our measures.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam Singapores nance minister

additional measures in a bid to dampen down the red-hot property market, including raising stamp duties, which made it costlier for foreigners to buy property. The government also sharply increased minimum cash down-payments for individuals applying for loans for second or subsequent homes. These were in addition to earlier measures to tame the property market, including a move by the central bank in 2012 to impose a maximum tenure of 35 years for new housing loans. Analysts have raised the red ag about soaring property prices in

several Asian economies and have urged regional policymakers to take steps to prevent risky asset bubbles. Low interest rates have fuelled a property boom in emerging markets which may have led consumers to overborrow. There are fears that a rise in interest rates expected to accompany a winding-down of the economic stimulus package in the United States would lead to borrowers unable to repay their loans. This could deate property prices and destabilise the banking system. Song Seng Wun, regional economist at Malaysian bank CIMB, agreed

with the governments move to maintain the property cooling measures. Prices are just starting to stabilise. If the government is to relax [the measures] too soon before interest rates start to climb, you could potentially create a risky property bubble, he told AFP. Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacic chief economist at IHS Global Insight, said Singapore made the decision to keep the measures because of apprehension mounting among global investors about speculative property bubbles building in some international property markets, including certain Asian cities. AFP

JAKARTA

Indonesian capital seeks revival project to bring life to its crumbling old town
ONCE-RESPLENDENT facades sagging in the tropical heat and empty shells of colonial-era buildings are depressing signs that the old town of the Indonesian capital Jakarta, once considered the Jewel of Asia, has suffered decades of neglect. Palm trees grow through crumbling windows in what was once the centre of power for Indonesias Dutch colonial rulers, and many buildings that are still intact lie empty, stained grey by fumes from hordes of passing traffic. But Jakartas popular governor Joko Widodo, who has energetically taken on the task of transforming one of the worlds most chaotic metropolises, has a new plan to overhaul the old town and attract more tourists. It has to be done, otherwise it is going to deteriorate, said Goenawan Mohamad, a well-known Indonesian writer and member of the group set up to regenerate the old town. Its about time. Nevertheless, there is much scepticism. Other plans have failed and some fear that even if the latest makes progress, developers might transform the area into a Disneyland full of garish malls rather than a well-preserved heritage area. The old town, in modern-day north Jakarta, was once a global trading centre, where merchants would arrive to buy and sell goods from across the Indonesian archipelago, particularly spices sought after in Europe. With its whitewashed buildings and cobbled streets, the area for centuries made up almost the whole of Jakarta, then known as Batavia, and was called the Jewel of Asia by European sailors arriving after long sea voyages. Jakarta has expanded to become a city with a population of some 10 million, better known now for its traffic jams than historic buildings, and the But outside this small area most of the buildings are in a state of serious decay. Mr Widodo who was elected last year and his supporters hope their initiative might at last return some colonial splendour to Jakarta. They believe their plan stands a better chance of success than previous ones as they have created an umbrella organisation with what they believe is the right mix of people to oversee the regeneration. The consortium includes private way on some buildings in the area, and a visitor centre and exhibition space for contemporary art are due to open next month. The consortium intends to renovate 85 historic buildings over ve years, a program it says will create 11,400 jobs. However, some have expressed fears over-enthusiastic development might destroy the old towns charms and transform it into an area full of ugly modern buildings and shopping malls. Kota Tua is a city, its not Disneyland, said Ella Ubaidi, owner of a colonial-era building in the old town, using the Indonesian name to refer to the area. Her apprehensiveness stems from the prole of the consortiums board of trustees, some of whom are from large Indonesian property companies. There is also a lack of enthusiasm among the public. Some regard the old town, a district built by colonisers, as a symbol of repressive rule, and there has been little interest among Jakartas citizens in maintaining it since the Dutch left Indonesia in the late 1940s. Nevertheless, the plans backers are optimistic. They believe they can attract more tourists to Jakarta, which lags behind other Southeast Asian capitals in numbers of foreign visitors, as they restore the old town to its former glory. AFP

It has to be done, otherwise [the old town] is going to deteriorate.

Goenawan Mohamad Indonesian writer

old town has fallen into disrepair, out of favour with the citys well-heeled residents. Some small sections have been preserved. Cobbled Fatahillah square, the heart of the old town and the most visited part, is in good condition and is packed out with vendors selling trinkets to the small number of passing tourists. On the square, and also well-preserved, are the former city hall and a museum showcasing Indonesian puppets.

rms, a former government minister and a heritage group. Crucially they have the strong backing of the Jakarta authorities, who have pledged a 150 billion rupiah (US$12.5 million) budget for the regeneration. Previous attempts suffered either from a lack of coordination between numerous different players, or the opposite just one group but a lack of resources, said Lin Che Wei, chair of the consortiums board of advisors. There are signs that work is under

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Technology 31
Gadget Reviews

SIM cards bring insurance to workers

AUNG KYAW NYUNT aungkyawnyunt28@gmail.com MYANMAR workers in Malaysia can buy a phone SIM card that not only allows them to call home cheaply, but also offers life insurance. Tone Plus company has signed an agreement with the labour ministry to distribute the cards for free, said U Kyaw Htin Kyaw, general secretary of the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Federation. This SIM card is for Myanmar workers in Malaysia, but anyone travelling to Malaysia can use it, said U Than Win, a company representative. Users pay 30 ringgit a month toward life insurance. Workers earn points toward life insurance 100 ringgit is worth 1200 points, which can be traded for air tickets or lodging, said U Kyaw Htin Kyaw. In the event of death, the workers family can receive K3 million, said U Than Win. If the workers use SIM cards bought in Malaysia, each call will cost 0.48 ringgit a minute. With our cards, a call costs 0.28 ringgit a minute, said U Than Win. The cards also allow free SMS. Workers can check their phone bills and contact Myanmarspeaking staff in Malaysia if they have any problems, he added. Im planning to work in Malaysia. Now I wont have to buy a SIM card there, said Ko Ookar, a 23-year-old from North Okkalapa township.

Can MPT survive in a free market?

YE mON yeemontun2013@gmail.com HELLO? Can you hear me? Telecommunications experts calculate that Myanmar mobile phone users might collectively be spending millions of kyat to say those words. Now mobile phone users are addressing the same question to Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications, as it prepares for the entry into the countrys mobile phone market of two heavyhitting international competitors. Until recently, MPT was the monopoly provider of mobile phones and SIM cards, impervious to complaints of poor service and inated prices. But with the impending arrival of two new phone operators, mobile customers are looking for a healthy dose of competition, and the lower prices and better service it ought to bring. Under the military regime, MPT set mobile prices as high as K3 million, with charges and SIM card prices to match, restricting their use to the wealthy. But even they found the service unsatisfactory. To be sure, the price of phones and SIM cards has fallen precipitously as more become available. But getting hold of a K1500 SIM card courtesy of MPT still takes luck, because they are distributed by lot. Card winner Ko Thiha, of Sanchaung township, said, Ive got a CDMA SIM card. The network quality is quite poor. The main problem is I have to enter the pass code from the prepaid card nearly ve times while topping up. Defective networks and the slow internet have not helped to endear MPT to its captive users. Now the game is about to change. In 2012, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology invited tenders for private operators to improve the countrys communications systems. Telenor of Norway and Ooredoo of Qatar were selected, and Frances Orange was chosen as a minor operator. The two main operators have now announced that they will supply more than 30 million SIM cards within six months. Blogger Ko Nay Phone Latt told The Myanmar Times, As the services and internet connection from MPT are poor, Telenor and Ooredoo can be more popular. But if MPT improves their network and system, people would choose them. One MPT official told The Myanmar Times, People choose the best service, so we must try to become the best operator. And U Than Htun Aung, director of the Posts and Telecommunications Department, said MPT would cooperate with foreign telecoms company to provide better service. That was not enough for one disgruntled customer. Ko Hlaing Htun, of Ahlone township, said, I will never use an MPT phone however they upgrade their system. Hello, MPT. Can you hear me?

Lenovo Yoga 13 This touch device is best for those busy with a lots of email. Features include a 3rd Intel Core i5-3317U processor, 125GB hard disk and Microsoft Windows 8 operating system. Its display board can rotate up to 360 degrees so you can use it any way you like. The LED screen is 13 inches wide. Available in red. US$1053. Lenovo Ideapad U330 Great for office work. It features Intel Core i5-4200U processor, 4GB DDR3 internal memory and a 500GB hard disk. It boasts a 13.3inch HD display and has a 720P camera. Bluetooth version 4.0 compatabile. Available in two colours: orange and silver. $689.

Myo Satt Available at KMD Sales & Service Centre : 174-182 Pansodan Street, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 01-385 177, 01-385 877.

32 THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

World
KIEV

WORLD EDITOR:Fiona MacGregor

Ministers claim armed invasion by Moscow

UKRAINE accused Russia of staging an armed invasion of Crimea on February 28 and appealed to the West to guarantee its territorial integrity after pro-Moscow gunmen took control of the peninsulas main airport. Amid the spiralling tensions in the ex-Soviet state, the countrys ousted president Viktor Yanukovych prepared to emerge deant from ve days of hiding after winning protection from the Kremlin. Unidentied armed men were patrolling outside of Crimeas main airport on February 28 while gunmen were also reported to have seized another aireld on the southwest of the peninsula where ethnic Russians are a majority and where pro-Moscow sentiment runs high. Ukraines parliament appealed to the United States and Britain to uphold a 1994 pact signed with Russia that guaranteed the countrys sovereignty in return for it giving up its Soviet nuclear arsenal. Interim President Oleksandr Turchynov also told agitated lawmakers that he was convening the countrys security and defence chiefs for an emergency meeting over the unfolding crisis. Western governments have been been watching with increasing worry as Kievs new pro-EU rulers grapple with dual threats of economic collapse and secession from Russied southern and eastern regions that had backed fugitive ex-president Viktor Yanukovych. Russian President Vladimir Putin stoked concerns that Moscow might use its military to sway the outcome of Ukraines three-month standoff by ordering snap combat drills near its border involving 150,000 troops and nearly 900 tanks. Mr Turchynov responded on February 27 by declaring that any movement of Russian troops out of their Black Sea bases in Crimea will be considered as military aggression. US Secretary of State John Kerry attempted to relieve diplomatic pressure that has increasingly assumed Cold War overtones by announcing that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had assured him that Moscow will respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine. But Ukraines Interior Minister Arsen Avakov accused the Russian armed forces of being directly involved in armed dawn raids on an airport in Crimeas main city of Simferopol as well as an aireld on the southwestern coast. Mr Avakov accused the Russian armed forces of being behind both incidents. He said gunmen at the Simferopol airport are not even hiding the fact that they belong to the armed forces of the Russian Federation. The interior minister added that the Belbek aireld was blockaded by military units of the Russian navy. I consider what is happening to be an armed invasion and an occupation, Mr Avakov said in a statement posted on his Facebook account. But Russias Interfax news agency quoted an unnamed source as saying that the Belbek air eld was under the control of local pro-Russian selfdefence units who had no links to the Black Sea eet.. AFP

Crimean separatists ongoing trouble in U

The political protests that brought scenes of chaos to Ukraines capital are now
WiLLiam BOOTH THE revolutionary upheaval in Ukraines faraway capital has awakened the separatist dreams of ethnic Russians living on the Crimean Peninsula. The day before the main airport was taken over by pro-Russian gunmen, armed Moscow supporters who occupied the regional parliament building were met with an outpouring of support. A group of men dressed in camouage and armed with rocket-propelled grenades entered the building on the morning of February 27 in the capital of Ukraines Crimea region, according to local reporters, then barricaded themselves inside and raised the Russian ag on the roof a succinct answer to warnings from the United States and Europe that Ukraine remain united and Russia stand back. In the freezing weather outside the parliament, separatist fever was running hot, as newly formed selfdefence militias paraded under Russian military colors. They shouted thanks to their Soviet grandfathers who fought against the Germans in World War II in the siege of nearby Sevastopol, a brutal 250-day campaign that left tens of thousands dead and the city in rubble. We want Crimea to return to Russia, pure and simple, said Igor, a leader of a militia group composed of middle-aged men who had fought in Afghanistan for the then-Soviet Union. Like other citizen militiamen, he declined to give his last name. The demonstrations unnerved the newly appointed government more than 400 miles (640 km) away in the capital, Kiev, where months of protests led to the ouster last week of Ukraines pro-Russia president, Viktor Yanukovych. Measures have been taken to counter extremist actions and not allow the situation to escalate into an armed confrontation in the centre of Simferopol, said Arsen Avakov, the interim interior minister. Meanwhile, thousands of ethnic Russians who make up about half of the Crimeas population arrived to demonstrate. They issued a warning to recalcitrant lawmakers to give in to the crowds No 1 demand: a referendum on, at minimum, whether to allow the Crimea an autonomous state to become an even more independent region in Ukraine, with its own leadership, which many demonstrators hoped

CRIMEA

Armed men patrol outside of Simferopol airport, on February 28. Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

would enshrine Russian language and culture. Others who came to the parliament clearly wanted much more, calling for the Crimea to return to the arms of the Russian motherland. The criminals had their revolution in Kiev, and now we are having ours in Crimea, said Alexandr, a member of another self-defence brigade. Were Russian, and we belong to Russia. For all their fervour, the crowds have not been huge, and outside of Sevastopol, it is hard to judge how much support the cause of separa-

33

Thailand plans to seek UN support as troubles continue

wOrLD 35

US ambassador cautions China on human rights

wOrLD 37

Can Carnaval festivities halt Venezuelan anger?

WOrLD 41

KIEV

IN PICTURES

Countdown to chaos
FEBRUARY 18: Violence erupts as 20,000 pro-European protesters march from Kievs Independence Square to demand that president Viktor Yanukovych be stripped of key powers. Protesters armed with stones, reworks and petrol bombs ght off riot police on the square, which they have occupied for three months. 20: Police open re on protesters. According to the official toll 82 people are killed in three days, including around 15 police. 21: President and opposition leaders, under pressure from France, Germany and Poland, sign a deal that includes early elections and the formation of a new unity government. 22: Pro-Yanukovych parliament speaker Volodymyr Rybak resigns. Mr Rybak is replaced later in the day by the righthand man of former premier Yulia Tymoshenko, Oleksandr Turchynov. Mr Yanukovych denies that he plans to resign and later slams a coup. The parliament votes to hold presidential elections May 25 and says that Mr Yanukovych is removing himself [from power] because he is not fullling his obligations. Ms Tymoshenko, sentenced to a seven-year jail term in 2011 for abuse of power, is released after a vote by pariament. Police block Mr Yanukovych from ying to Russia. 23: Mr Turchynov is elected interim president by parliament. The US, France, Germany and Russia call for Ukrainian unity, as Moscow recalls its ambassador. 24: Ukraine appeals for $35 billion in Western aid to save the country from economic collapse. Russia questions the legitimacy of Ukraines new leadership. 25: Russia says it will not intervene in Ukraine. Heavyweight boxing world champion and opposition gure Vitali Klitschko launches presidentia campaign. Parliament urges the International Criminal Court to prosecute Mr Yanukovych for the mass murder of protesters in Kiev. 26: Russian President Vladimir Putin puts armed forces in the area near Ukraine on high alert. Pro-Russian demonstrators brawl with supporters of interim authorities in Simferopol, capital of the Russianspeaking peninsula of Crimea. Kiev requests an international arrest warrant for Mr Yanukovych. 27: Dozens of pro-Russian gunmen seize parliament and government buildings in Simferopol, raising the Russian ag. Mr Turchynov says any movement of Russian troops out of their Crimean bases will be considered as military aggression. NATO warns Russia not to take any action over Crimea that could stoke tensions or misunderstandings. Mr Yanukovych is quoted by Russian news agencies as saying he is still Ukraines head of state, asks Russia to ensure his personal security. AFP

PHOTO: AFP Protesters continue their occupation of a camp at Independence Square in central Kiev on February 28. That day Ukraine accused Russia of staging an armed invasion of Crimea as the ex-Soviet states ousted leader prepared to emerge deant from ve days of hiding after winning protection from Moscow.

s emerge amid Ukranian capital

stirring divisive tensions in Crimea where support for Moscow is significant
tism or a more independent region might have. The government that was approved in Kiev on February 27 is stepping gingerly to avoid arousing passions. Pravy Sektor, the right-wing nationalist group, has said it will not send its members to the peninsula, in order to avoid confrontations. Moscow has expressed displeasure with the upheavals in Ukraine, questioned the legitimacy of the new government and stressed that the West should keep out of the countrys internal affairs. But although Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 26 ordered a large-scale military exercise in regions bordering other parts of Ukraine, triggering concern about a possible intervention, Russia has not given a clear signal of any desire to bring the Crimea back into its fold. Even so, members of separatist militias in the Crimea, organised under a political party called the Russian Block, have begun to ex their muscle. They threw up checkpoints on February 27 along the main highway between Sevastopol and Simferopol, operated by men in mismatched camouage who stood before a hand-painted sign warning, Those who approach with a sword will die by the sword. Until now, it could be illegal, and sometimes dangerous, to advocate separatism in Ukraine. Now it is all the rage, with groups here demanding that Russia reclaim territory that Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev gifted to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1954. The Russian Black Sea naval eet is berthed in Sevastopol and supports 15,000 sailors and support staff. Outside the parliament, voices in the crowd shouted, Take us back! as demonstrators unfurled a large Russian ag, sang patriotic Russian songs and denounced as hooligans the forces that ousted Mr Yanukovych. Mr Yanukovych, on the run for several days, appeared in Moscow on February 27, where he was granted Russias protection. Asked what he thought would happen next, a Russian Block politician from Sevastopol, Gennadiy Basov, said, I have no idea. Mr Basov said the pro-Russia militias in the Crimea are prepared to defend our homes and families from any forces sent from the Kiev government. Everything coming out of Kiev is illegal, Mr Basov said. He and others outside the parliament building, stoked on inammatory Russian TV news shows, which repeatedly broadcast images of protesters in Kiev hurling gasoline bombs and advancing with clubs, warned that if they let their guard down, hordes of fascists would descend on the Crimea. They would come to steal, rape and kill, one man said. A woman who declined to give her name but described herself as a Russian housewife from Simferopol boasted that the demonstrators here were peaceful and unafraid to show their faces ignoring for a moment that the protesters had gathered to support unknown gunmen inside the parliament. In Kiev, Oleksandr Turchynov, Ukraines interim president, warned Moscow that any movement of military personnel off Russias naval base in Sevastopol will be viewed as military aggression. Speaking in the Kiev parliament on February 27, he said, Ukrainian enemies should not try to destabilise the situation, should not encroach on our independence, sovereignty and territory. Washington Post
Demonstrators carry a Russian flag in Simferopol on February 27. Photo: AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that Earth Technica Co., Ltd. a company organized under the laws of Japan and having its principal office at 4, Kanda-Jimbocho 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:-

(Reg: Nos. IV/6309/2003, IV/6399/2007, IV/8589/2010 & IV/14305/2013) in respect of:- Machines and machinery tools, motors, machines coupling and belting; agricultural implements; eggs incubators, crushers, shredders and waste disposal and waste compacting machinery; mining machinery Intl Class: 7 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Earth Techinca Co., Ltd. P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416

EARTHTeCHNICA

Dated: 3rd March, 2014

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Central Retail International Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Nevada, USA and having its principal place of business at 520 S.7th Street, Suite C, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:-

34 World International
SEOUL

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Reg. No. 4/3888/2013 in respect of Cafeterias and all services included in Class 43. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: 959 4500 59 247, Email: info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited Email: saowaluck@siampremier.com For Central Retail International Ltd Dated: 3 March, 2014.

Test missile firing stokes tensions

SOUTH Korea has labelled North Koreas test ring of four short-range missiles on February 27 as a calculated, provocative act timed to coincide with South-US joint military exercises. North Korea test-red the missiles into the Sea of Japan three days after the joint drills kicked off in the face of vocal opposition from Pyongyang. With the exercises underway, we see the rings as a calculated, provocative act, defence ministry spokesperson Kim Min-Seok told journalists the following day. He noted that the launches also came days after an incursion by a North Korean patrol boat across the disputed Yellow Sea border that has been the scene of brief but bloody naval clashes in the past. Mr Kim said the tests were of Scud-type missiles at the longer edge of the short-range spectrum, with an estimated reach of 300-800 kilometres (185-500 miles) and capable of striking any target in the South. If the North re-engineers Scuds or tests them, we always undertake a serious analysis to consider countermeasures, he said. Mr Kim stressed that the annual military drills with the United States would continue as planned. In Washington, State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki urged North Korea to exercise restraint and take steps to improve its relations with its neighbours. But Pentagon spokesperson Colonel Steven Warren acknowledged that such short-range tests did not put the North in breach of international resolutions. We view this as an unannounced weapons test that we see somewhat regularly, he told reporters in Washington. It is not unusual for North Korea to carry out such tests and observers said they were unlikely to trigger a signicant rise in military tensions. Despite the start of the South Korea-US drills on Monday, which the North routinely condemns as rehearsals for invasion, relations between Seoul and Pyongyang are currently enjoying something of a thaw. This years drills overlapped with the end of the rst reunion for more than three years of families divided by the Korean War an event that has raised hopes of greater cross-border cooperation. Pyongyang had initially insisted that the joint exercises be postponed until after the reunions nished on February 25. But Seoul refused and in a rare concession the North allowed the family gatherings on its territory to go ahead as scheduled. North Korea has hundreds of short-range missiles and has developed and tested, with limited success, several intermediate-range models. Its claims to have a working inter-continental ballistic missile have been treated with scepticism by most experts, but there is no doubt that it is pushing ahead with an active, ambitious missile development program. AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Central Retail International Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Nevada, USA and having its principal place of business at 520 S.7th Street, Suite C, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:-

Reg. No. 4/3889/2013 in respect of Wholesale/retail store services featuring construction material and all services included in Class 35. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: 959 4500 59 247, Email: info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited Email: saowaluck@siampremier.com For Central Retail International Ltd Dated: 3 March, 2014.

BANGKOK

A Red Shirt supporter of Thai Prime Minister Y February 27 , 2014. Photo: AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Central Retail International Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Nevada, USA and having its principal place of business at 520 S.7th Street, Suite C, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:Thai rescue workers attend a bus accident on a road in Prachinburi province, east of Bangkok, on February 28. Photo: AFP

Embattle to seek U
As Thailands prime minister will seek the aid of Ban Ki-moon
THAILANDS government has said it will turn to the UN for help in resolving the deadly political crisis that has been sweeping the country. One of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatras deputy prime ministers said on February 27 he would appeal to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to try to broker an end to the crisis. There is no neutral person in Thailand, no one credible to act as a mediator, Surapong Tovichakchaikul told reporters, a day after Mr Ban condemned the violence and called for dialogue. The call for help came on the same day that Ms Yingluck chose not attend an anti-corruption panel hearing into negligence charges that could lead to her ousting. The premier is ghting for her political survival as pressure mounts on several fronts in mass protests on the streets, in the courts and from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The backdrop is a longstanding struggle between a royalist establishment backed by the judiciary and the military and Ms Yinglucks billionaire family which has strong support in the northern half of Thailand. The prime ministers critics welcome the graft probe as a long-overdue attempt to hold the government to account, but to her supporters it is part of

BANGKOK

Reg. No. 4/3890/2013 in respect of Wholesale/retail store services featuring electric appliances and all services included in Class 35. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: 959 4500 59 247, Email: info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited Email: saowaluck@siampremier.com For Central Retail International Ltd Dated: 3 March, 2014.

At least 15 dead in school bus tragedy

AT least 15 people, including 13 children, were killed when a bus carrying students on a trip to the seaside collided with a lorry in eastern Thailand on February 28. More than 30 others were injured in the pre-dawn accident in Prachinburi involving the doubledecker bus and an 18-wheel truck, police said. The students, aged around 10 to 14 years old, were heading to the resort city of Pattaya from the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima. Thirteen students and two teachers died 11 of them at the scene and more than 30 injured are in three nearby hospitals, Police Lieutenant Colonel Anukarn Thamvijarn said by telephone. He said ve of the injured were in a serious condition. The buss brakes may have failed or the driver might have fallen asleep, he said. The accident reportedly happened on a steep and winding stretch of highway. Local media showed pictures of a row of bodies covered by sheets laid out by the side of the wreckage of the bus, whose top deck was crushed on one side. Thailands roads are among the most dangerous in the world. A recent report by the World Health Organization said the country saw some 38.1 road deaths per 100,000 people, behind only the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean and the South Pacic island of Niue. That compares with an average of 18.5 in Southeast Asia as a whole. In December dozens of people were killed when a bus carrying New Year travellers plunged off one of Thailands highest bridges in the kingdoms northeast. At least 20 people were killed in October, also in the northeast, when a tour bus carrying elderly Buddhist devotees fell into a ravine. AFP

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International World 35

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Central Retail International Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Nevada, USA and having its principal place of business at 520 S.7th Street, Suite C, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:-

Reg. No. 4/3894/2013 in respect of Business management related to department store and all services included in Class 35. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: 959 4500 59 247, Email: info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited Email: saowaluck@siampremier.com For Central Retail International Ltd Dated: 3 March, 2014.

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Central Retail International Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Nevada, USA and having its principal place of business at 520 S.7th Street, Suite C, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:-

Reg. No. 4/3892/2013 in respect of Business management related to department store and all services included in Class 35. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: 959 4500 59 247, Email: info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited Email: saowaluck@siampremier.com For Central Retail International Ltd Dated: 3 March, 2014.

Yingluck Shinawatra shops at a stall near the headquarters of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in Bangkok on

led Thai administration UN help in ending crisis

avoids attending an anti-corruption hearing, one of her top officials says the government in nding a solution to the political strife that has been bringing death to the streets
an attempted power grab. Ms Yingluck, who has protested her innocence, sent her legal team to acknowledge the allegations linked to a agship rice farm subsidy scheme, as she toured her political stronghold in northern Thailand. The NACC, which led charges against Ms Yingluck earlier this month, says she ignored warnings that the rice scheme was fostering corruption and causing nancial losses. Following the hearing she had 15 days to submit her defence. If found guilty by the NACC she faces an impeachment vote in the upper house and a possible ve-year ban from politics, as well as potential imprisonment by the courts on criminal charges. It is unclear how long the commission will take to reach a conclusion. It is important that we hear all the facts from both sides, said NACC official Vichai Vivatsaevee. We do not have a ruling in mind. The legal moves come amid a spike in political violence, often targeting protesters, that has left 22 people dead and hundreds wounded in recent weeks. Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban said he was ready to meet Ms Yingluck, but only if she comes alone and the talks are broadcast live on national television. Ms Yingluck indicated she would be ready to talk if protesters agree to end their rallies. The premiers opponents accuse the Shinawatra family of plundering the public coffers to win the votes of rural voters through populist policies such as the rice scheme. They accuse Ms Yinglucks elder brother Thaksin Shinawatra a billionaire tycoon-turned-premier who was ousted from office by royalist generals in 2006 of running the government from overseas, where he lives to avoid a jail term for corruption. But government supporters and some experts see the charges as part of an attempted judicial coup by Thaksins foes within the royalist establishment, without sending tanks onto the streets. These are elaborate plans to overthrow the government without actually staging a physical coup, said Verapat Pariyawong, a Harvard-educated lawyer and political commentator. Dozens of pro-Yingluck lawmakers in the Senate, the upper house, face possible political bans over a failed attempt to amend the constitution to make the Senate fully elected. Without a ruling party after protesters disrupted a February 2 general election, a power vacuum could emerge, leaving the remaining unelected senators to appoint a new prime minister, according to legal experts. The political crisis comes at a time of anxiety about the health of 86-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Some observers say that behind the street protests, a struggle is unfolding over who will run the country when the revered but ailing monarchs more than six-decade reign eventually ends. Dozens of pro-government Red Shirt supporters gathered outside the NACC offices on the northern outskirts of Bangkok on February 27, a day after they padlocked its gates copying the tactics of opposition protesters who have blocked major state buildings. The anti-government protesters want Ms Yingluck to step aside in favour of an unelected peoples council to tackle what they see as a culture of money-driven politics. AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Central Retail International Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Nevada, USA and having its principal place of business at 520 S.7th Street, Suite C, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:-

Reg. No. 4/3895/2013 in respect of Business management related to department store and all services included in Class 35. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: 959 4500 59 247, Email: info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited Email: saowaluck@siampremier.com For Central Retail International Ltd Dated: 3 March, 2014.

These are elaborate plans to overthrow the government without actually staging a political coup.
Verapat Pariyawong Pro-government lawyer

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BEIJING

International World 37

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Central Retail International Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Nevada, USA and having its principal place of business at 520 S.7th Street, Suite C, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:-

Reg. No. 4/3893/2013 in respect of Business management related to department store and all services included in Class 35. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: 959 4500 59 247, Email: info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited Email: saowaluck@siampremier.com For Central Retail International Ltd Dated: 3 March, 2014.

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Central Retail International Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Nevada, United States of America and having its principal place of business at 520 S.7th Street, Suite C, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101, U.S.A, is the Owner and sole Registered proprietor of the following trademark:-

Outgoing US Ambassador to China Gary Locke speaks during a farewell press conference held at the US embassy in Beijing on February 27. Photo: AFP

Improve rights, says departing ambassador

Gary Locke tells China human welfare is not just about money
THE outgoing US ambassador to China, Gary Locke, has urged Beijing to improve its human rights record, in parting remarks just days before he is to leave the country. Rights are universal values that represent more than economic benets, he said, speaking to journalists at the US embassy on February 27. We call on China to improve its record in this area, Mr Locke said. Theres been great prosperity and an increase in the quality of life and the standard of living here in China, he said. But human rights is more than economic prosperity and the economic conditions of people, but also fundamental universal rights freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, the ability to practice ones own religion. Were very concerned about a recent increase in arrests of activists and journalists ... and we very much are concerned about the arrests and detentions of people who are engaged in peaceful advocacy. Mr Locke, who arrived in Beijing in August 2011, drew attention during his tenure for travelling far from Beijing to visit ethnic Uighur and Tibetan areas, where rights groups say China imposes tight security along with cultural and religious repression. The diplomat also earned a reputation as a humble dignitary in contrast to many Chinese officials after being seen carrying his own luggage and using a regular car. He oversaw two diplomatic dramas in 2012 that required intense negotiation with Chinese authorities. In February that year Wang Lijun, the right-hand man of Bo Xilai who was then the head of the metropolis of Chongqing, ed to the US consulate in Chengdu, blowing open the scandal surrounding his boss. Mr Wang soon left the premises to be dealt with by Chinese authorities, and was ultimately sentenced to 15 years in prison. A few months later, blind rights activist Chen Guangcheng escaped house arrest in the eastern province of Shandong and sought refuge at the US embassy in Beijing. After days of tense talks involving then-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Mr Chen and his family were allowed to go to the US. Mr Locke, whose grandfather emigrated to the United States from Guangdong province in southern China, stood out as Washingtons rst ethnic Chinese ambassador to the country. Im proud of my Chinese heritage. Im proud of the great contributions that China has made to world civilisation over thousands of years, he said February 27. But Im thoroughly American. Im proud of the great values that America has brought to the entire world and all that America stands for. AFP

Reg. No. 4/10691/2013 in respect of Business management related to department store and all services included in Class 35. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: 959 4500 59 247, Email: info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited Email: saowaluck@siampremier.com For Central Retail International Ltd Dated: 3 March, 2014.

TRADE MARK CAUTION

C e n t r a l D e p a r t m e n t S t o r e L i m i t e d , a company incorporated under the laws of Thailand and having its principal place of business at 1027 Central Chidlom Tower, 7th Floor, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini Sub-District, Pathumwan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:-

SINGAPORE

Spidey to appear at Earth Hour launch

THE stars of the lm Amazing Spider-Man 2 will lead this years global Earth Hour lights-out event on March 29 which is being coordinated in Singapore, organisers WWF have announced. Spider-Man will join the lms stars Andrew Gareld, Emma Stone and Jamie Foxx in the event, helping to switch off the lights across Singapores signature Marina Bay skyline, the environmental campaign group said in a statement on February 27. WWF has named the movie superhero as ambassador for the Earth Hour global campaign to turn the spotlight on climate change. WWF Singapore spokesperson Sourav Roy said Spider-Man can help inspire more people to join the movement. He comes with his message in the movie that with great power comes great responsibility, and we are trying to tell everybody through him that everybody can be a superhero and do his or her bit to bring about a change for the planet, Mr Roy told AFP. During Earth Hour landmarks across the world including the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower and the Kremlin will switch off their lights for 60 minutes at 8:30pm local time on the appointed day. Earth Hour covered more than 150 countries in 2013. Im proud Spider-Man is the rst superhero ambassador for Earth Hour, Mr Gareld, the actor who plays the role in the movie, said in a video message on the Earth Hour website. Mr Foxx, who plays the villain Electro, said, Earth Hour isnt just about lights off. Its about people across the world coming together throughout the year to join forces to improve the planet. WWF Singapore chief executive Elaine Tan said that while the citystate may not have endangered local wildlife, its location makes it a hotspot for animal trafficking. On January 16 Singapore customs officials seized more than US$1.5 million worth of smuggled black rhinoceros horns at Changi Airport. We are trying to tell people that look, there is trade happening and we need to be on our guard, Ms Tan said. We should stop the buying so we can stop the killing. AFP

Reg. No. 4/9445/2013 in respect of Leather handbags and all goods included in Class 18. Shirt, pants, skirt, dress, cardigan, jacket (clothing), sweater, leather shoes, leather belt, necktie, scarf and all goods included in Class 25. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division P.O. Box No. 952, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 959 4500 59 247, Email: info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited Email: saowaluck@siampremier.com For Central Department Store Limited Dated: 3 March, 2014.

Everybody can be a superhero and ... bring about a change for the planet.
Sourav Roy WWF Singapore spokesman

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that Lotte Chemical Corporation of Lotte Gwanak Tower Bldg., 51, Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark:

38 World International
MANILA

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Typhoon victims corpses uncovered

BODIES are still being found under the wreckage almost four months after Super Typhoon Haiyan ravaged the Philippines as survivors struggle to rebuild their lives, officials said Thursday. The governments conrmed death toll of 6201 has not been updated for a month, as officials investigate whether the recently discovered corpses are among the 1785 listed as missing. UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs Valerie Amos recounted the shock of discovering the dead during a visit on February 26 to the devastated central city of Tacloban. As the debris is cleared, they are nding more dead bodies. We experienced that for ourselves, she told reporters. Ms Amos visited Tacloban to inspect the progress of the UN-aided rehabilitation effort and check on the condition of survivors of one of the strongest typhoons ever to hit land. The governments National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council conrmed bodies are still being found. Sometimes they nd two or three a day, then there are days where they nd none, its spokesperson Reynaldo Balido told AFP. The latest casualty gures were a month old and did not reect any subsequent corpse retrievals as the authorities work to reconcile the numbers, he added. Mr Balido said residents have learnt to adapt to the sight of newly found corpses. Haiyan raked across the central Philippines on November 8 last year, wrecking 1.1 million houses and displacing more than 4 million residents of some of the countrys poorest provinces according to the UN. The worst damage was inicted by huge tsunami-like surges of seawater into Tacloban and other coastal communities. Ms Amos said Tacloban survivors need more help. There are many people trying to live in their original [ruined] homes. They put up a tarpaulin as a roof and put some wood on the side and thats not good enough. It wont stand up to a storm, she said. The UN was also concerned about the welfare of more than 1 million farmers after 30 million coconut trees were destroyed, she said. Replacement trees will not bear fruit for another six to eight years, Ms Amos said. About 30,000 small shing boats were also destroyed or damaged, she added. To help these people, the UN asked aid donors for US$788 million in December, but Ms Amos said only just over $362 million has been raised. Signs of devastation are still evident but so too are signs of progress, she added. AFP

(Reg. No.: IV/4248/2013)

(Reg. No.: IV/4249/2013)

(Reg. No.: IV/4250/2013) Three above trademarks are in respect of:- goods in Classes 01, 04, 17 & 20.

KOPELEN
(Reg. No.: IV/6324/2013)

HOPELEN
(Reg. No.: IV/6325/2013)

RANPELEN
(Reg. No.: IV/6326/2013) Three above trademarks are in respect of:- goods in Class 01. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark will be dealt with according to law. U THAN WIN, B.Com, B.L. for Lotte Chemical Corporation By its Ageless IP Attorneys & Consultants P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 3rd March. 2014

JAVA

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that ATLANTIC INDUSTRIES a company organized under the laws of Cayman Islands and having its principal office at P.O. Box 309, Ugland House, South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademarks:-

DR PEPPER
(Regs: Nos. IV/3052/1997 & IV/343/2014)

PEPPER
(Regs: Nos. IV/3053/1997 & IV/344/2014) The above two trademarks are in respect of:Non-alcoholic soft drinks and syrups for making same

Indonesian villagers stand next to a lifeboat used by immigrants from Australian waters after the Australian government turned them around, in Kebumen, Java, on February 25. Photo: AFP

CANADA DRY
(Regs: Nos. IV/4011/2004 & IV/345/2014)

DR PEPPER
(Regs: Nos. IV/4009/2004 & IV/346/2014) The above two trademarks are in respect of:Beverages, namely drinking waters, bottled waters, flavored waters, mineral and aerated waters; and other non-alcoholic beverages, namely, soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks; fruit drinks and fruit juices; syrups, concentrates and powders for making beverages, namely mineral and aerated waters, soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks and fruit juices in International Class 32

Australia accused of blowing up asylum boat

ASYLUM-SEEKERS who washed ashore in Indonesia have claimed the Australian navy blew up their vessel after forcing the would-be refugees into a lifeboat and turning them back to Java. Indonesian police found the orange lifeboat and 26 asylum-seekers on February 24 on Java islands south coast. The would-be refugees said they were turned around attempting to reach the Australian territory of Christmas Island. After setting off from the port of Pelabuhan Ratu in southern Java, they were intercepted by the Australian navy entering Australian waters and transferred to the lifeboat, police said. Australia has purchased the lifeboats as part of its military-led operation to stem the inux of wouldbe refugees by returning them to Indonesia, a policy that has angered Jakarta. After putting the asylum-seekers in the lifeboat, the navy destroyed their vessel, Mr Wasidi, police spokesperson in Kebumen district where the stranded boat was found, told AFP on February 26. After they transferred the migrants to the Australian ship, the wooden boat they took from Pelabuhan Ratu was then blown up by the Australian navy, said the spokesperson, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Mr Wasidi said the boats Indonesian crew, who have also been detained, had given him the accounts. The Australian navy has previously faced accusations that its personnel verbally and physically abused asylum-seekers as it returned them to Indonesia, claims ercely denied by Canberra. The asylum-seekers that arrived last week, from countries including Iraq, Iran and Bangladesh, each paid 30 million rupiah ($2850) for the voyage to Australia, said Mr Wasidi, citing an account by the boats captain. Three of the asylum-seekers have escaped and the remaining 23 have been detained at an immigration detention centre in the town of Cilacap, on Javas south coast. The lifeboat arrival was the second in February, with asylum-seekers on the rst also claiming they were put on the boat by the Australian navy and turned around. As well as putting asylum-seekers into lifeboats similar to those carried by cruiseships, the Australian navy has also been turning round wooden boats when it is safe to do so. Returned vessels are usually escorted toward Indonesian waters by the Australian navy. Hundreds of asylum-seekers have died making the dangerous sea voyage from Indonesia to Australia in recent years. AFP

(Regs: Nos. IV/2387/1993 & IV/347/2014) in respect of: - Beverages, namely soft drinks and syrups and concentrates for making the same Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for ATLANTIC INDUSTRIES P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416

$2850
Amount the asylum-seekers reportedly paid for their passage to Australia

US

Dated: 3rd March, 2014

www.mmtimes.com
HONG KONG

International World 39

TRADE MARK CAUTION

NOTICE is hereby given that Mepha Schweiz AG a company organized under the laws of Switzerland and having its principal office at Kirschgartenstrasse 14, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark:-

Policemen investigate on February 27 in the area where the former editor of a liberal newspaper was stabbed in Hong Kong. Photo: AFP

(Regs: Nos. IV/6068/2000 & IV/357/2014) in respect of: - Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations and substances, as well as preparations for health care purposes; pharmaceutical preparations in galenic formulations and administration forms; transdermal plasters, sticking plasters treated or impregnated with pharmaceutical active ingredients; diagnostic substances for medical purposes; X-ray contrast media for medical purposes; balsams for medical purposes; baby-food, dietetic substances for medical purposes; medicinal tea and herb tea; restoratives for medical purposes; plasters; materials for dressings; disinfectants; antiseptics; medical hair shampoos and soap; all being goods in Class: 5. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Mepha Schweiz AG P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416

Horrific attack on editor sparks fears

Media freedom tensions rise in Hong Kong after brutal assault
A FORMER newspaper editor was in a critical condition after being hacked with a cleaver in the latest incident to stoke fears over media freedom in Hong Kong. The attack on Kevin Lau, former editor of the liberal Ming Pao newspaper, on February 26 has sparked condemnation from the US and press groups at a time of growing unease over media rights in the southern Chinese city. Officers are now at the scene and they are investigating, a police spokeswoman said. Mr Lau, who was known for his hard-hitting political investigations, was attacked by two men who escaped on a motorbike in the Chai Wan district where the newspapers headquarters are located. From initial investigations, it is believed that the motorcycle was stolen, the police spokeswoman said. The journalist has undergone surgeries for wounds including a 16 centimetre-long (6-inch) gash that cut through his back muscles and remains in a critical condition, a Hong Kong Hospital Authority spokesman said on February 27. Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying later told reporters, Mr Laus situation has made progress, without elaborating on his condition. The police have described the attack as a classic triad hit, which was designed to maim, not kill, to send a warning, the South China Morning Post reported. Security camera images released by police showed two people, believed to be the suspects, wearing dark clothing and riding a motorcycle on a busy street. On February 27 investigators visited shops and restaurants in the neighbourhood where the attack took place to seek clues, but no arrests had been made as of February 28. worked with papers including Ming Pao, said it was horried by the assault. There is simply no justication for such an attack, and it should provoke outrage in all fair-minded citizens, said the group director Gerard Ryle in a statement. The brutal attack on Mr Lau made headlines in papers across Hong Kong with Ming Paos usual red logo coloured black on February 27. My colleagues wont be scared because of this incident. We will continue with our work, wrote the newspapers interim chief editor Cheung Kin-por. The assault on Mr Lau comes at a time of mounting concerns that Beijing is seeking to tighten control over the semi-autonomous region. Mr Lau was removed as editor in January, triggering protests over media freedoms. He still works at the paper in a different role. The Apple Daily, a popular tabloid critical of Beijing, described Mr Lau as a journalist who steers clear of personal scandals. The attack on Mr Lau was the latest in a series against journalists in the territory. In June last year there were multiple attacks against employees of Apple Daily, and Chen Ping a publisher of a magazine known for its outspoken coverage of mainland issues was also beaten up. AFP

Dated: 3rd March, 2014

TRADE MARK CAUTION

Deutsche Bahn AG, of Potsdamer Platz 2, D-10785 Berlin, Germany, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trade Mark:-

Reg.No.IV/2935/2008 Reg.No. IV/3111/2011 Reg.No. IV/15101/2014 in respect of Class 16: Packaging bags, covers and pockets made of cardboard and paper for the transport of goods of all kind; packaging material made of paper, cardboard and plastic, packaging foils made of plastic, paper and plastic pockets; printed matters, publications, brochures, magazines, leaflets, prospectus, posters, news papers, journals, stationery; writing necessaries, writing materials including writing and drawing utensils; postcards, identity cards; office articles, namely stamps, stamping ink pads, stamping ink, paper knifes, letter trays, files, desk pads, punches, folders, office and paper clips, stickers, also self-adhesive; packaging material made of plastic, namely covers, bags, pockets. Reg.No.IV/2936/2008 Reg.No. IV/3112/2011 Reg.No. IV/15102/2014 in respect of Class 20: Containers, boxes, small boxes and pallets made of wood and plastic, identification signs not made of metal for vehicles; nameplates not made of metal; signs made of wood or plastic; packaging containers made of wood and plastic. Reg.No.IV/2937/2008 Reg.No. IV/3113/2011 Reg.No. IV/15103/2014 in respect of Class 39: Transport of persons and goods in motor vehicles, trains, ships and aircrafts; loading and unloading of ships, vehicles, railway rolling stock and airplanes; storage of goods of all kind; transport of money and valuables; packaging of goods of all kind, especially repackaging and processing of goods for sale and/or forwarding; rental and storage of transport and storage pallets, made of wood, plastic or metal, as well as transport of storage containers, each mead of wood, plastic or metal, by motor vehicles, rail trains and ships; arrangement of transport of goods by motor vehicles, track railways and ships. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trade Mark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. Khine Khine U, Advocate LL.B, D.B.L, LL.M (UK) For Deutsche Bahn AG #205/5, Thirimingalar Housing, Strand Rd., Yangon. Dated. 3rd March, 2014

[This attack] should provoke outrage in all fairminded citizens.

Gerard Ryle International Consortium of Investigative Journalists

The attack on Mr Lau has triggered widespread condemnation, with the US consulate saying it was deeply concerned about ... this vicious crime as it joined calls from media groups for the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, behind a recent expos on the offshore accounts of Chinas elites on which it

JAKARTA

Smog emergency declared in Java

AN Indonesian province at the heart of a Southeast Asian smog crisis last year has declared a state of emergency after being blanketed in thick haze from forest res, officials announced on February 27. Thousands have fallen ill, transport has been disrupted and schools closed after days of res in Riau province on Sumatra island, where blazes are deliberately lit every year to clear land for palm oil and wood pulp plantations. More than two dozen people suspected of starting res in rainforest and peatland have so far been arrested, said national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. Haze from res on Sumatra is an annual problem in Southeast Asia, but last June Singapore and Malaysia were cloaked in the worst smog for more than a decade. While some haze was detected in the two neighbouring countries in recent days, the air quality was mostly good. Declaring an emergency allows Riau to seek help in tackling the blazes from the central government, and Mr Nugroho said aircraft were preparing to drop water on res and carry out cloud-seeding to chemically induce rain. The disaster agency is preparing aeroplanes and helicopters to carry out water-bombing of the res, he said. More than 25,000 people have fallen ill in recent days due to high air pollution, with most suffering respiratory tract infections, said Riau disaster chief Said Saqlul Amri. The emergency status means health centres must see patients free of charge, he said. Local media reported that some ights to Riau had been cancelled while others were diverted, and schools were closed in some parts of the province. Last years res strained ties between Indonesia and its neighbours, prompting an apology from Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to Malaysia and Singapore at the height of the crisis. Indonesia is the worlds biggest producer of palm oil which is found in everyday grocery items, such as shampoo and shaving gel and Riau is the countrys main palm oil hub. AFP

TRADEMARK CAUTION NOTICE

Novartis AG , a company organized under the laws of SWITZERLAND and having its principal office at Corporate Intellectual Property, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland is the owner and sole proprietor of the following Trademarks:-

40 World International
LONDON

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

TIGERFIL
Reg. No. 4/10312/2010

LOMOFLOR
Reg. No. 4/10313/2010

British monarchy waits for Australia on succession move

AUSTRALIA is holding up changes to the royal succession laws that would end the practice where sons take precedence over daughters, according to a British government minister. The 16 Commonwealth realms which share the same royal family including Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Jamaica must all pass an identical law before the changes can come into effect, unless UK legislation covers it for them. They have all done so except Australia, said Jim Wallace, the deputy leader of the British parliaments upper House of Lords on February 26. The measures mean newborn male children would no longer overtake elder sisters in the line of succession. Commonwealth realms rushed to agree the changes after Prince William the elder son of Prince Charles and next in line to the throne after his father got married in April 2011. They were agreed in principle by prime ministers of the 16 countries at a Commonwealth summit in Perth, Australia, on October 28, 2011. The new laws will apply to any descendents of Charles, Queen Elizabeth IIs eldest son, born from that date onward. They can only come into effect when all the realms have ratied it. Questioned in the House of Lords as to whether any realm might default on the Perth agreement, Mr Wallace told peers, The intention is that when all 16 realms have agreed or put in place the necessary legislation there will be a simultaneous order to give effect in each of the realms. All realms that took the view that legislation is required have passed the necessary legislation apart from Australia. He said the six Australian states would legislate rst before Canberra does. To date, three states have enacted legislation, two have introduced legislation and one, South Australia, has yet to introduce legislation but it is in the middle of an election campaign, he added. The law change must be unanimous and identical in each realm to avoid the possibility of ending up with different monarchs in different countries. In other changes, the new law would also state that anyone marrying a Roman Catholic no longer loses their place in the line of succession. However, Roman Catholics themselves remain excluded: The sovereign must be in communion with the Church of England. The new laws would also limit the number of those in the line needing the monarchs permission to marry to the six. The Commonwealth realms are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Britain, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu.

LACTOFLOR
Reg. No. 4/10314/2010 Used in respect of:Pharmaceutical preparations.

SILDEGRA
Reg. No. 4/10315/2010

Any unauthorized use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent intentions of the above marks will be dealt with according to law. Tin Ohnmar Tun & The Law Chambers Ph:0973150632 Email:law_chambers@seasiren.com.mm (For. Patrick Mirandah Co.(S) Pte Ltd, Singapore) Dated. 3rd March, 2014

TRADEMARK CAUTION NOTICE

Insearch Limited, a company organized under the laws of Australia, carrying on business as Merchants and having its principal office at Level 9, 187 Thomas Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia is the owner and sole proprietor of the following Trademark:-

WASHINGTON

INSEARCH
Reg. No. 4/10114/2013 (Class 16), 4/10115/2013(Class 35), 4/10116/2013(Class 36), 4/10117/2013(Class 41), 4/10118/2013(Class 42) and 4/10119/2013(Class 45) Used in respect of: Books for use in the teaching of reading; educational materials (printed) for the teaching of languages; teaching materials for education; printed teaching aids; teaching manuals; student workbooks; workbooks (printed matter) in Class 16. Business research services; business consultancy services; compilation and systemisation of information into computer databases; business information services in Class 35. Assisting students in relation to financial matters in Class 36. Education services; training support services; seminars and conferences relating to students and education; cultural and social events for students; education information services; vocational guidance for students in Class 4l. Research for others; technical research in Class 42. Assisting students in relation to welfare, personal and health matters; language assistance services for students; student accommodation assistance services in Class 45. Any unauthorised use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent intentions of the above marks will be dealt with according to law. Tin Ohnmar Tun & The Law Chambers Ph:0973150632 Email:law_chambers@seasiren.com.mm (For. Patrick Mirandah Co.(S) Pte Ltd, Singapore) Dated. 3rd March, 2014

Members of the Afghan National Police (ANP) stand in formation during a graduation ceremony at a police training centre in Herat on February 27. Afghanistan forces, police and army, are due to take full security responsibility from their Western allies, a US-led NATO force, by the end of the year when foreign troops will leave the country. Photo: AFP

US Afghan withdrawal risks al-Qaeda resurgence

AL-QAEDAS core leadership in Pakistan has been seriously weakened, but the potential withdrawal of all US forces from Afghanistan could trigger a resurgence of the terror network, according to a top US commander. The warning on February 27 came from the head of special operations command, Admiral William McRaven, known for overseeing the 2011 raid by Navy SEAL commandos that killed al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden in his Pakistani compound. If we do go to zero, and there is no special operations component left in Afghanistan, it will certainly make it more difficult to be able to deal with the threat ... and the potential resurgence of al-Qaeda in the area, Admiral McRaven told the House Armed Services Committee. He said the danger posed by alQaeda is inherent within the federally administered tribal areas [in Pakistan], and in the northern part of Afghanistan, in Kunar and Nuristan [provinces]. While most US-led forces are withdrawing from Afghanistan by the end of the year, Washington favours leaving a small force of up to 10,000 to train Afghan troops and counter alQaeda in the region. But Afghan President Hamid Karzai has so far refused to sign a bilateral security agreement that sets the legal framework for NATO troops to stay. The Pentagon has begun planning for a full withdrawal, while US officials hope that a new president due to be elected in an April vote may be more willing to sign the security deal. US officials privately acknowledge that retaining a military presence in eastern Afghanistan is vital for the continued use of air bases and intelligence operations needed for drone attacks against terror suspects in Pakistans tribal belt. Assessing the threat posed by alQaeda, Admiral McRaven told lawmakers that the groups core has gotten markedly weaker while affiliate groups are surging in Yemen, North Africa, Iraq and Syria. So the threat is metastasizing. It is much more broad, he said. But he said the danger presented by al-Qaeda to the US homeland was less than it was ve or 10 years ago, with one or two exceptions. AFP

www.mmtimes.com
CARACAS

International World 41

TRADEMARK CAUTION NOTICE

Eaton Hydraulics Inc, a company organized under the laws of U.S.A carrying on business as manufacturer and having its principal office at 1000 Eaton Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44122, United States of America is the owner and sole proprietor of the following Trademark:-

Reg.Nos. 4/7229/2006, 4/6852/2007, 4/3653/2010 & 4/12381/2013 Used in respect of :Hydraulic power apparatus, instruments, devices, components and accessories. (International Class 7) Any unauthorized use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent intentions of the above mark will be dealt with according to law. Tin Ohnmar Tun & The Law Chambers Ph:0973150632 Email:law_chambers@seasiren.com.mm (For. Patrick Mirandah Co.(S) Pte Ltd, Singapore) Dated. 3rd March, 2014

VICKERS

Demonstrators against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro take to the streets in San Cristobal, Venezuela, on February 26. Photo: AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTION NOTICE

MAXI-CASH FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION LTD., a company organized under the laws of Singapore and having its principal office at 55 UBI AVENUE 1 #07-11 UBI 55 BUILDING Singapore 408935 is the owner and sole proprietor of the following Trademarks:-

Carnaval at crucial time for Venezuela

As protests bring chaos to streets will a party change the mood?
EmiLia DiaZ-STruck anD Nick MirOFF IT is Carnaval time in Venezuela, when revellers typically ll the streets in rumpowered dance parties leading up to the March 4 Mardi Gras blowout. And after two weeks of deadly street demonstrations against his government, embattled President Nicolas Maduro would like nothing more than for the country to go numb on booze and rumba. A social media campaign pushed by his supporters, #ConMaduroCarnavalSeguro (a safe Carnaval with Maduro), is promoting the government as the official guarantor of the good times. To party or to protest? For the student-led uprising that has convulsed Venezuelan cities but is showing signs of fatigue, that has been the question. Mr Maduro declared a national holiday between February 26 and March 5, the one-year anniversary of the death of his predecessor, Hugo Chavez. The vacation has given Mr Maduro his best chance to convince the Chavez support base that he is capable of keeping his mentors legacy from coming undone. But the sharply divided, oil-rich country has not looked very festive lately as it sorts out its hangover from 14 years of Chavez rule: a country with not enough milk or sugar in the supermarkets and far too many carjackings and murders in the streets. Caracas student leader Juan Requesens said the protesters were in no mood for dancing. The heavy-handed government response had only encouraged them to dig in further. We are going to stay in the streets, he said. As long as the government keeps up its repression, were not going to sit down. On February 26, students joined a peaceful womens march led by Lilian Tintori, the wife of jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who was taken into custody by Venezuelan authorities February 18. Mr Lopez was being held at a military prison where he was still facing charges of arson and conspiracy as Mr Maduro declared the holiday. The Maduro government is seeking to hold Mr Lopez responsible for demonstrations on February 12 that ended in violence. Daily clashes of varying intensity since then have seen at least 14 people killed and about 150 injured since the protests began. Mr Maduro has taken to the airwaves almost nightly, lurching between calls for peace and incendiary denunciations of the protesters as fascists and coup plotters. He claims that the demonstrations are part of a subversive campaign hatched in the United States, a charge US ofcials deny. Mr Maduro invited business leaders, religious gures and opposition members to join him at the presidential palace on February 26 for a national conference on peace and are unhappy about the troubled economy. Some of the most intense clashes between demonstrators and the national guards have occurred in the state of Tachira, an opposition stronghold along the border with Colombia. It was the site of the rst protests at the beginning of this month, which erupted after an attempted sexual assault on a campus and a botched police response. Anger at the government spread from there. In San Cristobal, Tachiras capital, the streets remain choked with makeshift barriers built from tree stumps, tires and other debris. Venezuelan authorities have sent ghter jets roaring over the protesters heads in the city, prompting the state governor a longtime Chavez loyalist to criticize Mr Maduro in a rare public reproach from within the ranks of their United Socialist Party. The state is Venezuelas biggest tinderbox. With the annual ination rate topping 50 percent and the blackmarket exchange rate for Venezuelan currency tanking, shoppers from Colombia have been crossing the border to trade in their pesos and clean out local supermarkets of the few remaining goods. We want to go to supermarkets and nd the products we need, said Wilmer Zabaleta, a student leader in Tachira. All the contraband has made San Cristobal into one of the most expensive cities in Latin America. Mr Zabaleta said students will stay in the streets until the government starts to address their problems. Instead of trying to divide us, the government needs to listen to the people and stop demonising us, he said. David Smilde, a senior fellow at the Washington Office on Latin America and a longtime Venezuela observer, said he expects Carnaval to bring a lull in the tensions. Its the biggest party vacation of the year and precisely attracts young people, he said. Nevertheless, the cause of these protests is still present and could conceivably get worse in the coming months, so we could be doing this again. Washington Post

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As long as the government keeps up its repression, were not going to sit down.
Juan Requesens Caracas Student Leader

life, with the goal of building social and political peace. Opposition leader Henrique Capriles, who lost last Aprils presidential election to Mr Maduro, did not attend, after skipping a similar event on February 24, saying the president was trying to create a false image of dialogue and dance around the conict. Luis Vicente Len, president of the respected Caracas polling rm Datanisis, said it is also important for outside observers to keep in mind that not all of the country is protesting. But while the president retains the support of part of the population, particularly among Venezuelas poor, Mr Len said that even those who support Maduro

Get your finger on it

Khin Zaw Latts paintings have quickly attracted international exhibitions and buyers, but the young artists inspiration remains his humble origins and the stories of Myanmars less fortunate
Below: Street Story (5) | Opposite: Old Man Far right: Street Story (4) Bottom right: The artist Khin Zaw Latt. Photo: Supplied

the pulse
Y A N G O N

Seeing in shades of grey

By Zon Pann Pwint
zonpann08@gmail.com

N a narrow winding lane off Golden Hill Road lies an awe-inspiring two-storey building made of solid concrete. Inside are high ceilings and an iron spiral staircase that winds from the ground-oor art gallery up to the owners residence and to a third-oor artists studio. This is the ultra-modern home of Khin Zaw Latt, a young artist of humble origins who just two years ago spent his days painting in a small and austere fourthoor apartment on Old Yadashe Street. Today he lives among some of the countrys richest and most famous lm stars, artists and writers. He has crafted his own distinct path through hard work and commitment, never losing sight of his roots and the social obligations that inspire his art. It was December 30 when, out of the blue, a major re struck the 33-year-old artists hometown the delta village of Kanpae, Labutta township. About 230 households were left homeless by the re that broke out from a neglected hearth. At once Khin Zaw Latt knew what he had to do: make and sell art, a lot of it.

His paintings, most on the theme of street children and including Buddha images and his Moving Forward series, fetched US$30,000 at auction in his gallery on January 17, all of which was immediately donated to his fellow townspeople in Kanpae. Khin Zaw Latt is not only famous in Myanmar but also known internationally. After he drew more portraits of street children for the fundraising event, and before they were exhibited, he sent photos of the new artworks to his clients via email. Just a few minutes later, responses came in from Singapore, England and beyond with offers to buy. The paintings sold like hotcakes well before the exhibition started. The outpouring of interest made Khin Zaw Latt feel uncomfortable. He didnt have anything for visitors to the exhibition to buy. He rushed to make more Buddha paintings in time to display. It takes time to make a portrait, but I can paint Buddha in my sleep. I know they are in demand. I can make money easily by drawing Buddha images, he said. Images of Buddha, in fact, are what Khin Zaw Latt rst became known for. He drew his inspiration from two years spent in a monastery studying English from 2002 to 2004, after he had graduated from the Yangon

THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCK 3 - 9, 2014 | www.mmtimes.com/thepulse

University of Art and Culture with a ne arts degree. Though he came from a small town with little exposure to ne arts, Khin Zaw Latt seems to have been born to be a painter. From early on, he enjoyed sketching in his schoolbooks. One day, his older brother, Soe Soe (who was already an established artist in the local art scene), found Khin Zaw Latts pencil drawings in his books and encouraged him to study art after he nished matriculation exams. In 1996, in ninth standard the budding artist arrived in Yangon. In 1998, he joined the university. It was many years before he began to make the large paintings he is known for today. His at on Old Yadashe Road, where he lived from 2005 to 2012, was too small. I wanted to draw large paintings, but it was too conned, he said. When my paintings started to sell fairly well, I built this house so I would have a high ceiling in my studio. I enjoy making large paintings. He has kept the old at but donated its use to a group of local artists and researchers who have converted it into the edgling Myanmar Art Resource Center and Archive. After graduation, he began painting a variety of subjects, from landscape to portrait. But his days in the monastery directed his focus toward Buddhas image. I am interested in gurative art. I saw the face of Buddha in every corner of the monastery, and I decided to draw it, he said. He made a series of paintings, but he didnt use

any brushes to create his rst Buddha face. He used a carved-wood stamp that showed Buddha teaching. Wetting it with paint, he marked the canvas. Later he made a series of Buddhas with paints and brushes, mostly working in monochrome. One of these works earned him a Myanmar Contemporary Art Award in 2004, and since then he has been travelling the road to fame and fortune. His rst exhibition was held at a Hong Kong art gallery in 2004, following the award competition. Four judges, including Gill Pattison, owner and curator of River Art Gallery, and a Hong Kong-based curator decided the award, which was sponsored by The Myanmar Times. His paintings were shown at Singapore Art Fair in 2006, as well as at My Burma gallery in Hong Kong, introducing him to the international art world. The understated simplicity of his work has drawn attention. His technique and subtle use of colour set him apart from other Myanmar artists. At the fundraising event in January, 16 2-square-foot portraits of street children sold for $1000 each, and a series of four paintings on the theme of Moving Forward crowds of people pressing forward, their backs to the viewer fetched $8500. Khin Zaw Latt is modest about the attention his work has received. Since I started my career as an artist, I have never xed the price for any of my

I saw a ock of people on the ferry. Their lives were moving on. It caught my interest.
Khin Zaw Latt | Artist

paintings. I accepted the price that the galleries xed. I never thought Id get this much. Although the price of my work in galleries in Hong Kong and Europe has soared, I just sell them here [in Yangon] at prices slightly lower than the international galleries have xed, he said. After four years spent drawing a series of Buddha faces, he became bored. Then Khin Zaw Latt had a moment of fresh inspiration, while riding a ferry boat to Dala on the southern bank of the Yangon River. I saw a ock of people on the ferry. Their lives were moving on. It caught my interest, he said. Most of the ferry passengers are vendors who commute from Dala to Yangon every day. The artist imagined the struggle that their lives must be, entangled in poverty but full of dreams for a better future. He felt empathy for the crowds on the ferry, he said: When he paints the crowd, he uses grey and dull colours, as their lives, in his view, cannot be described by things bright and colourful. The shape of the moving crowd inuenced his decision to paint the people moving away from the viewer. One painting shows a crowd of women. A mother carries a baby in her arms while other tightly packed people press around her. I continue to paint this subject, he said. In 2012, another subject tugged at his heartstrings. While on holiday in Mandalay and at Chaungtha Beach, he met children begging, selling postcards on the street and mollusk shells on the beach. Each of these children has a tragic story. Some have parents. Some dont. They said they are happier making money outside on the street rather than

studying at schools. It made me really sad, he said. I photographed the lovely faces of the children. When I arrived home, I started to make a series of street faces that would make people take notice of their lives. He has been working on a series of 2-square-foot paintings of faces, which he plans to display sideby-side in a grid on one wall of his gallery. He was interrupted by the disaster in his home village. He sold the paintings of children he had made before January 17 to raise funds. I continue to paint the children. I am alive with feelings for them. Though I painted Buddha to raise funds, I was less enthusiastic about painting Buddha. It is not as exciting as when I paint children. I feel a serious need to draw them, he said. He has two children of his own. While they are working on the street, my children are studying, he said. I feel sympathetic toward them. Perhaps not until the lives of all Myanmar children can be described by bright colours will Khin Zaw Latt be able to seek a new subject.

THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

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An artist for the avant-garde

Suu Myint Thein hopes he can help students to be the next visionaries
By Nyein Ei Ei Htwe
nyeineieihtwe23@gmail.com

MANDALAY

ODAY, almost all students come to me not to become artists, but just to study my teachings to use in their professions, Suu Myint Thein said.The Mandalay performance artist and sculptor, who founded his own school, is not best pleased by this development. Dreamland Art School, decorated with large modern statues, is situated on 69th Road, Mandalay, among fashion and cosmetics shops. Suu Myint Thein, 43, surrounded by art books and paintings, and untroubled by the Mandalay heat, was disappointedly explaining what motivated many of his students. Its rare to see students who really want to be artists. Designers attend painting classes to study basic design, and photographers come to learn composition. Though some students performance is awesome, they dont want to lead the artists life, said Saya Suu Myint Thein. After teaching at Mandalay Art School for 13 years, he founded Dreamland in 2008. The name comes from courses he taught before starting the school. Contemporary art, which I wanted to teach as the main subject of painting, was not part of the

Suu Myint Thein with one of his sculptures. Photo: Sithu Lwin
curriculum, which is why I think contemporary art is still weak in our country. I used to teach it in my spare time, said Suu Myint Thein. He feels insufficient attention is devoted to his disciplines at the countrys four government art schools, two in Mandalay and two in Yangon, though Mandalay contemporary artists have attracted some international interest. We have to still explain that contemporary art is a kind of realism. We cant stage performances or installations without reality. The difference is direct and indirect, said Suu Myint Thein. Some arts can be depicted through painting and sculpture, while some are expressed through the artists body. I prefer art that I can perform with my own feelings, he added. His interest in contemporary art dates back to the 1990s. He studied it as a main subject in 1995 and submitted his first performances to a group show by Mandalay artists in 2000 (he used his body as an instrument, and still does.) Though he performed installation and contemporary art for over a decade, traditional artists from Mandalay still dont accept him, he said sadly. There are two kinds of artists who dont understand my contemporary performances. Some urge me to pursue my vision, even though they dont grasp it. Others just think Im a fool, Suu Myint Thein said lightly. As an artist crazy for contemporary art in a traditional city, he faced many difficulties. In 2012, a Myanmar-Malaysia Contemporary Exchange was held in Mandalay and I did street performances in front of Mandalay Moat by ironing the road. But so many people crowded around to watch that the street was blocked and someone called the police. They asked me to accompany them to the station, and promise not to do it again, he laughed. His next brush with the law occurred in 2013, when he wrapped his body entirely in blue tape and walked from his school to Zey-Cho market, writing phyay (release) on the palms of passers-by. People were applauding, but the police didnt understand. They asked me to come in to the station again. This kind of thing is not helpful for the performance artists of Mandalay, he thinks. Law enforcement agents aside, others see his art as a form of advertisement. He gets asked to perform at the opening ceremonies of commercial establishments. They think the launch of a restaurant or fashion shop will go better with a performance to attract customers. I have to explain to them that my art is not a form of entertainment, but springs from emotion. Some understand. Some dont. A veteran of international exhibitions in Malaysia and India, he feels there is no great difference between international and local contemporary performances, though each country may differ in conception. All performances are inspired by environment, business, weather and the politics of each country. Artists from other countries cant know the feelings of local people, and we cant perform with their ideas, he said. Myanmar people are wrong to confuse contemporary performance art with protest, he adds. Artists just reflect our surroundings and how we feel about them. That isnt political, he said. Suu Myint Thein supports his family by commercial sculpting. His wife teaches painting at Mandalay Teacher Training colleague. They have two children. I have to sculpt for commercial purposes after my classes close, but I dont have to invest my feelings in my customers desires. In my free time, I read and paint, he said. Suu Myint Thein said contemporary artists from Mandalay have to work harder for local recognition, because the city offers performers less opportunity than Yangon. Young people in Mandalay are interested in contemporary art, but performances are rare. The most important thing is to hold events, he said. Forehead shiny with sweat and eyes aglow, the artist eagerly explained the abstract sculptures that grace his school, oblivious to the hot sun.

People were applauding, but the police didnt understand. They asked me to come to the station again.
Suu Myint Thein
Performance artist

What makes a wine smooth?

HATEAU Paradise or Chateau Rotgut? Why is it that one wine can be exquisitely smooth and another

stomach-turning tart? Oenologists say the answers are many, but one factor is a germ that helps to lower a wines acidity. Known by its Latin name of Oenococcus oeni, the useful bug is a so-called lactic acid bacterium. It is widely involved in the second fermentation stage in red wines, and in some white and sparking ones too, after a first fermentation turning grape sugar

into wine has taken place. In a process called malolactic conversion, O oenis job is to de-acidify the wine and create a full, rounded mouth-feel. Commercial winemakers use industrialised bacteria for a standardised product, but plenty of variables, such as the wines level of citric acid, can still cause an expensive upset. New research by Spanish and Italian scientists may provide help. In a study published by Britains Royal Society, the team said they had drawn up a draft map of O oenis toolkit 152 proteins that are unique to the bacterium and help to dictate the success of malolactic conversion. The proteome reference map

derives from the genome of a strain of O oeni called ATCC BAA-1163 a code of DNA studded with 1398 genes. Only 10 percent of the strains proteins have been sequenced so far, but even this should be helpful, the authors said. The harsh wine environment represents a challenge to the survival of O oeni and can strongly affect the successful outcome of the vinification, the investigators said. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms related to the stress adaptation and technical performance of O oeni is crucial for the characterisation and selection of strains for industrial purposes. AFP

A special germ helps smooth out the flavour of a wine. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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45

Nay Phone Latt speaks

An interview with a Myanmar advocate of free expression and computer literacy
ONE of the countrys earliest influential bloggers, Nay Phone Latt was arrested in January 2008 at the age of 27. His online writings had provided important information to foreign media outlets and, after being held in prison for over nine months, he was sentenced by a specially assembled court to a combined 20 years and six months in prison, which included 15 years for offences under the Electronics Act, threeand-a-half years for offences under the Video Act, and two years for creating public alarm. During his imprisonment, Nay Phone Latt was awarded Reporters Without Borders press freedom prize in the Cyber-dissident category. He also received the 2010 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award, which honours writers who have fought courageously in the face of adversity for the right to freedom of expression. That same year, TIME magazine recognised him in their annual 100 list in the Heroes category for people who most affect our world. After his release as part of the 2012 amnesty, he took up the cause of internet communications and established the Myanmar ICT for Development Organisation (MIDO). The organisation now provides basic computing and media training for youth in remote regions, aiming to increase computer literacy. Its also working on a new pilot program alongside telecom firm Telenor to develop What are you writing just now? I prefer short stories but now mostly articles about the political situation. Writing short stories requires more concentration. An article is about facts, but a short story is based upon emotions and feelings that come from inside. During my imprisonment, I wrote so many short stories. What is your greatest fear? My greatest desire is that I want to stay here and die here. I cannot stay long in a foreign country, so my greatest fear would be to be apart from my country and my people. What is your greatest achievement? Every single short story is my achievement. Whenever I re-read my short stories I feel a sense of satisfaction. What natural talent do you wish you possessed? [Long pause.] Im very bad at communicating [verbally]. If I have a pen I can write many things, but normally I dont want to say anything if I know its not needed. I am speaking with you just now, but only because I am answering your questions. My grandpa always used to talk to me about that. If he asked me something I would just nod my head. Thats not good for communication. What is your idea of misery? The moment of feeling guilty. If Ive done something wrong, and I see the result of that, I feel guilty, and for me that is misery. Who is your favourite writer and/or blogger? My favourite writer is Tar Yar Min Wai. His characters are also my favourite characters because they are unique, and his ideas and ideologies are not normal. Id say my favourite blogger is Naing Naing Sanay. She is a blogger and also a pioneer. Her books are like Chicken Soup for the Soul, and she has had so many books published. What do you do for relaxation or leisure? I like reading and also watching movies. I enjoy drama though not love stories. Political drama and true stories, and I enjoy watching documentaries. What is your favourite possession? Its very difficult to say. [Laughs.] I always prefer new things! Which recent changes in Myanmar have surprised you the most? Those involving the telecom sector. Under the military government, all new websites were banned. After 2012 we could use every website. In the military, seeing DVB [Democratic Voice of Burma] was illegal. Now in almost every tea shop you can see DVB. How can those changes be sustained and progressed? We are seeing some changes, but so many things have not totally changed. The media has to take responsibility [for the quality and accuracy] of its reporting. If we can do that and create a good culture then the government wont have an excuse to put restrictions on the media. Who has been the biggest influence on your life? There are so many people. I dont just have one role model. I take from them all but not the whole thing. I like Aung San, but some of his behaviour I dont like. I like Tar Yar Min Wai, but he was a big drinker and I dont like that. I just take the good parts. What is your favourite motto? Im a Liverpool FC fan. I like their motto: Youll never walk alone. Thats been very important for me to go forward. In the past, I went through a very difficult time in prison. With this motto I knew I wasnt alone and other people were with me.

Nay Phone Latt. Photo: Lwin Ko Taik

a series of community internet resources across the country. At a time when issues regarding media freedom and ICT development are a key concern for many in this country, The Myanmar Times met up with Nay Phone Latt at the MIDO headquarters in an apartment in Yangons Kyeemyindaing township. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Im happy when Im doing what I want! There are two parts to being happy: being happy when were living and also at the end, on your final day, whether you are happy with your life.

My greatest desire is I want to stay here and die here. I cant stay long in a foreign country.
Nay Phone Latt
Blogger and activist

The politics of cutting

By Bennett Murray
HILE Rithy Panh will be the first Cambodian director to walk down the Oscars red carpet next month, many filmmakers at home are faced with a stickier path through a good deal of red tape. Some directors report no problems while others have had their releases delayed

PHNoM PeNH

Chhay Boras film 3.50, which confronts the topic of sex trafficking in Cambodia. It was supposed to premiere last October, but has been held up by the governments film censorship board. Photo: Supplied

From local independent productions to Hollywood blockbusters, all films screened legally in Cambodia are subject to government censorship. But what are the boundaries?
indefinitely, but one thing is for certain: no film can be shown in Cambodias cinemas unless the government gives the okay. Under Cambodian law, every feature film released in the Kingdom must be approved by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts film censorship board. Such scrutiny is normal in the region, with every ASEAN state exercising direct film censorship to some degree, while government censorship in Western nations is usually only reserved for cases of extreme obscenity, such as depictions of paedophilia, bestiality or real-life violence. For local productions in Cambodia, scripts must also be submitted prior to filming. If the film is rejected at either stage, it cannot be legally screened in the country. Cambodian film censors have most recently held up the release of Martin Scorseses The Wolf of Wall Street starring Leonardo Dicaprio, which contains graphic sex scenes, drug use and more than 500 uses of the word f**k. But filmmaker Chhay Bora, who directed the yet-to-be released 3.50, said that the censorship board has never explained to him their grounds for evaluating movies. Its like walking in the jungle with no road map to follow, said Bora, whose film on sex trafficking was supposed to be released last October but never received final approval. Although his script was approved, Bora said that the censorship board has failed to reach a verdict on the final version. No specific cuts have been ordered by the ministry, he said, but feedback he received suggested that censorship board members were concerned about the movies heavy social commentary. The Ministry of Culture film department said they didnt ban the film, but they didnt grant the licence yet, said Bora, adding that although the films dialogue did not seem to cause controversy, the censorship board

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THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

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Honouring the elephants

A trip to Sayabouly, Laos, for the annual Elephant Festival offers the colour of a unique local celebration and highlights the ongoing challenge to conserve the disappearing giants
By Whitney Light
light.whitney@gmail.com

Staff at the Elephant Conservation Center help the animals cool off. Below: Scenes from the Elephant Festival, February 16-19. Photos: Whitney Light

L A o s

T the edge of Sayabouly, a not-quite-life-size sculpture of a parade of elephants announces the town of roughly 16,000 people in northern Laos as the rightful Land of a Million Elephants a translation of Lan Xang the 14th century kingdom, turned postcard tagline. Sayabouly Province is home to Laos largest population of elephants, and also to its annual Elephant Festival, held February 17-19, which promised a celebration with dozens gathered together by their mahouts (masters). Along with a few dozen other foreigners and a few thousand Laos families, I arrived the Sunday before events got underway to see and celebrate the animal held sacred in local culture. Up to 80 domestic Asian elephants partook in years past. This year, I learned later, it was 65. Not quite as impressive a number, but perhaps a signal of things to come. In 2007, the first Elephant Festival took place in Hong Sa, put on by its then-organisers Elephant Asia (the local government took it over in 2011) , a French non-profit that seeks to protect the Asian elephant in Laos. The number

of both domestic and wild elephants in the country, as elsewhere in Asia, has been on a worrisome decline in recent years. Yet the country is still considered home to one of the largest remaining populations in Indochina. That could change. Laos is not the sleepy backwater it once was, as neighbouring countries compete for investment. China recently took the number one spot, with total investments worth US$5.1 billion and a loan to the government to build a road from Vientiane to Yunnan worth 75 percent of Laos GDP. Currently, about 460 elephants work in the countrys logging industry

down from 570 in 2008 and roughly 400 are wild. The numbers likely will keep dropping: Jungle habitat is being cleared and flooded for farm and resource developments; ivory poachers hunt on the borders of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia; and births number 4-5 annually compared to roughly 15 deaths, according to Elephant Asia. Id come on a packed bus from Luang Prabang, arriving with dustcaked hair alongside locals loaded down with plastic rainbow-coloured sacks of supplies. Of seven foreigners, only I had pre-arranged a place to stay. The few guesthouses in town turned

out to be fully booked. Arriving at the office to check in to my homestay, I walked into a shouting match between a well-dressed Laos woman with a clipboard, Ms Houmpheng, and a grey-haired, khaki-shorted tourist, who was enraged that his booking on Agoda had been lost. I saw him the next morning, looking sheepish, at my homestay with the smiling and toothless septuagenarian, Mrs Lo. The main events of the festival were scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, February 18, but already by Sunday many elephants had settled in a treed area beside the fairgrounds and next

About 460 elephants work in Laoss logging industry, down from 570 in 2008. The numbers will likely keep dropping. Births number 4-5 each year, while deaths number roughly 15, according to Elephant Asia.

to the Nam Hung, a tributary of the Mekong. For 30,000 kip (about $3.75) mahouts offered rides in carriages mounted to the backs of their pompomand sequin-blanketed elephants. It seemed relatively easy money for a group that typically spends 90 percent of their work days in logging camps coercing the animals into backbreaking labour. In times past a mahout would learn his trade from his father and spend his lifetime with an elephant that he owned (today one costs $20,000-30,000), giving it the care and respect such an important investment would require, said Sebastien Duffillot, founder of the Elephant Conservation Center in Sayabouly. Now, with better prospects in other fields, more sons of mahouts decline to take on the trade, leaving it for younger and poorer men to take over, with few able to afford to own, he said. Instead, a mahout may take home only $100 to $200 dollars each month, depending on how much wood the elephant he is in charge of has transported: an economic arrangement thats led to unnecessary risk being taken in the jungle by workers with little knowledge of elephant biology and behaviour. For a 10-minute elephant-back view of the fairgrounds, children and adults scampered up crudely constructed platforms in the trees to access their carriage. As many photographers as mahouts surrounded the site, selling portraits of the Kodak moments for 40,000 kip ($5), ready with

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LAte foR NowHeRe

$1399 (its $5473 in Thailand). But such projects also shrink forests that are home to diverse species. The festival seemed to highlight the challenge Laos is facing: finding adequate balance between development and preservation. The next day, motorbikes and minibuses continued to deliver people to the festival grounds; half-tonne trucks arrived with hauls of elephant feed and left with yellow crates of empty Beerlao. At the elephant grounds, I stumbled upon a team of veterinarians from the nearby Elephant Conservation Centre looking at a female who, they informed me, had developed a vaginal cyst. As the doctors were deciding what to do, one lamented that the festival had taken a turn since the Sayabouly government took over its organisation in 2011. Its not like it used to be. Tonight they will make a big party, she said, glancing toward the source of the booming music that filled the air. The first years of the festival aimed to promote ecological awareness of the declining elephant population, as well as local ecotourism. While the latter is going strong, the conservation angle in the exercise of cultural pride appeared to have been lost. She suggested arrangements so I might visit the centre later that day, and shortly after I was in a tuktuk with a driver, Mr Hamphao, dressed in a festive blue sparkle-dusted top hat and gold rimmed sunglasses. Zipping out of town, the landscape quickly turned quiet and rural, with small homes surrounded by vegetable gardens and flowering trees. We arrived at a boggy lake. A wood skiff with a motor took me to the centre a few huts and an animal hospital on 106 hectares nestled among pristinelooking islands. Joining an afternoon tour group led by a guide, Mr Lah, we visited a small museum where the traditional tools of the mahout a short stick mounted with a thick, pointed hook, a sheathed knife and a cane carriage were covered with dust, looking like relics from a time of slavery. The mahouts they employ to care for the centres six elephants dont carry the hook anymore, Mr Lah explained, only the knife to let the animal know whos boss. They never use the carriages, which chafe the skin. When it came time to meet the elephants, we were shown how to ride bareback a tricky balancing act for the unpractised. A 63-year-old former logging elephant named Meadow knelt down in front of me, and clutching the ear, I threw one leg over the back of her neck. When the ride was over, Meadow and two other elephants bathed in the lake before their

In times past a mahout would spend a lifetime with an elephant that he owned.
Sebastien Duffillot
Elephant Conservation Center

IF YOU GO
ELePHANT CoNSeRVATioN CeNTeR The centre offers 1-day visits or up to 7-day/6-night stays, as well as volunteer opportunities, which can be booked through the website or a tour operator. For links and more information visit www. elephantconservationcenter.com. HoMe-STAy iN SAyABouLy Contact the organisers by email at sayaboulyecotourism@hotmail.com to pre-book your stay, or visit their office on arrival in Sayabouly at the Simeouang Village Meeting Room (Hong Kan Ban Simeouang). Homestays provide guests a window onto how life is lived locally, which typically means sleeping on mattresses on the floor, cold-water showers and going out to find your own meals. Cost is 30,000 kip ($3.75) per night. For guesthouses with greater amenities, see www. sayaboulytourism.com. ELePHANT FeSTiVAL It generally takes place in midFebruary, but exact dates change and are sometimes not announced until very close to the start date. Visit www.tourismlaos.org or email sayaboulyecotourism@hotmail.com. GeTTiNg THeRe The local bus from Luang Prabang to Sayabouly departs at 7am, 8am and 2pm daily from the Luang Prabang bus station. Buses are known to leave early, however, so arriving 45 minutes to an hour in advance is advised. Cost oneway is 60,000 kip ($7.50). Morning flights to Sayabouly from Vientiane are also available one-way for 715,000 kip ($89). See www.tourismlaos. org for more information. EAT Choice of dining options is somewhat limited, with many menus featuring chicken or beef noodle soup. But dont miss the grilled duck, served with lettuce leaves, herbs and rice noodles for rolling and dipping in sweet-andsour sauce, available at various small family-run grill shops around town.

Essential commands for colonial Burma

By Douglas Long
dlong125@gmail.com

makeshift print studios in the backs of their cars. Onlookers freely wandered the site and vendors sold neon creamfilled crepes and candied popcorn while mahout families kicked back on grass mats in the shade or cut sugar cane for animal feed. I joined the crowd marvelling at the elegant giants and took my turn for a ride. On the fairgrounds, meanwhile, commerce ruled. Under a steamy canopy of plastic canvas, vendors at hundreds of stalls hawked everything from discount cosmetics, rice cakes, childrens clothes and car polish while Laotian pop music competed with electronic dance beats booming from massive speakers. Nearby kids played in inflatable jumping gyms, rode bumper cars and a Ferris wheel, threw darts and shot targets for prizes. A young girl, giggling with excitement, shook a can of scented powder at me and ran away. Later, immaculately made-up young women in jewel-tone dresses and hair coiffed into cones lined up to compete in the Miss Elephant Beauty Contest. Each stepped carefully around a stage in front of a rapt audience as an announcer read out their respective ages, heights and weights. Wandering through the fray, I stumbled upon two educational displays: a UNDP-sponsored public-service documentary about a local farm extension and climate-change resistance project; and a government-sponsored information campaign about the construction of a power plant at Hong Sa. Both represent the economy-boosting activities of a country that remains one of the poorest in Asia, with a GDP per capita of

mahouts returned them to the seclusion of the forest. The sun going down, I joined a boat ride back to the main road with one of the centres guides and managers, Mr Sak. Before I jumped out he gave me a grave look. We are different, he said. We are working for the elephant. That night, paper lanterns bearing Coca-Cola stickers launched into the night sky as part of the festivities, creating shifting constellations. It was beautiful, if also worrying, since the forests were tinder-dry and fires were already filling the air with smoke. The next morning I woke up early, knowing that the main events of the festival were scheduled early. As I was brushing my teeth, Mrs Lo looked at me, grunted and pointed out the door, indicating either that I wasnt welcome anymore or that I might miss the big event. There was no danger of that. For several hours, sitting and standing in the packed open-air stadium under an increasingly hot sun, a massive crowd enjoyed performances by various ethnic dancers, speeches by visiting dignitaries, an elephant parade and blessing, and anthem-like music as some two-dozen young Laos men and women parachuted into the field to edge-of-seat awe and cheers. Soon after, Ms Houmpheng arrived with her motorbike to give me a lift to the bus station. We sped through the throng of weary festival-goers and across the bridge over the Nam Hung, where the elephants were taking a well-deserved, cool bath. Passing the elephant sculpture for the last time, Ms Pheng remarked that she hoped her guests would come to see the real ones once again.

WHILE ago a local friend disappointed that, after years of study, my Myanmarlanguage skills remained roughly equivalent to those of a Burmese cat gave me a book entitled Burmese Self-Taught (In Burmese and Roman Characters) with Phonetic Pronunciation by RF St A St John, Hon MA (Oxon). The book, as one might guess from the cumbersome title and authors name, was the product of Edwardian-era England (it was published in 1911) and was intended as a primer for colonial administrators, civil servants and missionaries relocating from the temperate maritime climate of the United Kingdom to the monsoon tropics of Burma. Its a curious little tome. For starters, Mr RF St A St John, Hon MA (Oxon) mentions in the preface that the people of Burma refer to their own language as Myanma hbatha (the language of the Myanma), which might be news to those who are under the impression that the military junta invented the word Myanmar out of the blue in the 1990s. The book also includes an excerpt from an article by Dr Francis E Clarke titled A Glimpse of Burma that originally appeared in Christian World magazine on February 3, 1910. We learn from the good doctor that travellers to Rangoon will find the place teeming not with the straight-featured, thin-limbed, agile Aryans to be seen in Calcutta, but rather with round-faced, jolly, plump Mongolians, with slant eyes and yellow skins, and the merriest of black, twinkling eyes. Visitors will also be exposed to the gorgeous, glittering Shwedagon Pagoda as well as a multitude of other sights, odd, beautiful, bizarre. However, they will find no god in Rangoon, but only the placid, unwinking, half-smiling image of Gautama Buddha. With these introductory pleasantries out of the way, the aspiring colonial administrator can move on to the business of learning the language of his temporary home. The books vocabulary section is organised in an odd way. Most language-learning systems these days begin with immediately useful words and phrases such as hello and my name is , but Burmese Self-Taught is downright Biblical in its arrangement. It follows a plan roughly akin to the six-day creation in Genesis, beginning with words related to the world and its elements, followed by land and water; animals, birds and fishes; town, country and agriculture and the human body. We then get into words essential for everyday human existence, such as those related to (in

the following order) eating, drinking, smoking, working, travelling, prosecuting criminals, bringing military force to bear against the enemy, praying and arranging funerals. Even more practical is the subsequent section on useful and necessary idiomatic expressions. It is here that the student finally learns to enunciate basic words like yes, no and thank you (the latter, the author notes, is seldom used in Burma). Lets see what other phrases the author reckoned might constitute essential learning for Burmas colonial taskmasters-tobe (with accompanying pronunciation guide): Make haste! (ah-lyin pyoo-bah) Come here! (dee-goh lah-geh) Come back! (pyahn lah-geh) Be silent! (tayt-tayt nay) Get up! (htah-lik, htah-bah) Are you not ashamed? (mah shet-hpoo:-lah) You are to blame (ah-pyittinzah-yah kowng:-thee) Of course these are all useful phrases for putting uppity natives in their place, but Burmese SelfTaught goes far beyond everyday practicalities by supplying helpful expressions for just about every imaginable contingency. Faced with a confounding case of androgyny? Just ask, Is it a man or a woman? (yowkyah: lah: mayn:-mah lah) Waking up from a coma following a tumble from your bullock cart? Query the doctor thus: What month is it? (thee lah beh lah leh) The book ends with a specimen of Burmese handwriting, which upon closer inspection is actually a rendering of the Lords Prayer. In the event that readers might want to recite the prayer aloud in the local language, the specimen is followed by a transliteration of the Burmese words with English translation. At first I couldnt fathom why the Lords Prayer would be included here. Of course the benevolent colonialists would never have dreamed of imposing their own culture and religion on the Burman populace. I finally realised it must have been intended as a readymade party trick. Imagine one evening at the Pegu Club, circa 1912, as Colonel Archibald James Twizzlehurst observe, I say, old Jonesy has loaded himself with eight gin and tonics, and his face is red as a toe-maah-toe. I reckon the old chap is girding himself to deliver a rousing rendition of the Lords Prayer in Burmese! Then, consulting his dog-eared copy of Burmese Self-Taught, Col Twizzlehurst shouts at the round-faced, jolly, plump Mongolian barman, Byahndee-ah-yet tah-hkwet pay:-bah! Ah-lyin pyoobah! (Give me a glass of brandy! Make haste!) Muttering quietly to himself, he adds, Never go anywhere without my St John. Jolly good book. Jolly good. ............................................................ Read more of Douglas Longs musings on Myanmar and beyond at latefornowhere.wordpress.com.

THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

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Universal Crossword
Edited by Timothy E. Parker

SUDOKU PACIFIC

SAME PLACE? By Gary Cooper

ACROSS 1 Beaver projects 5 Sired, biblically 10 White-crested duck 14 Golden calf, for example 15 Decrease, as support 16 Painted metalware 17 California womans imperfection? 20 Coin with a hole in it 21 Weaves together 22 Wide gap 25 Rash treatment 26 Nibbled on 29 It may be rolled out in the rain 31 Intelligence, slangily 35 At all times, in verse 36 Internet message 38 Civil wrong 39 Treasure Island locale 43 A little of this and a little of that 44 Little role for a big star 45 In poor health 46 Not real 49 Balkan native 50 Scots No way! 51 Deal breaker? 53 Plane reservation 55 Narrow, elevated pathway 58 Buddhist sacred city 62 Site of a famous mission 65 Pros foe 66 Improve, in writing 67 It keeps on rolling 68 Part of a hammer head 69 Emulate a high roller 70 Marco Polo crossed it DOWN 1 It may be slipped 2 Month on the Hebrew calendar 3 One-quarter of tetra4 Jargon, e.g. 5 Breakfast companion 6 Drop the ball, literally or figuratively 7 Anything ___ 8 Change with the scenery 9 Magnetic flux units 10 Abruptly disconnected, in music 11 Look of distaste 12 Building annexes 13 Soaking 18 Render ineffective 19 Transparent sheet 23 Shangri-la resident 24 Swiss currency 26 Fabled moralist 27 Dabbling ducks 28 Bud Grace comic strip 30 Sixths of an inch, to a printer 32 Sign of spring 33 Syllables sung while skipping 34 Arrange, as hair 37 Rickey fruits 40 Middle of a square, sometimes 41 42 47 48 52 54 55 56 57 59 60 61 62 63 64 Bone-dry Shade of blue Crowing time Gives a speech Tiptoes opposite Angle indicator in geometry Support for the elderly? Put into the pot Joint for a beggar? The Earth turns on it Indian gown Sailing the waves What some yellowbellied birds suck Stopover Like 33

DILBERT

BY SCOTT ADAMS

PEANUTS

BY CHARLES SCHULZ

CALVIN AND HOBBES

BY BILL WATTERSON

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Laugh all the way to the bank when you rent this space.
The tea break page is being re-formatted in readiness for our move to a daily cycle. It may look something like this in the future. Our market research shows that a page like this attracts a large number of readers, who loyally read it every day. Ring Marketing Department to book this space permanently and laugh all the way to the bank with the extra business coming in your door.

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the pulse

49

A quick East-West menu

AVOCADO SALAD
Serves 4 1 big ripe avocado 2/3 cup small cherry or grape tomatoes 100g French beans 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp balsamic vinegar 1 cloves garlic Salt and ground black pepper OR 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar dressing Halve the avocado and discard the seed. Cut into 3-4cm cubes. Halve the tomatoes. Snip the tops of the beans. Boil water in a saucepan with a teaspoon of salt. When it boils, turn the heat to medium low and add French beans. Blanch for 3-4 minutes or until the beans are tender. Then quickly transfer them into icy cold water to stop cooking. Drain well. Marinate tomatoes with balsamic dressing for 15 minutes. Then add avocado and beans and mix well. Serve with grilled meat or seafood. To make your own dressing: Crush garlic and put in a jar. Then add balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Add a couple pinches of salt, a pinch of sugar and a generous amount of fresh-ground black pepper. Mix well.
Phyos cooking adventure
phyo.arbidans@gmail.com

food

Throw together mustard green and avocado dishes for a nutrient-rich breakfast or snack
STIR-FRIED EGG NOODLES WITH TOFU SERVES 4 320g or 1 packet of fresh egg noodles 4 tbsp vegetable oil 2 bunches mustard green leaves (mon nyin sein) 2 blocks Japanese egg tofu 2 tbsp mirin 2 tbsp Kikkoman soy sauce 1 tsp ground white pepper 1 tsp vegetable stock and 1 cup water (I prefer Massel vegetable stock without MSG) 2 shallots or spring onions Prepare the fresh egg noodles as per packet instructions. Add one tablespoon oil to boiling water so the noodles will separate. Slice tofu 1 - 2cm thick and lay on kitchen paper. Prepare mustard green leaves by snipping the young and soft leaves from the base. Snip the stems. If they break easily theyre good to use. If not, theyre old and chewy, so discard them. Peel off the skin of the stems. Wash and drain well. Separate the big stems from the leaves and flowers with thin stems. Wash the shallots and chop them thinly. Prepare the vegetable stock in 1 cup water. Add 1 tbsp oil to wok and heat on medium. When oil is hot, fry the tofu. Be careful while frying them. The oil will spit, so cover it with a lid. The bottom surface of the tofu should turn a golden colour. When it is, turn the slices and keep frying. After both surfaces are golden, fry them for 1 minute more and then transfer onto a plate lined with kitchen paper. It will absorb the excess oil from the tofu. Add remaining oil to wok and stir-fry the shallots or spring onions for half a minute. Then add the biggest stems and fry them until they change colour. Follow with the leaves and flowers and keep stirring. When the stems are tender, bring the noodles into wok. Add soy sauce and mirin. Salt to taste and add a generous grind of white pepper. Then add vegetable stock. Cover with a lid and fry for 3-4 minutes. Separate noodles among four bowls and garnish with fried tofu on top. Serve warm.

HIS week I made stir-fried noodles for breakfast before running to the office. Its good for both breaky or a snack, since its very quick to make. I combined egg noodles with mon nyin sein (mustard greens) and Japanese tofu. Mon nyin sein is an Asian vegetable thats now in season. The stems are big, crunchy and sweet. They have yellow flowers and tall, thin green leaves. They have a bit of a nutty (not bitter) taste, and contain many healthy nutrients. You can eat the soft, young leaves and the flowers. For the crunchy stems, simply snip them and peel the skin off. If you cant snip, discard the stems. Peel off the green skin so it will be easy to chew after stir-frying. Also, Japanese egg tofu is the yellow, silky one and its available at the market and most supermarkets.

Stir-fried noodles topped with tofu and mustard greens. Photo: Phyo

Restaurant Review

Dining with the uncles

Les Tontons Bistro and Trattoria
50-G Natmauk Lane (1), Bahan township, Yangon

By Whitney Light
light.whitney@gmail.com

ES Tontons is French for The Uncles, a name well-suited to this upscale but unpretentious restaurant run by a French and Italian family in a house tucked away in the quiet lanes of Bahan. At night, a cozy lamp-lit arrangement of bistro tables is set

elegantly right on the garden lawn. Inside, the reception area takes you straight to the barroom, with doors and hallways splitting off to different rooms that would be perfect spots for a romantic dinner or a private party. Our group of three opted to take a seat on the second-level balcony. We climbed the immaculately polished carved-wood staircase to a simple but chic patio. We expected a menu of French and Italian classics, as advertised, but this evening the seven or eight choices written on a chalkboard were exclusively Italian except for the wines. And except for the entrees, all the mains were based on pasta. Not too big a deal for a new restaurant thats still finding its footing, though, and it was reassuring that the menu seems to change based on availability of fresh ingredients. The wine list is well-chosen and well-priced. We ordered a delicious French white wine, Colombelle (K17,000 per bottle). The house red wine also satisfied (K3500 per glass). We started with a selection of entrees, which turned out to be the most interesting part of the meal. Caponata (K4500) with the salty bite of olives was flavourful and fresh, perfect for scooping onto slices of baguette (a proper French loaf, no substitutes). Grilled veggies with pesto (K5000) were plentiful and attractively arranged. They lacked the flavour of real coal or gas grilling, however, and came out a little flat, tasting of the oil they were likely pan-fried in. Also, inexplicably, the bright green pesto didnt have much taste of basil, let alone pine nuts or parmesan. That awareness of something missing marked the rest of our meal, which nonetheless was of aboveaverage quality. The pasta was cooked

al dente, the squid tender in the fettuccine with calamari (K9000), the service prompt and eager to please. Everything we ordered, however, no matter how tasty, seemed to come in variations of the same ingredients and sauces. Saltimbocca (K9000), a dish that traditionally rolls slices of veal with sage and prosciutto, used chicken instead and had more in common with the eggplant parmigiana (K4500) entre, with a side of pasta. The fettuccini with calamari carried the same tomato-based sauce, with some tiny squid rings tossed in. Still, each plate was flavourful enough with onion and garlic to satisfy. We cleaned nearly every plate. The portions are all of a decent size, with the entres being large enough to share, but a larger appetite might be left wanting. The dessert menu offered two options: fruit salad, or a brownie (K3500). We opted for the latter, which was also large enough to split three ways. Moist, not to sweet and served with a side dish of cream, it was a pleasing finish to the meal, although it suffered from the same problem the rest of the dishes had: the taste of chocolate barely registered. All the same, Les Tontons is well worth a visit for the atmosphere, the thoughtful quality of service and the food, which stands high among other restaurants in its price range.

Restaurant Rating Food Beverage Service Value for money X-factor 7 8 9 7 9

THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

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DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES

YANGON TO NAy PyI TAW Flight YH 833 FMI A1 Y5 777 FMI A1 FMI B1 FMI A1 FMI C1 Days 2 1,2,3,4,5 1,2,3,4,6 6 1,2,3,4,5 7 1,2,3,4,5 Dep 7:00 7:30 7:45 8:00 11:30 15:30 16:30 Arr 8:10 8:30 8:25 9:00 12:30 16:30 17:30 Y5 233 YJ 901 YJ 891 YH 918 YJ 901 6T 402 YH 918 W9 201 W9 144 Y5 132 NAy PyI TAW TO YANGON Flight FMI A2 FMI A2 YH 834 FMI B2 FMI A2 Y5 778 FMI C2 Days 1,2,3,4,5 6 2 1,2,3,4,5 7 1,2,3,4,6 1,2,3,4,5 Dep 8:50 10:00 13:00 13:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 Arr 9:50 11:00 13:55 14:00 18:00 18:10 19:00 YH 834 YH 832 6T 808 6T 808 YJ 212 YJ 212 YJ 202 YJ 762 YJ 602/W9 7602 W9 120 YANGON TO MANDALAy Flight YH 917 YH 909 YJ 891 YJ 901 YJ 901 YH 917 Y5 234 6T 401 YJ 901 YJ 7143/W9 143 YH 833 YH 831 W9 201 8M 6603 YJ 751/W9 7751 YJ 761 YJ 601/W9 7601 YJ 211 YJ 201 YH 737 YH 727 YH 729 W9 251 YH 729 YJ 003 6T 807 6T 807 W9 129 YH 731 6T 501 W9 211 Days 2 1,3,4,6,7 Daily 2,4,5,6,7 1 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily 3 2 2 6 Daily 2,4,7 5,7 1,2,4,6 6 5,7 2,3,4 3,5,7 1 4,6 2,5 2 3 7 1 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Dep 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:10 6:10 6:10 6:15 6:20 6:30 6:50 7:00 7:00 7:30 9:00 10:30 10:30 10:45 11:00 11:00 11:15 11:15 11:15 11:15 11:30 11:30 11:30 12:00 15:00 15:00 15:30 15:30 Arr 7:40 7:40 8:05 7:35 8:15 8:30 7:30 8:25 7:55 8:55 9:10 8:40 8:55 10:10 12:25 12:25 12:50 12:25 12:25 13:25 13:25 14:15 12:40 14:30 12:55 12:55 13:25 16:55 17:10 17:30 16:55 YANGON TO NyAUNG U Flight YJ 891 YH 917 YH 909 YH 909 YH 917 YJ 901 YJ 901 YJ 901 W9 141 6T 401 6T 351 YJ 7143/W9 143 YH 909 W9 143 YJ 601/W9 7601 YH 731 YH 731 W9 211 6T 501 Days Daily 2 1,3,4,6,7 2 1,3,4,5,6,7 1 2,4,5,6,7 2,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,6,7 2 5 Daily 6 1 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Dep 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:10 6:10 6:10 6:10 6:10 6:15 6:20 6:30 6:50 7:00 7:15 10:45 15:00 15:00 15:30 15:30 Arr 7:20 8:25 8:25 7:45 7:45 7:30 8:20 8:40 7:35 7:40 7:50 8:10 8:35 8:35 12:05 17:20 17:55 17:40 18:20 YH 728 YH 738 W9 129 YH 732 W9 211 8M 6604 YJ 752/W9 7752 YH 738 6T 502 YJ 004 YH 730 Daily 3 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 1 Daily 2 Daily Daily 3,5,6,7 2 4,6 7 1 5 7 2,3,4 1,2,4,6 6 1,3,6 1 5 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 2,4,7 5,7 3,7 Daily 3 2 8:10 8:10 8:20 8:30 8:30 8:45 9:10 9:10 9:20 9:30 12:00 12:30 13:15 13:45 15:00 15:00 15:30 16:05 16:05 16:30 16:45 16:50 17:10 17:10 17:10 17:20 17:20 17:25 17:50 18:00 18:15 9:25 10:15 10:15 10:45 9:55 10:45 11:05 11:05 10:45 10:30 13:55 13:55 15:15 15:45 16:25 16:55 16:55 17:30 17:30 17:55 18:10 18:45 18:35 19:15 19:15 18:30 18:45 18:50 19:55 19:25 19:40 Flight YJ 891 YH 917 YH 909 YH 917 W9 141 6T 401 6T 351 W9 201 YJ 751/W9 7751 YJ 761 YH 505 YH 737 YH 727 YH 505 W9 203 W9 119 6T 807 6T 807 W9 129 YH 731 6T 501 YANGON TO HEhO Days Daily 2 2 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,6,7 Daily 5,7 1,2,4,6 3,4,6,7 3,7 1 2 Daily 1,3,6 7 1 Daily Daily Daily Dep 6:00 6:00 6:10 6:10 6:15 6:20 6:30 7:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 11:15 11:15 11:30 11:00 11:15 11:30 12:00 15:00 15:00 15:30 Arr 8:50 9:55 8:40 9:35 8:20 9:20 8:45 9:40 11:40 11:40 11:55 12:40 12:40 12:55 12:10 12:25 13:50 14:20 16:10 16:25 16:40 Flight YH 634 6T 708 MyEIK TO YANGON Days 1,3,5,7 1,3,5,6,7 Dep 11:25 12:10 Arr 13:25 14:10 Flight YH 633 6T 707 Flight YH 511 6T 606 6T 612 MyITKyINA TO YANGON Flight YH 834 YH 832 YJ 202 W9 252 Days 2 4,6 2,3,4 2,5 Dep 10:35 10:35 14:05 16:05 Arr 13:55 13:55 16:55 19:00 Flight YH 511 6T 605 W9 309 6T 611 YANGON TO MyITKyINA Flight YH 833 YH 831 YJ 201 W9 251 Days 2 4,6 2,3,4 2,5 Dep 7:00 7:00 11:00 11:15 Arr 10:35 10:35 13:50 14:10 W9 141 YJ 901 YH 918 YH 910 YJ 901 YH 910 W9 144 YJ 901 YH 910 YJ 7144/W9 144 6T 351 YH 732 W9 211 YH 732 6T 502 Daily 1 2 1,3,4,6,7 2,4,5,6,7 5 Daily 3 2 2 5 2 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 7:50 7:45 8:25 8:25 8:35 8:35 8:50 8:55 9:35 9:55 10:50 17:20 17:55 17:55 18:35 10:40 9:55 11:05 9:45 9:55 9:55 10:10 10:15 10:55 11:15 13:55 18:40 19:15 19:15 19:55 6T 352 YJ 891 YH 918 6T 402 YH 918 W9 201 YH 505 W9 204 YH 505 6T 808 6T 808 W9 120 YJ 762 YJ 212 YH 728 YH 738 W9 129 YH 731 YH 731 6T 501 YH 738 YH 730 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 2 Daily 3,4,6,7 Daily 2 7 1 1,3,6 1,2,4,6 5,7 1 3,7 Daily 2 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 5 4,6 9:00 9:05 9:35 9:35 9:55 9:55 11:55 12:25 12:55 14:05 14:35 15:45 15:20 15:45 16:00 16:40 16:25 16:25 16:25 16:55 17:35 18:00 11:10 10:15 10:45 10:45 11:05 11:05 14:00 13:35 15:00 15:15 15:45 17:55 17:30 16:55 18:10 18:50 18:35 18:40 19:15 19:55 18:45 19:10 ThANDWE TO YANGON Flight W9 141 6T 632 6T 605 6T 632 YH 512 YH 506 W9 307 W9 309 YH 506 Days Daily 1,2,3,4,6,7 Dailys 5 1,5 3,4,6,7 2,4 1,3,5,6,7 2 Dep 9:50 10:15 12:25 13:00 13:05 13:10 14:05 14:05 14:10 Arr 10:40 11:10 15:00 13:55 13:55 14:00 14:55 14:55 15:00 W9307 W9 309 2,4 1,3,5,6,7 11:30 11:30 13:50 13:50

Domestic Airlines
Air Bagan Ltd. (W9) Air KBZ (K7)
Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

Tel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport), Fax: 372983, Hot Line: 373766

Air Mandalay (6T)

YANGON TO SIT T WE Days 1,5 Daily 1,3,5,6,7 4,6 Dep 10:30 11:15 11:30 14:30 Arr 12:05 13:15 12:55 15:55

Tel : (Head Ofce) 501520, 525488, Fax: 525937. Airport: 533222~3, 09-73152853. Fax: 533223.

Asian Wings (YJ)

Tel: 951 515261~264, 512140, 512473, 512640. Fax: 951 532333, 516654

Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5)

Tel: 95 9 400446999, 95 9 400447999, Fax: 01 860 4051

SIT T WE TO yANGON Days 1,5 Daily 4,6 Dep 12:05 13:35 16:15 Arr 13:55 15:00 17:40

Yangon Airways(YH)

Tel: (+95-1) 383 100, 383 107, 700 264, Fax: 652 533.

FMI Air Charter - Sales & Reservations

Tel: (95-1) 240363, 240373 / (+95-9) 421146545

YANGON TO MyEIK Days 1,3,5,7 1,3,5,6,7 Dep 7:00 7:45 Arr 9:15 9:45

Domestic
6T = Air Mandalay W9 = Air Bagan YJ = Asian Wings K7 = AIR KBZ YH = Yangon Airways FMI = FMI AIR Charter Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines

YANGON TO ThANDWE Flight W9 141 6T 351 YH 511 YH 505 6T 605 YH 505 Days Daily 1,2,3,4,6,7 1,5 3,4,6,7 Daily 2 Dep 6:15 6:30 10:30 10:30 11:15 11:30 Arr 9:35 10:00 13:05 13:10 12:10 14:10

Subject to change without notice

Day 1 = Monday 2 = Tuesday 3 = Wednesday 4 = Thursday 5 = Friday 6 = Saturday 7 = Sunday

MANDALAy TO YANGON Flight YJ 901 YH 909 Days 2,4,5,6,7 1,3,4,6,7 Dep 7:50 7:40 Arr 9:55 9:45

NyAUNG U TO YANGON Flight YJ 891 YH 917 Days Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Dep 7:35 7:45 Arr 10:15 10:45 Flight W9 141 YH 910

HEhO TO YANGON Days Daily 2 Dep 8:35 8:40 Arr 10:40 10:55

www.mmtimes.com/thepulse

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the pulse

53

INteRNatioNal FLIGHT SCHEDULES

Flights PG 706 8M 335 TG 304 PG 702 TG 302 PG 708 8M 331 PG 704 Y5 237 TG 306

YANGON TO BANGKOK Days Dep Daily 7:15 Daily 8:40 Daily 9:50 Daily 10:30 Daily 14:55 Daily 15:20 Daily 16:30 Daily 18:20 Daily 18:05 Daily 19:45 YANGON TO DON MUENG Days Dep Daily 8:00 Daily 8:30 Daily 12:50 Daily 17:35 1,2,3,4 20:55 Daily 21:00

Arr 9:30 10:25 11:45 12:25 16:50 17:15 18:15 20:15 19:50 21:40

Flights FD 2761

MANDALAY TO DON MUENG Days Dep Arr Daily 12:50 15:15 MANDALAY TO KUNMING Days Dep Daily 14:40

Flights TG 2981 TG 2983 PG 709

BANGKOK TO MANDALAY Days Dep 1,2,4,6 7:45 3,5 17:30 Daily 12:05

Arr 9:00 18:45 13:25

Flights MU 2030

Arr 17:20

NAYPYIDAW TO BANGKOK Flights Days Dep PG 722 1,2,3,4,5 19:45 BANGKOK TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 11:55 Daily 8:00 Daily 8:50 Daily 13:00 Daily 13:40 Daily 16:45 Daily 17:50 Daily 19:20 Daily 20:00 Daily 21:10 DON MUENG TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 6:30 Daily 7:15 Daily 11:35 Daily 16:20 1,2,3,4 19:35 Daily 19:25 SINGAPORE TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 7:55 Daily 9:10 Daily 13:25 1,6,7 13:10 Daily 14:20 2,3,4,5 15:00 Daily 15:35 2,3,5 17:20 5,6,7 19:25 1,2,6,7 22:10 BEIJING TO YANGON Days Dep 2,3,4,6,7 8:05 KAULA LUMPUR TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 6:55 Daily 10:05 Daily 13:50 1,3,5,6 14:00 Daily 17:20

DON MUEANG TO MANDALAY Flights Days Dep Arr FD 2760 Daily 10:55 12:20
Flights MU 2029 Flights PG 721

ART
FEBRUARY 17 MARCH 8 Sparkle 2014: Volume 1 painting exhibition, KZL Art Studio & Gallery, 184/84A Than Lwin Road, Bahan, 10am-6pm FEBRUARY 20 MARCH 19 Aye Kos solo art exhibition, Bahan Art Gallery, 70 Nat Maut Lane (1), Bahan FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 7 Tharkaytarian painting exhibition, Summit Art Gallery, ground floor, Utopia Tower, Bogyoke Park, Kandawgyi Lake Garden MARCH 1 - 4 Gold Fingers painting group show, Lokanat Gallery, first floor,

Arr 22:45

KUNMING TO MANDALAY Days Dep Daily 13:55 BANGKOK TO NAYPYIDAW Days Dep 1,2,3,4,5 17:15

10am, 1pm and 4pm daily and 7pm and 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday. Nay Pyi Taw Cinema, near Sule Pagoda Snowpiercer 2D . Directed by Bong Joon-ho. An American-South Korean science fiction-action movie based on the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige . Mingalar 2 Cinema, at Dagon Center 2, Myaynigone, Sanchaung 3AM Part 2 3D. Directed by Patchanon Tummajira, Kirati Nakintanon and Isara Nadee. A short Thai horror film. Shae Shaung Cinema 1, Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada

MUSIC
MARCH 3 8:3011:30pm Live blues guitar, Mojo Bar, 135 Inya Road, Bahan MARCH 5 7-10:30pm Pizza and jazz night. Enjoy live music, pizza specials and happy hour cocktails. 50th Street Bar, 9/13 50th Street, Botahtaung MARCH 7 8-11:30pm Friendship Fridays with live classic rock and DJs, 50th Street Bar,9/13 50th Street, Botahtaung

Arr 13:50 Arr 19:15

Flights DD 4231 FD 2752 FD 2756 FD 2754 FD 2758 DD 4239

Arr 9:45 10:20 14:40 19:25 22:50 22:55

YANGON TO SINGAPORE Flights Days Dep MI 509 1,2,6,7 0:25 8M 231 Daily 8:00 8M 233 5,6,7 14:00 Y5 233 Daily 10:10 SQ 997 Daily 10:25 3K 586 Daily 11:40 MI 517 Daily 16:40 TR 2827 1,6,7 15:10 TR 2827 2,3,4,5 17:10 3K 588 2,3,5 19:30 YANGON TO KUALA LUMPUR Flights Days Dep 8M 501 1,3,5,6 8:55 AK 1427 Daily 8:30 MH 741 Daily 12:15 MH 743 Daily 16:00 AK 1421 Daily 19:05 YANGON TO BEIJING Days Dep 2,3,4,6,7 14:15

Arr 5:00 12:25 18:25 14:40 14:45 16:20 21:15 19:35 21:35 00:10+1

Flights 8M 336 TG 303 PG 701 TG 301 PG 707 PG 703 TG 305 8M 332 PG 705 Y5 238

Arr 12:40 8:45 9:40 13:45 14:30 17:35 18:45 20:05 21:15 21:55

International Airlines
Air Asia (FD)
Tel: 251 885, 251 886.

Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)

Arr 7:15 8:00 12:20 17:05 20:25 20:15

Flights DD 4230 FD 2751 FD 2755 FD 2753 FD 2757 DD 4238

Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

Air China (CA) Air India

Tel : 666112, 655882.

Tel : 253597~98, 254758. Fax: 248175

MISC
MARCH 3 8-11pm Pub quiz night, 50th Street Bar, 9/13 50th Street, Botahtaung MARCH 4 7pm11:30 Social mixer,

Arr 12:55 12:50 16:30 20:15 23:20

Flights CA 906

Arr 21:55

Flights SQ 998 3K 585 8M 232 TR 2826 MI 518 TR 2826 Y5 234 3K 587 8M 234 MI 520

Arr 9:20 10:40 14:50 14:30 15:45 16:30 17:05 18:50 20:50 23:35

Bangkok Airways (PG) Condor (DE)

Tel: 255122, 255 265, Fax: 255119

Tel: + 95 1 -370836 up to 39 (ext : 810)

Dragonair (KA)

Tel: 95-1-255320, 255321, Fax : 255329

Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5)

Tel: 95 9 400446999, 95 9 400447999, Fax: 01 860 4051

YANGON TO GAUNGZHOU Flights Days Dep 8M 711 2,4,7 8:40 CZ 3056 3,6 11:35 CZ 3056 1,5 17:40 YANGON TO TAIPEI Days Dep 1,2,3,5,6 10:50 YANGON TO KUNMING Days Dep 1,3 12:20 Daily 14:40 2,3,4,6,7 14:15

Arr 13:15 15:50 22:05

Flights CA 905

Arr 13:15

Malaysia Airlines (MH)

Tel : 387648, 241007 ext : 120, 121, 122 Fax : 241124

Myanmar Airways International(8M)

Arr 8:00 11:15 15:00 15:00 18:25

Flights CI 7916

Arr 16:15

Flights AK 1426 MH 740 MH742 8M 502 AK 1420

Tel : 255260, Fax: 255305

Silk Air(MI)

Tel: 255 287~9, Fax: 255 290

Thai Airways (TG)

Tel : 255491~6, Fax : 255223

Flights MU 2012 MU 2032 CA 906

Arr 18:20 18:00 17:35

GUANGZHOU TO YANGON Flights Days Dep CZ 3055 3,6 8:35 CZ 3055 1,5 14:40 8M 712 2,4,7 14:15 TAIPEI TO YANGON Days Dep 1,2,3,5,6 7:00 KUNMING TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3 8:25 2,3,4,6,7 13:00 Daily 13:30 CHIANG MAI TO YANGON Days Dep 4,7 17:20 HANOI TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3,5,6,7 16:35

Arr 10:35 16:40 15:50

Vietnam Airlines (VN)

Fax : 255086. Tel 255066/ 255088/ 255068.

Qatar Airways (Temporary Ofce)

Tel: 379845, 379843, 379831, Fax: 379730 Tel: 371867~68, Fax: 371869.

MarcH 3 - 9
Got an event? List it in Whats On! | Email: whatsonmt@gmail.com
62 Pansodan Street, Kyauktada, 9am-5pm MARCH 1 - 15 Win Pe 1 , Beikthano Gallery, 113/3(b) Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan, 9am-5pm MARCH 6 - 8 Portrait photographs by Soe Win Nyein, Lokanat Art Gallery, first floor, 62 Pansodan Street, Kyauktada, 9am-5pm MARCH 9 - 12 Tin Mar Lin solo exhibition, Lokanat Gallery, first floor, 62, Pansodan Street, Kyautada, 9am-5pm MARCH 6- 9, Personal Touch , group show of 16 artists, Gallery 65, 65 Yaw Min Gyi Road, Dagon

YANGON TO CHIANG MAI Flights Days Dep W9 9607 4,7 14:30 YANGON TO HANOI Days Dep 1,3,5,6,7 19:10

Arr 16:20

Flights CI 7915

Arr 9:55

Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG)

Flights VN 956

Arr 21:25

YANGON TO HO CHI MINH CITY Flights Days Dep Arr VN 942 2,4,7 14:25 17:10 YANGON TO DOHA Days Dep Daily 7:30 YANGON TO PHNOM PENH Days Dep 1,3,6 8:35 YANGON TO SEOUL Days Dep 4,7 0:50 2,3,4 23:35

Flights MU 2011 CA 905 MU 2031

Arr 11:40 13:15 14:00

International
FD & AK = Air Asia TG = Thai Airways 8M = Myanmar Airways International Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines PG = Bangkok Airways MI = Silk Air VN = Vietnam Airline MH = Malaysia Airlines CZ = China Southern CI = China Airlines CA = Air China KA = Dragonair Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines IC = Indian Airlines Limited W9 = Air Bagan 3K = Jet Star AI = Air India QR = Qatar Airways KE = Korea Airlines NH = All Nippon Airways SQ = Singapore Airways DE = Condor Airlines MU=China Eastern Airlines BR = Eva Airlines DE = Condor AI = Air India BG = Biman Bangladesh Airlines

Flights QR 619

Arr 11:15

Flights W9 9608

Arr 18:10

Pompeii. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. While Mount Vesuvius erupts, a gladiator must save his lover, who is betrothed to a corrupt Roman senator.
Shae Shaung Cinema 2 , Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada 3AM Part 2 3D. Junction Square Cineplex, Kamayut Jai Ho. Directed by Sohail Khan. An ex-army officer advocates social responsibility among the citizenry and crosses a political family. The Lego Movie 3D . Directed by Chris Miller, Phil Lord. An ordinary LEGO figure must summon powers beyond his manufactured self to help stop a LEGO tyrant from gluing the world together. Junction Maw Tin Cineplex, Lanmadaw The Lego Movie 3D.

everyone welcome, Pansodan Gallery, 286 Pansodan Street, Kyauktada MARCH 5 7:30pm Pub quiz night, Cuba Bar, 66 Yae Kyaw, Pazundaung MARCH 5 9-11:30pm Black Party. A gay social mixer for expats and locals. Flamingo Bar, Yangon International Hotel, 330 Ahlone Road, Dagon MARCH 5 4:306:30pm Youth and Gender Equality youth forum, American Center, 14 Tawwin Street, Dagon MARCH 8 4pm Burmese language club. All levels welcome. Pansodan Gallery, 286 Pansodan Street, Kyauktada MARCH 9 10am Drawing club. Everyone welcome. Bring your own supplies. Pansodan Scene, 144 Pansodan Street, Kyauktada

Flights 8M 403

Arr 12:30

Flights VN 957

Arr 18:10

Flights 0Z 770 KE 472

Arr 8:50 07:45+1

HO CHI MINH CITY TO YANGON Flights Days Dep Arr VN 943 2,4,7 11:40 13:25 DOHA TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 21:15 GAYA TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3,5,6 11:20

YANGON TO HONG KONG Flights Days Dep KA 251 1,2,4,6 01:10 YANGON TO TOKYO Days Dep Daily 22:10 YANGON TO SIEM REAP Days Dep 1,3,6 8:35 YANGON TO GAYA Days Dep 1,3,5,6 9:00 YANGON TO DHAKA Days Dep 1,4 19:30

Flights QR 618

Arr 06:29+1

Arr 05:35

Flights 8M 602

Arr 14:30

Flights NH 914

Arr 06:45+1

PHNOM PENH TO YANGON Flights Days Dep 8M 404 1,3,6 13:30 SEOUL TO YANGON Days Dep 2,3,4 18:30 3,6 19:30 TOKYO TO YANGON Days Dep Daily 11:45 HONG KONG TO YANGON Days Dep 1,3,5,7 21:50 DHAKA TO YANGON Days Dep 1,4 16:15

Arr 14:55

Flights 8M 401

Arr 10:45

Flights 8M 601

Arr 10:20

Flights KE 471 0Z 769

Arr 22:30 23:40

FILM
Show times at Mingalar 2, Shae Shaung 1, 2 and Nay Pyi Taw cinemas are 10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm. Show times at Junction Square and Maw Tin are

Flights BG 061

Arr 20:45

Flights NH 913

Arr 17:15

Subject to change without notice

Day 1 = Monday 2 = Tuesday 3 = Wednesday 4 = Thursday 5 = Friday 6 = Saturday 7 = Sunday

MANDALAY TO BANGKOK Flights Days Dep TG 2982 1,2,4,6 9:50 TG 2984 3,5 19:35 PG 710 Daily 14:15

Arr 12:00 21:45 16:40

Flights KA 250

Arr 23:45

Flights BG 060

Arr 18:30

THE MYANMAR TIMES | MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

. .. ... .... ..... .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Get your finger on it

COntinUeD FrOm PULse 45

MArCH 3 - 9, 2014

WEEKLY PReDICTIONS
LeO | July 23 Aug 22 A person of integrity should have a reasonably coherent and stable set of core moral values. Know that a difference of only a few minutes can be a big difference, on a cumulative basis. The most important aspect of time management is mental concentration. Decide what you must do yourself in order to gain time. You may enjoy the emotional favour of someone you like.

expressed concern over not less than 10 shots. Bora said some of the criticism was over shots that the board felt showed Cambodia in a bad light, such as a taxi driver throwing a cigarette out the window and a scene within the impoverished White Building community on Sothearos Boulevard. Bora also said that other scenes were too political for the censors comfort, such as a shot of a character walking down a dusty road with Prime Minister Hun Sens office visible in the background. But it is not just edgy, socially provocative films that are sent to the censors. Sok Visal, whose debut feature film Gems on the Run premiered last December, said that the censorship board was never hostile to his project but expected a clean moral message for his family-friendly comedy, which involving two friends transporting US$3 million of stolen gems. Since the plot features a police officer working with criminals, Visal made sure his script approached the subject with care. When we wrote the script, we watched through the process to make sure we didnt incriminate the police guy, Visal said. When asked if he could have portrayed police corruption more vividly, Visal said he could as long as it neither condoned corruption nor made specific accusations. If theres a moral in that film where a cop is corrupted and he gets arrested and the government helps for his arrest, that should be fine. People are aware that corruption exists here. No one denies it.

AQUARIUS | Jan 20 Feb 18 The reward of being honest is a bright life within your mind and soul and a spiritual nature. Realise that the lock of self-centredness is the sick root responsible for nearly all problems in human personality. Try to gain an enlightened understanding of your own problems as well as new social insights. Your kind of love and beauty may be charming enough.

Chay Bora has directed two movies since 2010. Photo: Supplied
plot in a way that delivers an agreeable moral for the story without criticising the government. In Boras 3.50, one of his characters, after escaping a brothel, is last seen joining a group of other former sex workers instead of trying to return home. Her ultimate fate is never revealed, but the possibility of her returning to sex work is not ruled out. They said, Why dont you find a solution for her? An NGO or new job? And I said thats not my job. The filmmaker has no possibility to solve the social problem. Bora said that the boards insistence that all plot conflicts be resolved before the credits roll suggests that the members of the committee are not qualified film critics. Other than that, Bora knows little about the board except that it consists of around 10 members. The head of the censorship board did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication, but local distributors have said that Cambodias regulations for foreign films are not as We dont want to tamper with the local culture, so I think we should just [hold] back. Neither Westec nor Sabay MVP, which focuses on distributing foreign independent films, ever had a problem with the censors until the latter tried bringing in The Wolf of Wall Street. The film was banned also in Malaysia despite being financed by a production company run by the Malaysian prime ministers stepson. Shakuntala Chandra, distribution manager at Sabay MVP, said that making The Wolf of Wall Street acceptable for Cambodian censors has not been easy. What can you cut from Wolf of Wall Street? The whole movie is supposed to be like that, said Chandra, adding that she expects the final Cambodian cut to have the profanity stay and around six minutes of sex and drug use cut. The good news for Bora is that he suspects that the board will soon give approval to 3.50 after months of limbo. He said that he recently received word from the board that senior officials in the

PISCeS | Feb 19 March 20 An offensive egotism is nothing more than a reection of a lack of an inward self-assurance. Suffer nothing from an inferiority complex, which is a lack of adequate self-condence. Consider yourself brave and smart to win friends and get educational opportunities. You are favoured to nd love and beauty.

VIRgO | Aug 23 Sept 22 Do not ght with yourself. Dont make your daily schedule too tight with successive engagements. Leave time and scope for emergencies and unexpected events. Look away from yourself at the bigger world around you. Take time off on your problematic days to think and relish something pleasant. Let your heart go and look for something of value to love.

ARIeS | Mar 21 Apr 19 You will be your own worst enemy because of your hypersensitive, touchy and defensive manners. You may consider yourself abandoned and rejected so that you are incapable of loving other people. You should prove the truism that you cannot love others unless you love yourself. Break destructive habits and change your physical appearance to create love inside you now.

LIBRA | Sept 23 Oct 22 Time is money, according to the old maxim and it is true. Know that success always entails accepting responsibility. Your future depends on your self-management skills and daily effort. You must give yourself a big dose of self-esteem building everyday to buck yourself up. Your expression must be artful in seeking love.

They wanted us to make sure its Khmer. The way the actors dress, they shouldnt be too foreign. They were mostly afraid wed dress up our actors as Korean stars
Sok Visal | Director
Just dont point fingers at existing people. Upon receiving feedback from the censorship board, Visal said that the board only asked that he realistically portray police procedures in the movie. To comply, the production had a police officer serve as an on-set adviser. The board also made suggestions that Visal said he chose to follow but was free to ignore. They wanted us to make sure its Khmer. The way the actors dress, they shouldnt be too foreign. They were mostly afraid wed dress up our actors as Korean stars. Visal said the trick for getting a film approved is to resolve the strict as some of its neighbours and focus mainly on sex, drugs, violence and profanity in addition to politics. Simon Chow, distribution manger of Westec Media Limited, which is responsible for securing the local rights to major Hollywood productions, said that Cambodian censors are much more lax than in his native Malaysia. Different countries have different rules, and I think Cambodia is liberal at this, he said, adding that even brief nude scenes, such as in the 2012 3D re-release of Titanic, have passed the censors. I think the board is quite educated in this. They know what is good for the Cambodian culture. Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts viewed the movie and found it acceptable, although it had not been officially approved as of press time. Bora said part of the hold-up may have stemmed from bureaucratic confusion that occurred after Boras production company and his Singaporean partners, who have a majority stake in the movie, both submitted the film for review independently of each other, leaving the government with two copies of the same film accredited to two different production companies. Although Bora said he would prefer no censorship, he said that the government should provide more support to filmmakers if they want to exercise veto power over the final products. They have censorship [in other countries], but they support the filmmakers. Like in Vietnam, censorship is very serious and very strict, but the government can fund up to 60 percent of the film budget. Rithy Panh, whose film The Missing Picture is the first Cambodian film to be nominated for an Academy Award, said that the censorship board has never tried to cut his movies. However, he said that it would be better to depend on a content-rating system. We are not in the time of censors. That time is over, he said. The Phnom Penh Post

TAURUS | Apr 20 May 20 You might feel a sudden desire to break your long-standing selfdestructive habits. A grand and glorious resolution is sure to help you strengthen your sense of self-worth. Rise above your circumstances to move forward condently after you make decisions. You should know that money isnt everything,. Love will be complex with sensual desires.

SCORPIO | Oct 23 Nov 21 Discard all hatred. Look upon challenges as opportunities for enlarging your horizons. You should use the subconscious to solve your hidden problems. Know that positive emotions only attract good things in life. Little, nagging vexations and perplexities of life should have no place in your schedule. A stale place and a stale environment will produce only stale results.

GeMINI | May 21 June 20 Your want of new interests may lead you to stimulate your social life with new ideas. Unexpected forces of destructive challenge will get stronger, lling you with discouragement, anxieties and insecurities. Know that inconsistent discipline produces these things. Open your intellect and reach higher.

SAgITTARIUS | Nov 22 Dec 21 You must learn to say no to the good so that you can say yes to the best. At every opportunity, question yourself, What is right now moving me closer to the good? Remember that all goals are subject to change at any time. Your changes of mind should be based on realistic change on the ground. Assign priorities to the various tasks and jobs to be done.

CANCeR | June 21 July 22 Karma is the eternal assertion of human freedom. Your thoughts, words and deeds are the threads of the net that you throw around you. Every human being has a character of his own. Know that you are what nobody else can be and only you can do something that nobody else can do. Realise the potential of each person and use it optimally.

CAPRICORN | Dec 22 Jan 19 Effective work is possible only with mental harmony. Thoughts of courage and determination drive away worry and fear. In the same way, love drives out hatred and jealousy. Every day is a perfect day to show that you cherish sincerity. Keep in your mind that what sunshine is to owers, smiles are to humanity. Set your own rules in any way that suits you.

Moviegoers wait for the doors to open at Legend Cinema. Photo: Charlotte Pert

AUNG MYIN KYAW 4th Floor, 113, Thamain Bayan Road, Tarmwe township, Yangon. Tel: 09-731-35632, Email: williameaste@gmail.com

The Essentials
EMBASSIES Australia 88, Strand Road, Yangon. Tel : 251810, 251797, 251798. Bangladesh 11-B, Than Lwin Road, Yangon. Tel: 515275, 526144, email: bdootygn@ mptmail.net.mm Brazil 56, Pyay Road, 6th mile, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 507225, 507251. email: Administ. yangon@itamaraty.gov.br. Brunei 17, Kanbawza Avenue, Golden Velly (1), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 566985, 503978. email: bruneiemb@ bruneiemb.com.mm Cambodia 25 (3B/4B), New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 549609, 540964. email: RECYANGON @ mptmail.net.mm China 1, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 221280, 221281. Danmark, No.7, Pyi Thu St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 01 9669520 - 17. Egypt 81, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 222886, 222887, Egyptembassy86@ gmail.com France 102, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 212178, 212520, email: ambaf rance. rangoun@ diplomatie.fr Germany 9, Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 548951, 548952, email: info@rangun. diplo.de India 545-547, Merchant St, Yangon. Tel: 391219, 388412, email: indiaembassy @ mptmail.net.mm Indonesia 100, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd, Yangon. Tel: 254465, 254469, email: kukygn @ indonesia.com.mm Israel 15, Khabaung Street, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 515115, fax: 515116, email: info@ yangon.mfa.gov.il Italy 3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley, Yangon. Tel: 527100, 527101, fax: 514565, email: ambyang. mail@ esteri.it Japan 100, Natmauk Rd, Yangon. Tel: 549644-8, 540399, 540400, 540411, 545988, fax: 549643 State of Kuwait Chatrium Hotel, Rm: 416, 418, 420, 422, 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe Tsp, Tel: 544500. Lao A-1, Diplomatic Quarters, Tawwin Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 222482, fax: 227446, email: Laoembcab@ mptmail. net.mm Malaysia 82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: 220248, 220249, email: mwkyangon@ mptmail.net.mm Nepal 16, Natmauk Yeiktha, Yangon. Tel: 545880, 557168, fax: 549803, email: nepemb @mptmail.net.mm Norway, No.7, Pyi Thu St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles, Mayangone Tsp,Yangon. Tel: 01 9669520 - 17 Fax 01- 9669516 New Zealand No. 43/C, Inya Myaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-2305805 Netherlands Diplomatic Mission No. 43/C, Inya Myaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-2305805 North Korea 77C, Shin Saw Pu Rd, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 512642, 510205 Pakistan A-4, diplomatic Quarters, Pyay Rd, Yangon. Tel: 222881 (Chancery Exchange) Philippines 50, Sayasan Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 558149-151,Email: p.e. yangon@gmail.com Russian 38, Sagawa Rd, Yangon. Tel: 241955, 254161, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia No.287/289, U Wisara Rd, Sanchaung. Tel : 01-536153, 516952. Serbia No. 114-A, Inya Rd, P.O.Box No. 943, Yangon. Tel: 515282, 515283, email: serbemb @ yangon.net.mm Singapore 238, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 559001, email: singemb_ ygn@_ sgmfa. gov.sg South Korea 97 University Avenue, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 5271424, 515190, fax: 513286, email: myanmar@mofat. go.kr Sri Lanka 34 Taw Win Road, Yangon. Tel: 222812, Switzerland No 11, Kabaung Lane, 5 mile, Pyay Rd, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 534754, 507089. Thailand 94 Pyay Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 226721, 226728, 226824 Turkish Embassy 19AB, Kan Yeik Thar St, Mayangone Tsp,Yangon. Tel : 662992, Fax : 661365 United Kingdom 80 Strand Rd, Yangon. Tel: 370867, 380322, 371852, 371853, 256438, United States of America 110, University Avenue, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 536509, 535756, Fax: 650306 Vietnam Bldg-72, Thanlwin Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 511305 UNITED NATIONS ILO Liaison 1-A, Kanbae (Thitsar Rd), Yankin Tsp, Tel : 01-566538, 566539 IOM 318 (A) Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon.Tel 01-210588, 09 73236679, 0973236680, Email- iomyangon@iom.int UNAIDS 137/1, Thaw Wun Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel : 534498, 504832 UNDCP 11-A, Malikha St, Mayangone tsp. Tel: 666903, 664539. UNDP 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tel: 542910-19. fax: 292739. UNFPA 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tsp. tel: 546029. UNHCR 287, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung tsp. Tel: 524022, 524024. UNIAP Rm: 1202, 12 Fl, Traders Hotel. Tel: 254852, 254853. UNIC 6, Natmauk St., Bahan, tel: 52910~19 UNICEF 14~15 Flr, Traders Hotel. P.O. Box 1435, Kyauktada. Tel: 375527~32, unicef.yangon@unicef. org, UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward 7, Mayangone. tel: 01-9666903, 9660556, 9660538, 9660398. email: fo.myanmar@unodc.org UNOPS Inya Lake Hotel, 3rd oor, 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. Tel: 951657281~7. Fax: 657279. UNRC 6, Natmauk Rd, P.O. Box 650, TMWE Tel: 542911~19, 292637 (Resident Coordinator), WFP 5 Kan Baw Za St, Shwe Taung Kyar, (Golden Valley), Bahan Tsp. Tel : 2305971~6 WHO No. 2, Pyay Rd, 7 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Tel : 6504056, 650416, 654386-90. ASEAN Coordinating Of. for the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, 79, Taw Win st, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 225258. FAO Myanma Agriculture Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel: 641672, 641673.

General Listing
ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS
Green Paradise Hotel 7, Yeik Tha (1) St, Waizayandar Housing, Tamwe Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-566727, 1222635 09-4200-33335, 09-4200-33337. Email : greenparadisehotel myn@gmail.com www.greenparadisemyn. com Hotel Yangon 91/93, 8th Mile Junction, Tel : 01-667708, 667688. Inya Lake Resort Hotel 37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 662866. fax: 665537. MGM Hotel No (160), Warden Street, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. +95-1-212454~9. www. hotel-mgm.com

ACCOMMODATION LONG TERM

Golden Hill Towers 24-26, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 558556. ghtower@ mptmail.net.mm.

YANGON No. 277, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Corner of 38th Street, Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) 391070, 391071. Reservation@391070 (Ext) 1910, 106. Fax : (951) 391375. Email : hotelasiaplaza@gmail.com

Asia Plaza Hotel

happy homes
REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Avenue 64 Hotel No. 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 09-8631392, 01 656913-9 Chatrium Hotel 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe. tel: 544500. fax: 544400.

Tel: 09-7349-4483, 09-4200-56994. E-mail: aahappyhomes@ gmail.com, http://www. happyhomesyangon.com Marina Residence 8, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 6506 51~4. fax: 650630.

No.7A, Wingabar Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : (951) 546313, 430245. 09-731-77781~4. Fax : (01) 546313. www.cloverhotel.asia. info@cloverhotel.asia Clover Hotel City Center No. 217, 32nd Street (Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 377720, Fax : 377722 www.clovercitycenter.asia Clover Hotel City Center Plus No. 229, 32nd Street (Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 377975, Fax : 377974
www.clovercitycenterplus.asia

No. 205, Corner of Wadan Street & Min Ye Kyaw Swa Road, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon. Myanmar. Tel: (95-1) 212850 ~ 3, 229358 ~ 61, Fax: (95-1) 212854. info@myanmarpandahotel .com http://www. myanmarpandahotel.com PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 250388. fax: 252478. email: enquiry.prygn@ parkroyalhotels.com parkroyalhotels. com.

17, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp. Tel: 650933. Fax: 650960. Email : micprm@ myanmar.com.mmwww. myanmar micasahotel.com

ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS (Nay Pyi Taw)

(Nay Pyi Taw)

Reservation Ofce (Yangon) 123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Township Tel : 951- 255 819~838 Royal Kumudra Hotel, (Nay Pyi Taw) Tel : 067- 414 177, 067- 4141 88 E-Mail: reservation@ maxhotelsgroup.com

Confort Inn 4, Shweli Rd, Bet: Inya Rd & U Wisara Rd, Kamaryut, tel: 525781, 526872

Royal White Elephant Hotel No-11, Kan Street, Hlaing Tsp. Yangon, Myanmar. (+95-1) 500822, 503986. www.rwehotel.com Savoy Hotel 129, Damazedi Rd, Kamayut tsp. tel: 526289, 526298, Sedona Hotel Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin. tel: 666900. Strand Hotel 92 Strand Rd. tel: 243377. fax: 289880. Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966. Traders Hotel 223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel: 242828. fax: 242838. Winner Inn 42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 503734, 524387. email: reservation@winner innmyanmar.com Windsor Hotel No.31, Shin Saw Pu Street, Sanchaung. Yangon, Myanmar. Ph: 95-1-511216~8, www. hotelwindsoryangon.com Yuzana Hotel 130, Shwegondaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, tel : 01-549600 Yuzana Garden Hotel 44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, tel : 01-248944

RESORTS

For more information about these listings, Please Contact - classied.mcm@gmail.com

Emergency Numbers
Ambulance tel: 295133. Fire tel: 191, 252011, 252022. Police emergency tel: 199. Police headquarters tel: 282541, 284764. Red Cross tel:682600, 682368 Trafc Control Branch tel:298651 Department of Post & Telecommunication tel: 591384, 591387. Immigration tel: 286434. Ministry of Education tel:545500m 562390 Ministry of Sports tel: 370604, 370605 Ministry of Communications tel: 067-407037. Myanma Post & Telecommunication (MPT) tel: 067407007. Myanma Post & Tele-communication (Accountant Dept) tel: 254563, 370768. Ministry of Foreign Affairs tel: 067-412009, 067-412344. Ministry of Health tel: 067-411358-9. Yangon City Development Committee tel: 248112. HOSPITALS Central Womens Hospital tel: 221013, 222811. Children Hospital tel: 221421, 222807 Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital tel: 543888. Naypyitaw Hospital (emergency) tel: 420096. Workers Hospital tel: 554444, 554455, 554811. Yangon Children Hospital tel: 222807, 222808, 222809. Yangon General Hospital (East) tel: 292835, 292836, 292837. Yangon General Hospital (New) tel: 384493, 384494, 384495, 379109. Yangon General Hospital (West) tel: 222860, 222861, 220416. Yangon General Hospital (YGH) tel: 256112, 256123, 281443, 256131. ELECTRICITY Power Station tel:414235 POST OFFICE General Post Ofce 39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library). tel: 285499. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Yangon International Airport tel: 662811. YANGON PORT Shipping (Coastal vessels) tel: 382722 RAILWAYS Railways information tel: 274027, 202175-8.

No. (356/366), Kyaikkasan Rd, Tamwe Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Ph: 542826, Fax: 545650 Email: reservation@ edenpalacehotel.com

Reservation Ofce (Yangon) 123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Township. Tel : 951-255 819-838 Hotel Max (Chaung Tha Beach) Tel : 042-423 46-9, 042-421 33. Email : maxhotelsreservation@ gmail.com

M-22, Shwe Htee Housing, Thamine Station St., Near the Bayint Naung Point, Mayangone Tsp., Yangon Tel : 522763, 522744, 667557. Fax : (95-1) 652174 E-mail : grandpalace@ myanmar.com.mm

ADVERTISING
WE STARTED THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY IN MYANMAR SINCE 1991

M A R K E T I N G & C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

A D V E R T I S I N G

No. 12, Pho Sein Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon Tel : (95-1) 209299, 209300, 209343, 209345, 209346 Fax : (95-1) 209344 E-mail : greenhill@ myanmar.com.mm

SAIL Marketing & Communications Suite 403, Danathiha Center 790, Corner of Bogyoke Rd & Wadan Rd, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 211870, 224820, 2301195. Email: admin@ advertising-myanmar.com www.advertising-myanmar. com

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014 ADVERTISING & MEDIA

Media Relations, Event Management & Strategic Communications Hotline : 09 730 81 787 Email : tharapa.myanmar @gmail.com

CAR RENTAL
MYANMAR EXECUTIVE LIMOUSINE SERVICE

CO WORKING SPACE

FITNESS CENTRE

GEMS & JEWELLERIES

AIR CONDITION

The First Air conditioning systems designed to keep you fresh all day Zeya & Associates Co., Ltd. No.437 (A), Pyay Road, Kamayut. P., O 11041 Yangon, Tel: +(95-1) 502016-18, Mandalay- Tel: 02-60933. Nay Pyi Taw- Tel: 067-420778, E-mail : sales.ac@freshaircon. com. URL: http://www. freshaircon.com

YANGON La Source Beauty Spa 80-A, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 512380, 511252 Beauty Bar by La Source Room (1004), Sedona Hotel, Tel : 666 900 Ext : (7167) LS Salon Junction Square, 3rd Floor. Tel : 95-1-527242, Ext : 4001 MANDALAY La Source Beauty Spa No. 13/13, Mya Sandar St, Chanaye Tharzan Tsp. Tel : 09-4440-24496. www.lasourcebeautyspa.com

HOT LINE: 09 - 402 510 003 01-646 330 First Class VIP Limousine Car Rental. Professional English Speaking Drivers. Full Insurance for your Safety and comfortable journey Call us Now for your best choice www.mmels.com

Dent Myanmar Condo C, Rm 001, Tatkatho Yeikmon Housing, New University Avenue Rd, Bahan. Ph: 09-8615162.

No. (6), Lane 2 Botahtaung Pagoda St, Yangon. 01-9010003, 291897. info@venturaofce.com, www.venturaofce.com

DUTY FREE

Balance Fitnesss No 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township. Yangon 01-656916, 09 8631392 Email - info@ balancetnessyangon.com

Get the Best Pure Natural Gemstones and Jewellery No. 44, Inya Road, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 01-2305811, 2305812. email : info@bestjewels myanmar.com, Bestjewelsmyanmar.com

24 Hours Laboratory & X-ray, CT, MRI, USG Mammogram, Bone DXA @ Victoria Hospital No. 68, Tawwin Rd, 9 Mile, Mayangon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 9 666141 Fax: (951) 9 666135

Lemon Day Spa No. 96 F, Inya Road, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 514848, 09-732-08476. E.mail: lemondayspa.2011 @gmail.com

Car Rental Service No. 56, Bo Ywe St, Latha Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-246551, 375283, 09-2132778, 09-31119195. Gmail:nyanmyintthu1983@ gmail.com,

Duty Free Shops Yangon International Airport, Arrival/Departure Tel: 533030 (Ext: 206/155) Ofce: 17, 2nd street, Hlaing Yadanarmon Housing, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 500143, 500144, 500145.

Life Fitness Bldg A1, Rm No. 001, Shwekabar Housing, Mindhamma Rd, Mayangone Tsp. Yangon. Ph: 01-656511, Fax: 01-656522, Hot line: 0973194684, natraysports@gmail.com

COFFEE MACHINE

ENGINEERING
illy, Francis Francis, VBM, Brasilia, Rossi, De Longhi Nwe Ta Pin Trading Co., Ltd. Shop C, Building 459 B New University Avenue 01- 555-879, 09-4210-81705 nwetapintrading@gmail.com

Air Con Sales & Service No. 2/1, Than Thu Mar Rd, Thuwunna Junction. Tel : 09-4224-64130

BARS
50th Street 9/13, 50th street-lower, Botataung Tsp. Tel-397160.

No. 52, Royal Yaw Min Gyi Condo, Room F, Yaw Min Gyi Rd, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 09-425-307-717

CONSTRUCTION

BOOK STORES
Lobby Bar PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388. Zamil Steel No-5, Pyay Road, 7 miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (95-1) 652502~04. Fax: (95-1) 650306. Email: zamilsteel@ zamilsteel.com.mm

One-stop Solution for Sub-station, M&E Work Design, Supply and Install (Hotel, High Rise Building Factory) 193/197, Shu Khin Thar Street, North Okkalapa Industrial Zone, Yangon. Tel: 951-691843~5, 9519690297, Fax: 951-691700 Email: supermega97@ gmail.com. www.supermega-engg.com

No. 20, Ground Floor, Pearl Street, Golden Valley Ward, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel : 09-509 7057, 01220881, 549478 (Ext : 103) Email : realtnessmyanmar @gmail.com
www.realtnessmyanmar.com

FLORAL SERVICES

Diamond Palace Jewelry Shop (1) - No. 663/665, Mahar Bandoola Rd, Yangon. Tel : 01-371 944, 371 454, 371 425 Shop (2) - No.1103/1104/ 1105, Ground Fl, Taw Win Center, Yangon. Tel : 01-8600111 ext :1103, 09 49307265 Shop (3) - No.B 020, Ground Fl, Junction Square Shopping Center, Yangon. Tel : 01-527 242 ext : 1081, 09 73203464 Shop (4) Ground Fl, Gamonepwint Shopping Mall, Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, Yangon. Tel : 01-653 653 ext : 8205 09 421763490 info@seinnandaw.com www.seinnandaw.com www.facebook.com/ seinnandaw

24 Hrs International Clinic Medical and Security Assistance Service @ Victoria Hospital No.68, Tawwin Rd, 9 Mile, Mayangon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: +951 651 238 +959 495 85 955 Fax: +959 651 398 www.leomedicare.com Myittar Oo Eye Hospital 499, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Ph: 09-527381.

ENTERTAINMENT

Strand Bar 92, Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: 243377.fax: 243393, sales@thestrand.com.mm www.ghmhotels.com

150 Dhamazedi Rd., Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 536306, 537805. Email : yangon@ monument-books.com 15(B), Departure Lounge, Yangon Intl Airport. #87/2, Crn of 26th & 27th St, 77th St,Chan Aye Thar Zan Tsp, Mandalay. Tel : (02) 24880. MYANMAR BOOK CENTRE Nandawun Compound, No. 55, Baho Road, Corner of Baho Road and Ahlone Road, (near Eugenia Restaurant), Ahlone Township. tel: 212 409, 221 271. 214708 fax: 524580. email: info@ myanmarbook.com

CONSULTING

Myanmar Research | Consulting | Technology

BEAUTY & MASSAGE

Shwe Hinthar B 307, 6 1/2 Miles, Pyay Rd., Yangon. Tel: +95 (0)1 654 730 info@thuraswiss.com www.thuraswiss.com

Learn to dance with social dancing 94, Bogalay Zay St, Botataung T/S, Yangon. Tel : 01-392526, 01-1221738

Floral Service & Gift Shop No. 449, New University Avenue, Bahan Tsp. YGN. Tel: 541217, 559011, 09-860-2292. Market Place By City Mart Tel: 523840~43, 523845~46, Ext: 205. Junction Nay Pyi Taw Tel: 067-421617~18 422012~15, Ext: 235. Res: 067-414813, 09-49209039. Email : eternal@ mptmail.net.mm

sales@manawmaya.com.mm www.manawmayagems.com

Ruby & Rare Gems of Myanamar No. 527, New University Ave., Bahan Tsp. Yangon.

No.(68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Hunt line: +95 1 9666 141, Booking Ext : 7080, 7084. Fax: +95 1 9666 135 Email: info@witoriya hospital.com www.victoriahospital myanmar.com, Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ WitoriyaGeneralHospital

FASHION & TAILOR

Tel: 549612, Fax : 545770.

HOME FURNISHING
Vibhavadi Hospital Bangkok, Thailand (Myanmar Branch Ofce) : 214(A-2) Waizayantar Rd, Thingangyun Tsp. Ph: 09-8625086.

COURIER SERVICE
DTDC Courier and Cargo Service (Since 1991) Yangon. Tel : 01-374457 Mandalay. Tel : 09-43134095. www.DTDC.COM, dtdcyangon@gmail.com Door to Door Delivery!!! Sein Shwe Tailor, 797 (003-A), Bogyoke Aung San Rd, MAC Tower 2, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Ph: 01-225310, 212943~4 Ext: 146, 147, E-mail: uthetlwin@gmail.com Floral Service & Gift Centre 102(A), Dhamazaydi Rd, Yangon.tel: 500142 Summit Parkview Hotel, tel: 211888, 211966 ext. 173 fax: 535376.email: sandy@ sandymyanmar.com.mm.

Marina Residence, Yangon Ph: 650651~4, Ext: 109 Beauty Plan, Corner of 77th St & 31st St, Mandalay Ph: 02 72506

The Lady Gems & Jewellery No. 7, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 01-2305800, 09-8315555

GENERATORS
22, Pyay Rd, 9 mile, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 660769, 664363. No. 589-592, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein highway Road. Hlaing Tharyar tsp. Tel: 951645178-182, 685199, Fax: 951-645211, 545278. e-mail: mkt-mti@ winstrategic.com.mm

FOAM SPRAY INSULATION

Foam Spray Insulation No-410, Ground Fl,Lower Pazuntaung Rd, Pazun taung Tsp, Yangon.Telefax : 01-203743, 09-5007681. Hot Line-09-730-30825.

GIFT PRODUCT

Bldg-D, Rm (G-12), Pearl Condo, Ground Flr, Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 557448. Ext 814, 09-730-98872.

GAS COOKER & COOKER HOODS

Sole Distributor of Red Ginseng from Korea Ginseng Corporation

Worlds leader in Kitchen Hoods & Hobs Same as Ariston Water Heater. Tel: 251033, 379671, 256622, 647813

Tel: 01-374851, 394360 Stores:Coreana @ Junction Square / Mawtin, UNIQHAN @U Wisara Rd; MBICenter. No.16, 87th st.

HEALTH SERVICES

European Quality & Designs Indoor/ Outdoor Furniture, Hotel Furniture & All kinds of woodworks No. 422, FJVC Centre, Ground Floor, Room No. 4, Strand Road, Botahtaung Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 01-202063-4, 09 509-1673 E-mail: contact@ smartdesignstrading.com www.royalbotania.com, www.alexander-rose.co.uk

Yangon : A-3, Aung San Stadium (North East Wing), Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel : 245543, 09-73903736, 09-73037772. Mandalay : No.(4) 73rd St, Btw 30th & 31st St, Chan Aye Thar Zan Tsp. Tel : 096803505, 09-449004631.

98(A), Kaba Aye Pagoda S.B. FURNITURE Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 553783, 549152, 09-732-16940, 09-730-56079. Fax: 542979 Email: asiapacic. myanmar@gmail.com.

S.B. FURNITURE

No-001-002, Dagon Tower, Ground Flr, Cor of Kabaraye Pagoda Rd & Shwe Gon Dine Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 544480, 09-730-98872.

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014 HOUSING

Tel : 01-9000712~13 Ext : 330 09-4200-77039. direct2u@mmrds.com Rentals at Pun Hlaing Service Apartment Homes and Apartments PHGE Sales & Marketing, Hlaing Tharyar Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 951-687 800, 684 013 phgemarketing@gmail.com www.punhlainggolfestate.com

REAL ESTATE
Singapore Cuisine Super One Super Market, Kyaikkasan Branch, No. 65, Lay Daung Kan Rd, Man Aung Qtr, Tamwe Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-542371, 09-501-9128

SANITERY WARE
a drink from paradise... available on Earth @Yangon International Hotel, No.330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 09-421040512 GROHE Bath Room Accessories 79-B3/B3, East Shwe Gone Dine, Near SSC Womens Center, Bahan. Tel : 01-401083, 0973011100, 09-73056736 Made in Japan Same as Rinnai Gas Cooker and Cooker Hood Showroom Address

Water Heater

Real Estate Agent Agent fees is unnecessary Tel : 09 2050107, 09 448026156 robinsawnaing@gmail.com

WATER SOLUTION

SERVICE OFFICE
Company Limited

Aekar

MARINE COMMUNICATION & NAVIGATION

Bldg-A2, G-Flr, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. email: eko-nr@ myanmar.com.mm Ph: 652391, 09-73108896

For House-Seekers

with Expert Services In all kinds of Estate Fields yomaestatemm@gmail.com

Tel : 09-332 87270 09-2541 26615 (Fees Free)

No.430(A), Corner of Dhamazedi Rd & Golden Valley Rd, Building(2) Market Place (City Mart), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-523840(Ext-309), 09-73208079.

Monsoon Restaurant & Bar 85/87, Thein Byu Road, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 295224, 09-501 5653.

Executive Serviced Ofces

www.hinthabusinesscentres.com

Tel : 01-4413410

Water Treatement Solution Block (A), Room (G-12), Pearl Condo, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. Hot Line : 09-4500-59000

WATER TREATMENT
Easy access to CBD Fully furnished facility Company setup for $1,000 Office available from $360 only

REMOVALISTS
Top Marine Show Room No-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597 Ocean Center (North Point), Ground Floor, Tel : 09-731-83900 01-8600056

Bld-A2, Gr-Fl, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. email: eko-nr@ myanmar.com.mm Ph: 652391, 09-73108896

MEDIA & ADVERTISING PAINT

Worlds No.1 Paints & Coatings Company

Relocation Specialist Rm 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 250290, 252313. Mail : info@asiantigersmyanmar.com

Quality Chinese Dishes with Resonable Price @Marketplace by City Mart. Tel: 01-523840 Ext.109 Edo Zushi 290-B,U Wisarya Rd, 10 Ward, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel : (09)259040853 Open daily 11:00~23:00

Media & Advertising All the way from Australia. Design for advertisement is not easy, reaching to target audience is even harder? We are equipped with great ideas and partners in Myanmar to create corporate logo, business photography, stationery design, mobile advertisement on public transport and billboard/ magazine ads. Talk to us: (01) 430-897, (0) 942-0004554. www.medialane. com.au

Sole Distributor For the Union of Myanmar Since 1995 Myanmar Golden Rock International Co.,Ltd. #06-01, Bldg (8), Myanmar ICT Park, University Hlaing Campus, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 654810~17.

Crown Worldwide Movers Ltd 790, Rm 702, 7th Flr Danathiha Centre, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lanmadaw. Tel: 223288, 210 670, 227650. ext: 702. Fax: 229212. email: crown worldwide@mptmail.net.mm

Delicious Hong Kong Style Food Restaurant G-09, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center). Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 114 UnionBarAndGrill 42 Strand Road, Botahtaung, Yangon. Tel: 95 9420 180 214, 95 9420 101 854 www.unionyangon.com, info@unionyangon.com

Tel: + 95 1 374851 Email : info@jkmyanmar.com www.jkmyanmar.com (ENG) www.3ec.jp/mbic/ (JPN)

Commercial scale water treatment (Since 1997) Tel: 01-218437~38. H/P: 09-5161431, 09-43126571. 39-B, Thazin Lane, Ahlone.

WEB SERVICE

Swiss Business Ofce Center

Heaven Pizza 38/40, Bo Yar Nyunt St. Yaw Min Gyi Quarter, Dagon Township. Tel: 09-855-1383

No. 36-38 (A), Ground Flr, Grand Myay Nu Condo, Myay Nu St, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: +95 (01) 230 60 67~71, Tel: +95 (0) 9 250 294 669 Email: sales@sbocyangon.com www.sboc-yangon.com

OFFICE FURNITURE
TOP MARINE PAINT No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 09-851-5202

Legendary Myanmar Intl Shipping & Logistics Co., Ltd. No-9, Rm (A-4), 3rd Flr, Kyaung St, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 516827, 523653, 516795. Mobile. 09-512-3049. Email: legandarymyr@ mptmail.net .mm www.LMSL-shipping.com

World famous Kobe Beef Near Thuka Kabar Hospital on Pyay Rd, Marlar st, Hlaing Tsp. Tel: +95-1-535072

1. WASABI : No.20-B, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa), Tel; 09-4250-20667, 09-503-9139 Myaynigone (City Mart) Yankin Center (City Mart)

No. (6), Lane 2 Botahtaung Pagoda St, Yangon. 01-9010003, 291897. info@venturaofce.com, www.venturaofce.com

*Web Design *Web Marketing People are searching for YOUR business & services online, stop missing out on all this business, get a website & get it visible ONLINE! Australian web company based in Yangon. Call Today! Alex: 0925 402 5238 email: info@imevolutions. com www.imevolutions.com

STEEL STRUCTURE
Web Services All the way from Australia. World-class websites, come with usability and responsiveness. Our works include website, web apps, e-commerce, forum, email campaign and online advertisement. Plus, were the authorised reseller for local and international domain names. So, put your worries aside and let us create the awesomeness you deserved online. (01) 430-897, (0) 942-0004554. www.medialane. com.au

SCHOOLS
Enchanting and Romantic, a Bliss on the Lake 62 D, U Tun Nyein Road, Mayangon Tsp, Yangon Tel. 01 665 516, 660976 Mob. 09-730-30755 operayangon@gmail.com www.operayangon.com

Open Daily (9am to 6pm) No. 797, MAC Tower II, Rm -4, Ground Flr, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lamadaw Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 212944 Ext: 303 sales.centuremyanmar@ gmail.com www.centure.in.th

PLEASURE CRUISES

Schenker (Thai) Ltd. Yangon 59 A, U Lun Maung Street. 7 Mile Pyay Road, MYGN. tel: 667686, 666646.fax: 651250. email: sche nker@mptmail.net.mm.

Horizon Intl School 25, Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, tel : 541085, 551795, 551796, 450396~7. fax : 543926, email : contact@horizonmyanmar. com, www.horizon.com

Design, Fabrication, Supply & Erection of Steel Structures Tel : (+95-1) 122 1673 Email : Sales@WECMyanmar.com www.WEC-Myanmar.com

TRAVEL AGENTS

home outdoor ofce Decorum Showroom, 99 Condo, Ground FLoor, Rm (A), Damazedi Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 09-2504-28700 inof@decorum-mm.com

Moby Dick Tours Co., Ltd. Islands Safari in the Mergui Archipelago 5 Days, 7 Days, 9 Days Trips Tel: 95 1 202063, 202064 E-mail: info@islandsafari mergui.com. Website: www. islandsafarimergui.com

Bo Sun Pat Tower, Bldg 608, Rm 6(B), Cor of Merchant Rd & Bo Sun Pat St, PBDN Tsp. Tel: 377263, 250582, 250032, 09-511-7876, 09-862-4563.

22, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel 541997. email: leplanteur@ mptmail.net.mm. http://leplanteur.net

Pre School and Primary years (Ages 2 to 10) No. 695, Mahabandola Road, (Between 19th & Sint Oh Dan Street), Latha Township, Yangon. Tel :01-382213, 395816 www.imecedu.com

Asian Trails Tour Ltd 73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 211212, 223262. fax: 211670. email: res@ asiantrails.com.mm Shan Yoma Tours Co.,Ltd www.exploremyanmar.com

VISA & IMMIGRATION

RESTAURANTS
Furniture Showroom Blk-90, BB2/A, No.2 High Way Road, Mya Ya Mon Housing, 26 Quarter, South Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 09-2500-68186 09-4500-41804 Email : sale.desmark@ gmail.com. Road to Mandalay Myanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governors Residence 39C, Taw Win Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 229860 fax: (951) 217361. email: RTMYGN@mptmail.net.mm www.orient-express.com

G-01, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center). Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 106

WATER HEATERS
Yangon Intl School Fully Accredited K-12 International Curriculum with ESL support No.117,Thumingalar Housing, Thingangyun, Tel: 578171, 573149, 687701, 687702. Get your Visa online for Business and Tourist No need to come to Embassy. #165. 35th Street, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Tel: +951 381200, 204020 travel.evisa@gmail.com

Good taste & resonable price @Thamada Hotel Tel: 01-243047, 243639-41 Ext: 32

G-05, Marketplace by City Mart. Tel: 01-523840 Ext: 105

The Global leader in Water Heaters A/1, Aung San Stadium East Wing, Upper Pansodan Road. Tel: 01-256705, 399464, 394409, 647812.

ADVERTISING HOTLINE
CALL: 392928, 253642

HOW TO GET A FREE AD

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General
Computer

By FAX : 01-254158 By EMAIl : classied.mcm@gmail.com By MAIl : 379/383, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Township, Yangon.

HOW TO GET MORE BUSINESS FROM AS LITTLE AS K.5,000.

Buy sPACe ON THESE PAGES CAll: Khin Mon Mon Yi - 01-392676, 392928

Property
AC, SRS, ABS, HDD TV, Security System, Cyclone Engine) Ph: 093300-2898.

Employment
living room, 1 Dinning room and Kitchen, 3 verandas Full furnished, 2 bath rooms, 3 aircons. Internet, 50'x40', Quiet, 8 mile, Pyay Rd, A-One Compound. Contact Ko Thant Zin: 09-730-69754, 653005.

Web DeveLopMeNT with Drupal CMS Monday to Friday: 6:00-8:00pm Saturday & Sunday: 8:00-10am/6:00-8:00pm Contact: 09421144937 CoMpUTeR Services : Software services, Web site services. Ph: 094201-09050.

can trust. Business Service for foreign investors. 905, 9F, Panchan Tower, Corner of Dhamazedi Rd & Bagayar Rd, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 01503895, Email :yangon_ info@v2m.jp, http://www. v2m.jp

Rent/Sale
MAYANGONE, Kabaaye Gamone Pwint Condo, Rm 4GH, 4th Flr, 3650 sqft, 3 MBR, 2 BR, 1 line Phone, Full furniture, Hot & Cold water, Teak Parquet Floor. Ph: 401285, 553823, 09-2561-17979, 09531-2027.

Language
LANgUAge Proficiency: Effective & Scientific way. Tutor/ Translator/ Interpreter. (Such language: Hindi/ Sanskrit/ Bengali/ Nepali/ English & Myanmar), R.S. Verma. B.Sc., (Bot), Yangon. (UFL-English), Yangon. Email: rs verma. myanmar@gmail.com Phone: 09-730-42604, 09-2501-41473. TeAchINg Myanmar language for foreigners Near Myay Ni Gone City Mart, Shin Saw Pu Pagoda St. Tel: 09 4200 30 782 TeAchINg English for adults Near Myay Ni Gone City Mart, Shin Saw Pu Pagoda Street. 09 4200 30 782 FOR FOREIGNERS Want to learn Myanmar Speaking at your home? Contact : 09-517-9125, 09-861-1052 WITHIN 24 hours can make you confidient in Myanmar language speaking and scripts! Teacher Phyu Phyu Khin 09-4930-8926, phyuporcupine@gmail. com, No.56 I, Thiri Marlar Lane, 7.5 mile, Pyay Road, Yangon. ENGLISH Grammar for all classes. Ph: 09-5413847. CHINESE for all grades. Ph: 09-541-3847. GIVE your child the best possible start to life at Int'l Montessori Myanmar (English Education Center) Accredited by IMC Bangkok (Since 1991), Our Montessori curriculum includes: Practical Life Exercises, Sensorial Training, Language Development, Mathematics, Cultural Studies, Botany & Zoology, History, Creative Art, Music and Movement, Cooking Physical Development, Social & Emotional Development, Learning through play, 55(B), Po Sein Rd, Bahan, Yangon, Ph: 546097, 546761, Email: imm.myn @gmail. com

For Rent
DAILY (or) hourly Alphard, Mark-X, Crown (2006), Suzuki Car for rent. Maureen: 09-518-8320.

Education
sTUdY Guide: You can be an honor roll student too! Sometimes, Schoolwork is tough, but with a little help you can accomplish great things. I can ensure that you have that extra time and attention you need to succeed academically. I am a qualified tutor, with four A's in A Levels and four years of experience. I tutor students of Grade 5-12, O Levels, A Levels, Pre-University Level and SAT and SAT Subject Tests. To contact me, please call me at 09-5190543 and we will set up a meeting to discuss your academic needs. Cindy: 09-519-0543. BA (ENg) Dip in English (YUFL) Int'l school, private school, KG to Primary 4 for Home Guide. Ph: 09-42003613. Igcse, Secondary 2, 3, 4, Physics, Mathematics B & Pure Mathematics, Practice with 20 years old question. Allow individual or section. Only 5 students for one section. Near Hledan Sein Gay Har. Ph: 094500-25213, 524617. Igcse, Secondary 3, 4, Physics, Maths B, Pure Maths, Practice with 15 years old questions. Ph: 09-4500-25213.

Housing for Rent

BAHAN, (1) New University Ave Rd, 3Flr, 1500 sqft, 1MBR, 2BR, Ph, 3A/C, Fully furnished US$ 1500.(2) New University Ave Condo, 1500 sq.ft, 4A/C, 1 Flr, US$ 3500. Maureen: 09-518-8320. (3) New UniversityAve Rd, 2Flr, 2500 sq.ft, 3MBR, Ph, 4A/C, US$ 1800 Maureen: 09-518-8320 OFFIceHUb : Serviced Office, Virtual Office, Business Services, Hot Desking No. 129, 36th Street, KyauktadaTsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: +(95) 1 387947 www. officehubservices,com RoYAL CheRRY VILLA, on Mindamma Rd, Compound: 80' x 80' , 2 1/2 storied building, 40' x 60, 4 MBR, 1 BR, 1 living room, party corrider, designed varrandah, 2 common wc, office hall, sun burn room, bar counter, stabalizer, dry & wet kitchen, laundry, water heater, 1 maid room, recreation water pond, 11 CCTVs, PABX 3 line ph with 11 extensions, MATV 3 satellites, 9 Aircon, car garage, 38KVA Disel Generator, one 3phase power meter & one single phase lighting meter, back up tube well, vertical blinds etc..Rental Fees: 10000USD per month. Ph: 09-514-0334, 09-448023483, 09-8601-000 coNdo for Rent: 4th Floor, Thiri Avenue, Taw Win Street, 1500 Sq-ft, Fully Furnish, Yearly Contract, Pls contact to owner direct, Ph: 200581, 09-500-0621. hoUse For Rent: Good Location, Nice Houes (2Rc), Fully Furnished, Fully Aircon, Fair Price, Contact Number: 09-73133100, 09-516-7655, 094200-57735. OFFIce spAce to Let Executive Office Space In the Heart of Yangon. Available in May 2014 5

For Sale
GSM SIM CARd, 09-

Expert Services
OWNeR want to rent (or) sale. Call Maureen: 09518-8320. pRIMe Engineer Co., Ltd. Building (A), Room (501), Yuzana Housing Compound. New Yaetarshae Rd, Bahan, Yangon, Myanmar, Office (+95) 9 31337444, Email: primeengineering @ outlook.com SeRvIce OFFIce you

51........., Ph : 09-250137955. MAcbooK Pro (2012 Model ) Intel Core i5 Ram 4GB H.D.D 500GB Mac OS 10.9 + Window 7. Price : 920000. Ph: 094200-50651 LApTop Lenovo Core i3 Ram 2gb HDD 500 GB like new condition HP Core i5 (Third Generation) Ram 4GB 500HDD Graphic 1GB Just like new condition HP Core i3 Third generation Ram 2GB HDD 500 Graphic 1GB - 300000 Acer Core2Dua -170000. Ph: 09-3177-5707 HUAWeI C8813 ( CDMA 800 MHZ ) Black Colour with full accessories and original box . 2 months used only very good condition with 2 covers . Price 75000 Kyats. Ph: 09-7300-4430. CAR, Mazda RX 8 [ Sport Type ] [ 2007 Model ] [ pearl white, ] (PS, PW,

floors available 5,683.3 ft per floor 84, Pan Hlaing St, Sanchaung, Yangon. For further info: office@ uniteam-yangon.com (1)NeAR UNDP office 1200 Sqft , 1 MBR, 2 SR, fully furnish 1500 USD. (2)Near Taw Win center, 1250 Sqft, 1 MBR, 2 SR, part of furnish, 1500 USD (3)Near Park Royal hotel , 1800 Sqft, 1 MBR, 2 SR, fully furnish , 4500 USD. (4)NearAung San stadium, 1500 Sqft, 1 MBR, 2 SR , part of furnish , 1500 USD. (5) Pansotan St, Myanmar gon yee condo, 1500 Sqft, 1 MBR, 2 SR. part of furnish , 1500 USD. Ph: 09-4921-4276, 09-4201-14749. (coNdo For Rent in University Avenue St), 1MBR, 2SBR, 4AC, Full Fun:, 1350 sqft, 16 Lakhs, Call-01-569448, 09-43200669. 9 MILe coNdo Mayangone, 1350 sqft, M2, S1, A/C4, Ph 1, fully furniture - 16 Lakhs, Contact: 09-432-00669. WAR Dan St, Lanmadaw, (25x50), RC 3, S3, Ph, AC 3, 65 Ls, Ph: 569448. shWe Pin Lone Houseing, North Dagon, (75 x 105), RC2 M1, S3. Ph: 569448. LANMAdAW 40/46, Lanmadaw 1 St, Ground Floor, Hong Kong Type, 15' x 50'. with yearly contract. Ph : 09-731-81708. CLASSIC STRAND condo. Brand new 3 bed 2 bath. $3250/month. Marble/hardwood fitting, modern layout. Near strand hotel/union bar. jasonwongjp@gmail. com, 09-4211-02223. 6 bed, 4 bath duplex. 3900 sqft, can be used as residence, office or both. bar. jasonwongjp@gmail. com, 09-4211-02223. BAHAN, (1)New University Avenue Rd, New Condo, 1500 sqft, f.f US$ 3500 (2) Shwe Taung Gyar Rd, 60' x 60, 2 RC storey, f.f US$ 3500 (3)New University Ave Rd, 2 Flr, 44' x 55' , 3 MBR, Ph, f.f, 25 Lakhs Maureen : 09-518-8320. N/OKKALAR, (1)Thit Sar Rd, RC 3 storey house, US$ 3000 (2)Kamayut, Sanyeiknyein Rd, RC 2 storey house, 35 Lakhs Maureen : 09-518-8320. MYANGONE, Mini Condo, 2nd flr, 3 bed room, 1 big

Ingo Positions
MYANMAR Red Cross Society is seeking (1) Program Officer 1 post in Taunggyi: M.B.B.S with valid SAMA or equivalent medical degree from Medical University recognized by Government of Myanmar. 2 years experience with INGO/ NGOs in the field sites or implementing & community based program in relation to Malaria Prevention, diagnosis, treatment & control or other health related projects. Effective usage of

Housing for Sale

NORTH DAgoN, 37, Near Pyi Htaung Su main Rd, new house RC, ready for stay. Price: Kyat 1500/lakh - 40 ' x 60' land, 23 x 58 house, - 2 bed room, 1 living room, kitchen, bath room, toilet. plaster cornic, Floor tile (finished), - permit land contact: 09731-52327 owner ThINgANgYUN, NearYangon Int'l School (YIS), ILBC Apartment - First Floor (1,200 Sqft) On Thu Min Ga La Main Rd, 1 MBR attached bath room & toilet, 2 SR, Extra Bath Room & Toilet, Kitchen Room,Dining Room, Sitting Room, Near KBZ Bank, City Mart, Market, Schools, Circular Train Station car parking space, Opposite of YIS Teachers' apartments Nice, Peace Location: Ph:09-514-8138, 01573881. RUbbeR LANds for Sales (1) Between Bago Hantharwaddy Airport & Main Rd Rubber Lands - 300 Acres (including rubber plants aged 5 years) (2) Near Bago Hantharwaddy Airport Rubber Lands - 60 Acres (including Required Official Documents) Ph:09-4281-93965, 094281-6389 DAgoN TSP, Ground Floor, 24' x 50'. No. 66/B, Room - (7/B), Yawmingyi Street, Dagon. Ph : 249196, 249427, 09-5408575. OFFIce spAce, 8000 sqft for sale in MICT park. Large international conglomerates are tenants. 18% yield. Please contact for details. jasonwongjp@ gmail.com

Guard 1 post in Hpa-An Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Centre, Hpa-An, Kayin State: High School level. Good physical condition. Basic English language skills. Red Cross Volunteers are preferable. Pls send application letter, CV & related documents to Myanmar Red Cross Society Head Office, Yazathingaha Rd, Dekkhinathiri, Nay Pyi Taw. Or mrcshrrecruitment@ gmail.com, Closing date: 4.3.2014. ( 1 ) P R og R A M Coordinator - 1Post

Want To Buy
AKAMAYUT, At Diamond Condo (A) face to Pyay Rd, Maureen: 09-5188320.

computers & Microsoft Office Software packages. Effective written & spoken English & Myanmar and able to speak Shan/ Pa Oh language is an asset. (2)Deputy Manager (Admin & Finance) 1 post in Hpa-An Orhtopaedic Rehabilitation Centre, Hpa-An, Kayin State: University degree. 3 years work experience in a similar field. Effective English language skills. Effective computer knowledge. (3) Assistant Cook 1 Post in Hpa-An Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Centre, Hpa-An, Kayin State: High School level. 2 years cooking work experience. Basic English language skills. (4) Security

WorldFish is an international, non-profit research organization and a member of the Consultative Group on International AgriculturalResearch (CGIAR). Our work pursues a unique research-in-development programme to address the challenges and diversity of aquatic agricultural systems (AAS) with particular emphasis on fisheries and aquaculture. In line with continuing expansion of the Centres work in the region we are currently seeking to recruit a highly competent and motivated Myanmar national to fill the following position. Call for CVs (Various national positions available) WorldFish is currently seeking to recruit national staff for various project assignments in Myanmar. Talented individuals who have demonstrated experience working with (I)NGO or donor-funded projects on natural resources management, rural development, environmental conservation and/or social scienceswith professional expertise in the following areas are invited to apply: Scientific writing, synthesis report production, literature review (in English); Monitoring & Evaluation, performance monitoring, logical framework; Socioeconomic survey design, implementation, data analysis; Participatory research methods, Participatoryand Rapid Rural Appraisals; Experienced in organizing research communications, dissemination; Prior experience in the fisheries sector would represent a significant advantage. Interested applicants are invited to submit their applications online to: n.naw@cgiar.org More detailed job vacancy (M&E Officer) can be found on the MIMU website: www.themimu.info/jobs-for-myanmar-nationals For more information about our organization please visit our website at: www.worldfishcenter.org WorldFish is committed to an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender. Woman is encouraged to apply. Closing date : 12 March 2014 Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for interviews

(2)EOC Officer - 1Post (3) Assistant Cook 1 Post (4) Security Guard - 1 Post. Pls send application letter, CV & related documents to Myanmar Red Cross Society (Head Office) Yazatingaha Rd, Dekkhinathiri, Nay Pyi Taw. Ormrcshrrecruit ment@gmail.com For more information & application, pls visit to www.myanmarred crosssociety.org Pls mention Position Title in subject if you apply. AssocIATIoN for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR Japan) is seeking Township Officer 1 post in Yangon (Shwe Pyi Thar or Dala Township): University graduate, two years of field experience, preferable in NGO/INGOs. Good knowledge of English, Computer & Reporting skills. Pls send A letter of application, An updated CV with 1 recent passport photo to: Programme Coordinator, No.65, Kyaikwine Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Ph: 01-9661712, Email: aarmyanmar@gmail. com Closing date: 2 March 2014. AAR Japan - Yangon Office is seeking Information Referral Service in-charge 1 post in Yangon : University graduate, preferable in marketing and related field in referral job. 2 years experience in Company/ NGO/ INGOs. Good knowledge of English & skill of computer and reporting. Pls send a letter of application. An updated CV including 1 recent passport photo to: Programme Coordinator, No.65, Kyaikwine Pagoda Rd, Mayangone, Yangon. Ph :01-9661712, Email: aarmyanmar@gmail. com (Can apply by e-mail). closing date: 2 March 2014.

FREE
Employment
Local Positions
MedIcAL OFFIceR Positions for working at MALAYSIA Require ments : Age of below 58 years old, 5 years experienced (apart from Housemanship service) with M.B.,B.S holder. Regcognized Universities with the Malaysian Medical Council (UM 1, UM2 & UMM). Knowledge to Malay Language is advantage. Positions are on contract basis for one (1) year from 1/4/2014 to 31/3/2015 . Medical Officer post available for male doctors and (1) post for female doctor. Location: Prisons in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor (MALAYSIA) Salary ( after deduction for Tax ) will be RM 7,600.00 (Equavalent to around 22Lakh) Note: To get all complete information, please contact to Dr. Yan (092504-58803 ) ( he is not Agent ) or send e-mail to dockidoc@hotmail.com or call ( +60193577237 ). Second week of March, there will be Interview in Yangon. vocATIoNAL Orientation Program is seeking (1)English Teacher (Full Time 100%): Graduate in B.A (English). Prefer M.A (English). Able to speak & write English fluently. Well communication with Swiss teachers. Skill in Microsoft Office, Good IT skills. 3 years experience in teaching English. (2) Subject Teacher (Full Time 100%) : Graduate in B.A or we prefer furthered studies. Good command in English. Well communication with Swiss teachers. Skills in Microsoft office, good IT skills. 3 years experience in teaching related subjects. Pls submit the application form with references to Vocational Orientation Program for 'Out-ofSchool' - Youngsters/ E4Y, Kyaikwine Boys' Training Center, No.65, Kyaikwine Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Closing date : 14th March 2014. ceNTeR for Vocational Training (CVT) is seeking Public Relations Officer 1 Post: more than 3 years experience in PR, Communication. Excellent communicat ion skills in English. Skills in Micro Soft Office, Word, Excel, Power Points, Access, good IT Skills. We offer up-to-date salary and a comfortable work atmosphere. Submit an application letter with CV, recent passport photo & Copy of relevance documents to the reception counter or by e-mail before 4th March 2014. Add: 3rd Flr, MRCS Bldg 42, Strand Rd, Botahtaung Tsp, Yangon. Email: hrcvtmyanmar@gmail. com, cvt.2001.2009@ gmail.com gLobAL Pharma is seeking (1) Sales & Marketing 5 Post. (2) Medical Rep: 5 Post. (3) F.D.A 5 Post. Pls submit to (2.D), Thamada Condo, Yaw Min Gyi Ward, Dagon Tsp, Contact: Ph: 09731-61128, 387623, 386672. goLdeN Spirit Co., Ltd is seeking Site Engineer: (1) B.E (Civil) 1 Post. (2) G.T.C (Civil) 1 Post. (3) B.E (Engineering) 1 Post. (4) G.T.C (Engineering) 1 Post. Pls submit to (2.D), Thamada Condo, Yaw Min Gyi Ward, Dagon Tsp. Ph: 09-731-61128, 387623, 386672. BesT WesTeRN Green Hill Hotel, a member of (Best Western Int'l, Inc.) The Worlds Largest Hotel Family with total properties of 4195 hotels all over the world, is seeking (1). Reservation Manager - M/F 1 Post (2).Reservation Agent M/F 2 Posts (3).Security Manager 1 Post (4). Sales Executive M/F 1 Post (5).Credit Officer - M/F 1 Post (6).Guest Relations Officer - F 1 Post (7). F&B Supervisor - M 1 Post (8). F&B Cashier - M 2 Posts (9). Barten der - M 1 Post (10). Waiter/ Waitress - M/F 2 Posts (11).Hostess - F 1 Post (12).IT Staff - M 1 Post (13). Canteen Cook - F 1 Post (14). Gardener - M 1 Post. Kindly apply before 7 March, 2014 to 12, Pho Sein Rd, Tamwe Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 209 299, 209300 Email: hr@ greenhillhotel.com.mm; admin@greenhillhotel. com.mm PARKWAY Cancer Centre is seeking Medical Doctor F 1 post : M.B,B.S Graduate with SA MA registration, 2 years experience in medical field, Good communication in English, Must be able to use computer, internet and Microsoft application with excellent skills, We welcome the candidates who are trust worthy, selfmotivated with positive working attitude. Pls submit: CV with relevant certificates, documents, recommendation letter attach and documents, & expected salary to Rm. (G-07), G Flr, Diamond Center, Pyay Rd, Kamayut. Tel : 532 438, 532 447, 09 513 6584, 09 431 19729 ReQUIRed 1 personal Instructor for Taekwondo martial art to train in my home. Pls contact to Ph: 09-2502-77047. ENchANTINg Myanmar Travels & Tours is looking for (1) Accountant (1 post): who could take responsibility and work in a team with mutual respect among coworkers. Should have at least 2 years experience and strong personality. Salary around USD 250,or equivalent. (2)Tour Operation Manager (1 post): who could take responsibility and work in a team with mutual respect among co-workers and manage staffs and work well. Should have at least 4 years experience in tourism and strong personality. Salary around USD 450,- or equivalent. Pls submit CV with all qualification reference to info@ enchanting-myanmar. com, or No (107), G flr, La Pyayt Wun Plaza, 37, Alan Pyay Pagoda Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 09 421 140 414. "

Job Vacancy Announcement Deutsche GesellschaftfrInternationaleZusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a German federalenterprise and offers workable, sustainable and effective solutions in political,economic and social change processes.Most of our work is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for EconomicCooperation and Development (BMZ). However, GIZ also operates on behalf of otherGerman ministries and public and private bodies in Germany and abroad. GIZ operates throughout Germany and in more than 130 countries worldwide. We have more than 17,000 staffmembers around the globe, some 70% of whom are employed locally as national personnel. GIZ is operating since October 2012 in Myanmar and is supporting sustainable economic development. The Private Sector Development Project (PSD) aims at strengthening capacities for sustainable private sector development with focus on improved services for SMEs in Myanmar. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Project concentrates on sustainably orienting the TVET system towards the needs of the labour market within a dynamic society. The Financial Sector Development Project aims at supporting Myanmar stakeholders in creating an inclusive and stable banking sector. For the overall coordination of its activities GIZ is using the GIZ Office Yangon. Following vacancies are to be filled as soon as possible. 002/ 2014 Human Resource Officer (GIZ Office Yangon) 50 % position The HR Officer is the central contact for management and staff for all HR questions, specifically recruitment and selection, contract issues and professional development measures is responsible for implementing HR procedures, esp. operational and administrative tasks implements national personnel policies in line with local conditions and maintains contact with the National Personnel Team at Head Office. advises the country director on basic HR policy issues assumes conceptual and coordination tasks in HR management for the country director The suitable candidate has has preferably a BA/MSc in business administration, (with a focus on HR management) has at least 5 years professional experience in a comparable position has a good working knowledge of ITC technologies and computer applications has a very good knowledge of national labour and social law has experience in advising on HR issues has very good spoken and written communication skills in English The contract is limited until 04/2016. 003/2014 Receptionist (GIZ Office Yangon) The receptionist is responsible for liaising with customers in a service-oriented manner by providing a professional phone service, personally welcoming visitors and maintaining a high standard in the reception area dealing with phone calls related to GIZ ensuring incoming and outgoing calls are efficient and uninterrupted performing reception and secretariat services on a daily basis The suitable candidate has secondary school education certificate/diploma or similar qualification from a recognised clerical college at least 2 years professional experience in a comparable position has very good spoken and written communication skills in English politeness and helpfulness in dealing with visitors The contract is limited until 04/2015. 004/2014 Project Assistant (PSDOffice Yangon) The project assistant is responsible for: ensuring that the secretariat runs smoothly ensuring good communication and flow of information within the project and with the GIZ office filing documents in reference files or in DMS in line with GIZs filing rules assisting the component leader in his administrative tasks (e.g. procuring tickets) The suitable candidate has secondary school education certificate/diploma or similar qualification from a recognised college at least 1 years professional experience in a comparable position good working knowledge of ITC technologies and computer applications (e.g. MS Office) very good knowledge written and oral of English language good management and organisational skills customer and service-oriented attitude The contract is limited until 12/2015. 005/2014 Project Assistant (TVET - Sinde) The project assistant is responsible for: ensuring that the secretariat runs smoothly ensuring good communication and flow of information within the project and with the GIZ office and with the partner institutions filing documents in reference files in line with GIZs filing rules assisting the project team Sinde in its administrative tasks (e.g. arranging travel) translates and interprets (oral and written) English The suitable candidate has secondary school education certificate/diploma or similar qualification from a recognised clerical college at least 1 years professional experience in a comparable position good working knowledge of ITC technologies and computer applications (e.g. MS Office) very good knowledge of English (oral and written) good management and organisational skills customer and service-oriented attitude The contract is limited until 12/2015. 006/2014 Facilitator (Driver GIZ Office Yangon) The facilitator (driver) is responsible for safely and responsibly performing all official travel using official vehicles regularly servicing and looking after official vehicles taking account of all available information on road conditions, accessible routes and locations running official errands supporting logistics and finance processes and assisting with other office work The suitable candidate has secondary school education holds a valid drivers licence at least 3 years work experience as a driver with references no major accidents in the past 3 years good knowledge of English, ideally a knowledge of German discipline and punctuality, resilience and patience familiarity with Yangon, ideally Nay Pyi Taw appropriate appearance and attire The contract is limited until 04/2016. 007/2014 Project Manager Regional Development Shan State (PSD Taunggyi) The Project Manager will work in close coordination with the international expert on regional development. His/her responsibilities will include assistance in planning, organising and implementing technical advisory services as well as implementing daily operational aspects of all issues related to the project. The Project Manager will also maintain a good flow of communication and information between all involved institutions and counterparts and GIZ. Specific tasks include support in identifying the needs of government institutions and local communities coordination and assistance of short term experts on specific fields of expertise support in consultation with the partner institution for preparing, implementing and documenting training events, workshops, forums and other project activities regular consultation with other project managers on cross-cutting activities participation in formulating project action plans and synchronising the planning and budgeting system and counterparts assistance with all organisational and management issues, communication and networking The suitable candidate has university degree in economics, regional planning or equivalent At least 3 years professional experience in a comparable position good working knowledge of ITC technologies and computer applications strong managerial and organisational competence willingness to travel (abroad) regularly very good knowledge of English, ideally a knowledge of German willingness to up skill as required by the tasks to be performed The contract is limited until 12/2015. Application procedure: Applications are accepted until 14 March 2014, 17.00

Qualified candidates shall send their application letter along with their non-returnable recent CV and contact detail of two referees to the following address: Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, No 35 (B) / 15 New University Avenue, Yangon, Myanmar OR E-Mail: giz-myanmar@giz.de Note: The title of the position for which the application is made should be clearly marked on the applications. For further information please check the job vacancies as advertised on http://www.themimu.info/jobs-for-myanmar-nationals. Please note: Only short listed candidates will be contacted

60 Sport

THE MYANMAR TIMES MArCH 3 - 9, 2014

Anti-gay bill vetoed after sporting pressure

CONTROVERSIAL antigay bill was vetoed on February 27 by Arizona governor Jan Brewer only hours after pressure from American sports leagues that pump millions of dollars into the US states economy. The National Football League, which will stage Super Bowl 49 next February in Arizona, as well as Major League Baseball and Arizonas NBA and Womens NBA teams made it clear they did not want to see Senate Bill 1062 become law. The bill would have let businesses refuse to serve gays and lesbians for religious reasons, drawing protest marches at the state capitol and raising fears from Arizona businesses about possible lost tourism and convention income. The NFL championship spectacle, which organisers estimated produced US$550 to $600 million in economic impact for the New York region earlier this month, could potentially have been moved from Arizona for the second time.

PHOENIX

CAPE TOWN

MILLION

$600
Upper estimate of the amount of economic impact the Super Bowl had in New York City last year
While no overt threat was made to yank the Super Bowl, it was clear the NFL was watching Brewer. Our policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other improper standard, NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello said in a statement before the decision. We are following the issue in Arizona and will continue to do so. The Phoenix area already has the stigma of being the only host in Super Bowl history to ever have the big game stripped away. The NFL moved the 1993 Super Bowl from Arizona to Pasadena, California, after Arizona voters in 1990 failed to approve a paid state holiday in tribute to the slain African-American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. After a 1992 Arizona vote creating a paid state holiday to honour King, the NFL staged the 1996 Super Bowl at Arizona State Universitys Sun Devil Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Tempe. Major League Baseball, which has

half of its 30 clubs staging hundreds of pre-season exhibition games in the Phoenix area over the next month, came out against the bill, invoking the name of the rst African-American player in the sport in doing so. As the sport of Jackie Robinson, Major League Baseball and its 30 clubs stand united behind the principles of respect, inclusion and acceptance, it said in a statement. Those values are fundamental to our games diverse players, employees and fans. We welcome individuals of different sexual orientations, races, religions, genders and national origins. It added, MLB has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination based on sexual orientation... Accordingly, MLB will neither support nor tolerate any words, attitudes or actions that imperil the inclusive communities that we have strived to foster within our game. The NBA Phoenix Suns, who play 41 home games in Arizona, and the Womens NBA Arizona Mercury, who boast openly gay star Brittney Griner, also came out solidly against the measure. Sports has the unique power to unite, to bring together a community without regard to individual differences, they said in a statement. The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury are proud members of this community and we embrace fans, families and businesses of every stripe. We are steadfastly committed to the principles of inclusivity and acceptance and cannot support anything that is not in line with that philosophy, they added. The 2014 WNBA All-Star Game is set to be played at Phoenix on July 19. Also among those against the measure was the host committee of Super Bowl 49, set for the domed home stadium of the Arizona Cardinals in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale. We do not support this legislation, it said in a statement. Area business leaders had made their feelings clear to the Super Bowl group. A key part of the mission for the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee is to promote the economic vitality of Arizona, it said in a statement. On that matter we have heard loud and clear from our various stakeholders that adoption of this legislation would not only run contrary to that goal but deal a signicant blow to the states economic growth potential. The controversy came as the NFL prepares to welcome Michael Sam, a college standout who is openly gay and expected to be selected in Mays NFL draft and become the leagues rst openly homosexual player. February 23, Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins became the rst openly gay player in an NBA game. AFP

Oscar Pistorius stands in a South African courtroom in June 2013. Photo: AFP

From blade runner to

Questions surround former sprinting champion and Oscar Pistorius as he goes on trial for the murder of

Brandon McCarthy (right) of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches in against the Los Angeles Dodgers on February 26 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Photo: AFP

SCAR Pistorius: a champion athlete who beat the odds to inspire millions worldwide, or a disgraced hero with a penchant for guns, beautiful women and fast cars? Both versions of South Africas double amputee Olympian will be pored over starting March 3 when the 27-year-old goes on trial for murder after gunning down his girlfriend on Valentines Day a year ago. Before the shock shooting, Pistorius was one of the worlds most admired athletes. A formidable competitor known as the fastest man on no legs, he was courted by luxury big brands and named to attering lists such as the Sexiest Man Alive. But his Blade Runner epithet, earned by his trademark prosthetic legs that powered him to fame, swiftly became recast as the Blade Gunner after he shot dead Reeva Steenkamp. Born in 1986 in Johannesburg with no bula bones, Pistorius had both legs amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old. But he played sports unhindered while growing up, switching to running after fracturing a knee playing rugby. It was never made an issue. My mother would say to my brother, You put on your shoes, and Oscar, you put on your legs, then meet me at the car, Pistorius told The Independent in 2011. Just eight months after taking to the track, he smashed the 200m world record at the Athens Paralympics 10 years ago.

Next up was the 2008 Beijing games where he took the 100m, 200m and 400m sprint titles and launched a battle to take part in the able-bodied athletics, overcoming arguments that his custom-built carbon-bre running blades gave him an unfair advantage. In 2011 he made history by becoming the rst amputee to run at the World Championships, where he took silver with South Africas 4x400m sprint team.

He is the denition of global inspiration.

Time magazine 2012 list of most inuential people

Youre not disabled by your disabilities but abled by your abilities, he told Athlete magazine in an interview that year. In 2012 he again made history by becoming the rst double-amputee to compete at both the Olympics and Paralympics. But since shooting Steenkamp, in what he claims was a tragic accident, his sporting prowess has been overshadowed by questions about his behaviour. In an angry outburst at the London Paralympics he hit out at the length of a fellow competitors blades who pipped him to gold in the 100m before apologising.

In 2009, he spent a night in jail after allegedly assaulting a 19-yearold woman at a party in a case that was recently settled out of court. Two years later, he allegedly red a gun through the sunroof of an ex-girlfriends moving car. And weeks before he shot his lover, he reportedly discharged a gun by accident at a restaurant in Johannesburg. Oscar is certainly not what people think he is, ex-lover and trial witness Samantha Taylor has said. Pistorius has long been open about his love for guns. The sprinter slept with a pistol under his bed at his upmarket home in a high security Pretoria estate for fear of burglars. Once held in Amsterdam after gunpowder residue was detected on his prosthetics, he also took a New York Times journalist interviewing him to a shooting range. The same writer described him driving at 250 kilometres an hour, double the speed limit, and referred to Pistorius as having a erce, even frenzied need to take on the world at maximum speed and with minimum caution. His passion for motorbikes, adrenalin and speed is well documented. He likes fast cars. He is just built for speed, his trainer Jannie Brooks told AFP. Four years ago he crashed his boat in a river, breaking two ribs, an eye socket and his jaw. Empty alcohol bottles were found in the boat. He also once owned two white tigers but sold them to a zoo in Canada when they became too big. A middle child whose parents

www.mmtimes.com

Sport 61

Moyes mystied by Uniteds Greek tragedy

MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes admitted that he had been taken aback by the abject quality of his teams performance in their shock 2-0 Champions League loss to Olympiakos. The English champions must attempt to overturn a two-goal decit in the home leg of the last 16 tie on March 19 after a limp display at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus in the February 25 rst leg. Olympiakos were good value for their victory, secured through goals in each half from Alejandro Dominguez and Joel Campbell, who is on loan at the club from Arsenal, but in United they came across surprisingly generous opponents. Careless in defence and short of ideas in mideld, United failed to muster a single shot on target during the game and did not seriously threaten until Robin van Persie shot over the bar in the 82nd minute. Im just surprised, a shellshocked Moyes told journalists afterwards. I didnt see that level of performance coming. I didnt see that. I still didnt think we were necessarily two goals worse off in the game. We have a shot which gets deected [for Dominguezs goal], but we didnt offer enough on the night to create a goal, really. Democratic in his criticism of his players, Moyes added, We never really got to grips with things. To a man, you could hardly pick anybody out [who played well]. We just didnt perform well tonight [February 25]. We came into the game in good form, with a good mindset, but it didnt show tonight. The defeat, Uniteds rst against a Greek team, was the latest sorry chapter in a season of misery for Moyes and his faltering side. Knocked out of both domestic cup competitions, United trail Liverpool by 11 points in the battle for a top-four nish in the Premier League and face the stark prospect of missing out on a place in the Champions League for the rst time since 1995. They last overturned a two-goal decit in a European tie in 1984,

PIRAEUS

Olympiakos Argentinian midfielder Alejandro Dominguez celebrates after scoring a goal during against Manchester United at Karaiskaki Stadium in Athens on February 25. Photo: AFP

blade gunner
inspirational gure his girlfriend
divorced when he was six, he has a problematic relationship with his father, Henke, but is close to his siblings who have been at his side in court. His mother died when he was 15 and the date of her death is tattooed on his arm. Early court appearances have seen Pistorius a more humane gure, breaking down and sobbing as a man in mourning, with his career on hold and dumped by sponsors. He is the denition of global inspiration Time magazine proclaimed in its 2012 list of the worlds most inuential people. Less than a year later, Pistorius featured on the cover with the words Man, Superman, Gunman. AFP

when they came from 2-0 down to beat Barcelona in the Cup Winners Cup, but Moyes believes the club can harness the mystique of their famous stadium to turn the tie around in the second leg. The players are hurting as well. They know how they performed, he said. But theres a team here, and we wont change. Well stick together. Theres a second game to come and Old Trafford has seen some great nights in the past, and Im looking forward to hopefully seeing another one. Former United captain Roy Keane, working as a pundit for British television, opined that Moyes would have been shocked by the lack of quality in his squad, but the Scot dismissed that assessment. I think theres undoubtedly talent at Manchester United, but tonight we didnt show it, he said. Me and the team, we didnt show it together. Its something we have to do, and well put it right. Were determined to put it right, and well have opportunities to do it in the

coming weeks. Dominguez opened the scoring in the 38th minute, cleverly icking Giannis Maniatis shot past United goalkeeper David de Gea before Campbell curled in a ne effort from 25 metres after 10 minutes of the second half. Olympiakos coach Michel, the former Real Madrid midelder, described the result as the best of his managerial career, but he refused to disparage his opponents despite their wretched display. Weve been preparing for a long time, but in silence, he said. We know about the qualities of Manchester United and we know theyll be far better in the second leg at Old Trafford. We congratulate our players and wed rather do that than talk Manchester United down. We have huge respect for Manchester United. The 50-year-old added, We have another match at Old Trafford, and what more can a person ask for? Id glady swap places with any of my players so wed have a grandfather playing at Old Trafford. AFP

Khan hits out at Mayweather after snub

BOXER Amir Khan unleashed a urry of verbal jabs on February 25 at Floyd Mayweather after the unbeaten American passed him over for a lucrative May 3 bout and chose Argentinas Marcos Maidana. Mayweather, 45-0 with 26 knockouts, said on February 24 his 37th birthday that he would defend his World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council light-middleweight crowns against Maidana, 35-3 with 31 knockouts, and not Khan. The 27-year-old Englishman Khan who defeated Maidana in 2010 made his fury clear in a statement released by his promotions company and linked to a post on his Twitter feed, intimating that Mayweather was running scared. Despite having signed my part of the agreement to ght Floyd in early December, Ive been preparing myself for some time that the match-up with him wasnt going to happen, Khan said. Therefore this announcement [Monday] did not come as a surprise. I am, however, very disappointed with Floyd and his team for not providing any explanation as to why he delayed the announcement for so long and ultimately avoided the ght with me. Clarication, if he was not ghting me, would have allowed me to look over my options and pursue another path rather than the ultimate delay to my career this has caused. Khan, 28-3 with 19 knockouts, has not fought since last April 27 and skipped a planned December bout with US southpaw Devon Alexander for the International Boxing Federation title in anticipation of a big-money showdown with Mayweather. Instead, it has been a major aggravation and the longest layoff of his career, as he attempts to get back on track after two devastating defeats against Lamont Peterson in 2011, and then Danny Garcia the following year. It has been a very frustrating period as I had been due to ght in December, said Khan, who even won an online poll set up by Money Mayweather asking his fans to decide whether he should face the Englishman or Maidana. I was strongly advised to not take this ght [Alexander] as I would be facing Floyd this May and therefore signed my side of the contract on this belief. Floyd was keen to engage with the fans and so decided to let them choose who he should ght in his next bout. I clearly won his official poll by a signicant margin, but for unknown reasons he decided to ignore the fans vote and failed to keep his word, disappointing many ght fans who took the time to vote. Khan said he was hoping to announce details about his next ght within 10 days. Ive been training very hard since my last ght. Im a ghter who wants to face the very best out there and have never ducked any opponent, he said. Im focused and ready for my next outing. AFP

LAS VEGAS

Professional losses by boxer Floyd Mayweather in 45 ghts.

62 Sport
YANGON

THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

Football star turns to tradition to heal injury

NANDAR AUNG

nandaraung.mcm@gmail.com

UFFERING from an ankle injury since last Decembers Southeast Asian Games and desperately looking for a cure, rising star of the Myanmar national football team, Kyi Lin, decided to listen to his mothers advice. Seated in a room in his parents home, Ky Lin, whose right ankle is wrapped in a protective walking cast watches as U Tin Win, a nat kadaw (spirit medium), lights a stful of candles to begin a nat pwe. The traditional ceremony is meant to rid the house and its inhabitants of bad luck. Please look after this family like your own sons and daughters. Please take away the bad things from this family and reward them with good things. I beg you, U Tin Win chanted as he ran a sword over Kyi Lins shoulders and down his legs. Kyi Lin, the 21-year wunderkind of Yangon United, has become a fan favourite for his speed and aggressive style of play despite his small size. His well-quaffed mohawk and tattooed arms make him an unmistakable presence on the pitch.

Kyi Lin takes part in a Nat Pwe festival in his parents home on February 27. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

Since joining the Lions in 2009 he has helped the team to two Myanmar National League titles. His performance last year sent fans and the blogs buzzing with speculation that he

Nat Kadaw U Tin Win preforms on February 27. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

would soon be headed to Malaysia to play in the countrys top-tier competiton, Super League. But in Decembers SEA Games the good luck seemed to run dry. A nagging ankle injury was aggravated during a match against Thailand. The promising Myanmar team was eliminated from the Games after a misunderstanding of the tournaments points system by coach Park Sung Hwa. The storybook ending of Myanmar winning SEA Games gold on their home eld fell apart. Fans rioted, torching billboards and tossing rocks at police. Park was red. That was two and a half months ago. The start of Yangon Uniteds season has come and gone. Kyi Lin travelled to Thailand to get treatment on his ankle but still has been unable to join his team. Instead of sprinting down the pitch, he has been relegated to the sidelines as a cheerleader. Predictions

from doctors that he will be able to rejoin Yangon United later this month have done little to placate his mother, Daw Tin Pyone. Daw Tin Pyone, 62 , cried as she told The Myanmar Times about her efforts to help her son get back on the pitch. Im so upset for my son. I will do anything to make things better for him she said I believe in spirits and I decided to hold a nat pwe to improve his situation. It might help to stop bad things from happening to him and our family, she said. There are two types of nat pwe ceremonies that can be conducted in the home. A htaing pwe which includes offers to the spirit of the home with food, including bananas and coconuts. It generally costs about K100,000. The other is the hta pwe, meant to appease all 37 of Myanmars spirits. It includes a spirit medium and a tradi-

tional Myanmar music performance, along with offerings of fruit and other foods. This more elaborate ceremony costs about K3 million. Daw Tin Pyone insisted on the latter and friends and family gathered for three days to take part from February 25-27. Because of my injury, my Mom was so worried about me and she told me that she want to make a nat pwe for me and our family, said Kyi Lin, who admitted that he didnt know much about the ceremony when he agreed to participate. U Tin Win explained that he was making offerings to spirits from both KyiLins fathers side of the family and mothers. Which spirits offers are made to, he said, was based on the mother and fathers hometown. People who believe in spirits, when they are faced with bad things they trust it will be okay sooner or later because they are looked after by the spirit U Tin Win said. U Aung Kyi, Kyi Lins father, said that he doesnt worship nats, but said he was willing to let the nat pwe to take place for his sons sake. As a father and a fan of Kyi Lin, I dont like that he is injured. He is the boy who looks after the whole family. My wife told me to do this for our son, he said. More than anything, Kyi Lin said, he felt that his injury was a disappointment to fans. I feel sorry for my fans that I cant touch the ball, he said. As the nat pwe ceremony drew to a close, Kyi Lin said he was hopeful that he would return to playing later this month. When he would be trying harder than ever to make a positive impact on the pitch.

Please look after this family like your own sons and daughters.
U Tin Win Nat Kadaw

Fifty years after world shook, Ali hits Twitter

MUHAMMAD Ali posted his rst Twitter message on February 26, 50 years to the day after he stopped Sonny Liston at Miami Beach to win his rst heavyweight boxing title. I shook up the world against Liston, now 50 years later Im taking it to Twitter, Ali wrote with the hashtag AliTweet showing it was from the Ali himelf and a link to a photo of him screaming with his arms upraised seconds after the historic triumph. Ali, who was then named Cassius Clay, stopped Liston in the seventh round to claim the world heavyweight crown at age 22, launching a career that would see him become a global sports icon. Alis official website prepared to launch a Twitter quote of the day, collecting the wit and poetry from Alis amazing career, including such lines as oat like a buttery, sting like a bee. The Muhammad Ali Center, a museum in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, posted the Twitter message, Today marks 50 yrs since Ali became hvywt champ! HE SHOOK UP THE WORLD! with a link to YouTube video highlights of the Liston ght. The Center also rewteeted a photo image from the ght with Clay landing a left to the face of a bloodied Liston. The day after beating Liston, Clay changed his name and the legend of Ali began. It included refusing to be drafted into the US Army that was sending soldiers to ght in Vietnam, being stripped of his titles and banned from boxing for 3 1/2 years until a US Supreme Court ruling upheld his conscientious objector sta-

MIAMI

Age of Muhammad Ali when he won his rst world heavyweight title.

22

tus to the Vietnam War. Ali nished 56-5 with 37 knockouts and won the heavyweight crown three times in all, notably in the Rumble in the Jungle in Zaire in 1974 with an eighth-round knockout of George Foreman and in 1978, when he lost the crown to Leon Spinks in February by split decision but reclaimed it with a unanimous 15-round decision seven months later. Ali retired after that, coming back to lose two later bouts before nally calling it quits for good in 1981. It was in 1984 when Ali announed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease, which silenced the snappy banter that had been his youthful trademark but did not dim

his status in sports or humanitarian efforts. In 1990, Ali visited Iraq and negotiated the release of 14 US hostages from Saddam Hussein. At the 1996 Centennial Olympics in Atlanta, it was Ali a gold medal winner from the 1960 Rome Olympics who lit the torch at the opening ceremony. In 2005, Ali received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest US civilian honor. One of the most iconic photos in sport, Ali standing above a attened Liston, came not from their rst ght but from a rematch in Lewiston, Maine, in May of 1965, which Ali won by knockout in the rst round. AFP

Sport
64 THE MYANMAR TIMES MARCH 3 - 9, 2014

SPORT EDITOR: Tim McLaughlin | timothy.mclaughlin3@gmail.com

Yangon United striker seeks traditional cure to injury

SPORT 62

Triple strike
YANGON

Kyaw Ko Kos hat-trick propels Yangon United over Kelantan

KYAW ZIN HLAING kyawzinhlaing91@gmail.com

ANGON United striker Kyaw Ko Ko scored a hattrick and Brazilian striker Emerson scored two goals as the Lions began their AFC Cup campaign with an impressive 5-3 victory over Malaysian Super League side Kelantan on February 26. Emerson opened up the scoring early, putting the home side up 1-0 in the 8th minute of play at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. Nine minutes later, Luizs fellow Brazilian Cezar was taken down hard by Kelantan defender Obinna Nwaneri, resulting in a penalty shot. But Cezar was unable to put the shot away, with Khairul Fahmi making the save. It would prove to be one of just a handful of stops on the day for the goalkeeper. Kyaw Ko Ko put Yangon up 2-0 in the 27th minute. Shortly before

I have to praise the Yangon United players who were hard-working today, especially their Brazilian duo.
Steve Darby Kelantan coach

half-time Luiz struck again, but the home-sides hopes of a clean sheet were dashed when Wan Zaharulnizam Zakaria put Kelantan on the board in the 46th minute. In the second half, Kyaw Ko Ko continued to be a problem for Kelantan, who could not nd a way to contain the quick striker. He scored again in 51st minute.

AFC Cup standings

Group G

TEAM Yangon United Vissai Ninh Bnh South China Kelantan

Group H

PLD 1 1 1 1

W 1 1 0 0

D 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 1 1

GF 5 3 1 3

GA 3 1 3 5

GD 2 2 2 2

PTS 3 3 0 0

TEAM

PLD 1 1 1 1

W 1 0 0 0

D 0 1 1 0

L 0 0 0 1

GF 5 2 2 0

GA 0 2 2 5

GD 5 0 0 5

PTS 3 1 1 0

Kitchee Nay Pyi Taw Pune Tampines Rovers

Despite the decit Kelantan continued to attack. Captain Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi scored in the 63rd minute to bring the challengers within two. But the excitement was short-lived. Ten minutes later Kelantans Ahmad Shakir Mohd Ali was sent off for kicking Yangon United defender Kazuki Yoshino in the head. Playing a man down, Kyaw Ko Ko again found his way through the Kelantan defence, netting his nal goal in the 88th minute. Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi scored two minutes into stoppage time to bring the nal score to 5-3 for Yangon. The victory came despite the absence of Yangon United striker Kyi Lin, who is suffering from an ankle injury (See Sport 62). Eric Williams, Yangon Uniteds coach, said that he was pleased with the win, but did not have kind words for his young goalkeeper Aung Wai Phyo. I am happy that we won todays match especially on our home ground. But Im not completely happy because of our goalkeepers mistakes. We conceded two goals from the mistakes of our goalkeeper who is young and lacks experience at the AFC cup level. So I will be working on it and may change goalkeepers or try something else in our upcoming AFC Cup matches, Williams said. Steve Darby, Kelantans coach, applauded the play of the home team. I have to praise the Yangon United players who were hard-working today, especially their Brazilian striking duo. Our defenders could not control them. In the rst half Yangon did brilliantly but we came back in the second half, he said. But Darby was clearly frustrated with the referees decision to send off Ahmad Shakir Mohd Ali. The turning point of the match

was the referees decision to show the red card to my player, he said. Yangon United collected three points with the win and is tied atop the table in group G with Vietnamese side Vissai Ninh Binh. The two teams will square off on March 12 in Ninh Bnh. Nay Pyi Taw was held to a 2-2 draw against Indian club Pune FC in group H play on February 26 in Pune. Nay Pyi Taw will take on Singapores Tampines Rovers FC on March 12.

Yangon United striker Kyaw Ko Ko celebrates after scoring a goal against Malaysias Kelantan on February 26 in Yangon. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing