Showing 1 - 10 of 23
Power grab brings nation to standstill
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 02/02/2021
» Myanmar's military has seized control of the country after detaining de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other politicians in a pre-dawn raid yesterday morning. There have been massive detentions in this military round up: all key politicians, the regional chief ministers, the top leadership of the governing National League for Democracy (NLD), most national and local members of parliament, and hundreds of pro-democracy and human rights activists. Little is known about their whereabouts at present, though it appears that the Lady -- as she is known -- is under house arrest. But there are widespread fears about her continued safety and the other detainees.
NLD prepares for new era of changes and reform
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 21/11/2020
» Myanmar's ruling National League for Democracy's electoral victory has emboldened its leaders to press on with major changes, including at the very top of the government. There is likely to be a new president -- though Aung San Suu Kyi in her role as State Counsellor will still effectively be running the country -- and a new look cabinet. In the meantime there is also likely to be a changing of the guard in the country's all-powerful military, or Tatmadaw.
Myanmar banks feel the heat
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 23/09/2019
» The fragile state of Myanmar's banking industry remains a problem for the government as it strives to liberalise the financial sector and create a genuine market-based economy. A mini-run on local banks earlier this month underscored how shaky public confidence is.
Myanmar's new investment push
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 14/01/2019
» The government of Myanmar is hoping this year will be a watershed for the country's investment and development plans. The emphasis is firmly on liberalisation and attracting foreign investors, as well as involving the local business community in the expected economic resurgence.
Myanmar steps up financial reforms
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 24/12/2018
» The government of Myanmar is finally putting its long-anticipated plans for economic liberalisation into overdrive. In the past few weeks it has announced numerous reforms -- including insurance liberalisation and further easing of restrictions on foreign banks, the establishment of a credit rating bureau and the formation of a "project bank" to encourage investment, especially from abroad.
All roads start leading to China
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 19/11/2018
» Myanmar and China have finally signed an agreement on a controversial deep-sea port project on the Bay of Bengal, allowing Beijing to press on with its strategic plan to gain access to the Indian ocean. It signifies a strengthening of bilateral ties between the two neighbours, and places Myanmar firmly in China's orbit.
Myanmar looks East
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 05/11/2018
» The government of Myanmar has launched a major investment drive centred on Asian countries in the face of declining interest from the West.
Myanmar's peace hangs in the balance
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 22/10/2018
» Myanmar's peace process is finely balanced, after the latest round of talks failed to produce anything of substance. Sitting comfortably and very relaxed, the chairman of the Myanmar ethnic rebel group, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), Yawd Serk was happy to offer his insights into the recent summit between the government and the leaders of the ethnic groups, which have signed the national ceasefire agreement (NCA). Reflecting on the meeting he simply said "very tense". The other ethnic leaders in attendance had a similar opinion: "high drama" according to one, on condition of anonymity.
Media freedom in the dock in Myanmar
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 03/09/2018
» Two Myanmar reporters are about to hear whether they are to spend the next 14 years in jail for courageously carrying out their jobs.
Suu Kyi must act on UN's genocide charge
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 29/08/2018
» The UN's independent human rights investigators have issued the toughest verdict yet on the crisis in Myanmar's war-torn western region of Rakhine State. The investigators' report does not mince words and is scathing in its conclusions, and is going to have major ramifications, both within the country, and within the international community.