Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 31/03/2021
» Myanmar's elected parliamentarians are openly challenging the country's coup leaders by declaring a parallel civilian government in the next few days. The timing corresponds with the official end of the current elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. They are also planning to establish a parallel administration throughout the country, challenging the military's coercive structures. One of the key intentions is to challenge the military's legitimacy and credibility internationally and make the country ungovernable.
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 01/02/2021
» Behind the scenes efforts are continuing to break Myanmar's political deadlock that threatens the country's democratic transition. Talks between the military and the government started a few days ago -- as tensions on the ground rose and rumours of a military coup grew -- but failed to make any real progress, according to both government and military sources.
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 23/11/2020
» The Myanmar government is putting the finishing touches on an ambitious new economic recovery and reform plan. To be announced during the current transition period following the Nov 8 elections, it will be part of the strategic plan for the next five years.
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 04/11/2020
» Myanmar goes to the polls on Sunday in a critical election that will determine the country's future direction. At issue is the country's fragile political balance -- between the civilian government and the still very powerful military -- and more importantly, give renewed impetus to the current government's drive to reform the country and the constitution. This election gives the voters the chance to decide whether the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, led by the charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, will be given a renewed mandate to push forward on the country's tentative reform path and strengthen its democratic institutions.
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 23/07/2020
» Myanmar's ruling party -- the National League for Democracy (NLD) -- is in the final stages of preparing for parliamentary polls scheduled for Nov 8. These elections have taken an unexpected turn, largely as a result of the pandemic sweeping the world. Now, the country's civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, appears destined to be returned to power, albeit with a reduced majority.
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 30/09/2019
» The Myanmar government has begun a major overhaul of its procurement and contract procedures in an effort to strengthen the transparency and competitiveness of major development projects.
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 16/08/2019
» Last week was the anniversary of Myanmar's mass pro-democracy demonstrations in August 1988, which brought the country to a standstill after its military leaders brutally reacted, resulting in heavy loss of life, and a coup. But 31 years on, the country's long struggle for democracy is far from over, as the country enters, perhaps, the final stage of transition.
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 13/05/2019
» Myanmar and China have a special relationship that was strengthened further by Aung San Suu Kyi's recent trip to Beijing. The frequency of her trips to China -- more than to any other country -- since she became State Counsellor underlines that relationship.
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 14/06/2018
» In the face of relentless international criticism, Myanmar is struggling to develop a new strategy to cope with the problems of Rakhine, and the need for a reconciliation process. This week the government has been discussing their new approach with the UN secretary-general's newly appointed special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener -- a Swiss career diplomat, who also recently served as ambassador to Thailand.
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 15/08/2016
» Threadbare on details and containing mainly sweeping statements of principle, none of them new, the much-anticipated new economic plan outlined for Myanmar by the National League for Democracy (NLD) has disappointed academics, analysts and business leaders.