Media lives forever, and its effectiveness helps increase its value in nation-building task

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing aiding Chairman of MMC U Khin Maung Lay.

Nay Pyi Taw January 25

Media is of vital importance for the country, especially during the nation-building period. Because of the changing situation nation-building task never ends, and the role of media lives forever.

Media activities remain as long as the world exists. Media’s effectiveness will help raise its value in the nationbuilding task. On behalf of the Tatmadaw I honour and welcome the Myanmar Media Council and promise cooperation, said Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at his meeting with Chairman of MMC U KhinMaung Lay and members at Bayintnaung villa here at 2 pm yesterday.

Together with the Senior General were Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in- Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Joint Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) Commanderin- Chief (Air) General Khin Aung Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Tin Aung San, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army). U Khin Maung Lay was accompanied by vice-chairmen U Pe Myint and Dr Myo Thant Tin, Secretary U Thiha Saw, members and office staffs totalling 24.

First the Senior General and party cordially greeted MMC chairman and party.

During the meeting the Senior General said media is a broad institution which disseminates knowledge and technology for the public. I value media as I am also serving the national duties with the knowledge gained from media, and knowledge and teachings imparted by my parents, teachers and elders. Media will be much beneficial for the country if it is used correctly for mutual interest. As views may vary, information with correct date and facts is helpful. Knowledge, artistic values and news of the media are much helpful for the people. Literary development undertakings must be carried out through collective efforts for maintaining the public reader power.

Knowledge level of every single soldier has been raised in promoting the capability -- combat prowess and fighting potential -- of Tatmadaw. Media should help increase the number of educated persons in promoting the national education. As the country is on the multiparty democracy course media should provide knowledge on democracy practices. Tatmadaw promised free and fair elections during the preelection period. And during the elections and post-election period it has helped strengthen the multiparty democracy course chosen by the people. It will continue to work with the upcoming government in ensuring peace and stability.

Rule of law and ending of armed conflicts play a key role in restoring peace and stability. The Tatmadaw acceded for the ending of armed conflicts by signing the NCA and by participating in the Union Peace Conference for eternal peace. Ending the armed confl icts is essential for peace and stability of the country and development tasks. It needs to complete the DDR/SSR processes during the designated period up from the peace talks. Both sides need to uphold the Gentlemen Agreement. The Tatmadaw will strive for restoring eternal peace by adopting the policies on peace and stability, unity and development. Moreover, the Tatmadaw helps the government and the Hluttaw ensures prevalence of law and order. He urged the media to carry out constructive campaigns for ending the armed conflicts.

The Senior General explained the situations on building the better relationships with armed forces of neighbouring countries in line with the Myanmar’s foreign policy, with regard to AA insurgent in Rakhine State, and MNDAA and TNLA organizations in the northeast region, Tatmadaw employs patience to the most possible degree..

The secretary of the Myanmar Media Council reported on stand of the council and its endeavours. Members of the council discussed promotion of better relations between the Tatmadaw and media, cooperation in literature development, smoother process for release of information on the Tatmadaw and participation of the Tatmadaw in the national politic sector.

After the meeting, the Senior General presented gifts to Chairman of Myanmar Media Council U Khin Maung Lay and members and posed for documentary photo.

The Myanmar Media Council was reformed with 24 members on 11 November 2015. (100)

The Myawady Daily