Acting President Duwa Lashi La of the National Unity Government (NUG) said reforms will be carried out within its ministries to ensure better leadership and performance in 2025, and invited capable individuals to work for the civilian government following the reforms.
In his New Year State of the Union Address, the acting president acknowledged that during the revolutionary period, shortcomings in leadership and the side-effects of flawed systems have caused harm to the people.
He also stated there are limitations in the capacities and capabilities of its three bodies: the People’s Defense Forces, People’s Administration and People’s Security Forces.
Administrative, security and defense bodies under the NUG have faced growing public criticism in some areas particularly in Sagaing and Tanintharyi regions. Additionally, lack of reforms and effectiveness at some of its ministries have drawn criticism from political observers as well as by some supporters over the past nearly four years.
“We are committed to strengthening these ground-level forces and are actively implementing processes to enhance the effectiveness and resilience of our defense, administration and security teams,” he said in the address.
Duwa Lashi La also extended an invitation to individuals who can effectively lead and take responsibility to join the NUG in fulfilling its responsibilities to the people.
The NUG, in carrying out its revolutionary responsibilities as mandated by the people, does not seek to cling to positions of power or expand the government’s structure unnecessarily, he said.
“Therefore, we need people in the government who will lead more broadly than the current situation. If there are people who can replace the current positions, we would like to inform the public that we are always ready to shoulder the responsibility. Therefore, we would like to say that we are always open to it,” he said.
Eliminating the dictatorship
He also underscored that the revolutionary government will expand its efforts to strengthen unity and collective strength with ethnic armed organizations for the success of the revolution.
“I believe it is time for all our ethnic armed groups and political forces to demonstrate more practical political and military cooperation in order to completely eliminate Min Aung Hlaing and his regime in 2025.”
Separately, Khun Be Du, chairperson of the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF), expressed the group’s determination to seize all junta bases in Karenni State by 2025.
“In 2025, we will strive to decisively take over the junta’s camps in Kayah [Karenni] State. We call on the people to support and encourage us.”
Meanwhile, junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing said in his New Year speech that armed conflict remains a significant challenge.
He said public collaboration is required to prevent and put a stop to armed conflict, while saying that all of his efforts aim “solely to resolve these conflicts for the benefit of the nation and the people, fostering a stable and peaceful environment”.
The junta leader also stated that junta soldiers, police force members, people’s militia and regime personnel who “sacrificed their lives will remain as part of the historical record” in the same speech, as his troops continue to suffer losses and defeats in resistance attacks across the country.
Soldiers urged to defect
In his speech, NUG Acting President Duwa Lashi La called on junta personnel, including officers, to side with the people instead of continuing to protect Min Aung Hlaing and the junta, who he said have committed acts of violence against civilians.
“It is time for soldiers to stop sacrificing their lives to shield Min Aung Hlaing and his criminal junta. Instead, they must stand with the people and the nation’s future,” he urged.
He reiterated that the junta’s leadership has tarnished the reputation of the previously respected Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, lowering it in the eyes of the people. He encouraged soldiers to transition from being tools of oppression to becoming defenders of the people.
“For those who join the people’s side as People’s Defense Soldiers, their lives and safety will be fully protected,” the acting president guaranteed.
