This Week in Parliament

By The Irrawaddy 9 March 2019

Monday (Mar. 4)

The Lower House approved a proposed amendment to the Penal Code addressing the rape of young girls. The amendment, which has already been approved by the Upper House, would raise the punishment for the rape of girls under the age of 12 to between 20 years and life in prison.

Tuesday (Mar. 5)

Lawmakers representing the military and the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) objected to a recommendation from Bill Committee Secretary U Myat Nyana Soe to discuss the USDP’s proposal to amend Article 261 of the Constitution in the new committee drafting amendments to the charter rather than at a full session of Parliament.

In February, Parliament approved a proposal by the ruling National League for Democracy to form the drafting committee over objections from the military and USDP. The USDP then put forward a bill proposing a single amendment to the Constitution that would see region and state chief ministers elected by local legislatures rather than appointed by the president.

Wednesday (Mar. 6)

The Women and Children’s Rights Committee submitted a report on the Child Law recommending that it be amended.

Thursday (Mar. 7)

The Lower House approved lawmaker Daw Khin San Hlaing’s proposal to review private businesses and enterprises operating on state-owned property to make sure government resources are being utilized in the public interest.

Friday (Mar.8)

Parliament approved the appointment of eight new members to the Union Election Commission, which now has 15 members.