Myanmar's parliament to start special session

Myanmar's parliament is due to start a special session in Nay Pyi Taw later on Monday, which was announced earlier to seek approval on declaration of state of emergency on some riot-hit states in the country in recent months. A number of other issues are also expected to be discussed at the special session. The special session comes before the next regular session, which is the 7th and set to convene in late June after the end of the 6th session on March 21. During the last session from Jan. 9 to March 21, six laws were approved and signed by the President, which mainly include the bill abrogating the law against opposition and disruption to systematic peaceful transfer of power and national assembly's function, the bill amending the constitutional tribunal law and civil services law. Eight other bills were sent to the President for approval, which include 2013 Myanmar citizens' investment bill, 2013-14 national planning bill and 2013 budget bill. The session also approved Myanmar to sign Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, 1959 and to take out official development assistance (ODA) loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Another significant approval is the termination of the use of Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC) as financial medium and reconstitution of the constitutional tribunal. Moreover, the parliament also approved a proposal to form committee and commissions for reviewing the 2008 Constitution and making necessary amendment on it. The proposal said the constitution is no longer in line with the present era as reflected by the public. Meanwhile, speaker of Myanmar's House of Representative (Lower House) U Shwe Mann called for an effective law to protect the rights of farmers, saying that the law shall be fair and practical to ensure rule of law. He admitted agricultural loans are inadequate and interest rates are high for farmers. Myanmar's parliament is also deliberating to revoke and replace the existing outdated laws with new ones, calling for the flexibility of the new pieces of legislation. Furthermore, Myanmar's Union Election Commission is considering to amend the electoral laws and bylaws as necessary to ensure free, fair and transparent general elections in 2015.