Burma

Naypyidaw: No More 'Military Government'

By NAYEE LIN LET Thursday, May 6, 2010

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The War Office in Napyidaw has issued a directive for state-controlled media not to describe the Burmese government as a “Tatmadaw government,” according to military sources.

Tatmadaw, in Burmese, means “military.”

A high ranking officer said that on April 26, state-owned media such as newspapers, radio, television run by the Defense Ministry and Information Ministry were given instructions not to use the term.

Burmese soldiers sit alert in a car escorting Snr-Gen Than Shwe from a military parade marking the country's 65th Armed Forces Day at a parade ground in Naypyidaw on March 27. (Photo: Getty Images)

“This instruction is aimed at the government led by PM Thein Sein,” said the officer. “Many high-ranking army officer have already resigned from their army positions in order to set up a political party and to become candidates in the upcoming election. In that case, if you continue to use the term 'Tatmadaw government,' it won’t be relevant. So, the media must use the term 'government of the union of Burma.'”

The instruction was issued after the resignation of selected army officers who will join a state-backed political party to stand as candidates for seats in parliament, said the officer.

The term “Tatmadaw government” has been widely used in regime-controlled media after the military coup since 1988.

According to an army veteran, after April 26, there are no army officers in the structure of the current government and the military government has been transformed into a civilian government.

“If you use the term tatmadaw government, it won’t be relevant with the current government. So you are not allowed to use the term,” he said.

Under the current government, there are 38 ministries. In the cabinet, there are 39 ministers and 39 deputy ministers.

It was reported last week that Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein and other key members of the ruling junta have registered a political party to contest the upcoming general election.

Thein Sein and 26 other leaders had registered the party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), at the Union Election Commission in April.

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COMMENTS (8)

Pauksi Wrote:

07/05/2010

Poor ministers and shameless tactic.

Why they keep their ministries positions, when they registered their political party. Are they interim government? Only the interim government can hold their ministries positions during the election period.

More shameless people are Dr Than Nyein and ex-NLD group, who form the political party to participate in 2010 elections. In Burmese proverb, "Sin Lee Kway Mhyaw" is suite for Dr Than Nyein and group.

Myanmar Patriot 4 UMPF Wrote:

07/05/2010

Tatmadaw, in Burmese, means “military.” WRONG! It means Royal Army or Royal Main Fighting Force. Here is the contradiction. If it was really a tatmataw (pronounced tatmadaw)the claimant to the throne (CTT) would never allow it to kill his people.
What does 'Wungyi' mean in Burmese? It means big or great bear of burden/duty ( of the CTT).The duty or responsibility is to translate the policies of the CTT's Council into action programmes and see through them.
A people who lose sight of their history become treasonous and slavelike; a condition exploited by the likes of Fargaung ShuMaung in the name of socialism; in reality, though, to line his own pocket and that of his daughter and bankrupt Burma.

Wake up Myanmar patriots. Look back at our history to rebuild our once great kingdom. We can do it!
Think clearly. Make sure those who have the knowledge and skills have the power to put them to good use.
Burma has a very very long wayto go. Take the blinkers off your face!

Moe Aung Wrote:

07/05/2010

Yeah, right. A quick change act like Clark Kent turning into Superman they fancy themselves.

When Ne Win hastily formed a political party after seizing power, a classic horse before the cart, he ordered his minions to borrow books on socialism from the library and then commisioned ex-communists to come up with a manifesto.

At least these guys have a ready made organization at their service. That's how well they've learnt their lessons although they in turn of course are just obeying orders as soldiers from their supreme commander Than Shwe.

myatyemoe Wrote:

06/05/2010

I can see a change in Burma. Prossibly a good sign. There is always a silver lining in a cloud. If we all, along with the international community, come to support the upcoming election as an opportunity, a new sunshine can shed upon Burma. Something is better than nothing.

Natshinnaung Wrote:

06/05/2010

In the hot climate of Burma, their uniforms bring more hell to the soldiers. While the officers are living elite lifestyle, the low ranking soldiers(90%) live sub-standard. Military's unwise economic policy brings severe poverty to the people, those extremely poor people join military for survival. This makes the circle of problem endless. It goes round and round and round.

Zam Mang Wrote:

06/05/2010

Than Shwe's rule nor Thein Sein's rule many not qualify to be called as "The government of the Union of Burma. The government of the Union of Burma is supposed to represent the Union. I see nothing which connects Than Shwe and the Union. Dictators or cheaters will never represent our Union.

timothy Wrote:

06/05/2010

Thein Sein is Prime Minister of union of Burma. Election is over in Burma now. We got very nice civilian government led by President Ne Win a few years back. Very nice to remember that he ordered army to shoot the civilian directly. Premier Thein Sein will be the same nice leader.

Jade Boy Wrote:

06/05/2010

It is ashame, it is look like more undercover military group, just change the name is nothing, they will never change habit,