Aiming to draft a beneficial Mon State Municipal Law, several civil society organizations (CSOs) in the state gathered and reviewed the draft on Thursday at Myanmar Medical Association Hall, Mawlamyine, the capital of Mon State.
The CSO representatives recommended over 50 points during the draft review. These included that there isn’t much involvement from the public whilst only the municipal committee can make decisions.
“This draft is concerned with everyone in Mon State. If only the Hluttaw [Parliament] fix the law, it may be suitable for everyone or it may not. Therefore, that is why we civil society organizations gathered and reviewed the draft. As needed, we will add points while we amend,” said U Min Win Po, development pillar organization.
The CSO representatives have selected 7 representatives to present their advice and reviews at the Hluttaw on December 27.
“There are guidelines in the municipal law draft for the public to follow, but the focus on what the municipal team will do for the public is very weak,” said U Aung Thant Oo, of Nyein Foundation.
On December 19, officials from the Mon State Municipal Department will meet with CSO officials at the Township Municipal Office, in Mawlamyine, in order to share information on Mon State Municipal activities.
On November 21, the Mon State Hluttaw informed the Mon State CSOs to have the Township Level Committee grow stronger and the State Level Committee removed, as Hluttaw re-wrote and drafted the municipal law.
Mon State Municipal Law was first passed in 2012 but was amended in 2013 and 2015.
