Voters are urged to strengthen democracy by casting their bal­lots for candidates who will gen­uinely serve both their region and the nation.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing under­scored that MSME businesses can operate production with the use of agricultural and livestock products.

Chairman of the State Security and Peace Com­mission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, met micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Magway Region at the city hall in Magway yesterday.

Magway Region Chief Min­ister U Tint Lwin reported on agricultural activities in Mag­way Region, implementation of solar-powered river pumping projects, cultivation of trees to reduce heat in Chauk Town­ship, establishment of librar­ies at basic education schools, enhancement of health sector, supply of water for consump­tion and greening movements, development of MSME in the region, efforts to meet the target production and yield of crops, disbursement of loans to devel­op MSME businesses, holding MSME expos and opening of industrial, agriculture and live­stock schools.

Town elders and MSME businesspersons reported to the Senior General on the need to build a freight-handling jetty on the Magway Bank of the Ay­eyawady River, improvement for the road leading to Magway, up­grade of textile factories to pro­duce quality yarns, assistance for seeking the market of onion planted in Magway Region and import of quality potato varieties.

In his response, the Senior General called for continuous construction of low-head dams to supply sufficient water to green the environment. He said roads will be upgraded under prescribed rules and regula­tions. Farmers need to grow long-staple cotton to produce quality yarns. MSME businesses can operate production with the use of agricultural and livestock products. Domestic agricultural produce is allowed to be export­ed without harming domestic consumption.

Union ministers discussed efforts to import quality potato strains from abroad, cultivation of long staple cotton, supply of water from the river pumping stations to agricultural tasks, expansion of sown acreage for grapes to be exported in the future, environmental conser­vation, assistance for require­ments in cultivation of quality yarns, needs of machinery and cash to produce advanced tex­tiles.

In his address, the Senior General recounted that the Tatmadaw has agreed to move forward along the path of mul­tiparty democracy as desired by the people. Hence, preparations are currently underway to hold a free and fair general election this December.

Upon completion of the election, he said it is intended that representatives of ethnic groups and all levels of society will participate broadly in the legislature. To achieve this, the upcoming election will use the FPTP (First-Past-The-Post) system for the Pyithu Hluttaw and the MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) system for the Amyotha Hluttaw and regional/ state Hluttaws.

He noted that those who wish to advance the democratic system are encouraged to cast their votes in the election, se­lecting candidates who can truly serve the interests of both their region and the nation.

The Senior General un­derscored that the multiparty democratic general election will begin on 28 December and will be conducted in stages, with measures in place to prevent any irregularities in voting.

He stressed that since the country’s economy is based on agriculture and livestock, agri­cultural and breeding activities must be developed. In particu­lar, cotton cultivation in Magway Region should be expanded. Im­proving cotton cultivation and textile production will bring sub­stantial benefits to the region.

The Senior General under­lined that, as rice security in Magway Region has improved with the current paddy yield, ef­forts should continue to further enhance it. If the region meets the state’s designated per-acre yield targets, it will greatly sup­port regional economic devel­opment.

He gave guidance that constructing low-head dams along the Ayeyawady River can generate hydropower and also benefit agricultural activities significantly.

He added that Magway Re­gion has sufficient universities and colleges, so efforts should be made to develop the human resources necessary for the re­gion.

He emphasized that life ex­pectancy should also improve, with adequate healthcare and nutrition in Magway Region. The state is committed to supporting the health sector as much as possible to enhance the well-be­ing of the people.

The Senior General visited the agriculture and livestock exhibition staged by the MSME businesspersons and gave nec­essary guidance to officials.

Also present at the meeting were Commission member, Joint Executive Chief, General Ye Win Oo, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Command­er-in-Chief, the commander of Central Command and officials.

The Senior General, his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, and the party paid homage to Magway Myath­alun Pagoda and offered flowers and water.

The Senior General and his wife donated cash for the overall renovation of the pago­da through the pagoda board of trustees, who returned Dhamma gifts.

The Senior General and his wife paid homage to the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha and the replica of the pagoda in Maha Atularanthi prayer hall and inspected the expansion of the platform of the pagoda, and gave guidance to officials.

The Senior General and party visited the Strand Road and Kantha Mingala Lake by car. — MNA/TTA