By Maung Moe

 

(Continued from yesterday)

At the very heart of the world, Myanmar stands anchored in its mil­lennia-old civilizational roots, bear­ing witness to a rich and resilient cultural identity. Looking forward, it is the solemn historical duty of every citizen to safeguard, uplift, and advance Myanmar’s cultural legacy, ensuring that more of its heritage sites are recognized glob­ally and that the nation’s distinct Identity continues to shine on the world stage.

 

The religious and cultural tradi­tions of Myanmar are not mere relics of the past; they are the lifeblood of the nation, intertwining social unity, moral elevation, artistic refinement, and historical depth. By preserving these enduring values, Myanmar reveals to the world a timeless story: that of a nation that, with its own crown, its own throne, and its own sceptre, has for centuries stood with dignity at the crossroads of history and heritage.

 

Social Value

The traditional Myanmar Htamin- Wain—the family meal circle – is far more than the mere act of sharing food. It is a cultural inheritance that embodies familial unity, ancestral cus­toms, and deeply held social values. Within this circle, members of the household – elders and youth, parents and children – gather around a shared table, sitting together without distinc­tion of rank or age. Meals are served and enjoyed in common, with every dish shared in a spirit of equality and togetherness.

 

This sacred tradition is more than a daily ritual; it is a symbol of cohesion. It nurtures love within the family, fosters open dialogue, and strengthens bonds that transcend generations. Welcoming guests into the Htamin-Wain is a gesture of hos­pitality rooted in heritage, express­ing the timeless Myanmar code of graceful generosity.

 

At its heart, the Htamin-Wain reflects the broader values of Myan­mar society: rural unity built upon the foundation of family, reverence for tra­dition and religion, and a deep-seated ethic of compassion, honesty, and har­monious living. It signifies an egalitar­ian spirit—where dignity is shared, and respect is given freely to all.

 

Moreover, Myanmar’s deeply ingrained culture of charity and gen­erosity stands proudly among the highest in the world. Despite being a developing country and one marked by internal conflict, Myanmar consist­ently ranks at the very top in global indices of giving and selfless contri­bution. This is no coincidence – it is a reflection of the moral fibre of the Myanmar people.

Though Myanmar may often be labelled a developing nation, or one mired in conflict, the enduring tra­dition of heartfelt generosity — our timeless culture of giving without hes­itation — stands as an unyielding gem, gleaming with the moral clarity of true compassion. These values shall remain, like an unsullied emerald in the mud, a testament to a people rich in faith and humanity, radiant upon the world stage.

 

The Value of Union Spirit

The Union Spirit stands as the lifeblood and very soul of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. It embodies the noble sacrifices of the past, the resilience in the face of present-day challenges, and the graceful hopes we hold for a peaceful and prosperous future. The Union is not a mere con­cept; it is the indispensable founda­tion upon which the unity, harmony, dignity, and enduring stability of a nation composed of diverse eth­nicities, faiths, and cultures rests.

 

Given Myanmar’s diverse geogra­phy, ranging from hills to plains, from forests to rivers—and its multitude of indigenous brothers and sisters of varied ethnicities, traditions, and cultural identities, the Union binds them all as one: siblings born of the same land, nourished by the same waters. Though varied in origin and appearance, they are bound by shared destiny and common heritage.

 

The Union Spirit exemplifies the power of unity. It calls for the con­struction of long-term, sustainable progress through collective will, collaborative effort, and a spirit of familial solidarity. In building such a future, every challenge faced by the State must be met and overcome with a renewed commitment to this spirit of unity.

 

From the days of regaining na­tional independence and sovereign­ty, to today’s endeavour of building lasting peace across the country and recovering from the devastating blows of natural disasters, the journey must continue under the strength of Union Spirit. It is this spirit that must carry us forward.

 

Preserving and manifesting this cherished value is not the duty of the government alone. It is a solemn obligation shared by every citizen, every community, and every ethnic group across the nation. It is only through this collective respon­sibility that the Union shall remain steadfast, and the future of Myanmar be made secure.

 

Myanmar Values in the Testing Ground

In the aftermath of the 2020 general elections, a grave distortion of democratic principles unfolded. The then-governing administration, along with the Election Commission, engaged in actions that starkly con­travened the spirit of a free and fair electoral process. These included the artificial inflation of voter lists through questionable methods, the conduct of voting procedures in certain constit­uencies in violation of legal frame­works, and a lack of transparency in the collection and declaration of election results.

 

Such manoeuvres, carried out un­der the guise of administrative author­ity, constituted an unlawful attempt to seize the reins of state power by ille­gitimate means. It was in this critical moment – when the sovereignty of the nation and the very foundations of its democratic order stood at risk – that Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces), under Article 417 of the Constitution, assumed responsibility for the gov­ernance of the country.

 

In doing so, the State Adminis­tration Council (SAC) was formed to safeguard the Union, preserve na­tional sovereignty, and uphold the democratic system that had come under assault. This pivotal juncture became a solemn test of Myanmar’s Union Spirit – a test of its resilience, of its resolve to protect the sanctity of its national values, and of its unwa­vering commitment to unity, legality, and justice.

 

At the very same moment, we witness a troubling phenomenon: the deliberate amplification of discord – through divisive ideologies, ethnic tensions, and conflicting political systems – all tactically deployed to inflame conflict rather than to resolve it. These orchestrated efforts exacer­bate existing fractures, further deep­ening the instability within the nation.

 

Amidst political turbulence, mounting economic challenges, and the shifting balance of power on the global stage, Myanmar continues to struggle for a dignified and resolute standing in the international com­munity. The State Administration Council, as the governing body, has been striving through various means to stabilize the nation’s po­litical landscape, which has been shaken by persistent conflict. With unwavering determination, it con­tinues to advance forward, adhering to its strategic roadmap despite the daunting obstacles.

 

Yet, due to a range of internal and external provocations—insti­gations, encouragements, and sys­tematic reinforcements of unrest – the resulting impact has been felt profoundly across the nation. The consequences are far-reaching: from the livelihoods of the people to their access to healthcare and education, the nation’s essential development sectors have suffered both directly and indirectly.

 

In truth, amid the chaos and disarray, the intrinsic values of My­anmar – those that once served as guiding standards – have begun to fade, growing faint beneath the weight of persistent adversity.

 

Alongside the prevailing political instability, Myanmar has also been tested by severe natural disasters – events that have challenged not only the nation’s resilience but also its capacity for recovery and reconstruc­tion. In the present era, all nations around the globe are grappling with the intensifying consequences of climate change, manifesting in in­creasingly extreme and unpredict­able weather patterns. Myanmar is no exception.

 

In May 2023, Cyclone Mocha struck the country with devastating force, followed by the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi in September 2024, whose residual storm clouds brought widespread flooding across vulner­able regions. Each of these events demanded strength, coordination, and endurance from the nation and its people.

 

Yet nature’s sternest trial came on the afternoon of March 28, 2025, when a powerful earthquake meas­uring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Mandalay and surrounding areas. The devastation was indiscriminate. It spared neither rich nor poor, made no distinction of ethnicity, religion, age, or political affiliation. It touched the lives of all humans and animals alike throughout the length and breadth of the country.

 

In the affected regions, the im­pact was profound: communities were uprooted, livelihoods disrupted, and critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and basic facilities, shattered. Perhaps most heartrend­ing of all was the destruction of sacred and revered heritage – pagodas, mon­asteries, temples, lakes, and ancient stupas – collapsed and buried beneath the earth they once sanctified. For many, the sorrow was unbearable, the loss beyond consolation.

 

This, too, stands as a solemn test – a trial set forth by the forces of na­ture – upon the cherished values of Myanmar. It is a reminder that in mo­ments of great upheaval, the strength of a nation is not only measured by its endurance, but by the unyielding spirit of its people and the sacredness of what they hold dear.

 

From the very moment the earth ceased its violent tremor, the nation’s highest leadership – head­ed by the Head of State and senior government officials – swiftly mo­bilized into action. They conducted immediate on-site inspections of the most severely affected areas and ensured that urgent humanitarian assistance was dispatched without delay. In close coordination with both domestic and international rescue organizations, they worked tirelessly to reach those trapped beneath the rubble and to carry out life-saving interventions with all possible haste.

 

Temporary shelters were prompt­ly established for the displaced, pro­viding a measure of safety and dignity amidst chaos. Meanwhile, the process of national recovery was set into mo­tion with a structured, multi-phased approach aimed at restoring not only infrastructure but hope.

 

In the first phase, emergency repairs were undertaken on damaged roads, collapsed bridges, and vital in­frastructure, enabling access and con­nectivity to the afflicted regions. The second phase focused on restoring essential services – communication lines, electrical grids, and water sup­ply systems – thereby reestablishing the basic functionality of daily life.

 

Finally, in the third phase, struc­turally unsound buildings were care­fully demolished, clearing the way for comprehensive reconstruction efforts. These were not mere resto­rations, but deliberate steps toward building resilient, long-lasting struc­tures that could stand the test of time and nature.

 

This systematic response re­flects not only the government’s re­solve but also the enduring spirit of a people who, even in the aftermath of destruction, choose to rebuild – stronger, safer, and united.

 

Assistance was received from ASEAN and various international organizations, facilitating the acqui­sition of technology, expertise, and financial support. Myanmar’s unity and resilience were prominently high­lighted in international media, under­scoring the steadfast spirit of its peo­ple. To ensure sustainable long-term development, revised standards and benchmarks were established for the construction of earthquake-resistant infrastructure. Furthermore, training programs were conducted to enhance human resource capacity in natural disaster risk prevention and manage­ment. Efforts to restore religious and cultural heritage also served to uplift public morale, providing psychologi­cal strength to communities affected by the earthquake.

 

“Though the powerful earth­quake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, shattered roads, bridges, and sturdy edifices built of brick, stone, and steel into ru­ins, it found no foothold against the unbreakable spirit of the Myanmar people -- undaunted, unwavering, and unyielding amid the rubble.”

 

The State Administration Council is actively collaborating with the international communi­ty to expedite the restoration of damages caused by the earth­quake and to build a more resil­ient and prosperous socio-eco­nomic system for the future.

 

Simultaneously, the State Government continues to ad­vance peacebuilding efforts to resolve ongoing political chal­lenges. Since February 1, 2021, there have been numerous uni­lateral ceasefire declarations by the Tatmadaw, reflecting a commitment to enduring peace. Following the devas­tating earthquake in Manda­lay on 28 March, the military once again upheld ceasefire measures as a special priori­ty, enabling focused efforts on reconstruction and the welfare of the people.

In furtherance of this commitment, the government convened the Peace Talk-2025 in March and the Peace Fo­rum-2025 in June. These gath­erings brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders: mem­bers of the National Unity and Peace Coordination Committee; retired military officers; repre­sentatives of the Joint Monitor­ing Committee (JMC) overseeing ceasefire compliance; delegates from political parties; signato­ries of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) from various ethnic armed organizations; dedicated peace practitioners; international guests; diplomats from foreign embassies; scholars and experts; media personnel; of­ficials from union ministries and organizations; university profes­sors; association delegates; and researchers. The broad partic­ipation and vigorous dialogue clearly demonstrate the gov­ernment and people’s strong, shared aspiration for peace.

 

Accordingly, the Chairman of the State Administration Coun­cil and Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, em­phasized during these peace dialogues that, “Peace policies are the essence of the NCA and embody the accumulated wisdom gained through suc­cessive peacebuilding efforts. These are immutable truths that must be respected and up­held to consolidate the current peace process. Our ultimate national aspiration is to estab­lish a ‘Union State’ founded on democracy and federalism.”

 

In light of this, despite the natural disasters confronting Myanmar and the internal and external sabotage threatening the unity of the Union, the gov­ernment, military, and people are united – like a phoenix rising from the ashes – in their tireless efforts to strengthen the inval­uable spirit of union. Together, we endeavour to transform the nation toward a brighter, more harmonious future.

 

Myanmar’s Future

The State Administration Council, grounded in the princi­ple of a “Self-Reliance Policy,” is steadfastly working in close part­nership with the people to build a prosperous and united Union of Myanmar. Looking ahead to December 2025, Myanmar is scheduled to hold a free and fair multiparty general elec­tion, representing a critical milestone in the ongoing pur­suit of a federal democratic union.

 

The multiparty democratic system anticipated to emerge from this election is expected to facilitate the effective imple­mentation of power-sharing and resource-sharing mechanisms through legislative institutions, thereby reinforcing the broader national peace process. Beyond its procedural significance, the election embodies the collective aspirations of the populace, rep­resenting a pivotal step toward inclusive governance and lasting stability.

 

The election holds the prom­ise of revitalizing and advanc­ing Myanmar’s distinct national identity, character, and core val­ues, while laying the foundation for a future marked by inclusive growth and opportunity. Through this democratic process, Myan­mar seeks to reaffirm its sover­eign presence and articulate its national aspirations with clarity and dignity on the international stage.

 

The election will serve as a vibrant renaissance for Myanmar’s cherished values, restoring their brilliance to paint a hopeful future. The enhancement of these values is inseparable from the pro­gress of Myanmar’s democratic development.

 

Given the current circum­stances, this election cannot be regarded simply as routine. Rath­er, it represents the threshold to a future Union grounded firmly in democracy and federalism. Passing through this gateway, Myanmar will cultivate construc­tive political habits, resolving conflicts through dialogue and consensus-building around the political table, and will thus lay the foundations for unity and the elevation of national values.

 

The forthcoming election represents a critical juncture in Myanmar’s political trajecto­ry, serving as a pivotal bridge toward the establishment of a democratic and federal Union. It may be aptly characterized as a ‘Gateway to Democracy,’ wherein collective aspirations coalesce to pave the way for a renewed and inclusive national future.

 

Myanmar’s Way — Myan­mar’s Future

Myanmar’s path toward a stable and prosperous future is complex and fraught with challenges, requiring sustained commitment to navigate political, social, and economic obstacles while capitalising on emerging opportunities. At the heart of this endeavour lies the success­ful conduct of a free and fair multiparty democratic general election, which remains funda­mental to the country’s demo­cratic transition and long-term development.

 

As Myanmar progress­es along its chosen trajectory toward the implementation of future national strategies, it is imperative to preserve and up­hold the country’s historical leg­acy, foundational political values, economic potential, geographic centrality, religious and cultural heritage, and core social princi­ples. Equally essential is the cultivation of a shared sense of civic responsibility, coop­eration, social cohesion, and collective resilience among all citizens – elements that are indispensable to building a strong, unified, and enduring Union.

 

At this critical juncture, as Myanmar seeks to emerge from the turbulence of recent years, it is essential to embrace the rich diversity of its peoples and cultures as a foundation for national renewal. Advancing toward a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future will require a sustained commitment to inclu­sive development, harmonious coexistence, and the equitable pursuit of shared progress.

 

“To safeguard and breathe life into Myanmar’s timeless val­ues and to honour the weight of its pivotal place on the world’s map, we must ignite a fierce patriotic flame and awaken the power of an Active Citizen. It is this very spirit that will rekindle the fading light of our cherished heritage, lifting ‘Myanmar val­ues’ high once again – as we join hands and stride boldly toward the radiant dawn of our nation’s tomorrow.”