THE Amyotha Hluttaw held the 14th day of its second regular session in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday, during which lawmakers questioned the government on infrastructure, post-conflict rehabilitation and humanitarian assistance, while several MPs backed a proposal calling for stronger tax administration and tougher anti-corruption measures. The session was attended by 205 of the 209 eligible MPs.
U Maung Sein, MP for Taninthayi Region Constituency 3, asked whether the government planned to build a reinforced concrete bridge to replace a deteriorating village bridge linking Ohnpinkwin and Thaechaung village-tracts in Yebyu Township, Dawei District. Deputy Minister for Border Affairs Maj- Gen Kyaw Swa Oo said the bridge is located on a road managed by the ministry. He noted that a detailed on-site assessment is currently difficult due to security conditions but said the project would be considered in a future fiscal year once the area becomes stable and funding is available.
U Khe Chain, MP for Sagaing Region Constituency 1, asked whether the remaining 17-mile section of the Nanyun-Pangsaung road under the Ministry of Border Affairs would be transferred to the Ministry of Construction. The deputy minister said most sections of the road had already been transferred, while the remaining stretch could also be handed over following coordination between the two ministries because it forms part of the Nammati-Tanai-Pangsaung (Ledo) Road linking Myanmar and India, an important international transport corridor.
MP Dr Naing Lin for Kayah State Constituency 9 asked whether the government would work with international aid organizations on strategic reconstruction plans and accelerate job creation and economic recovery in the conflict-affected state. Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Than Soe said more than K3.2 billion had been allocated for displaced people in Kayah State in 2025, while funds had also been provided to reopen Loikaw University. He added that vocational training, loans for agriculture and livestock, assistance for small businesses, and measures to revive tourism were underway. Although no joint strategic reconstruction plan had been drawn up with international organizations, they could participate in government-led projects under existing procedures.
MP Daw Theingi Win Shwe for Sagaing Region Constituency 9 asked whether the government would continue providing food and shelter assistance to conflict-affected residents returning to Htigyaing and Katha townships. Dr Than Soe said displaced people in Sagaing Region had received monthly cash assistance in 2025, while returning residents were also provided with temporary shelters and relief supplies. He added that further assistance would continue through local administrative bodies under existing procedures.
The Amyotha Hluttaw also approved amendments to the Anti-Online Fraud Bill before deciding that 30 disputed provisions between the two houses of Parliament would be referred to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw for final deliberation.
The debate then continued on a proposal submitted by Daw Soe Soe Myint, MP for Mon State Constituency 12, urging the Union Government to strengthen tax collection and combat corruption.
Supporting the proposal were Daw Aye Chan Mon (Mon State Constituency 6), Daw Malar San (Shan State Constituency 2), Sai Win Khine (Shan State Constituency 10), Daw Naw Florence Danny (Kayah State Constituency 10), Daw Zin Pa Pa Oo (Ayeyawady Region Constituency 11) and U Soe Kyi (Taninthayi Region Constituency 11).
The MPs called for broader digitalization of the tax system, streamlined procedures, the adoption of electronic payment platforms, enhanced transparency in tax administration, stronger safeguards against corruption, robust whistleblower protections, and public disclosure of tax revenue expenditures to strengthen compliance and build public trust.
Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker U Aung Lin Dwe announced that debate on the motion would continue with the remaining MPs, followed by the Union-level organization’s response and the parliamentary decision on the 15th day of the session, scheduled for 10 July. — MNA/ST
