By Dr Than Lwin Tun
The Ministry of Legal Affairs (MOLA Office No 25), situated in Nay Pyi Taw, is reformed from the Attorney-General’s office according to Order No 176/2021 of the State Administration Council (SAC). The Union Attorney-General is assigned and appointed as Union Minister for the Ministry of Legal Affairs.
The motto for MOLA is “the legal profession is a noble profession” and the mission is to protect legal rights, to be better functions of MOLA, to participate in the judicial system for promoting public trust and to participate in the justice sector reform. MOLA is implementing the functions of five departments such as Legislative Draft Vetting Department, Legal Advice Department, Prosecution Department, Administration Department and Legal Advocacy Department.
The Ministry is implementing a strategic plan for 2020-2024: “Providing legal service for justice”. MOLA intends to perform functions such as publishing law books yearly in both Myanmar and English in order to conduct legal studies and research by law officers from various levels of law Offices, compiling law journals, English-Myanmar law dictionaries and other legal research, providing services by launching Myanmar Law Information System-MILS in order to access updated laws, rules, procedures, orders and directives.
With the guidance of the SAC chairman and the supervision of the Minister for Legal Affairs, Legal Advocacy Training No 3 was successfully opened on 7 June 2023. We (37 trainees from different ministries) attended Legal Advocacy Training No 3 from 8 June 2023 to 19 August 2023 at the Ministry of Legal Affairs.
The legal advocacy training has provided interesting and valuable topics such as History of MOLA, Criminal Law, Relationship between Myanmar’s Constitution and International Law, Charters of United Nations, ASEAN Charter, State, Sovereignty, Legitimacy and Jurisdiction: An observation from International Political and Legal Perspectives, Transnational organized Crimes, Promotion and Protection of Investment in Myanmar and relating to commercial Contract, Force Majeure, Constitution, Unity State and Federal State, General Legal Advice Subject, Legislative Drafting Practices, Subsidiary or Secondary Legislation or Indirect Legislation, Law, Act, Code, Regulations, By-Law, Notification, order, Directive, Procedures, Drafting of amended Laws, Introduction to an art of reading as well as an art of thinking and art of writing, Legislature Institution and Power, Law is a living thing, Civil Service Regulations, Anti-corruption, International Instruments and Intergovernmental Organizations on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, Notice, Writ of Habeas Corpus, Writ of Mandamus, Writ of Quo Warrant, Writ of Certiorari, Writ of Prohibition, Legal General and etc.
The legal advocacy training is promoting critical thinking skills and how to consider holistic legal perspectives of Administration and Management. This training is designed to provide individuals with a widespread understanding of legal concepts, principles, and practices. It aims to enhance participants’ knowledge in various areas of the law and equip them with the necessary tools to navigate legal affairs effectively.
Knowledge is power and in our modernized world, we increasingly count on globally and locally for memorizing. Knowledge is power suggests that having knowledge or information about something empowers an individual or gives them an advantage. It implies that acquiring knowledge can lead to greater opportunities, success, and the ability to make informed decisions. Knowledge provides individuals with the tools and understanding necessary to navigate various situations, solve problems, and make informed choices. It allows people to have a deeper understanding of the world, different perspectives, and the ability to critically analyze and evaluate information.
In many aspects of life, knowledge can really be empowering. For example, in education, gaining knowledge and skills can open doors to better career opportunities. In personal relationships, understanding and knowledge about oneself and others can lead to healthier and more fulfilling connections. In scientific research and innovation, knowledge enables progress and the development of new technologies and discoveries. However, it is important to note that knowledge alone may not be sufficient without the application of that knowledge or the development of other skills and qualities. It is the combination of knowledge, skills, and action that truly empowers individuals to make a difference and create positive change.
Consequently, Knowledge Augmentation for Legal Affairs is the key important issue for us and supports organizational effectiveness. In addition, we learned a lot from the Ministry of Legal Affairs and improved our knowledge. We, Legal Advocacy Training No 3 Group acknowledge and respect all the lecturers for their kindly active contribution and energetic sharing of knowledge.
References
- Historical Background of the Ministry of Legal Affairs
(www.mola.gov.mm)
- Lecture Notes from Legal Advocacy Training No 3
