THE 14th day of the second regular session of the Third Pyithu Hluttaw commenced in Nay Pyi Taw at 10:30 am yesterday, presided over by Deputy Speaker U Maung Maung Ohn. During the session, Union ministers and deputy ministers responded to eight questions raised by Hluttaw representatives concerning citizenship documentation, fuel supply, healthcare education, and school infrastructure.
Daw Nang Tin Oo from the Kehsi Constituency raised concerns over delays and extortion in the citizenship card application process in Kehsi and Mongkaing townships. In response, U Myint Kyaing, Union Minister for Immigration and Population, assured that directives mandate same-day issuance for eligible natural-born citizens with complete documentation. He noted that while fieldwork can occasionally delay township officers, the ministry strictly penalizes misconduct, citing recent disciplinary actions against 12 staff members and the prosecution of 30 brokers in Shan State.
Regarding border access, U Aung Zaw Moe (aka) Aung Zaw Moe Tun from the Muse Constituency requested a streamlined process for obtaining Border Pass (BP) booklets for locals entering Ruili, China. Union Minister U Myint Kyaing explained that BPs are strictly vetted alongside the Myanmar Police Force to cross-reference blacklists.
He added that displaced residents from Kutkai now residing in Muse could smoothly obtain BPs provided they officially transfer their household registration to Muse.
Addressing fuel shortages and pricing, U Kyaw Myint Naing from the Nawnghkio Constituency enquired about petrol distribution in northern Shan State. U Kyaw Naing Win, Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy, stated that allocations to towns like Kyaukme and Hsipaw were temporarily suspended after August 2024 due to regional instability and transport bottlenecks, but plans are underway to resume distribution once routes are secure.
On broader energy strategies, U Ko Ko Thin from the Kamayut Constituency asked about establishing a Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Deputy Minister U Kyaw Naing Win explained that the government is exploring long-term supply agreements with neighbouring countries to diversify away from a single trading hub, whilst utilizing digital tracking tools like GPS and QR codes to monitor the supply chain in real time.
Regarding medical school admissions, Sai Sein Win from the Laihka Constituency called for regional quotas to train local doctors. Dr Zaw Myint, Deputy Minister for Education, explained that while strict district quotas are unfeasible, matriculated students from remote areas and six self-administered zones already receive lower entry-score thresholds to encourage local medical graduation.
U Win Myint Maung from the Kyaukpadaung Constituency suggested changing the term “old pagodas” to “ancient monuments” in Grade 11 English textbooks. Deputy Minister Dr Zaw Myint responded that the National Curriculum Committee and academic experts would carefully review and edit the terminology as part of current curriculum revisions.
U Thet Pon from the Sagaing Constituency raised standards disparity in private and monastic schools. Deputy Minister U Nay Myo Hlaing stated that the ministry is strictly supervising operations for the 2026-2027 academic year to prevent over-enrolment and phantom registrations.
Finally, U Win Myint from the Ottwin Constituency enquired about halted school construction projects in Ottwin. Deputy Minister U Nay Myo Hlaing replied that contracts with failing companies had been terminated, and their deposits forfeited. The ministry is recalculating project values to secure capital funds for completion in the upcoming financial years.
The session was subsequently adjourned, with the 15th day scheduled for 29 June. — MNA/ST
