Country Profile
From The Report: Myanmar 2016
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Myanmar is currently passing through a crucial period of political reform, against the background of rapid economic growth and international openness. The successful November 2015 parliamentary elections capped a landmark year for the country. Myanmar has undergone changes that only a few years ago might have seemed unlikely, if not impossible. These events took place just over a decade since the government began moving on its “Roadmap to Democracy,” and three years after the country’s most famous former dissident, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, took her seat in Parliament. Much of the current political debate concerns amendments to the constitution. At the same time, ethnic and religious conflicts will continue to present a challenge to any government in Naypyidaw. Yet Myanmar has advantages, including a commitment to reform among its large and youthful population. It is also home to significant natural resources, as well as a great deal of international good will. This chapter contains a viewpoint from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson, National League for Democracy; and an interview with Goh Chok Tong, Emeritus Senior Minister, Singapore.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Entering a new future: Progress has come quickly, and the results are evident
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Formerly known as Burma, many have hailed the Republic of the Union of Myanmar’s recent economic, political and social restructuring as ground breaking, and for good reason. In a relatively short period, it has gone from an isolated economy to an investment focal point. Over the last few years the nation has seen the military junta relinquish power, greater freedom of the press, the advancement of human rights and the release of political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize-winner Daw Aung…

Viewpoint

A mandate for change: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson, National League for Democracy (NLD), on democracy in Myanmar
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A democratic system is based on the wishes, influence and power of the people, and can succeed only if the people are actively involved. The NLD guarantees to respect and follow the will of the people, as expressed through open, transparent, free and fair elections. The NLD was founded in 1988 with the aim of establishing a genuine democratic federal union that would protect human rights. In striving to reach this objective, we have held firmly to the principles of non-violence, national reconciliation,…

Overview

A shift in direction: As democracy takes hold, so do expectations for the future
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Myanmar is currently passing through a crucial period of political debate, against the background of an era marked by rapid economic growth and international openness. The successful November 2015 parliamentary elections capped a landmark year for the country. Myanmar has undergone changes that only a few years ago might have seemed unlikely, if not impossible. These events come just after a decade since the government began moving on its “Roadmap to Democracy”, and three years after the country’s…

Interview

Reaching potential: OBG talks to Goh Chok Tong, Emeritus Senior Minister, Singapore
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Interview:Goh Chok Tong In your opinion, what should the new government focus on to ensure the long-term growth and stability of Myanmar? GOH CHOK GOH: First and most importantly, it should focus on the smooth transition to a stable democracy. This means forming a government of national reconciliation and unity. It should be an inclusive government, and not a government of winner-takes-all. Next, the leaders should bring in the best people to govern, both fresh faces as well as experienced…

Analysis

Myanmar and ASEAN: Building relationships with new friends and old
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After decades of dictatorship, Myanmar emerged as an unlikely beacon of democracy in South-east Asia in 2015, as the National League for Democracy (NLD), under former political prisoner and Nobel-Prize-laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, strode to a victory in November’s landmark election. With the government in Naypyidaw poised to hand over power in February 2016, elsewhere in the 10-member ASEAN bloc, governments from Thailand to Malaysia and Cambodia sought to curb debate; limit the media, restrict…

Interview

New connections: OBG talks to Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs of India
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Interview: Sushma Swaraj What priorities were identified by the India-Myanmar Joint Consultative Commission (JCC)? SUSHMA SWARAJ: The India-Myanmar JCC, co-chaired by the two countries’ foreign ministers, is intended to promote the development of relations in promising areas for cooperation, such as security and defence, trade and investment, development partnership activities, and global and multilateral issues. As two neighbouring developing countries, overall development of the region and…