MPU established to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and promote democratic development: Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker

 

The Myanmar Parliamentary Union (MPU) convened its 1/2026 meeting yesterday at the Zabuthiri Hall of the Hluttaw Complex in Nay Pyi Taw, focusing on enhancing parliamentary procedures, improving legislative coordination between Union and regional Hluttaws, and fostering a balanced system of governance.

In his opening address, MPU Chairman Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker U Aung Lin Dwe stated that the 18-member MPU was formally constituted following Hluttaw approval during the second regular session of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on 26 June 2026. He highlighted that the union’s primary goal is to standardize operational procedures, facilitate legal collaboration across all Hluttaw tiers, expand engagement with international parliamentary bodies, and advance democratic development in Myanmar.

Addressing the country’s system of governance, U Aung Lin Dwe noted that Myanmar operates under a hybrid model combining presidential and Hluttaw features — a presidential framework at the Union level and a Hluttaw structure in regions and states. He stressed the importance of maintaining both horizontal separation of powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches and vertical division of power across government levels, urging all branches to work through constructive coordination rather than friction.

The Chairman emphasized that while asking Hluttaw questions is an important procedure, the core function of Hluttaw is lawmaking. He urged region and state Hluttaws to review existing laws under Schedule 2 to identify necessary amendments, repeal outdated regulations causing public hardship, and draft new legislation that supports public welfare and smooth executive administration. Relevant Hluttaw committees will systematically study ministry-specific laws to prepare priority actions for upcoming sessions.

To ensure seamless coordination, U Aung Lin Dwe proposed several key operational measures. He urged region and state Hluttaws to align their annual meeting schedules with the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw to establish synchronized calendars. He also stressed that ongoing efforts to unify and update regional Hluttaw rules and procedures must be finalized to create standardized regulations. Furthermore, he emphasized staff capacity building, advising speakers to focus on core legislative duties while delegating administrative tasks to Hluttaw office heads, alongside providing continuous training for support personnel.

During the session, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Yi, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Deputy Speaker Jeng Phang Naw Taung and Pyithu Hluttaw Deputy Speaker U Maung Maung Ohn, along with regional speakers, discussed plans to enhance parliamentary performance, improve MP capacity, and build public trust.

In his closing remarks, U Aung Lin Dwe reminded participants that Section 12 of the Constitution explicitly grants legislative power to the Pyidaungu Hluttaw and Region or State Hluttaws. He called on all Hluttaw representatives to uphold high standards of integrity and discipline, maintaining a constructive system of checks and balances that prioritizes the interests of the nation and its citizens.

MNA/TH

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