Chair of Mon State upset that NLD representatives did not attend new Hluttaw inauguration ceremony

Chair of the Mon State Hluttaw,  Daw Tin Ei, expressed disappointment at the failure of the National League for Democracy parliamentarians who failed to attend the inauguration ceremony of the third session of the new parliament. 

The session involved a presentation to the new representatives of a 5-year report on the Mon State Hluttaw. 

“It is important for the new Chair and Vice-Chair of the Hluttaw to appear on the first day of the next session of the new parliament to benefit them, and I would like to say that I am sorry that our party did not attend this day,” said Daw Tin Ei.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Mon State Hluttaw on 22 January and was attended by 5 members of NLD, 6 members of Mon Unity Party (MUP), 6 members of the Tatmadaw but the remaining 12 NLD representatives did not attend. 

“I was a little sad that my party did not attend. Because I could not participate in the first session of the third parliament as the second Chair. On that first day, I have to work with all the members of the Mon State Election Commission, the District Commission, the Government and the Irrigation Department to form a committee to scrutinize the delegates. We worked hard for the convenience of the Vice President and all the staff,” said Daw Tin Ei.

Each NLD member had been invited  to speak by phone at the inauguration, due to physical distancing requirements due to COVID.  

However, Min Htin Aung Han, the NLD’s current state legislator, reported that he overheard the NLD winning candidates  did not plan to attend the introductory ceremony.

“The introduction of Hluttaw representatives is always held during every term. So you know why they did not come? I heard them say, behind the scenes, that they were not allowed to come (in person) as a group,” said Min Htin Aung Han.

Five ministers, including the current Prime Minister of Mon State, and the Chair of the NLD in Mon State did not attend the inauguration ceremony.

The first regular session of the third Mon State Hluttaw is scheduled to begin on February 9. This is the second time the Hluttaw has held a traditional ceremony to hand over power to newly elected members.