The Mon State Hluttaw under the military junta has established a Complaints, Appeals, Submissions and General Affairs Review Committee, but local residents and parliamentary experts have questioned whether it will be able to genuinely hear and address public concerns amid ongoing administrative challenges.
The committee was formed by the Mon State Hluttaw on June 11 to review complaints, appeals, submissions and general public affairs.
According to a statement issued by the Mon State Hluttaw under the military junta, Nai San Tin of the Mon Unity Party will serve as chair of the committee, while U Than Zaw of the National Development and Peace Party will serve as secretary.
Former lawmakers said that although the committee was established under the slogan “The Voice of the People, the Voice of Parliament,” public complaints are unlikely to lead to meaningful change unless there is genuine political will within the Hluttaw to bring about reform.
“Even if the people’s voices are presented, it depends on how much accountability the government is willing to show toward the Hluttaw,” a former Mon State lawmaker said.
“If the government genuinely wants change, public submissions can be beneficial. Otherwise, things will remain the same. We are still watching the situation. During the government’s stated 100-day period, we have not yet seen any significant changes,” the former lawmaker added.
The former lawmaker also said that the silence of elected representatives regarding growing public concerns over the expansion of gambling operations across Mon State continues to raise questions among residents.
Lawmakers involved in the committee acknowledged that its ability to implement its work could face limitations and obstacles due to government policies and administrative procedures.
“People can submit any issue or concern to us,” one committee member said. “However, as everyone knows, we cannot simply accept one-sided claims. We first need to examine whether a matter is justified. There may also be some issues that are beyond our ability to resolve.”
Some residents said they hope the newly formed committees under the Mon State Hluttaw will strengthen parliamentary responsibility and accountability, while effectively presenting the concerns and needs of the public.
However, others remain skeptical about the committees’ effectiveness due to weak public confidence in the military junta government’s administration and policy implementation.
A committee responsible for reviewing complaints, appeals, submissions and general public affairs was also formed under the previous civilian government in the Mon State Hluttaw and carried out field investigations into public concerns.
