Political analysts told IMNA that it is impossible to build a genuine federal union in Myanmar while ignoring the rights and aspirations of the country’s ethnic nationalities.
On May 26, former military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated during a government meeting that Myanmar would strive to establish a union based on democracy and federalism. He further emphasized that federalism should be understood as a system based on territorial regions rather than one based on ethnic groups.
Political observers argue that since Myanmar gained independence, the denial of ethnic rights has been one of the main causes of civil war and prolonged political conflict. U Tha Tun Hla, Chairman of the Arakan National Party (ANP), said that in a multiethnic country like Myanmar, nation-building must take into account the rights and identities of ethnic nationalities.
“If policymakers fail to base their decisions on the interests and rights of ethnic peoples, and continue to ignore fundamental principles such as self-determination, self-governance, and the right of ethnic groups to shape their own future, then Myanmar’s long-standing political problems will remain unresolved. In my view, the country will not be able to reach a stage where these issues can be effectively addressed,” he said.
He further explained that federalism fundamentally concerns the sharing of power and noted that Myanmar has had ethnic-based states since independence.
Political analysts also pointed out that both territorial-based and ethnic-based forms of federalism can coexist within a federal union system.
Currently, Myanmar’s ethnic-based states include Kachin State, Shan State, Karen State, Kayah (Karenni) State, Mon State, Rakhine State, and Chin State.
A Mon political figure noted that states such as Mon and Karen were established under Myanmar’s constitution. Therefore, any attempt to fundamentally alter their status would require constitutional amendments or even the drafting of a new constitution.
“The current existence of Mon State and Karen State is already in accordance with the constitution. If changes are made to this arrangement, it would likely require constitutional amendments or the drafting of a completely new constitution. At the same time, federalism can still be implemented within the existing framework. If greater authority and decision-making powers are devolved to the seven regions and seven states under the constitution, that itself would represent a meaningful step toward federalism. Such an approach would be acceptable,” he said.
He also added that although territorial boundaries are defined under the constitution, regions and states currently possess limited governing authority.
Under the 2008 Constitution, Myanmar is presently composed of seven regions, seven states, four self-administered zones, one self-administered division, and one union territory.
During the May 26 meeting, former military leader Min Aung Hlaing repeatedly referred to federalism and also stated that efforts would be made to achieve lasting peace within the next five years.
