Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Parliament debates use of the word ‘Myanmar’

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Wednesday, 28 September 2011 22:12 Myo Thant

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – A military member of the Burmese Parliament on Wednesday put forward two proposals that the word “Myanmar” should be restricted and not used in certain contexts.

One proposal, debated in the Lower House, was defeated by more than 100 votes, according to Lower House MPs.  The other proposal was approved and will be sent to the Upper House.

Lawmakers wore traditional native dress for this meeting of the Burmese Parliament in Naypyitaw. Photo: Mizzima

Colonel Htay Naing submitted a proposal that the use of the word “Myanmar” in phrases such as “Myanmar Karaoke,” “Myanmar Massage” and “Myanmar Entertainment” is not suitable or appropriate.

The proposal said: “To impose a law that the use of the word ‘Myanmar’ is allowed only in writings and publications that can uplift national prestige and noble phrases regarding the country and all ethnic people and ban the use of the word in other inappropriate phrases and logos.”

Seven MPs discussed the proposal; five of them supported it and two opposed.

Lower House Speaker Shwe Mann divided the issue into two proposals; the first proposal would restrict the use of the word ‘Myanmar’ to be used only in “noble usages” and the second proposal would ban the use of the word in “inappropriate phrases and logos.”

The first proposal passed and will be discussed by the other house. The second proposal received 250 no votes; 133 yes votes and 13 abstained.

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