Administrative appointments disappoint in Kaw Taung

February 1, 2013

HUFROM: New central government policies established in 2012 were designed to grant greater authority to local communities when choosing their leaders. However, in Kaw Taung in the Tenasserim Region of southern Burma, residents are criticizing a recent round of appointments by city authorities that returned almost all previous village administrators to their posts, despite overwhelming public disapproval. Locals are asking whether the authorities acted in contradiction to the law, and are seeking to amend and protest the selection process.

Several of the former village administrators throughout the 12 quarters of the city have allegedly tarnished their public images beyond what residents can accept. U Than Naing, a village administrator from Shew Pyi Tar quarter, was reappointed despite accusations of his involvement in smuggling during his previous term in office. Poe Hla Aung was suspected of trying to coerce young women into prostitution in the Aye Yeik Nyain quarter. Toe Sein, who is thought to be operating a center for gambling, smuggling, and prostitution in Shwe Zin Yaw quarter, was also reinstated to his administrative seat.

In addition, the round of reappointments included U Than Zaw Win, who has been accused of conspiring with authorities to extort fishermen in Bayin Naung quarter, U Kyaw Myo, who reportedly attempted to confiscate travellers’ identification cards and demand 20,000 Kyat bribes for their return in Tiri Myine quarter, along with U Zaw Zaw from Aye Mya Kan Tar quarter, U Soe Soe from Anna War quarter, and U Myint Thein from Padauk Shwe War quarter.

“Most of the residents are not satisfied with this situation, so we went to the state administrator to submit a letter of disapproval,” said U Than Tun, the Regional Organizer of the Democratic Party (Myanmar). “However, our efforts are not succeeding because [local authorities] are currently selecting their own choices for village administrators—people who do nothing for us.”

In accordance with the administrative selection process, the villagers first vote for three representatives from each of the 12 quarters, and of the 36 candidates, one from each quarter will be chosen by the authorities to act as village administrator.

In addition to those mentioned above, the remaining quarters in Kaw Taung include Shew Hin Tar, Aung Tu Kha, Shwe Pyiy Soe, and Pa Lone Ton Ton.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News