The third parliament amid challenges and the need to become “smart” representatives
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Phyo Lin Aung (NP News) - March 13
The government announced on the evening of February 23 that it will convene all three houses of parliament in mid-March, almost a month after the three-phase elections were held. According to the announcement, the Pyithu Hluttaw session will begin on March 16, the Amyotha Hluttaw session on March 18, and the regional and state hluttaw sessions on March 20, respectively.
This announcement of the convening of parliament marks the beginning of the crucial parliamentary process for the presidential election, and marks a new political stage in 2026. In addition, Foreign Minister U Than Swe recently stated during a meeting with his Thai counterpart that a new president would be elected and the government formed before the Thingyan Festival in April. This announcement is the beginning of those steps.
Challenges and preparations for representatives
As the time for the Hluttaw session draws near, there are many things that representatives need to prepare for. This third Hluttaw, unlike the previous two, is facing major challenges. The first Hluttaw was a period of democratic transition, but the country was still stable. However, this third Hluttaw will be held during a period of ongoing conflicts, so the representatives will have to shoulder not only the development of democracy but also the stability and peace of the country.
In order to effectively address these issues, representatives need to prepare themselves to be "smart" representatives. There are those who have experience in the parliament as well as those who will be serving for the first time. Therefore, it is very important for new representatives to be proficient in the procedures of the parliament, legislative information, and the current political landscape at this time.
In these challenging times, a public representative must have the skills to work in practice, not just in position. Especially since they are elected by the people, they must represent the people well. In the past parliaments, there were some representatives who did not ask questions or submit proposals; they were like eggs that had not been cracked. In other words, they are just sitting in the parliament meeting room listening to what others say and attending meetings just to get paid.
Only by knowing the relevant parliamentary rules and regulations can one systematically present the points one wants to make. It is necessary to act in accordance with the procedures when asking questions, submitting motions, and discussing bills at Hluttaws. Some parliamentarians could not even decide in the past whether the questions they were going to ask should be starred or not.
The question-and-answer session is usually held within the first hour of a parliamentary session, and each representative is usually given only two to three minutes to ask their question. During this time, the background to the question and the question itself must be read out directly, and after the relevant minister has responded, he/she is given only a minute to ask any additional questions. The Speaker of the Parliament usually rings the bell when the time is up, so it is very important for a representative to plan his/her presentation in a concise and effective manner.
In addition, issues related to the interests of the state and citizens, government departments, and organizations, as well as other issues permitted by the Speaker of the Hluttaw, should be submitted as motions. In previous Hluttaw terms, some representatives submitted motions and asked questions just to show their activities. However, some of them did not write their own motions but had other knowledgeable people write for them. There were those who simply read what others had written without knowing for sure and showed their activities in the Hluttaw.
Another thing is that the representatives of the parliament will also have to participate as members in the relevant committees and serve in the parliament. In fact, the discussion in the parliament meeting hall is a kind of final discussion of the things that has been discussed intensively in the committee. In reality, the work is done in the committees, which are called small parliaments. The committees are divided into standing committees and ad hoc committees, and they are composed of about 15 members.
In previous terms, some representatives attended committee meetings only to sign the attendance sheet, without participating in the work coordination meetings at all. Due to such situations, the work of the committees was slowed down. In fact, they should help the parliamentary machinery run more smoothly by submitting bills and conducting discussions and negotiations through their respective committees. However, now, it should not be the case that they do not attend the committee meetings held after the parliamentary session because they are tired of attending the parliamentary sessions. A truly qualified representative must actively participate not only in the main parliamentary session hall, but also in the small committees where they actually work.
Parliamentarians must base their discussions on solid data and numbers rather than emotions. Especially detailed study of the needs of their constituency and the state's budget spending leads to more effective discussions.
Negotiation, accountability, and service to the people
This is a politically sensitive time for the parliament, and the ability to negotiate among different groups for the benefit of the country is a key characteristic of a “smart” representative. Since the MMP system is used, there may be differences of opinion in some regional discussions involving ethnic representatives. However, only smart representatives will be able to use their negotiating skills well, putting aside differences and prioritizing similarities.
In addition, a parliamentarian must be proficient in using digital technology to read parliamentary documents and conduct research. A parliamentarian must also keep an eye on global and regional political developments. Parliaments have research departments that provide information and knowledge to parliamentarians, which representatives should make good use of. The education of parliamentarians is very important. Once parliament begins, it will interact more with international organizations and governments. It's only then that representatives will be able to speak and discuss on an equal footing, progress will be made.
Also, parliamentary sessions are usually held only on government office days. Only issues that need to be discussed at the same time are discussed continuously without a break. This is also rare. Therefore, some representatives are reluctant to return to their respective constituencies even on Friday evening. Some of them want to return less to interact with their constituencies, and more for their own interests, as we have seen in previous parliamentary terms. A parliamentarian is already a public servant. Therefore, during their five years of service, the people should be the priority, and their personal affairs should be left behind.
In order to directly interact with the people, while in parliament, communication channels should be open to understand the problems of the people in their constituencies. Being able to bring the voice of the people directly to the parliament is the value of a representative. In addition, the media will also become more transparent, enabling representatives to generate public interest by presenting their representations and activities through the media.
In conclusion, the third parliament is a crucial turning point that will determine the future of the country. As parliamentarians, they must prove that they are not merely individuals who wear the crown of office, but “smart” representatives who bring the voice of the people to parliament. The emergence of representatives who are capable of addressing internal challenges, skilled in using data and technology, and adept at compromise and negotiation is the most fundamental key to national stability and the strengthening of democracy. –