He told Parliament in a letter dated Nov 14.
The government had been under pressure to reduce the recent arbitarily increase in electricity rate by a hefty 40 per cent.
The President's letter stated that,”The electricity fee hikes will become effective from the coming fiscal year (2014-15) as it’s based on a long-term planning for the sake of the people and economic sustainability.”
MPs had countered that the hefty increase would have needed consent of the people first, and Parliament had the right to peotest the move although they did not aim to undermine the executive branch.
“What Parliament said is that the electricity ministry is required to submit a review about the issue to Parliament at the beginning of the next fiscal year. But the President’s letter says the hikes will certain to begin in the fiscal year. It means that no review is needed from Parliament. And my view is different. We will discuss more about the issue in Parliament,” said MP Aye Mouk for Ma Hlaing Constituency.
He submitted the urgent proposal about the hikes to Parliament.
“Public services are meant for the people. But this means only the government (has a say). Actually the government should only be for the people. It should present a reasonable report about the issue and for the sake of the people.
And it rendered no concern on the people’s if the hikes are due just to financial losses from the electricity service,” said MP Min Thu for Okktayathiri Constituency.
“The Administration has its role. The electricity fee hike is its responsibility. Parliament has nothing to say. But Parliament represents the people. The people’s voice is Parliament’s voice. If the people disagree, Parliament should not agreed with what the government did. Parliament should voice what should be and should not be,” said MP Khine Maung Ye for Ahlone Constituency.
Parliament decided on November 17 to seek the government’s consent to scrap the increase in electricity fees as of this month until the next fiscal year, when it is expected to go ahead only after scrutiny at the parliamentary level.
The electricity ministry permitted local private companies to distribute electricity in 84 townships prior to July 2013.
There are about 20 companies including Gold Energy Co.,Ltd under the ownership of Tun Myint Naing’s Asia World Company which has several business permits in other businesses; Chit Khine’s Adim Energy and Natural Resources Development Company which dominates the rice industry; Dr Ko Ko’s Capital Development Ltd which also several other business permits; and Ruby Dragon Company which is involved in the gems business.
source: Eleven Myanmar
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