Surging electricity fees reminiscent of dictatorship — Suu Kyi

The chairperson of the National League for Democracy (NLD) has criticized the sudden increase in electricity charges as dictatorship-style politics.

She made the comment during a media conference at the parliament in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

The Lower House MP said that, while the government claims to be ushering the country through transition to democracy, it has done a poor job of implementing real democratic reform.

“If the government really wishes to transform, they have to listen and gather the voices and listen to the people’s desire,” she said.

“There is a political saying, that if something is good for the public—even if the majority of the public don’t accept it—but it is for the nation’s long term interest, then one has to do it whether they like it or not. But with something like the electricity issue, this is connected to the daily lives of the people. The government needs to be sensitive to the people’s desire.”

Suu Kyi said that if the government has concrete data that they believe justifies increasing electricity prices, then they needed to explain the matter to the public.

“They say they have this or that problem and that the people have to sacrifice for the long term. But they [the public] have to patiently shoulder the burdens for the good of the nation in the long term. People have to help the country for the interest of the nation. The Government has to say it at least like that. Without giving an explanation to the people, it is like they are inheriting the bad legacy of dictatorship,” she said.

“If one thinks one’s decision is right, one has to submit what one is thinking is to the public. If confrontation occurs, one needs to explain until understanding is reached. If the majority object to the proposal but one assumes that it is for the benefit of the people, one has to stand on the principle and accept the consequences. If someone wishes to do politics correctly, that’s the way to do it.”

Without seeking the consent of the people, the Ministry of Electric Power declared in state-owned newspapers on October 29 that the Ministry would increase electricity charges starting from this month.

Currently, a unit of electricity costs Ks 35 (US$ 0.03) for general consumption. Under the newly announced prices, households using more than 100 units will be charged Ks 50 per unit. Those who use less will pay the usual rate.

Most Myanmar families use well over 100 units a month, which brackets them within the new Ks 50 per unit price - a 43 percent rise in their standard electricity bill. Meanwhile, businesses will have to face a double rise in electricity costs.

For commercial entities, those using up to 5,000 units will be required to pay Ks 100 per unit, while those using more than 5,000 units will pay Ks 150 per unit. They are currently charged Ks 75 per unit.

Meanwhile, there is no plan to reduce electricity prices, Minister for Electric Powers Khin Maung Soe told the media on Wednesday last week.

source: Eleven Myanmar
http://elevenmyanmar.com/national/3961-surging-electricity-fees-reminiscent-of-dictatorship-suu-kyi