The charter amendment is not easy without coordination and cooperation with a quarter of defence services personnel representatives in parliament, said Thura Shwe Mann, Chair of the Union Betterment Party, at a press conference at his residence in Nay Pyi Taw on August 4. 

“It is clear. Seventy-five per cent of lawmakers in parliament are the elected ones and the rest, the military representatives. Their coordination and cooperation is important. Thanks to effective cooperation in the term of first parliament, the parliament could amend one section in the charter and 54 points. We need to honour all MPs including military MPs and recognize the efforts made by the then-government and other organizations. Without agreement by all MPs in parliament, we cannot get 54 points,” he added. 

“The parliament on its part has finished its work as it got over 75 per cent vote for the charter amendment. It needs to hold a referendum according to the provision of the Constitution. It would take time and cost a lot of money. The Union Parliament should suspend it as it needs too much money and manpower. 

The Union Parliament suspended the amendments made in the term of first parliament, citing the fact that cooperation would be made when other amendments arise, he continued.