Two military MPs showed opposition to the proposed amendment for the annulment of the provision that all the armed forces in the Union shall be under the command of the Defence Services.

At the session of Union Parliament on 3 March, Brig-Gen Kyaw San Lin and Brig-Gen Thet Tun Aung opposed that proposed amendment at a debate on the bill amending the constitution for a second time. 

Brig-Gen Kyaw San Lin suggested that Sections 338 and 339 under the Chapter-7 of the Constitution should not be removed. Both sections should remain unchanged. 

“Section 338 says ‘All the armed forces in the Union shall be under the command of the Defence Services.’ The enactment of this provision is according to the experiences throughout history and aims to ensure the systematic supervision of armed forces in the country’s defence and security affairs. Turning ethnics armed groups into systematically-formed border guard forces and the people’s militia aims to achieve the eternal peace,” Brig-Gen Kyaw San Lin said.

Brig-Gen Thet Tun Aung said: “According to the current situations, Section 338 should not annulled as all armed forces should be formed under the leadership of Tatmadaw in addition to Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) so as to prevent the country from any danger which will hamper our three main national causes, serve the country’s interest and promote the country’s defence power.”

In addition, for the perpetuation of sovereignty, territorial security, peace and stability and safeguarding the people’s interests, Section 339 should not be annulled. Tatmadaw is the prime armed forces for the country’s defence duties and should lead in performing defence duties for the protection of the country from internal and external dangers. Section 339 should remain unchanged, Brig-Gen Thet Tun Aung continued.

Section 339 said ‘the Defence Services shall lead in safeguarding the Union against all internal and external dangers.’