Domestic News Updates – January 21, 2025 Morning
๐๐ 1. Interim President Duwa Lashi La of the National Unity Government (NUG) Sends Congratulatory Letter to the Malaysian Prime Minister as ASEAN Chair
The National Unity Government’s (NUG) Interim President, Duwa Lashi La, sent a congratulatory letter to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim on January 7, recognizing Malaysia's assumption of the ASEAN chairmanship for 2025.
In the letter, the Interim President expressed pride and congratulations for Malaysia's commencement of its ASEAN chairmanship and extended New Year wishes to the Malaysian people. The letter emphasized the enduring importance of Malaysia-Myanmar relations and reiterated the commitment to collaborate through ASEAN for regional development and progress.
The letter further highlighted that February 1, 2025, marks the fourth anniversary of Myanmar's Spring Revolution, initiated in response to the military junta's illegitimate seizure of power, aiming to restore democracy. During this period, Myanmar’s people have endured immense suffering due to the military’s atrocities, widespread violence, economic collapse, and political challenges. Despite these hardships, the people of Myanmar have remained resilient and united in their pursuit of a new federal democratic nation.
The letter also conveyed gratitude to Malaysia for its support of Myanmar’s citizens during the Spring Revolution, stating that the Myanmar people view Malaysia as a democratic ally.
The Interim President noted that 2025 would be a pivotal year, as the military now controls less than 25% of Myanmar's territory, a percentage that continues to decline daily. Areas liberated from the military junta are now governed by the National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic revolutionary forces, which are providing administration and public services. The NUG asserts its legitimacy both legally and on the ground as Myanmar’s government.
The letter criticized the junta’s attempts to hold an illegitimate and sham election, stating that it would not resolve Myanmar’s political crisis but instead exacerbate violence and destabilize the region, affecting neighboring countries.
The Interim President expressed hope that Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, would take clear and decisive steps to represent the true aspirations of Myanmar’s people. It was suggested that ASEAN should engage more directly with the NUG, ethnic groups, civil society organizations, and other legitimate stakeholders to find solutions aligned with the genuine will of Myanmar’s people.
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๐๐ 2. Prime Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than to Participate in the “Waves of Returning Home in Ayeyarwady” Talk Show
The NUG Ministry of Defense, in coordination with the Ayeyarwady Region People’s Defense Forces (PDF), Strategy No. 29, will host the “Waves of Returning Home in Ayeyarwady” talk show on January 21 at 7 PM Myanmar Standard Time.
The event will feature Prime Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than, former Chief Minister of Ayeyarwady Region Mahn Johnny, NUG Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson U Nay Phone Latt, Daw Phyu Phyu Thin, and several revolutionary artists. The talk show will be broadcast live via Radio NUG and affiliated media outlets.
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๐๐ 3. Union Minister Dr. Sasa Meets with U.S. Congressional Foreign Affairs Committee Experts and International Republican Institute (IRI) Leaders
Union Minister Dr. Sasa of the NUG Ministry of International Cooperation announced on January 20 that he held discussions with experts from the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“It was an honor to discuss Myanmar’s profound crisis, situated at the crossroads of China and India, with distinguished experts from the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee,” the Minister remarked. He expressed hope for establishing a regular communication channel with the committee.
The Minister emphasized that strategic engagement is essential for not only resolving Myanmar’s crisis but also fostering long-term investment opportunities, socioeconomic development, and regional stability. Discussions also focused on the full implementation of the NDAA Burma Act to address these priorities.
Dr. Sasa also met separately with the Chairperson, CEO, and board members of the International Republican Institute (IRI). He described the dialogue as highly productive, focusing on long-term solutions for Myanmar’s crisis and strengthening strategic partnerships between Myanmar and the United States.
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๐๐ 4. Union Minister Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe to Meet Myanmar Nationals in Japan
The NUG Representative Office in Japan announced on January 20 that Union Minister Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe, along with her advisor Daw Shwe Shwe Sein Latt, will meet with Myanmar nationals in Japan during their visit. Meetings are scheduled for February 2 in Osaka and February 9 in Tokyo to foster connections and discussions with the diaspora.
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๐๐ 5. Federal Democracy Forces Call for Effective Action Against Rising Cybercrimes and Transnational Criminal Activities
The Central NUG released a statement highlighting the surge in cybercrimes and transnational criminal activities in Myanmar over the past four years of civil conflict. These include human trafficking, exploitation, forced labor, murder, and cyber fraud, exacerbated by the junta’s lack of rule of law, transparency, accountability, and systemic corruption.
The statement emphasized that Myanmar’s military and its allies are directly complicit in these illicit activities, including drug production and trafficking. While the military claims non-involvement, evidence of their indirect support and protection for these criminal networks has become increasingly clear to the international community.
The NUG urged neighboring countries such as China, India, Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand to work collaboratively to prevent Myanmar from becoming a regional hub for cyber and transnational crimes, which threaten stability both locally and globally. The Federal Democracy Forces reiterated their commitment to eradicating these issues and called for international cooperation to ensure the region's security and peace.
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๐๐ 6. Over 2,000 Civilians Displaced by Military Council Troop Movements in Thayetchaung Township, Along Union Highway No. 8
The Tanintharyi Region's Thayetchaung Township, particularly the villages along Union Highway No. 8, has become the target of military operations by the Military Council's troops, leading to the displacement of over 2,000 civilians. This was reported by the Tanintharyi Refugee Relief Committee on January 20.
According to the report:
"Since January 13, the Military Council's troops have been conducting operations along Union Highway No. 8 in Thayetchaung Township, Tanintharyi Region. These operations have forced civilians from villages such as Sin Kyan, Laba, Pitine, Pyin Phyu Gyi, Chaung Chaung, and Son Sin Phya to flee to safer locations."
Additionally, approximately 400 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have reached areas within the Tanintharyi District. Meanwhile, others have taken refuge in forests and villages outside the district, bringing the total number of displaced individuals to over 2,000.
The relief committee also stated that they are working in collaboration with other civil society organizations to provide as much assistance as possible to these displaced individuals.
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๐๐ 7. A Mother Who Lost Her Son to the Revolution Honored with Gold Necklace and Ruby Earrings
The Da Ma Sein Army under Battalion 28 of Sagaing Region’s Yinmarbin District has presented a gold necklace worth 4.5 million kyats and ruby earrings as a token of honor to the mother of fallen hero Aung Paing Soe, who gave his life for the country on the frontlines of the revolution.
Aung Paing Soe, an 18-year-old revolutionary, fearlessly fought against the military dictatorship and lost his life in battle. The honor was given to his grieving mother as a gesture of respect and to commemorate her son’s sacrifice for the nation.
The battalion mentioned that during a brief respite from their frontline duties, they took the opportunity to visit the mother of the fallen hero and provide her with consolation and support.
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๐๐ 8. UWSA Begins Allowing Free Trade Movement from Wa to Kokang Regions Following Chinese Directive
The United Wa State Army (UWSA) has announced, as of January 20, that it has begun permitting free movement of goods from the Wa region to the Kokang region, following a directive from the Chinese government.
In the announcement, the UWSA Central Headquarters stated that full access to transport goods, vehicles, and people across the border via the Hong Sai Bridge, which connects Kokang and the Hopang area in Wa State, has been granted under China's guidance. The announcement further noted that this free trade permission took effect on January 20, 2025, allowing the normal trade of all daily necessities and consumer goods except for military-related supplies.
Commenting on the development, a UWSA spokesperson, U Nyi Ran, told the "Voice of Wa" network:
"Due to China's previous border closure policies, we faced shortages of certain resources like fuel. However, with the reopening of the gates starting yesterday, fuel supplies have resumed, and construction materials have also begun to enter. However, no updates yet on machinery or other equipment."
These reports were contributed by Radio NUG correspondents Min Thihan, Min Sitt Thway, and Khur Shel.
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