Comrades,
Today marks the 80th anniversary of Armed Forces Day for our Tatmadaw, an institution forged in the crucible of the independence struggle and resistance against imperialism. This day stands as a defining moment in the Tatmadaw’s history, symbolizing its evolution from external subjugation to the proud embodiment of a selfdetermined National Armed Forces.It also commemorates the historic events on 27 March 1945 which launched the anti-fascist movement through the collaboration between the Tatmadaw and the ethnic people. Since the legacy of our Tatmadaw is inextricably linked to the historicalidentity of our Nation, today, the 80th anniversary of our Tatmadaw represents an occasion of profound significance. On this momentous day, I would like to emphasize the important points you all must be cognizant of.
Comrades,
In the annals of history, our Nation has stood resolutely as the First, Second, and Third Myanmar Empires, embodying the legacy of a unified and solidified national integrity. However, the prosperous Nation was compelled to relinquish its independence and sovereignty as a result of three successive imperialist incursions in 1824, 1852 and 1885. During the colonial period, the imperialists employed strategic manipulation and instigation to sustain their rule. Such instigation exacerbated mistrust among ethnic groups, eventually spiraling into the flames of armed conflict, driven by ideological divergence in the post-independence period. As the insurgencies plunged the Nation into a shambolic state in 1949, leading to the government being ironically dubbed the ‘Yangon Government’, the Tatmadaw made great sacrifices to save the Nation.
History bears witness that our Tatmadaw vanquished the insurgencies and triumphed over foreign intrusions, including the White China (Kuomintang) and the Mujahedeen. In the midst of that turbulent period, the Tatmadaw took charge as the Caretaker Government in 1958, striving to restore national stability and address the political upheaval triggered by the dissolution of political parties. By 1962,the Nation faced imminent devastation due to the inherent flaws of the 1947 Constitution, yet the Tatmadaw safeguarded the Nation from this dire situation.
Furthermore, due to the inherent weaknesses of the ruling party in the post-1980 period, the Tatmadaw assumed responsibility to safeguard the Nation amid the outbreak of mass violence, anarchic mobs, and the collapse of administrative control in 1988. In 2010, the Tatmadaw charted the course for the long-aspired multi-party democracy and collaborated in the Nation’s development in accordance with the 2008 State Constitution. This collaboration was instrumental in the foundation for the continued stability and viability of the multi-party democratic system across two successivegovernment bodies.
The ruling party perpetrated blatant electoral fraud during the 2020 Multi-Party Democratic General Election, violating the fundamental tenets of democracy, which demand fairness and legitimacy.This misconduct not only eroded democratic integrity but also engendered political corruption.
Despite the Tatmadaw’s repeated calls for accountability regarding widespread voting irregularities, the ruling party dismissed these concerns and proceeded with the Hluttaw, attempting to usurp the Nation’s authority through unlawful coercion. In response, the Tatmadaw, in accordance with constitutional provisions, declared State of Emergency and assumed the responsibility of the Nation. I reaffirm that the Tatmadaw has stood firm in its commitment to protect the Nation and its people, from the independence struggle to the present, in times of danger to Our Three Main National Causes, and will remain resolutely dedicated to safeguarding our future.
Comrades,
In response to the demands of the modern era and the aspirations of the people, the 2008 Constitution which is imperative for fostering a multi-party democracy and market-oriented economic system, was ratified through a nationwide referendum on 29 May 2008. The 2008 Constitution was not adopted through the consent of any single individual or organization, but was the empirical result of rigorous intellectual deliberation and careful discourse, shaped by the historical narrative etched in the annals,and conducted by eight groups comprising over 1,000 representatives through a National Convention.
The Tatmadaw is not only safeguarding the Constitution in accordance with Section 20 (F) of the 2008 Constitution, which states, ‘The Defence Services is primarily responsible for safeguarding the Constitution’, but also fulfiling its national political responsibility as outlined in Section 6 (F), which stipulates, ‘The Defence Services shall be enabled to participate in the national political leadership of the State’. National politics grounded inour Three Main National Causes: Non-disintegration of the Union, Non-disintegration of National Solidarity and Perpetuation of Sovereignty represents the enduring principles devoted to safeguarding the Nation’s interests and its people. To elaborate further, national politics does not merely mean party politics; it embodies the essence of statecraft, dedicated to preserving the national tranquility and development.
Comrades,
In the initial phase after the Tatmadaw assumed the responsibility of the Nation through the establishment of the State Administration Council,violent protests came into existence. However, certain representatives of the Hluttaw incited insurrection without consideration, exploiting public sentiment rather than resolving political matters through legitimate dialogue.This gave rise to so-called terrorist organizations: the NUG, CRPH, and PDFs whose actions have spread terrorism across the Nation.
Similarly, destructive media outlets, working underthe aegis of opposition factions, relentlessly undermined national interests by spreading fake news and propaganda, further fueling the escalation of political conflict. Additionally, there was a deliberate effort to incite civil servants to betray their duty and flee the Nation and its people, aiming to dismantle the administrative mechanism.
Simultaneously, terror was unleashed upon individuals who refused to conform to their ideological narrative, subjecting them to brutal killings under the label of ‘Dalang’or‘Collaborator’. To expound upon this, the political objectives were pursued through armed terrorism and foreign support.
Furthermore, certain ethnic armed organizations have taken advantage of the Nation’s political issues, exploiting the so-called terrorists, known as PDFs, to carry out insidious strategies designed to dismantle national security and stability. Acts of terrorism, including the torture and execution of people, the premeditated arson attack on villages and towns that refuse to summit to their control, and the destruction of government infrastructure such as buildings, roads,bridges, vehicles and electrical towers through explosives, have significantly increased. Especially,these terrorist insurgents driven by ‘The One-State, One-Sword Warlordism’ are pursuing the disintegration of national solidarity rather than working toward eternal peace under a multiparty democratic Union.
As the battles waged by terrorist factions in their pursuit of power in their respective regions have brought destruction to the lives and property of innocent people and towns and villages, the entire people has been left with profound hatred and deep resentment. The attacks on innocent people and the armed terrorism which poses a threat to Our Three Main National Causes are intolerable, thus, the Tatmadaw, with the full support of the people, will continue to carry out a Just War.
Throughout Myanmar’s history, the Tatmadaw has never granted any tradition of acceding to intimidation through acts of terrorism. Therefore, I would like to urge all comrades to fulfil the national defence duties, embracing a venture some spirit and a willingness to sacrifice of lives in order to protect the lives and property of the people and safeguard Our Three Main National Causes.
Comrades,
As the seamless integration of the entire people is essential for achieving national peace, stability and effective law enforcement, a People’s Security System is being implemented to strengthen security awareness through the collaboration of all individuals and relevant security forces. In this regard, all of the people, administrative bodies and relevant securityforces must work together with unity and solidarity.
Moreover, in alignment with every citizen’s responsibility to defend the Nation, the People’s Military Service Law was initiated on 10 February 2024, and is now being implemented to enable eligible citizens within the designated age range to fulfil their national defence duties. Although People’s Military Service personnel hailed from different backgrounds, their combined training has instilled in them a sense of uniformity in identity, views, beliefs and values alongside senior military personnel as they fulfil their duties in respective military units across the Nation. Therefore, I proudly affirm that these dutiful and conscientious citizens who have joined the People’s Military Service are now fulfiling their national defense duties as a strong and unified force.
Comrades,
The State Administration Council is resolutely forging ahead with the Two Political Agendas: strengthening a genuine, disciplined multi-party democratic system and building a federal Union based on democratic and federal system. In pursuing these political agendas articulated by the government, the Tatmadaw is expected to actively engage in its assigned role.
To establish a Union based on democracy and federalism, it is imperative for all citizens, rooted in solidarity and the spirit of the Union, to take responsibility for safeguarding the Nation in oneness. This spirit played the pivotal role in independence struggle throughout history and also remains the cornerstone of our future democratic Nation. As all ethnic people share the same land and resources, I want to emphasize that it is of utmost importance and necessity to cultivate the spirit of cohesion and oneness without segregating Myanmar proper and frontier area, in times of emergency. As the saying goes, ‘A Nation’s strength lies within’, I would like to highlight that our goal of establishing a democratic and federal Union can only be achieved through the active participation of the entire people.
While establishing a Union, eliminating internal armed conflicts and achieving eternal peace are of utmost importance.
Our Tatmadaw remains committed to fully implementing the agreements outlined in the 2008 Constitution and the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) at the earliest opportunity, regarding the peace process. Moreover, considering the damage inflicted upon the Nationby armed conflicts and acts of terrorism, efforts are actively being made to achieve eternal peace and national development in collaboration with the people. In this regard, all ethnic armed organizations, armed terrorist factions and terrorist PDF groups opposing the Nation are urged to renounce violence and pursue political solutions through dialogue – whether by engaging in party politics or participating in electoral processes.
Additionally, I would like to emphasize that Tatmadaw has consistently paved the way for peace dialogues, as political solutions can only be effectively advanced through negotiations at the table.
Comrades,
Since assuming the responsibility of the Nation, the State Administration Council (SAC) laid down the roadmap and objectives for ensuring tranquility of theNation and fostering a multi-party democracy system.According to the Five-Point Roadmap, the election is meant to be held in the designated time-frame, leading to successfully hold a free and fair multi-party democratic election and to facilitate the transfer of Nation’s power to the government formed as a result of the election.
The State Administration Council, acting on behalf of the Tatmadaw, currently assuming the responsibility of the Nation, is making provisions to hold the general election this coming December. The election will be conducted based on respective regional security conditions in accordance with the provisions of the 2008 Constitution, electoral laws and relevant regulations, and the necessary provisions are actively underway. In other words, provisions are being made to ensure that all eligible voters can exercise their right to vote, to hold a free and fair multiparty democratic general election that reflects the wholehearted aspirations of the people, and to become a dignified election.
Comrades,
Every soldier and unit needs to be endowed withfive core qualities: ‘Morale, Discipline, Loyalty,Unity and Wholesomeness of Three Capabilities’ to be able to shoulder the national defence duty, the primary one of our Tatmadaw. To become a strong Tatmadaw endowed with those qualities, it has to be built with The Four Main Unit Building Tasks: ‘Training, Administration, Welfare and Morale’.
The Four Main Unit Building Tasks are deeply interrelated. When righteous training, effective administration and proper welfare are provided, military personnel and their families will develop strong morale fostering deep attachment to their units, trustworthiness in the Tatmadaw and readiness to sacrifice for the Tatmadaw and the Nation. Only when a strong force with high morale and unity is built, can the duties assigned by the Tatmadaw be effectively fulfiled. Therefore, I would like to urge all comrades to remain focused on the Four Main Unit Building Tasks.
Comrades,
As Tatmadaw personnel shoulder national defense and security duties that others find arduous to bear, maintaining mental resilience is indispensable.This resilience is ingrained from a deepseated desireto neither concede victory nor accept defeat. Therefore,comrades must cultivate the Tatmadaw’s spirit, embodying principles such as ‘Not a soul in the hull,yet the ensign stays aloft’, ‘Fighting tooth and nail’ and ‘The ultimate sacrifice for the virtuous traditionof the Tatmadaw’. In doing so, the duties assigned by the Nation and the Tatmadaw can be successfully fulfiled through steadfast perseverance and the ultimate sacrifice of lives. As the Tatmadaw is an institution built on discipline, individual commitment to this discipline is essential for the success ful execution of these duties. The reason our Tatmadaw has remained steadfast in its commitment to the present is strict military discipline and obedience. Just as every single Tatmadaw personnel must adhere to the Sixty Codes of Conduct with the same certainty as fastening a longyi around the waist, it is equally vital to strictly follow battlefield discipline, workplace regulations, civil laws and internationally recognized Rules of Engagement (ROE) to become an exemplary soldier. Therefore, I strongly urge all comrades to become the exemplary soldiers, upholding good morale and morality, and abiding by the law.
Comrades,
Harnessing opportunities and savoring rewards are natural acts of all living beings, yet sacrifice remains a noble virtue embodied by only a few exceptional individuals.The sacrifice of one’s life and body for the Nation, its people, and national sovereignty stands as a testament to the spirit of martyrdom, a virtue held only by those of extraordinary courage and profound dedication. Such individuals undertake duties that others find too arduous to bear,embracing sacrifice and risk with proper determination. They are bound to fight until death, displaying exceptional resolve and bravery in service to the Nation and its people, undeterred by any hardship or struggle. These are the quint essential qualities of an exemplary soldier. Therefore, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to all members of the Tatmadaw,the Myanmar Police Force, and the People’s Militia who have made the ultimate sacrifice in fulfiling their national defence duties with steadfast resolve. Furthermore, I am deeply honored to acknowledge that comrades who solemnly vow the Four Oaths every day and steadfastly fulfil their national defense and security duties are truly men and women deserving of the highest admiration and honor from the Nation.
Comrades,
In conclusion, I would like to urge you to ensure your documented involvementin the future nation-building process as exemplary soldiers entrusted by the people, in alignment with the objectives set forth on the 80th Armed Forces Day, as follows:
– To actively fulfil the three main functions of the Tatmadaw: the duty to defend the Nation, the duty to undergo training, and the duty to serve the interests of the people, steadfastly upholding Our Three Main National Causes
– To implement measures for the Nation’sdevelopment and the achievement of genuine, eternal peace following there solution of armed conflicts, in accordance with the 2008 Constitution and the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement
– To safeguard the Nation and its people from potential threats while providing sector-wise assistance to enhance social security and foster socio-economic development, and
-To uphold the integrity of a free and fair multi-party democratic general election by the Tatmadaw, for the emergence of a Union founded on a democratic and federal system,upon the completion of the State of Emergency provisions.
