Message of President of the Republic of Union of Myanmar

Message of President of the
Republic of Union of Myanmar
Agga Maha Tharesithu Agga Maha Thirithudhamma
U Thein Sein to the Conference of the Leaders of
Five Faiths

I wish health and happiness and greater energy for all religious leaders present here at this conference in serving the interest of your own faith with extra impetus.

Honored Religious Leaders
Our country has a fine tradition of harmonious co-existence among all the different faiths for a very long period throughout history. Since inauguration, my government has been in vigorous drive for political, economic and administrative changes towards ensuring State peace and stability, the rule of law and social economic progress of the country in accord with the aspirations of the entire national people.

We are now in the process of making legal reforms through amendments and additions to existing laws as well as introducing new laws and bylaws as and when necessary for the citizens to enjoy fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, freedom of belief as stipulated in the Constitution. Unfortunately, there were instigations fueling minor crimes into conflicts between the two communities and two religions. Such instability based on religion and race harms and delays the State reforms and tarnishes the national image internationally.

Honored Religious Leaders
It is my pleasure and honor to witness that leaders of the respective faiths have been energetically and harmoniously working together for interfaith unity to prevent the recurrence of racial or religious conflicts. I assure you of the government's full cooperation for the success of your work.
In fact, the main goal of all the five religions is the peaceful co-existence of mankind. One of the fundamental teachings of all faiths is that in the face of a problem or a conflict it should be settled with truth, loving kindness and tolerance. One of the principle teachings of Buddhism is to follow the middle path that is free from all extremes such as greed and anger. Additionally, we all must overcome self-obsession, and there will be no end or answer for a problem if self-obsession takes centre role in solving it. So, we all must avoid extremes.

Individual freedom or the basic foundation of democracy is to enjoy freedom without harming others. The Constitution of Myanmar fully guarantees freedom of belief as the fundamental right of citizens. We all should never misuse this noble idea of the freedom of belief as a springboard for any kind of extremism and fueling hatred.

Honored Religious Leaders
I believe that only the all-inclusive democracy can guarantee long-term progress and peace and stability of a country like Myanmar formed with numerous indigenous peoples, and different races, religions and cultures. We all must understand our own diversity, and more importantly, this diversity must be a united force for our own interest. We all must protect our country's image as a peacefully co-existing society while preserving the existing age old fine tradition of social harmony among the fellow citizens.

We are building a new national identity representing the entire country. While accepting the diversity, it is advised to make collective efforts for ending discrimination.

My sincere message to the entire nation including people of the religious orders is the collective efforts with equality and no racial or religious discrimination for building a harmonious society in which all the people of different religions, beliefs, languages and ethnicities have mutual understanding on the diversity, respect independently existing rights, and stay away from conflicts.