New-look state dailies herald historic power transfer

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New-look state dailies herald historic power transfer

YANGON: Myanmar's state-run dailies appear to have been swept up in the winds of change with redesigned front pages and glowing coverage of the triumphant National League for Democracy’s long-awaited swearing in to power, The Irrawaddy reported.

The shift in tone was particularly notable coming from newspapers that, little more than five years ago, were known to print cartoons depicting NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi as a witch and traitor to country, with accompanying articles expounding on that general sentiment.

Thursday’s The Mirror deviated from its typical layout and content, featuring a sketch from well-known cartoonist Awpekyal, along with a poem from democracy activist Min Ko Naing, describing the country as a traditional dance show in which the long-neglected truth is now on stage, with young people fighting to protect it. Myanmar Ahlin daily also updated its layout and design.

Photos of the long-awaited transfer of power ceremony were front- and back-page news, and the papers included pictures of ex-President Thein Sein, newly appointed President Htin Kyaw, Suu Kyi (in a traditional blue ensemble, not witch garb), and various army generals.

The new layouts coincided with a transfer of cabinet personnel, including the head of the Ministry of Information—under which the dailies operate—from Ye Htut to Pe Myint.

Information Minister Pe Myint has said he will work to promote freedom of the press, and that media groups need to actively participate in the fight. He is a writer of renown in Burma, who serves as the vice chairman of the Myanmar Press Council, a role he is expected to step away from with his new job in Naypyidaw.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/157963

-- Thai PBS 2016-04-02