11 - Police Reform in Myanmar: Changes “in Essence and Appearance”

Summary

Since March 2011, President Thein Sein has made several major speeches in which he has acknowledged Myanmar's myriad problems and outlined a plan to introduce a wide range of reforms. His stated aim is to build “a modern, developed democratic nation”, in which the work of the central government, and state and region governments, is “transparent, accountable and consistent with the constitution and existing laws” (Thein Sein 2011). In describing this goal, Thein Sein has emphasized “the rule of law”. He has not explained precisely what he means by this term, but in 2012 the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) characterized the principle as a requirement that “all persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to just, fair and equitable laws and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law” (UNGA 2012).

At no time during any of these speeches has Thein Sein singled out the Myanmar Police Force (MPF) for particular mention. Nor has opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, despite her frequent references to the need for “the rule of law” in Myanmar (Prasse-Freeman 2013a, 2013b). Foreigners interested in this issue have also tended to gloss over the policing dimension. Yet, the reforms envisaged by both the government and the opposition movement will rely in no small measure for their success on the existence of an independent and professional police force that is accountable to the public and commands the respect of the population. Also, if the armed forces (Tatmadaw) further loosen their grip on Myanmar society, the MPF can be expected to play a much greater role in maintaining law and order, and safeguarding internal security. Indeed, such a step will be essential if Myanmar is to make an orderly transition to genuine democratic rule.

As other post-authoritarian governments have found, however, the reform of the national police force presents enormous challenges. Structural and procedural changes can be made, new training programmes introduced, modern equipment acquired, proficiency levels raised, and steps taken to improve the force's public image. In some of these areas, foreign governments and international organizations can provide assistance. Such measures, however, will only scratch the surface of the problem. It is imperative that there is also a fundamental shift in the police force's professional culture and a complete transformation of its relationship with the wider community.