“The members requested to re-position the representatives of the Committee for this year. But, because there were no other (new) representatives, the former representatives were re-selected,” said Dr. Min Kyi Win, MLCC chairman.

The MLCC membership consists of 16 Patron Mon Buddhist Monks, 15 experts, and 26 executive committee members. This includes, Dr. Min Kyi Win; acting chairman, Dr. Min Soe Lin; 1st vice-chairman, Nai Khain Seik; 2nd vice-chairman and Nai Yarzar; general secretary.

“MLCC is responsible for different sectors of Mon culture. These include Mon National Day, education of Mon literature, promotion of new Mon culture initiatives, study grants for Mon university students, the creation of traditional music and drama, and the establishment of Mon youth groups in every township, and so forth,” said Dr. Min Kyi Win.

About 96 individuals, including 19 Buddhist monks, were present at the MLCC selection meeting. They represent various Mon literature and culture associations, such as traditional drama groups, music, news outlets and youth organizations from Mon state capital of Moulmein and Kyaihto, Thaton, Paung, Chaungzone, Mudon, Thanbyuzayat, Ye Townships. There were also attendees from Pa’an and Kyarinnseikkyi Townships in Karen State, and Pegu Division.

MLCC and government schools jointly share responsible for the educational services of 263 Mon school teachers, and students in 31 national Schools and 83 Mon schools.

The New Mon State Party (NMSP) and Mon National Education Committee (MNEC) transferred control of Mon national schools in Thanbyuzayat, Mudon and Kyaikmayaw Townships in Mon state, and Pa’an and Kawkaraik Townships in Karen state to MLCC.

Although the government had promised to allow ethnic languages to be taught after regular school hours in government schools for the 2013-2014 academic years, it seems unlikely this will happen after a budget was not allocated.