7 MPs, including Rakhine ethnic Minister U Zaw Aye Maung, raised objections against the construction of Yangon Eastern and Western High courts. They were out voted by a majority in the Division Parliament meeting.

U Zaw Aye Maung said, “If we look at development in the country, schools are collapsing in the education sector and we need to build more hospitals. I would like to have a discussion to consider if we really need these courts.”

Initially, MMK 900 million was allocated in the current fiscal year for the court buildings. The Division government requested for an additional MMK 2000 million, which was also approved.

“I saw that they have started construction last month but it is not even complete yet”, said U Zaw Aye Maung. He questioned, “Why did they ask for another MMK 2000 million when the MMK 450 million allocated initially for each court building is still untouched?”

Daw San San Nwe, the Division Minister of Finance explained that they have requested for MMK 2000 million more to make adjustments on the land for court offices, to fence the area and for electrical fittings in the planned 5 storied 200x140 feet court buildings, which will have facilities such as prison cells and waiting rooms for witnesses.

“This is beyond normal standards and I think it is unnatural”, opined divisional MP Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin on the two new court buildings.

“I have a question, do MPs have to approve everything that the government proposes?”, Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin questioned the parliamentary meeting.

Besides the funds for construction of court buildings, the Parliament has also approved MMK 59726.26 million for expenses requested by the Division government since the budget allocated for the current fiscal year is insufficient.