The journal will accordingly be one of its businesses. The name will also be its previous name ‘Kya Phyu Thadin Hlwar (White Tiger Newsletter)’ that was used during its elections campaign.

However, it will mostly focus on social, economic, environmental and health issues relevant to Shan State and other ethnic states like Mon, Arakan and Karen, said one of the Executive Committee (EC) members.

“The existing journals are not seen focusing on ethnic issues much enough. We are therefore going to tell more about ethnic issues like history and current situations in ethnic areas,” he said. 

The publication is expected to be released in July with at least 5,000 copies to be distributed to across the country. It will be printed in two languages, Shan and Burmese, 40 pages each. The price will be between Kyat 500 and 600 ($ 0. 63- 0.75) per copy. It would be published weekly, according to party members.

Its previous newsletter had only 12 pages, sold at Kyat 300 (US$ 0.3), and published as a bi-monthly with 3,000 copies. It was suspended a month before the elections.

“Before we only distributed in areas where the Shan communities reside but now it will be distributed everywhere,” the source said.  “The previous one did not make much money as it only included party policies. This time we hope people will like it.”

Besides the publication, the party also has its own business company called “Top White Tiger”, to support the party funds. It is now producing detergent powder with “White Tiger” logo. The raw materials are imported from Malaysia. It is also planning to cooperate with Thai companies in mining and agriculture projects.

However, the party will not be directly involved in business. It will only lay down principles and hire someone to handle them on its behalf.