As an integral part of the e-Parliament system being implemented in partnership with UNDP and Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Union-level Hluttaw has launched the Intranet system on 8^th May in Nay Pyi Taw.

The intranet system, using the Microsoft Sharepoint Platform, is a key step to improve parliamentary information management and the provision of parliamentary documentation to MPs and across the Hluttaw Offices. Access to documents including Plenary agendas and minutes, committee reports, research, and self-study material will strengthen how MPs conduct their duties and improve workflow across the three Hluttaws.

Speaking at the launching event, U Tun Tun Hein, Deputy Speaker of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and Pyithu Hluttaw highlighted the importance of technologies in accelerating the duty and functions of the Hluttaw. “This system will allow Hluttaw representatives to perform their tasks easier and quicker,” he said.

He urged the Hluttaw representatives to engage with the system, hailing this important milestone in upgrading the Hluttaw to an e-Parliament.

UNDP Programme Advisor and Chief of Unit Mr Joerg Stahlhut said, "The use of modern ICT can have a transformative effect in making parliaments more transparent, accountable, accessible and effective."

U Aung Thu Min, Chief Information Officer of ICT, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw highlighted that the development of the intranet and requisite architecture is the result of five years of work, supported by the Hluttaw’s ICT Steering Committee and developed by specialised Hluttaw staff. IPU ICT Specialists then explained to Members the support they will receive to develop ICT skills to engage with the system.

Members were enthusiastic about the new system, mentioning that it put the Hluttaw ahead of other Government bodies “I have been hoping for this for a long time. I often discuss e-Government. It needs time and acceleration to install/launch for the whole government. So, I have been saying, let’s start the launch by the Hluttaw as a good example,”

“Another thing we currently face is that there are a lot of hard copies and documents which cost a lot and it gives staff pressure and unnecessary workload. And it takes a lot of budget. Therefore, I have been hoping for this for a long time to communicate or to search discussion points/meeting minutes or to share information,” he added.

UNDP’s Support to Effective & Responsive Institutions Project (SERIP) is supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) and the Government of Japan.