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Myanmar: 2007 flag proposal

by António Martins-Tuválkin, 19 January 2007

Description of the flag

Description of the flag

A new flag of Myanmar as well as a new name ("Union of the Republic of Myanmar", or "Pyidaungsu Thamada Myanmar Naing-Ngan Daw") and a modified "state seal" are coming. The new constitution is presently discussed by the National Convention (see http://www.myanmar.com/nationalconvention/index.html). The new flag with a new symbolic meaning would be an interesting return to the 1940s designs. It shall be composed of three stripes, green, yellow and red, with a large white star "on the left end of the green stripe at the top of the Flag".
Jan Zrzavy, 15 January 2007

Information for the proposal of the new flag was obtained from http://www.myanmar.com/newspaper/nlm/Jan02_04.html:

"The following is a translation of proposals on laying down detailed basic principles for chapters "Amendment of the Constitution", "State Flag, State Seal, National Anthem and the Capital", "Transitory Provisions" and "General Provisions" to be included in drafting the State Constitution presented by the Delegate Group of Intellectuals and Intelligentsia at the Plenary Session of the National Convention held at Pyidaungsu Hall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division, on 28-12-2006.
(...)

State Flag, State Seal, National Anthem and the Capital

Mr Chairman,

Regarding the detailed basic principles proposed at the plenary session held on 10 November 2006 by the National Convention Convening Work Committee chairman for the Chapter "State Flag, State Seal, National Anthem and the Capital" to be included in the State Constitution, we members of the delegate group of intellectuals and intelligentsia would like to present our views.

It is proposed that:

(1) The Flag is marked with green, yellow and red stripes in a proportionate ratio. On the left end of the green stripe at the top of the Flag is a large white star directing upwards.

(2) Law shall be promulgated concerning the State Flag.

He said that the colour green on the State Flag stands for peace and tranquillity and lush and verdant environment, yellow depicts solidarity. Moreover, red means valour and decisiveness. That is complete with good intention.

We studied the State flags of 194 nations. Of them, 24 countries' State flags are marked with stripes of three colours in a proportionate ratio. Each of the 24 countries uses three colours that match with the conditions of the nation concerned. Members of the delegate groups of intellectuals and intelligentsia made a comparative study of the State flags of the world nations and drew many new designs of State flag. Then, they submitted their works and exchanged views about the designs in the group.

Mr Chairman,

In our group, some members are knowledgeable about historical and Myanmar affairs. They specially studied the designs of the State flag of our country in Bagan Period, Innwa Period, Konbaung Period and pre-independence period. My thanks go to the members who drew new designs of State flag based on the designs of State flag used in the past and appreciate their efforts and goodwill. We members all participated in the discussions about the design of State Flag.

Some held discussions about the design of the three-colour State Flag and the place of the white star the Work Committee chairman presented.

Mr Chairman,

We considered that the proposed State Flag marked with green, yellow and red stripes in a proportionate ratio is endowed with essence and meaning. The big white star, which reflects perpetual existence of the consolidated Union, should be on the left end of the green stripe at the top.

Therefore, the point:

"(1) The State Flag shall be prescribed as follows: The Flag is marked with green, yellow and red stripes in a proportionate ratio. On the left end of the green stripe at the top of the Flag is a large white star directing upwards.

(2) Law shall be promulgated concerning the State Flag."

should be adopted as a detailed basic principle."

The rest concerns the seal, the anthem. The proposed new capital of the state would be is Nay Pyi Taw.

Pascal Vagnat, 18 January 2007

It is also interesting to look at some of the report by the committee. It seems they chose a striped flag because it was traditional, rather than looking for a distinctive design. The statement "Of [the 194 countries], 24 countries' State flags are marked with stripes of three colours in a proportionate ratio." could also help us determine the nature of the stripes. After a quick tally, it seems that out of the possible categories, flags based on three equal horizontal stripes of different colours come closest to the 24 described by the committee.
Jonathan Dixon, 19 January 2007

According to the French Embassy in Rangoon, the new flag of Myanmar would become official in 2010 at the same time of the newly voted Constitution.
Jean Gacic, 19 May 2008