The National League for Democracy, following a majority vote, confirmed the election of U Htin Kyaw as President in the new Union Democracy of Myanmar Administration from March 30 2016, with 360 out of 652 votes. This is a win over a nominee from the military ranks. This appointment is significant for Myanmar because the last civilian leader was 54 years ago.
The National League for Democracy (NLD) is the democratic socialist and liberal democratic political party in Myanmar that was formed in September 1988. The party President is Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
U Htin Kyaw is a long term trusted advisor of Aung San Suu Kyi. In the 2012 by-elections, the NLD contested 44 of the 45 available seats and won 43. In the 2015 general election, the NLD won an absolute majority in both houses of the Assembly.
The President-elect has proposed significant changes for the government ministries, reducing the overall numbers. These changes are now subject to discussion in the Union Parliament. The changes are to cut costs. The proposals are for 21 ministries and 18 ministers. Previously there were 36 ministries with 96 ministers and deputy ministers.
This includes a new ministry, The Ministry of Ethnic Affairs, to focus on the topics emphasised by the National League for Democracy for “national reconciliation”. So far no names of the ministers have been published.
The proposals show proposed mergers of ministries. For example, the new Ministry of Transportation and Communications would include Ministry of Rail Transportation, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The Ministry of Construction would include the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Science and Technology. We can provide fuller details if you contact us directly. Further measures to cut government administration costs are expected. The number of civil servants is not expected to change.
Suu Kyi has been making international headlines with details of the goals aimed for by the NLD. Htin Kyaw, 69 has consistently remained a loyal supporter of Suu Kyi. The outgoing administration had introduced changes in 2008 to prevent Suu Kyi becoming President, despite victories for the NLD, blocking her due to her family connections being from overseas. Her husband was British.
It is widely reported that Suu Kyi will in effect control policies and initiatives and this adds further positive news to the economic forecasts for Myanmar. The choice of President is being well received. There have been more than sufficient tests to confirm the excellent working partnership between these key Myanmar names.
Our forecasts are even better for Myanmar. Regular readers of our blog will know we have always been optimistic. This allows an exponential leap forward to produce more opportunities, growth and economic prosperity for all investing in Myanmar.
We urge you to contact us without delay to discuss opportunities in Myanmar and also to hear how we can serve your company with corporate services as you join and grow your profits in this dynamic growing economy.
