Suu Kyi to get prime minister-like role in Myanmar government
Myanmar’s ruling party National League for Democracy (NLD) introduced a bill in parliament to create a new post for party leader Aung San Suu Kyi as “state counselor,” which some observers feel could compare to de-facto prime minister.
The position would cement her influence over the executive and legislative branches, which are already controlled by her allies. The bill passed the upper house on April 1 but needs lower house approval and a presidential sign-off before becoming law, conditions that are likely to be met with an NLD majority in both chambers and an NLD-appointed president.
Aung San Suu Kyi has already been appointed to head four minister posts including foreign affairs, president’s office, education, and energy ministries. As state counselor, she would also work with political parties and organisations, effectively giving her influence in the executive and the legislative arms of government.
However, the army-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party opposed the bill, saying it was unconstitutional. Members of the military, who are automatically given 25 per cent of parliamentary seats, also argued against the bill, saying it should be referred to a constitutional tribunal.
Myanmar’s constitution gives the armed forces chief the authority to appoint the ministers of defense, home affairs and border affairs. This division of power means that the NLD party will have to negotiate with the military in matters of national security, ethnic issues and major foreign policy, a role which Suu Kyi could fill as a state counselor.
Myanmar's ruling party National League for Democracy (NLD) introduced a bill in parliament to create a new post for party leader Aung San Suu Kyi as “state counselor,” which some observers feel could compare to de-facto prime minister. The position would cement her influence over the executive and legislative branches, which are already controlled by her allies. The bill passed the upper house on April 1 but needs lower house approval and a presidential sign-off before becoming law, conditions that are likely to be met with an NLD majority in both chambers and an NLD-appointed president. Aung San Suu Kyi...
Myanmar’s ruling party National League for Democracy (NLD) introduced a bill in parliament to create a new post for party leader Aung San Suu Kyi as “state counselor,” which some observers feel could compare to de-facto prime minister.
The position would cement her influence over the executive and legislative branches, which are already controlled by her allies. The bill passed the upper house on April 1 but needs lower house approval and a presidential sign-off before becoming law, conditions that are likely to be met with an NLD majority in both chambers and an NLD-appointed president.
Aung San Suu Kyi has already been appointed to head four minister posts including foreign affairs, president’s office, education, and energy ministries. As state counselor, she would also work with political parties and organisations, effectively giving her influence in the executive and the legislative arms of government.
However, the army-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party opposed the bill, saying it was unconstitutional. Members of the military, who are automatically given 25 per cent of parliamentary seats, also argued against the bill, saying it should be referred to a constitutional tribunal.
Myanmar’s constitution gives the armed forces chief the authority to appoint the ministers of defense, home affairs and border affairs. This division of power means that the NLD party will have to negotiate with the military in matters of national security, ethnic issues and major foreign policy, a role which Suu Kyi could fill as a state counselor.
