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Myanmar’s Hardliner, Vice-President Goes

The quasi- military regime in Myanmar has decided to replace Vice President Tin Aung Myint Oo with Myint Swe (61) who was the eyes and ears of junta strongman Than Shwe as head of the intelligence.

Though poor health is cited as reason for Myint Oo to step down, it is more than likely that he has been made to go because of his known opposition to reforms on which President Thein Sein is banking not only to court the West but also to revive the sagging economy.  

So, it is safe to assume that the reforms will gather pace to the great relief of American and European investors who are knocking at the doors of capital Naypyidaw.

Going by Burmese media reports it appears that Tin Aung Myint Oo, who had served as secretary of the State Peace and Development Council, the erstwhile ruling body, submitted his resignation on 3 May.

Although he and President Thein Sein were close to Than Shwe, they did not reportedly agree on a number of issues. He had put in his papers after returning home from Singapore where he received medical treatment.  It is said that Myint Oo intends to turn into a Buddhist monk.  

Reports indicate that several senior hardliners will be replaced by reformists heralding the first major make over in the composition of the top echelons of the government since it replaced the junta rule last year.

Oo’s exit has coincided with democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi’s making her parliament debut. She took her seat in Parliament last week; she and 42 others of her National League for Democracy (NLD) won in the by-elections held last month.

Parliament is still dominated by the military and its allies, but even military men appeared pleased to see the veteran activist in a new avatar. “It’s good that she arrived today, we all welcome her”, said Brigadier General Wai Lin.

President Thein Sein has been listening to the concerns voiced by Aung San Suu Kyi. Primarily at her behest, he suspended work on a controversial Chinese plan to dam the Irrawaddy River, lifted curbs on media, and trade union rights and released hundreds of political prisoners.

-ramarao

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