Civil-military relations critical for success of new Myanmar gov't
- By Niranjan Sahoo
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E-mail China.org.cn, April 15, 2016
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Presidential candidate U Htin Kyaw (L) of the National League for Democracy (NLD) arrives at the Union Parliament in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, March 15, 2016. U Htin Kyaw from National League for Democracy (NLD) was elected as new president of Myanmar. (Xinhua/U Aung) |
After months of suspense, a democratic government took the mantle to govern Myanmar. U Htin Kyaw, a long-time aid of Aung San Suu Kyi, is the new President. In reality, Suu Kyi will remain at the real center of power.
Although the existing constitution denies Suu Kyi the top post, she has been vested with key portfolios such as education, electric power, energy and foreign ministry, apart from holding the Office of the Presidency. To allow her more legroom, a constitutional amendment was made to create the position of State Advisor, effectively making her the de facto ruler. Thus, in every sense Htin Kyaw will be the rubber stamp head and Suu Kyi will act as the real face of the new government.
While the government formation was billed as a most difficult exercise, it turned out to be a smooth affair. Even the military members of parliament (MP) who raised a lot of opposition to Suu Kyi becoming advisor received an unprecedented mandate that the National League for Democracy (NLD) received in the November 2015 general elections.
This could be because the military members know well the challenges facing a new government. From the unprecedented mandate that the NLD received from all regions and sections of Burmese populations, it is clear that the new government carries a huge burden of expectations.
Many may not understand that this resource rich country has one of the lowest (after Cambodia) per capita GDP in the Southeast Asian region. In most key human development indicators, Myanmar sits at the bottom of the pit in Southeast Asia.
The country's infrastructure, be it roads, railways or waterways, are creaky and crumbling. Also, due to long years of military rule, most of its service delivery institutions are rusty and out of sync with new realities. While the country might have a youthful population and an abundant supply of labor, jobs available are few and far between. It will test the capacities of new government to transform an ossified bureaucracy with a military mentality and deliver on key premises of governance and inclusive development.
Those who are following the affairs of the Myanmar political economy know well that it is one of the most unequal societies in Asia. While the country's economic profile has taken a positive turnaround, thanks largely in part to China and its Southeast Asian neighbors, most of the benefits of such high growth have been captured by the military elites and their cronies, leaving millions of people to fend for themselves. Therefore, bridging inequality and creating a future for the millions of the poor and impoverished population would be the foremost preoccupation of the new government.
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