RANGOON — The government has continued its silence surrounding last week’s sacking of Religious Affairs Minister Hsan Hsint.
On Monday, Deputy Home Affairs Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Kyaw Tun told reporters during a break in Parliament that he could not reveal the details of the case against the sacked minister.
“We still can’t disclose anything about U Hsan Hsint yet,” he said, adding that he could neither confirm nor deny reports that the former religious affairs minister is being detained Yamethin Prison in Mandalay Division. ‘
State-run media announced on Friday that Hsan Hsint had been forced to resign because he had failed to adequately carry out his duties. The announcement came after a scandalous raid on a prominent monastery in Rangoon, and amid opposition to a ministry-drafted bill to restrict religious conversion.
Presidential spokesman Ye Htut said Hsan Hsint was under investigation for several alleged misdeeds, including poor handling of the religious affairs portfolio.
Burmese-language newspapers have reported, however, that the former minister misused ministry funds for personal family interests.
