PATHEIN, Irrawaddy Region — U Hla Moe Aung, the lawmaker representing Irrawaddy’s Myanaung Township, has become the new chief minister of the regional government.
The Irrawaddy Parliament, during its special meeting on Thursday, confirmed the nominee selected by President U Htin Kyaw to succeed Mahn Johnny, who stepped down for health reasons on Jan. 9.
“I will focus mainly on economic development of the Irrawaddy Region based on agriculture,” U Hla Moe Aung, the new chief minister, told The Irrawaddy.
“At the same time, I’ll try to improve transportation and the electricity supply in the short time I’ve got,” he added, as he has nearly three years until his term expires in 2020.
The new chief minister also vowed to fight corruption in his government. “What I can guarantee is that I’ll work hard for the people.”
The 56-year-old is a graduate in agriculture, and is also the vice-chairman of the Myanaung Township chapter of the National League for Democracy (NLD). He also served as the secretary of the regional parliamentary committee on agriculture, livestock, irrigation and resources.
“It is fair to say that a change has started for the Irrawaddy Region,” said Thabaung Township lawmaker U Aung Aung Oo.
“As he is an agricultural graduate, I hope he can develop the agricultural sector of the region. For a chief minister, management is the most important thing. And I believe he will be able to do his best in that regard,” he added.
The regional Parliament will continue its meeting on Jan. 23 to proceed with formal procedures for the appointment of the new chief minister.
Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
