Rakhine Launches Investigation Into State Minister as Part of Impeachment Process

By Min Aung Khine 10 April 2018

Sittwe—The Rakhine State Parliament has formed an investigation team to bring impeachment charges against U Kyaw Aye Thein, the state minister for planning and finance, for his alleged failure to fulfill ministerial duties.

After 12 lawmakers submitted a petition to impeach the minister, State Parliamentary Speaker U San Kyaw Hla set up the investigation team on April 9.

U Kyaw Aye Thein is accused of failing to comply with financial rules and regulations and procedures in using state funds, as well as failing to perform his ministerial duties.

“There are many wrongdoings that he has committed, especially concerning the public interest. We already have the evidence,” U Nai Kywe Aye, a National League for Democracy lawmaker from Thandwe Township and the head of the investigation team, told The Irrawaddy.

The announcement about the investigation reads “the team was formed in line with Article 263 (c) of the 2008 Constitution in response to a proposal to impeach Minister U Kyaw Aye Thein, whose failure to perform his duties has resulted in significant losses from regional development works planned in respective townships in Rakhine State.”

The team will start its investigation after the Thingyan festival and is due to report its findings on May 30, U Nai Kywe Aye said.

In addition to U Nai Kywe Aye, the investigation team comprises lawmakers U Aye Thein, U Oo Than Naing, U Aung Than Tin of the Arakan National Party and U Tun Hla Sein of the Union Solidarity and Development Party.

Municipal Minister U Min Aung of Rakhine was dismissed in December after being impeached by the state parliament for failure to perform his duties.