The seventh regular session of Myanmar’s Parliament convened this week, with the news headlines dominated by a cabinet reshuffle of the National League for Democracy-led government.
Monday (Jan.15)
Union Minister for Planning and Finance U Kyaw Win submitted a budget for the transitional period—a six-month period from April 1 to Sep. 30—ahead of the new fiscal year timeframe of October 1-September 30.
The Defense Ministry asked for a budget of more than 1.3 trillion kyats (US$1 billion) including about 2 billion kyats for its military operations—an amount higher than the combined total of the health and education budgets.
Tuesday (Jan. 16)
U Win Khaing, who was previously in charge of both the Construction Ministry and the Electricity and Energy Ministry, was assigned to lead the latter only.
President U Htin Kyaw proposed U Han Zaw as the construction minister, and appointed U Aung Hla Tun, a veteran journalist and vice-chairman of Myanmar Press Council, as the deputy information minister.
Wednesday (Jan. 17)
The Lower House agreed to debate a proposal from Yangon’s Kayan Township lawmaker Dr. Aye Min to recognize outperforming civil servants with awards and entitlements such as foreign pleasure and study trips in order to boost the morale of civil servants.
Thursday (Jan. 18)
In the Lower House, U Min Thein of Taungdwingyi asked if the Construction Ministry would tar the road to Kwe Chaung Fort, a historic structure on the bank of the Irrawaddy River built by Prince Kanaung in 1863 in Magwe Township, so that it is easily accessible in all seasons for visitors. Deputy Construction Minister U Kyaw Linn replied that the road would be tarred only after the 2020-21 fiscal year.
Friday (Jan. 19)
The Union Parliament recorded the appointment of Myanaung Township lawmaker U Hla Moe Aung as the chief minister of Irrawaddy Region to succeed Mahn Johnny; and U Tha Oo as deputy transport and communications minister; and the appointment of U Han Zaw as the construction minister.
