Thein Sein proposes to scrap ministries

Published on Tuesday, 04 September 2012 21:38

Myanmar President Thein Sein seeks legislative approval to make several changes in the number of ministries and ministers, citing it for better supervision and efficiency.

In his letters dated Aug. 29 and 31 to Union Assembly Speaker Khin Aung Myint, Thein Sein proposed to shut down Ministry of Myanmar Industrial Development, as well as to merge Ministry of Electric Power No. 1 and 2 into a new Ministry of Electric Power.

The industrial development ministry oversees industrial megaprojects. It is headed by Thein Htay who is also Minister of Border Affairs and once served under the military junta as deputy minister of defense.

Thein Sein said such giant factories are essential to enhance the industrial sector. He added, however, the country needs more time to work on such megaprojects.

Moreover, Myanmar has also a Ministry of Industry which oversees smaller industrial projects.

In his letters, Thein Sein also suggested that the two electrical power ministries should be merged so it can concentrate on better supervision and closer cooperation in ensuring an adequate production and supply of electricity.

There are currently 30 ministers for 34 ministries. According to Thein Sein, there should be 36 ministers for 36 ministries, instead.

The president is allowed to seek approval from the Upper Assembly in restructuring the Cabinet, as stipulated by the Section 32 and Bylaw 24 of the Upper Assembly.

Interested parliamentarians have been requested to inform the director-general of the assembly office of their willingness to participate in the discussion of the president’s proposal not later than Sept. 3, Speaker Khin Aung Myint said. The Upper Assembly will decide on the issue the next day.