The National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) on February 3 enacted the Union Advisory Council Law, which authorizes the President to form a Union Advisory Council composed of suitable individuals, including a Chairperson and a Secretary, with no fewer than five members.

The NDSC enacted this law by exercising the legislative powers of the Union Parliament under Section 427 of the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The stated objectives of the law are to strengthen a genuine and disciplined multi-party democratic system, to build a Union based on democratic and federal principles, and to promote national peace, prosperity, and food security.

The law stipulates that, without affecting the executive and judicial powers distributed under the Constitution, the President is empowered to establish the Council so that it may provide advice and coordination, in line with the law’s objectives, on matters relating to national security and rule of law, international relations, peace affairs, and legislative matters.

It further states that the President must form the Council with appropriate individuals, including a Chairperson and a Secretary, with at least five members in total. When forming the Council, the President must designate the Chairperson and Secretary and determine the duties and powers of the Council.

Under the general provisions, the Union Government is responsible for determining the monthly remuneration, allowances, insignia, and entitlements of Council members. The term of the Council will be the same as the term of the President. The Office of the President will arrange the administrative functions of the Council and is authorized to issue necessary rules, orders, notifications, and directives to implement the provisions of this law.