(This episode is Than Shwe legally granting a slush fund for himself.)
Just before the recently elected Union Parliament (Pyidaungzu Hluttaw) was initiated on January 31 the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) promulgated a law establishing a slush fund for the Commander-in-chief of Burma’s armed forces on January 27.
By this law Than Shwe generously granted himself unlimited amount of money out of State Budget to use for whatever he fancies. This is the English version of that law called The Special Fund Law.
Union of Myanmar
State Peace and Development Council
The Special Fund Law for Perpetuating the National Sovereignty
(SPDC Law No. 10/2011)
Year 1372, Pyatho La-pyay-kyaw 8th day
(January 27, 2011)
Preamble
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Chapter (1)
Title, Date of Enforcement, and Definition
1. (a) This law shall be called The Law for The Special Fund for Perpetuation of the Union Sovereignty.
(b) This law is effective immediately.
2. The following expressions contained in this law shall have the meanings given hereunder.
(a) State Constitution means the Constitution of Union of Myanmar.
(b) Tatmadaw Commander-in-chief means the Commander-in-chief of all armed forces of Myanmar.
(c) The Special Fund means the reserved fund allocated to be used for defending the Constitution and the State from external and internal threats.
Chapter (2)
Granting the Special Fund
3. With the Union President’s approval the money requested by the Tatmadaw Commander-in-chief must be allocated to the Special Fund annually.
Chapter (3)
Duties and Powers of Tatmadaw Commander-in-chief
4. Tatmadaw Commander-in-chief is allowed to freely use the Special Fund in both local and foreign currencies for the expenditures incurred in carrying out the duties for non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of the Solidarity of National Races, and the Perpetuation of State Sovereignty
5. No individual person or organization is allowed to scrutinize or audit the usage of the Special Fund.
6. At the end of financial year the Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief is to report the detail usage of the Special Fund to the Union President.
Than Shwe
Senior General
Chairman
State Peace and Development Council
