Naval Admiral Nyan Htun: New First Vice-President

(This post is direct from the EMG on 15 August 2012.)

Admiral Nyan Htun (2011).

YANGON, Aug (15) - Navy chief Admiral Nyan Tun has been selected as the new vice president of Myanmar, Speaker of the Union Assembly Speaker U Khin Aung Myint announced this morning. The new vice president will take an oath in the presence of the Union Assembly Speaker.

The new vice president will take over from outgoing vice president (1) Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo, who was elected by the representatives of Defence Services in accordance with the 2008 Constitution.

It was reported that Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Assembly) and a body comprising the heads and deputy heads of the two Hluttaws (Lower and Upper Houses) in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw scrutinised the qualifications of the new vice president in keeping with sub-article (d) under Article 60 of the State Constitution.

A parliamentary scrutiny team was formed on July 12 to overview the nominations for vice president submitted by the representatives of the Defence Services.

The then vice president Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo had submitted his resignation letter on July 1, citing health reasons, to the Speaker of the Union Assembly in accordance with section 67 of the Union Government Law.

The vacancy for the vice president’s post was announced in a memo from the president addressed to the Speaker of the Union Assembly. The memo stated that “Vice President Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myin Oo underwent medical treatment in a hospital in Singapore from April 18 to May 1. After he returned from Singapore, the vice president continued medical treatment at home until June 30.

Despite the long treatment, he has not fully recovered, prompting further medical care. Therefore, he requested to step down from the vice president’s post with effect from July 1, in accordance with Article 72 of the State Constitution and section 67 of the Union Government Law. The memo of the president is sent in accordance with section 73, sub-section (f) to take necessary measures to fill the vacant post of vice president of the nation.”

Rangoon Chief-Minister Myint Swe.

The representatives from the Defence Services initially nominated U Myint Swe, chief minister of Yangon Region, to fill the vacancy of vice president, according to military personnel representative Brigadier-General Wai Lin, who revealed the information to reporters on July 10 during lunch break after the parliamentary session was adjourned.

Today’s announcement of choosing Admiral Nyan Tun came after U Myint Swe’s nomination had long been delayed. The reason why the chief minister was not appointed as vice president was not publicly revealed. The State Constitution prescribes that a vice presidential nominee can be chosen only if he meets the right qualifications of vice president.

(According to reliable sources U Myint Swe was rejected solely because of the fact that one of his sons has taken Australian citizenship a few years back.)

Myanmar has two vice presidents, of whom one with a military background is nominated from or not from parliamentarians by MPs from the Defence Services. The president and vice presidents can serve a five-year term not more than twice. They are also required to report their assets to the Speaker of the Union Assembly.

New First Vice-President Nyan Htun Taking Oath at Union Parliament.