Two government ministers from Myanmar’s Bago region -- U Kyaw Min San, the region’s minister for resources, environmental conservation and forestry, and Municipal and Social Affairs Minister U Maung Maung Lwin -- resigned on Wednesday, bringing to four the number ministers who have quit in 2018. They joined Irrawaddy Region Chief Minister Mahn Johnny and the regional minister for agriculture, livestock, resources and environmental conservation, U Ba Hein, in leaving Aung San Suu Kyi’s nearly two-year-old National League for Democracy (NLD) government. Thinn Thiri of RFA’s Myanmar Service spoke to Monywa Aung Shin, NLD party spokesperson about the ongoing government shake-up.
RFA: There have been several resignations from the government these days. Will there be any more changes?
Monywa Aung Shin: In my personal opinion, there will be more changes in the government in the future.
RFA: Why?
Monywa Aung Shin: We made six decisions in the Central Committee meeting, and one of them is to reform the Central Executive Committees. I feel it means there will be changes. There are some rumors of more chief ministers’ resignations as well. The changes during these days are because of weak accountability, corruption and social affairs and it is normal.
RFA: When will the government team become stable?
Monywa Aung Shin: I think within three or four months.
RFA: Would there be some delay in some sectors because of this instability in government?
Monywa Aung Shin: That would be normal. Every government will get delay when it is in an unstable situation. But, the government will not only watch. The government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will work their hardest on what they should be doing.
RFA: There will be a by-election in 2018 and general elections in 2020. What is the NLD doing to prepare for these elections?
Monywa Aung Shin: I don’t see much preparation for the 2018 by-election, but the NLD is focusing on the 2010 general election and will be running campaigns.
Translated by Khet Mar.