Corruption, resistance to reform behind resignation of Burma’s vice president

Burma’s vice president Tin Aung Myint Oo was pushed out of government for his resistance to reforms and overt corruption, say sources close to the Burmese government.

Burmese media last week reported the vice president would resign for health reasons, however many doubt ill-health was the main reason for the former hardliner’s sudden departure. Sources close to the government say Mr Myint Oo entered a monastery on May 3, but were unable to confirm his resignation.

Chairman of the National League for Democracy (NLD) U Tin Oo said he had heard rumours that Mr Myint Oo was among over members of the former military regime who would be stood down from President Thein Sein’s government as part of a cabinet reshuffle.

“We have heard rumours that former hardliners will no longer taking part in coming activities in their administration,” Mr Tin Oo told reporters in Rangoon.

“But many rumours gradually become true in Burma,” he said.

Sources in Rangoon say a retirement to the monastery is a tactic frequently used by former politicians who want to stay out of the public eye.

Business sources in Rangoon claim overt corruption, controversial business deals and resistance to reforms led to the political demise of Mr Myint Oo.

Mr Tin Oo said the vice president was deeply involved with former general Than Shwe’s military regime.

“Most of the former generals are very much corrupt and involved in rampant corruption and bribery, that’s why they’re trying to save their skins and not expose it,” he said.

Burma watchers say Mr Myint Oo was considered to be one of the most corrupt of the ex-generals serving in the current administration and the government hope his removal will appease the international community and encourage the removal of more western sanctions.

Mr Tin Oo said the government was delaying announcing the formal retirement of the vice president while it decided who would take his place. In the event of his resignation, Mr Myint Oo’s replacement would be chosen by unelected military personnel, who make up one quarter of the Burmese parliament.

NLD chairman U Tin Oo. (Photo by Derek Stout)

Sources close to the Burmese government say this is only the start of a major reshuffle inside Burma’s government, as President Thein Sein’s cabinet seeks to remove members with controversial links to the former military regime from power.

Mr Tin Oo said another possible casualty of a cabinet reshuffled could be ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) member, U Aung Thaung.

Other heads potentially on the chopping block include USDP member Htay Oo, as well as Information Minister Kyaw San and Electric power Minister Zaw Min.

Mr Myint Oo, one of two vice presidents and former military adviser to junta leader Than Shwe, released a formal statement on May 3 declaring his formal resignation for health reasons, according to Burmese media.

However, the government has still not made an official announcement about his position and Burmese media organisations have reportedly been banned from reporting the speculation.

Advocacy group ALTSEAN Burma says Mr Myint Oo is extremely wealthy and corrupt and has abused his position as head of the Myanmar Trade Council to enrich himself, his family business, and business allies.

He also serves as Chairman of the Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), the military’s economic arm.

The NLD chairman said the government would most likely delay announcing the resignation of the vice president until parliament re-opened in July.

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