Removed Rakhine national, former colonel appointed as Arakan State chief minister

Narinjara News, 2 February 2023

In Arakan, where only Rakhine nationals were traditionally appointed as the State chief minister, the Myanmar military council after a nearly decade has appointed a retired colonel (also former Rakhine border and security affairs minister) as the State government chief.

The appointed Arakan chief minister U Htain Lin is a Baman national.

His appointment in accordance with article 419 of the Constitution was announced on 1 February last with the signature of the military council secretary Lt Gen Aung Lin Dway.

A political analyst commenting on the appointment of a person with military background as the Rakhine State government chief stated that it indicated many points including the conflicts with the Arakan Army.

"It's too early to comment on the development. But removing a civilian prime minister and putting a retired army colonel in his place may have some consequences. If there emerges a military confrontation with AA members, the authority has taken a significant decision,” he added.

Otherwise,  Htain Lin is known as a moderate person, even though he supports the military authority. So it’s assumed that he will not hesitate to follow the military council’s instructions whenever needed.

The military council recently announced that the former Rakhine State chief Dr Aung Kyaw Min has been appointed as a member of the State planning and administration council.

ANP party leader Daw Aye Nu Sein, who was associated with the State planning and administration unit, has been appointed as a member of the central advisory council of the military regime in Naypietaw.