The Arakan State parliament on 16 August approved the appointment of colonel Min Than as Arakan State Security and Border Affairs minister.

 

Arakan State chief minister U Nyi Pu on 14 August submitted to the parliament the proposal to appoint a new minister and nominated colonel Min Than for the post of minister of security and border affairs. The nomination received no objection and Arakan State parliament endorsed it.

 

The new Security and Border Affairs minister said that he will serve the duty in line with the constitution.

 

“The constitution has some provisions related to the military. I will follow them. And, from section 381 to 390, these are regulations everyone should follow. I will also try to get people to follow them and to reach to peaceful and stable conditions in the region,” colonel Min Than said.

 

Regional lawmakers said that they hope the new minister can facilitate the affairs in Arakan State.

 

“In Arakan State, there are some problems involving regional affairs different ethnic groups. I hope the performance of the new minister can smooth the process of handling these issues” said U Aung Win, Arakan State MP for Myebon Township.

 

Colonel Min Than said that he believed that he can serve his duty without difficulty because he has experience with both military and political affairs.

 

“I believe I can safely do my duty to resolve the situation,” the colonel said.

 

The Union Election Commission on 18 July announced to substitute colonel Min Than for colonel Phone Tint.

 

U Khaing Kaung San, Executive director of the Wan Lark Foundation, said that regional minister for Security and Border Affairs needs to have good relations with people in the region.

 

“If a minister can treat people well, regional stability will increase. If there is tension with Arakanese people, it does not work,” he said.