The Mon State Hluttaw [Parliament] voted on Wednesday to confirm the Kyaikto representative to the post left vacant by the resignation of former Chief Minister U Min Min Oo. He was sworn in shortly thereafter by Hluttaw Speaker Daw Tin Tin Ei.
Speaking after the vote, Dr. Aye Zan said he plans to prioritize the development and integration of Mon State by promoting minority ethnic culture and uplifting the average person. The new minister said he will serve all of the state’s residents and ethnic social organizations, and plans to put a priority on spreading peace and development to every township.
“It is time to move on from a system based on human whim, to one based on the rule of law. All residents of Mon State will soon feel the benefits of this shift.”
He added that while Mon State is well-endowed with natural resources, residents must work hard to enjoy their benefits.
Dr. Aye Zan was nominated to the post on March 1 by Union President U Htin Kyaw and enjoyed broad support from the leadership of the Hluttaw. Dr. Aung Naing Oo, Deputy Speaker of the body, said he saw no reason to object to the new minister’s nomination.
“As a member of the government and a Hluttaw representative, I want to welcome Dr. Aye Zan. We have great hope for what he can do for the state during the remaining four years of this term.”
Dr. Aye Zan, 63, was first elected to parliament in 1990 but was prevented from serving by the military regime’s annulment of the election’s results. He won the same Kyaikto seat in the 2015 general election and serves as chair of the Finance, Planning and Economic Committee, and the Natural Resources Committee.
President U Htin Kyaw accepted former minister U Min Min Oo’s resignation on February 23 following complaints about the latter’s conduct and conflicts of interest.
