Sanctioned former Myanmar junta general Aung Lin Dwe appointed Speaker of the National Assembly in junta-led parliament

Mizzima

In a widely condemned move to consolidate its political framework, the Myanmar military junta appointed former General Aung Lin Dwe as the Speaker of the National Assembly (Amyotha Hluttaw) on 18 March.

The appointment took place during a parliamentary session in Naypyidaw following military-organized elections that have been labelled a “sham” by the National Unity Government (NUG) and much of the international community.

U Aung Lin Dwe was the sole nominee for the position, and acting chairperson Daw Dwe Bu formally declared his appointment. A key figure in the military administration, Aung Lin Dwe served as the Secretary of the State Administration Council (SAC) following the 2021 coup and currently holds a position as a junta member and Chief Executive of the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC).

Before the takeover, he served as the Judge Advocate General. Due to his role in the military’s senior leadership, he is currently under personal sanctions by the United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, and the United States.

At the same session, junta Minister Jeng Phang Naw Taung was elected Vice Speaker of the National Assembly. Earlier, on 16 March, U Khin Yi, chair of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), was elected Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw, with Information Minister U Maung Maung Ohn appointed as Vice Speaker.

Union Prime Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than of the National Unity Government (NUG) condemned the junta’s election as an attempt to entrench its power. He described it as a “baseless show” aimed at deceiving the international community.

He added on 16 March that any election or parliament lacking public legitimacy would likewise fail to gain international recognition, warning that both revolutionary forces and the public would oppose it.