Myanmar parliament to approve nominees of new cabinet members

Presidential candidate U Htin Kyaw (L) of the National League for Democracy (NLD) arrives at the Union Parliament in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, March 15, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

NAY PYI TAW - Myanmar's Union Parliament is due to approve nominees of ministers Tuesday submitted by President-elect U Htin Kyaw to run 21 new government ministries.

According to U Htin Kyaw's proposal plan of reforming the cabinet, 18 ministers will be named for the 21 ministries and the number was approved by the parliament on Monday by a vote of 611-3 with 21 abstentions.

President-elect U Htin Kyaw made his first public appearance by delivering a speech in the Union Parliament, clarifying the plan of forming a new government with 21 ministries and 18 ministers, slashed from 36 and 32 respectively in the outgoing government.

U Htin Kyaw said his cabinet aims to prioritize quality over quantity, build a corruption-free government, focus on national interest, save public money and form an efficient and consolidated government.

Cutting some ministries could save state budget of over 5 billion kyats (about 5 million US dollars) over the next five years which can be used as fund for needy sectors such as education, healthcare and rural development, he said, adding that staying on a thrifty budget is imperative for lifting Myanmar out of the list of Least Developed Countries.

He told government employees not to worry about their jobs, saying they will continue to be taken care of under public servants law.