Junta Leader Enacts “Union Advisory Council Law” in Move Seen as Imitating NLD’s State Counsellor Post
In a striking reversal of its previous stance, the Myanmar military junta has enacted a new “Union Advisory Council Law,” mirroring the very legislation it once vehemently opposed as unconstitutional when created for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
On February 3, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, acting in his capacity as Acting President, signed the “Union Advisory Council Law” (Law No. 3/2026).
Notably, despite the absence of a functioning national parliament, the junta invoked Section 419 of the 2008 Constitution to exercise the “legislative power of the Union Parliament” to pass the law. This maneuver stands in stark contrast to the military’s rhetoric in 2016, when its representatives branded the creation of the State Counsellor position for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi a “legislative coup.”
The new law grants the “Advisory Council” powers that extend far beyond mere advisory roles to the president. Under the legislation, the council will hold significant influence over both executive and legislative affairs. Political observers interpret this as a strategic move by Min Aung Hlaing to establish a “Counsellor” role for himself, allowing him to maintain absolute control over any puppet government that might emerge after his planned elections.
Note: This news has been translated and presented using AI.