Burma’s president and close Suu Kyi ally steps down at 71 due to ill health
BURMA’S president, a close friend of leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has announced he will retire.
The move puts a representative of the country’s already powerful military at least temporarily in a position of executive power.
The announcement said 71-year-old President Htin Kyaw wished to take a rest. It follows reports that he suffered ill health that forced him to travel abroad for medical care at least twice in the past year.
His post would be filled within seven working days, in line with the constitution.
He became president in March 2016 and was Burma’s first elected civilian president and head of its first government to be elected in free and fair polls since a 1962 military coup.
After he became president, Ms Suu Kyi became Burma’s de facto leader when she was named state councillor, a position created for the country’s once-leading voice for democracy since she is constitutionally banned from the presidency.
A clause in the charter bars anyone with a foreign spouse or child from holding the job; her two sons are British, as was her late husband.
By mutual agreement, Htin Kyaw in office acted as a proxy for Ms Suu Kyi, who is also foreign minister. Ms Suu Kyi had explained publicly – and to public approval -– that she would be “above the president”.
Burma has two vice presidents, and according to its constitution, 66-year old first vice president Myint Swe, who is close to the military, will serve as acting president.