Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services directed all military leaders to be complacent during a speech to Military and trainee officers at the Convocation Hall, Military University in Pyin Oo Lwin on August 17.
The speech by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was the cover news in The New Light of Myanmar on August 18.
“The military leaders should be complacent and be gratified with what they have. I would like everyone to execute their duties honestly, modestly, industriously and with full of altruism”, he stated in the speech.
However, the Myanmar Economic Holdings founded by former high-ranking military officers own many lucrative businesses at the expense of civilians. The Holding is being accused of lack of transparency and accountability, as they have never publicized their business profit.
Some also question the privilege the military enjoys as per Section 20(b) of the 2008 Constitution that allows the Defense Services the right to independently administer all affairs concerning the armed forces.
Moreover, the land grabbed by the military throughout the country is larger than the area of Yangon. They have grabbed a total of 297,000 acres. MPs in the Parliament are in major discussions regarding the military's land grab issue. The Anti-Corruption Law that was promulgated this month have sections which states that the government
authorities and their families will have to declare their possessions.
On December 7, 2012, Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, who was a Vice Senior General at that time, gave a speech to cadets who completed training serial (55). He said, “If you force yourself to headship in your own army, you will become an autocrat and your leadership will be short lived.”
The word “autocrat” has never been used by the former Junta or military officers. It was used only by opposition parties.
“It should be noted that you will commit mistakes if you prioritize your desires”, said the Commander-in-Chief to the cadets who will soon become military officers.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also said that the army's primary task is the defense of the nation. However, it is ironic that 1/4th of the Members of Parliament are military officers who were appointed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services.
