Political analysts note that the calls from Junta supporters for coup leader General Min Aung Hlaing to step down as Commander-in-Chief are evident signs of internal divisions within the coup regime.
During a pro-Junta event in Pyin Oo Lwin on January 16th, Monk U Ariya Wun Tha, also known as Pauk Ko Taw, suggested that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is better suited for a civilian role, advocating for him to transition to such a position and transfer the Commander-in-Chief role to his deputy, Vice Senior General Soe Win.
"Transfer the post of Commander-in-Chief to the Deputy Commander-in-Chief. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing should assume the more suitable role of civilian Prime Minister," roared Pauk Ko Taw and the attendees at the event in unison.
The notion of Min Aung Hlaing stepping down from the position of Commander-in-Chief has gained significant traction among pro-Junta networks in recent months, extending beyond that event political analysts said.
U Than Soe Naing, a political analyst told Mizzima, the growing number of questions being raised over Min Aung Hlaing's competence, has fueled discontent and internal disagreements within the Military Council, dividing those who support him, from those who harbour doubts about his capabilities.
"We've learned that extensive discussions on this matter have taken place within their organization (the Military Council). Yet attempting to remedy the situation in this way will not find acceptance among the people of Myanmar. It is too late”, he said.
U Than Soe Naing asserts that the Military Council orchestrated the coup with the sole purpose of fulfilling Min Aung Hlaing's ambition to become the president. Considering his greed for the top position, Min Aung Hlaing is unlikely to be pleased with the new proposal presented by Junta supporters.
"In fact, if Soe Win had the guts, he could have seized power from Min Aung Hlaing himself. Due to his cowardice to take such a step, it appears that he is disseminating this notion through his subordinates”, he pointed out.
The Joint General Secretary of the Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS), Daw Hnin Hnin Hmway, expressed her opinion that Min Aung Hlaing's management of the post-coup period, and the way he handled conflicts and dilemmas arising from the coup, has led to disappointment among some countries that were initially willing to support him.
Daw Hnin Hnin Hmway elaborated, “We are already aware of the internal divisions and power struggles within the coup Regime. The growing calls for Min Aung Hlaing to step down as Commander-in-Chief could be a manipulation orchestrated by the Military Council. These actions seem to be aimed to shift the blame solely onto the shoulders of Min Aung Hlaing for all the war crimes. However the primary objective of these coup leaders -the senior generals, is to prevent further disintegration of their leadership group, and maintain their hold on power. So it is crucial for us to exploit the weaknesses within the Military Council and turn them into advantages for the revolution”.
In the aftermath of Operation 1027 initiated by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in late October, resistance battles have escalated nationwide, resulting in the Military Council losing numerous strategic bases and dozens of towns.
Nowadays, even Junta-backers who have consistently supported and promoted the coup regime, can now be observed openly criticizing Min Aung Hlaing's decisions and actions on social networks due to these setbacks.
Following the viral spread of Pauk Ko Taw's demand in Pyin Oo Lwin, there are extensive discussions within the pro-Junta community about the need to remove Min Aung Hlaing and replace him with someone who has the guts to take decisive actions.
