News Analysis: Myanmar's new gov't supports five-pronged approach to leadership, eyes national consolidation, reconciliation

Myanmar's new President U Htin Kyaw, nominated by the Aung San Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy (NLD), was sworn into office Wednesday, completing the power transfer from outgoing president U Thein Sein and seeing the NLD take the helm for the first time in history.

The new NLD-led government, which will formally start its rule on Friday, will support a five-pronged approach to its leadership based on the formation of the government cabinet, notions of power sharing, as well as a focus on the balance of nationalities.

The NLD-government is presenting itself as one which calls for national consolidation and is stressing national reconciliation. Of the two speakers and two deputy speakers of parliament, three are ethnic nationals. Regarding the three posts of president and vice presidents, the NLD not only nominated one ethnic national to take up the post of vice president, but also added a ministry of ethnic affairs to reinforce commitments to dealing with issues of ethnicity.

The NLD government has also demonstrated political inclusiveness and national reconciliation. Of the 18 new government cabinet members, all but three portfolios have been directly assigned by the military according to the constitution. The NLD "reserved" two posts for the former ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and invited six individuals and one ethnic national to take up portfolios, leaving just six posts for the party itself.

A major reshuffle of administrative bodies represents the NLD's third special feature. Former President U Thein Sein formed 36 ministries, while the NLD new government cut the number to 21. The bold measures won extensive support in parliament, including members from the USDP and the military.

In his clarification in parliament on his proposal of forming the new government, President U Htin Kyaw said his cabinet aims to prioritize quality over quantity, foster a non-corruptive government that will focus on national interests, save public money, and follow through with its plans for enhancing efficiency and consolidation.

Scaling back some ministries could save the state budget more than 5 billion kyats (about 5 million U.S. dollars), which can be re-channeled into education, healthcare and rural development, the new president also pointed out.

He told government employees not to worry about their jobs in the face of ministry cuts and said that they will continue to be cared for under the public servants law.

The NLD government is selecting experts to rule the country. Prior to the general election, some observers were anxious about a lack of human resources within the NLD, with commentators claiming this could present a stumbling block.

However, NLD chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi, in her inter-party speech, had removed such external doubts, while warning cadres of the NLD not to think that winning the election means becoming senior officials, but to serve the country and the people.

The military's involvement in maintaining balance is another key feature of the new government. Despite the NLD garnering a strong foundation of public support, the three key ministries of defense, home affairs and border affairs are controlled by the military. It is up to NLD, therefore, to ensure their correct management and nab lance relationship disparities.

In his speech at his swearing-in ceremony, President U Htin Kyaw said he is the person accountable for parliament and the government formed out of the result of the 2015 general election in accordance with policies of the NLD led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

His government will strive to amend the current constitution, he said. "I am responsible for the formulation of a constitution that will be in accord with the democratic norms suited to our country. I am also aware that I need to be patient in realizing this political objective for which the people have long aspired."

He stressed that his government will seek to implement four policies of national reconciliation, internal peace, constitutional change -- specifically a constitution that will produce a democratic federal union, which will improve the quality of life of the majority of people.

In the portfolio appointments, Aung San Suu Kyi was named as Minister of Foreign Affairs and appointed to three other ministerial posts. Along with Suu Kyi's joining of the national defense and security council, these appointments also highlight a new chapter in Myanmar 's history, both in terms of internal and foreign relations. Endit