State counselor bill to be debated in Myanmar Lower House

Xinhua News Agency

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Myanmar's Lower House on Monday accepted debating a bill calling for appointment of a state counselor in the new cabinet, a post to be created for Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Lower House's Bill Committee agreed to the bill without adjustments as approved by the House of Nationalities.

However, the military representiatves objected the bill, saying it was complicated. The Lower House insisted on approving the bill on Tuesday.

The state counselor bill, first submitted to the House of Nationalities last Thursday, had been approved by the House by a vote of 137 to 68.

The bill guarantees Aung San Suu Kyi's right to contact government ministries, departments, organizations, associations and individuals for counsel. She will be accountable in her duty to the Union Parliament.

The term of office for the counselor of state is the same as that of the president.

The bill is aimed at helping create a multi-party democracy in Myanmar and build a peaceful, modern and developed nation with a market-oriented economic system and establish a democratic, free federal union.

Aung San Suu Kyi, NLD chairperson, was appointed last Wednesday as Myanmar's new foreign minister concurrently holding three other portfolio -- minister at the President's Office, minister of education and minister of electric power and energy. The later two portfolios are likely to be changed to be held by two other new nominees re-proposed by the president to the Union Parliament.

The Lower House had also appointed Aung San Suu Kyi as chairperson of the Joint Coordination Committee for Development of Parliamentary Affairs. Enditem