Myanmar outgoing army-backed President Thein Sein has asked parliament to extend the powers of the military controlled
home affairs ministry by giving it control over immigration. President’s Office said Sein has decided to combine the ministry of immigration and population and ministry of home affairs and has written to parliament asking for its approval.
The surprise move comes just days before the incumbent military dominated parliament hands over to a legislature led by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party, as the balance of power begins to tilt partially away from the army for the first time in generations. It is expected to be discussed in the legislature today. If approved, the proposal would significantly add to the military’s power even under an NLD government.