The military council announced that U Myint Swe, acting president of the military council, handed over his duties as the interim president to the military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, today, July 22.
The statement stated that U Myint Swe was not healthy and had to take medical leave, so that the National Defense and Security Council (Kallon) matters could be continued.
The military council that seized power is about to end the emergency period extended for the fifth time at the end of July 31 this month.
National Unity Government (NUG) Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson U Ne Boon Lat said that General Min Aung Hlaing is using the military to maintain power, and those in the military should do something.
"Min Aung Hlaing wanted to be the president very much. He seized power through violence. Some people said that he seized power because he did not accept the position of president. There is still a desire to make him the president from the interim president, so the revolutionary forces are trying all kinds of ways to prevent that from happening. Also, those in the army who want to preserve the dignity of the military to stop the issue of a military leader using the military to maintain his power as soon as possible, think carefully and do something."
After the coup, the military council continued to appoint the two vice presidents under the NLD government, U Myint Swe and U Henry Van Thieu, and assigned U Myint Swe as interim president. However, the Military Council announced that Vice President U Henry Van Thieu had retired on April 22 due to health reasons .
The military council announced on July 18 that Acting President U Myint Swe is in poor health and unable to perform daily duties, so he is receiving close medical care. Less than a week after this announcement, the military council leader General Min Aung Hlaing was announced to be the interim president.