Myint Swe, the man nominally Myanmar’s president, is reportedly suffering severe health problems, a state media report said on Friday. This update comes at a very appropriate time, at a time when the current state of emergency will expire in the next couple of weeks.
Health Concerns
Myint Swe who assumed the presidency after the February 2021 military coup is reported to be in his seventies and suffers from severe psychomotor retardation and malnutrition, sources say While the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported that he is experiencing neurological disorders and peripheral neuropathy. Also, he is subject to surgery on his eyes.
Impact on the Junta
Indeed, while Myint Swe mostly serves a formal decease, his deteriorating condition may give rise to constitutional complications for the junta. Official decrees go through him and he also fulfils the need of the military government for a legitimating authority. The junta is under a lot of pressure the armed uprising increasing, the economy in Myanmar is weak which puts a lot of pressure on General Min Aung Hlaing who is the coup leader.
It has been lengthening the state of emergency beyond its expiration of July 31 while it has declared plans for future elections that are yet to be held.
Succession Uncertainty
Myint Swe followed the presidency upon the arrest of the former president Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi who have been in detention since February. According to the analyst Richard Horsey from Crisis Group, without the identified heir, further procedures will be launched with Min Aung Hlaing, but the latter cannot become the president personally. Their lack of confidence as to the matter may be having an impact on the current debates as regards possible elections.
One Myint Swe, who had reportedly been treated in Singapore, is reported not to have been gaining any better. It is reported that he requires constant medical attention even for basic activities like feeding.