NLD exercises absolute power

Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy is set to reduce the number of ministries from 36 to 20, aside from other moves drawn up ahead of the power transfer on March 30.
On the new administration, Win Htein, a member of the NLD central executive committee, said that six departments under the President's Office would be merged.
“A total of 36 ministries will be reduced to 20. For example, rail, road and water transport will be merged,” he said. The committee convened yesterday to finalise the list of would-be ministers.
He did not say whether the 20 ministries would include the ministries of Defense, Home Affairs and Border Affairs which are overseen by Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
The party expected the downsizing to boost efficiency. All along, it promised civil servants from the ministries being axed would not lose their jobs. It also promised training to those who want to move to other ministries.
Aside from the government downsizing, NLD is imposing strict rules on its MPs. While meeting the MPs in Nay Pyi Taw on March 1, Suu Kyi reportedly urged all MPs to submit their questions and motions to be filed in Parliament to a screening committee. MPs were also told to prepare for discussions with valid figures and supporting reasons. They were told to be aware of their behaviour and use of language, the MPs reported.
According to Hla Moe, secretary of the Lower House Rights Committee, MPs were also required to seek permission from the party if the questions or proposals are directly related to the party’s policy. “She is not satisfied with the proposals having been submitted to Parliament,” he said.
Last week, military representatives opposed the proposal by NLD’s Khin San Haling to restrict the transfer of state assets. They claimed her motion was based on old data.
Suu Kyi last week also instructed her MPs to sit an English-language proficiency exam, to be jointly hosted by parliamentary offices and British Council from March 8 to 10. Those with poor scores may need to take lessons. She sternly warned MPs from Yangon and Mandalay regions who did poorly in recent tests held by the NLD. MPs from other parties are also welcomed to take the exam.
NLD also defied the Thein Sein government, resolving to host the presidential transfer ceremony on March 30 in Parliament, against President Thein Sein’s will to hold a large ceremony.
Win Htein said that such would help save money.
“The ceremony is for the transfer of power to the new president, not the outgoing president. We want a low-cost ceremony while the president wants a ceremony on a grand scale.
"She told us the ceremony to transfer responsibility would be held simply in accordance with the Constitution. They agreed,” said Win Htein, referring to the discussion with Suu Kyi.
Thein Sein will not attend the ceremony. On the day, he will welcome the new president to the presidential residence, which would be later transferred. Political leaders, diplomats and other guests would later attend a dinner. 
On March 10, presidential nominations will be revealed, while Suu Kyi is widely anticipated to become the foreign minister. On the day, the Lower House, the Upper House and the military representatives will each nominate vice presidents. Each MP will vote for one of the three and the candidate with the highest votes will be the president, while the other two will serve as vice presidents.