Suu Kyi starts state counsellor duties
YANGON - Aung San Suu Kyi has started discharging her duties as state counsellor, according to Dr Myat Nyana Soe, the secretary of the Joint Bill Committee.
The State Counsellor Bill was approved by Parliament on April 6 and President Htin Kyaw signed it on the same day.
“The bill was signed by the president and is left just to be announced in the gazette. Suu Kyi can start duty as state counsellor,” said Aung Kyi Nyunt of the Upper House’s Joint Bill Committee.
The bill states that the role is essential to multiparty, federal democracy and peaceful development.
It said Suu Kyi must give suggestions in the interests of the state which must be constitutional and responsible to Parliament. According to the law, she can contact and cooperate with the cabinet and ministries. She is allowed to enjoy a salary, bonus, insignia and privileges that are allocated in the budget.
She is also minister for foreign affairs and the president's office.
