Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's military leader, was officially sworn in as president, marking a continuation of power in a civilian leadership role after he seized control from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi five years ago. Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul sent a congratulatory message.
At the ceremony held in Naypyidaw, 69-year-old Min Aung Hlaing took an oath pledging to "commit to promoting justice, freedom, and equality," dedicating himself to serving the Republic of the Union of Myanmar for a five-year term. He resigned as Commander-in-Chief to assume the presidency of the new government ahead of the upcoming Songkran festival next week.
The event's surroundings were heavily secured with top-level security, including bomb disposal units patrolling the hotel and numerous checkpoints around the parliamentary complex.
In a speech lasting less than 20 minutes with over 50 foreign guests attending, Min Aung Hlaing said, "Myanmar is steadily progressing toward democracy, but the new government still faces many obstacles and challenges to overcome." He added, "The new government will implement plans based on democracy and a federal system. Our top priorities are democracy and peace."
He further stated, "We will strengthen international relations and are committed to restoring normal ties with ASEAN."
Although officials promoted the January election as a return of power to the people, human rights observers called it a sham election. Of the 30 ministers sworn in together, over two-thirds are military personnel, both active and retired. More than 10 ministers are individuals listed on international sanctions. Moreover, the election banned Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party from participating, and voting was not held in many conflict-affected areas where clashes with resistance groups continue.
Analysts view the main goal of the election as creating a "cosmetic legitimacy" to restore foreign relations and investment. Representatives from neighboring countries including Thailand, China, and India attended the oath-taking ceremony.
Myanmar government media reported that Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul sent a congratulatory message expressing confidence that under Min Aung Hlaing's leadership, bilateral relations would strengthen. China is regarded as the largest supporter of this election and plans to revive various previously stalled infrastructure projects.
However, pro-democracy campaigners maintain that this transition cannot resolve the country's internal conflict as long as the leadership remains the same group that has used violence to suppress the people over the past five years.