The State Counsellor of Myanmar () was the de facto head of government of Myanmar, equivalent to a prime minister, from 2016 to 2021. - Note that "Suu Kyi" is a part of her given name, and that she has no family name. The office was created in 2016 after Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won the 2015 Myanmar general election so she could lead the government despite being constitutionally ineligible for the presidency. The officeholder could “contact ministries, departments, organizations, associations and individuals” in an official capacity, while being accountable to parliament. The office was abolished by Aung San Suu Kyi's political adversary, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Min Aung Hlaing, after he seized power from her in a 2021 military coup d'état.
Background Constitutionally, the post was created on 6 April 2016 to allow for a greater role for Aung San Suu Kyi within the Government of Myanmar. Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a landslide victory in the 2015 Myanmar general election; however she is constitutionally barred from becoming President of Myanmar as her late husband Michael Aris was British and her two children also hold British nationality.
The bill to create the post was passed by the upper house of the Assembly of the Union on 1 April 2016 and by the lower house on 5 April 2016, and signed by President Htin Kyaw on 6 April 2016. The law explicitly references Aung San Suu Kyi, and references several priorities, including cultivation of a multi-party democratic system, proper implementation of a market economy system, establishment of a federal union, and establishment of domestic peace and development.
Roles and responsibilities The post was similar to that of a prime minister in that it allowed the holder to work across all areas of government and to act as a link between the executive and legislative branches. The State Counsellor had a term of five years, the same term as that of the president.
List of state counsellors
Portrait Name Term of Office Political PartyCabinet President AssemblyTerm startTerm endTerm in office Aung San Suu Kyi 6 April 2016 1 February 2021 National League for Democracy II NLD—Mil. Htin Kyaw, Win Myint rowspan=1
State Counsellorship of Aung San Suu Kyi + State Counsellorship of Aung San Suu Kyi (2016–2021) Category Key Initiatives & Achievements Diplomacy Led Myanmar's re-engagement with the West, including a major visit to the United States in 2016 to meet with Barack Obama, resulting in the lifting of key U.S. sanctions. Represented Myanmar at ASEAN summits, including the 37th ASEAN Summit and ASEAN Plus Three meetings, promoting regional cooperation. Facilitated Myanmar's participation in global forums such as the United Nations. Economic Reform Championed a transition toward a market economy, introducing policies to liberalize sectors such as banking and telecommunications. Focused on attracting foreign investment, including from China and Japan, boosting the country's economy after years of isolation. Supported economic development through infrastructure projects, such as the Myanmar–China Pipeline and Special Economic Zones. Education & Youth Founded the Daw Khin Kyi Foundation, which operates educational and vocational training programs, especially for marginalized communities. Promoted youth development by expanding access to education, particularly in rural areas. Served as Head of the Myanmar Scout Federation, an organization fostering leadership and civic engagement among youth. Ethnic Relations Led the 21st Century Panglong Conference, aimed at achieving peace and reconciliation with ethnic armed groups. Emphasized a federal system of governance and greater autonomy for ethnic minorities within the framework of Myanmar's constitution. Participated in state-level ethnic cultural events to promote unity and peace, including the Rakhine State peace-building efforts. International Standing Defended Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2019, responding to allegations of genocide against the Rohingya people. Despite international criticism, she retained considerable domestic political support, bolstering Myanmar's international influence.
See also Politics of Myanmar President of Myanmar Vice President of Myanmar Prime Minister of Myanmar Ministry of State Counsellor’s Office Chairman of the State Administration Council
References
External links Office of the State Counsellor (Burmese) Office of the State Counsellor (English)