"Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (pictured), commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), recently visit non-Buddhist organisations and places of worship and made donations. According to some observers, the move represents an attempt to promote unity among the country’s different communities; for others, it is dictated by political opportunism, ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections. Recently, the close relations between military leaders and ultra-nationalist movements had raised controversy. These groups accuse the civilian government of not protecting the traditions and culture of Buddhism, a task they believe is done by the military alone. Yesterday morning, the General led a group of senior officers and their families to donate money and necessities to an Islamic hospital in the municipality of Kyauktada (Yangon). The delegation then visited the Sri Sri Durga Bari Hindu temple. Aung Thwin, vice chairman of the Hindu Central Council, said that the military left offerings for 7.7 million kyats (US$ 5,000) for the community’s orphanages and clinics. The General and officers also went to the Zafar Shah Mosque. This was the third in a series of visits to non-Buddhist holy places by the Commander-in-chief. Last week, he donated money and provisions to Christian and Muslim groups in Mandalay, as well as Buddhist monks from the monasteries of Bhamo and Ma Soe Yein. As a gesture to foster political, social and religious cohesion, the general gave 9.5 million kyats (US,200) and 140 bags of rice, oil, peas and salt..."