Five Who Call the Shots

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Five Who Call the Shots
Sketches of the strongest of the strongmen

Asiaweek February 13, 1998.


Myanmar is ruled by a 19-man State Peace and Development Council. In truth
five members run the show, perhaps guided occasionally by former ruler Gen.
Ne Win. The power quintet:

Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt
 At 58, the thin-lipped Secretary-1 of the ruling council (known as S-1)
appears to be a top man for affairs of state and policy-making. Still
sometimes derided, however, as "the little guy under Ne Win." Charming
intelligent, wry sense of humor, excellent English, but shy and cautious
with strangers. Intelligence services head since 1983. Seen as robustly
anti-corruption. Weakness: no real power base among active army units,
which may be fatal to his vision to open up Myanmar. Likes to read. Avoid
pork and beef, and every Monday goes strictly vegetarian.

Gen. Maung Aye
Council vice chairman and, more importantly, head of the armed forces, the
single most important job in the country. Charmless but respected by fellow
officers and liked by ordinary grunts. Admired for holding together the
army's many factions and often recalcitrant regional commanders - and for
making sure its budget is not cut. In his early 60s.

Senior Gen. Than Shwe
Council chairman and head of state. On paper, the most powerful man, but in
reality seen as a portly father figure whose main role is to balance the
Khin Nyunt and Maung Aye factions. Genial and speaks good English. Now 65,
he tires easily, though rumors of his questionable health and overstated.

Lt. Gen. Tin Oo
Secretary-2 of the Council. In his 60s, Tin Oo is aligned with the more
dogmatic Maung Aye camp. Last year he was the victim of at least one
assassination attempt. In April, his daughter was killed by a letter bomb
intended for him, and rumor has it that in December he received a light
flesh wound from a gun attack at his home. Tainted with allegations of
corruption, partly due to opulent lifestyle of family and due to the
attempts on his life -- which some feel may be from businessmen whom he has
crossed.

Lt. Gen. Win Myint
Secretary-3. Cheery and plump. Has retained his powerful post as
adjutant-general, which gives him clout to control appointments in the
military. Avoids limelight, but is regarded, aside from his soulmate S-1,
as the brightest man in the top five. In his late 50s.

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