YANGON, Myanmar—The military-linked government here, in its final weeks in power, is passing legislation that benefits departing lawmakers and awarding large business contracts, including one to a Chinese-led group to build a sea port.
The legislation includes a pension plan for departing lawmakers, most of whom belong to the military-linked Union Solidarity and Development Party, which was defeated in the country’s historic election in November. Another proposal would protect former presidents from prosecution related to acts taken in office and provide them with bodyguards.
The government of President Thein Sein has awarded multiple contracts, which in Myanmar don’t need legislative approval, without consulting the National League for Democracy or its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, party officials say. Mr. Thein Sein’s administration also transferred five idle manufacturing plants last month from the civilian-led ministry of industry to the military-controlled ministry of defense. None of these actions are prohibited under Myanmar’s political system. (Courtesy of The Wall Street Journal)
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