Myanmar's military-backed president, Min Aung Hlaing, on Friday presented a five-year road map for his administration, marking his government's first 100 days in office. The speech, delivered in the capital Naypyitaw to over 900 lawmakers, officials, and military representatives, defended his record and outlined priorities of restoring peace, stability, and promoting national development.
Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in 2021 from a civilian government, was sworn in as president in April after an election criticized as a means to solidify military control. He stated that his government has established “important foundations” by focusing on these dual priorities since taking office.
His road map includes two years dedicated to accelerating efforts to build a modern, developed nation based on democracy and a federal system, followed by three years of intensified development. Special elections are slated for 2027 in 102 townships that could not vote in the previous year's elections due to ongoing armed conflict.
The government intends to continue implementing a conscription law, strengthen the armed forces and police in their fight against pro-democracy activists and ethnic minority rebels, and has invited armed groups to cease hostilities, engaging in talks with 13 ethnic armed organizations.
In his address, Min Aung Hlaing also criticized the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) five-point consensus aimed at resolving Myanmar's civil strife. He argued the plan was developed without the consent of all member states and that the regional bloc had shown bias against Myanmar. The ASEAN plan had called for an immediate cessation of violence and dialogue facilitated by an ASEAN special envoy.
Further outlined were plans for energy and infrastructure development, including 10 new power generation projects and the controversial Myitsone hydropower project, which was suspended over a decade ago due to environmental concerns. The government also plans to proceed with building a nuclear power plant.
Authorities are reportedly working to combat money laundering, drug trafficking, and online scam operations. Min Aung Hlaing stated that over 72,000 individuals linked to scams have been repatriated to 58 countries.
While acknowledging that the emigration of young Myanmar citizens negatively impacts economic development, Min Aung Hlaing did not directly attribute this outflow to the military's conscription law, a factor widely cited by observers. A spokesperson for the activist group General Strike Coordination Body, Nan Lin, suggested the speech signaled the military's intent to retain power and predicted worsening conditions under what he described as the junta's failed policies, warning that the conscription law would be used to control young people through fear.