Myanmar president reshuffles government

Myanmar President Thein Sein has sacked two deputy ministers, the first step in what is expected to be a major cabinet reshuffle, state media and government sources said Wednesday. Deputy Communications Minister Tint Lwin and Deputy Energy Minister Soe Aung were both "allowed to resign from their posts," a statement by the president's office that was published the state-run (The New Light of Myanmar) said. Thar Oo, a member of the Union Election Commission, was also "allowed to resign." "This is just the beginning of a major reshuffle," said a government source who asked to remain anonymous. Myanmar watchers have anticipated a cabinet reshuffle since April 1, when the opposition National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi won 43 out of 45 seats in a by-election. Thein Sein on May 11 hinted at a second round of reforms to pave the way for more foreign aid and direct investment now that economic sanctions have been partly lifted. The president noted the need to set up new committees to manage foreign aid entering the country and funnel it towards development projects. Thein Sein has introduced a series of reforms since taking office in March 2011.