Former acting president U Myint Swe died at 8:28 a.m. on 7/8 at a hospital in Naypyidaw. He was 74 years old. His funeral will be a state funeral, the Myanmar military junta announced today.

Myanmar media reported on 6/8 that he had been experiencing "weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, and cognitive decline," and had been admitted to intensive care.

U Myint Swe attends an event in Hainan, China, in 2017. Photo: AFP

U Myint Swe attends an event in Hainan, China, in 2017. Photo: AFP

Myint Swe was appointed acting president of Myanmar in 2021 after the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. He had previously served as vice president under Suu Kyi. In July of last year, he stepped down from his role due to the effects of Parkinson's disease.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military junta, has held the role of acting president since Myint Swe stepped down.

The Myanmar military imposed a curfew and declared a state of emergency in February 2021 after the coup that overthrew Suu Kyi's elected government. The National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) was then established to govern the country.

Last week, Min Aung Hlaing signed a decree lifting the state of emergency, effectively transferring power from the commander-in-chief of the armed forces back to the head of state, a position also held by Min Aung Hlaing.

The lifting of the state of emergency comes as Myanmar prepares for elections. Min Aung Hlaing confirmed the election will be held in December, although a specific date has not been set.

Huyen Le (According to AFP)