Written by U Ne Oo on 2004-10-25
Following ABC/AFP news saying the scrapping of National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) Law and the dissolution of NIB has something to do with removing Gen Khin Nyunt's power base. Unfortunately, the reporter who wrote this article didn't seems to have enough knowledge about the state intelligence apparatus in Burma. Here are some info, based on my common knowledge about these intelligence apparatus in Burma.
The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB): A state intelligence apparatus oversees overall national security. The NIB's organisational structure is more common with normal state and civil laws. (This organisation may be vaguely describes as similar to CIA in the US; though NIB in Burma does not deal with foreign affairs related matters).
The Bureau of Special Investigation (BSI): A police intelligence unit commonly deals with fraud/corruption cases. This operates under the unbrella of NIB. This unit's working aspects also fall in line with state and civil laws. (The operating procedure of this unit may be described as similar to the FBI in the US).
The Military Intelligence Service (MIS or MI): Headed by now ousted Gen Khin Nyunt, and much dreaded by all Burmese since current military junta come into power in 1988. The MIS is normally considered to be dealing only cases within military forces. This was largely true under previous socialist government (1962-1988), which the then dictator Gen Ne Win controlled Burmese army through MIS.
In 1988, the MIS and its chief Khin Nyunt rose to prominence when the military launched crack down on demonstrators. After the coup in 1988, the MIS was expanded significantly to oversee all aspects of political control on civilians as well as Burma's armed forces. Gen Khin Nyunt( sic. Burmese junta) powerbase lies within the MIS, not with NIB.
Therefore, the scrapping of NIB has not alot to do with the fall of Gen Khin Nyunt. It is more likely that the MIS, which Khin Nyunt once headed, will now be taken charge of all matters without any competition from NIB & BSI.
I think the trend suggests that current junta leaders (Soe Win/Than Shwe) will be more military oriented in administrative affairs. The abolishing of NIB seems to be the case of MIS grabbing more state power.
Structurally, NIB and BSI are quite independent from the military. Although under the junta, more army personnels (retired or serving) appeared to have been deployed within these organisations; and rarely to be seen NIB/BSI as having independent authority from the military.
Regards, U Ne Oo.
Last Update: Saturday, October 23, 2004. 9:25am (AEST)
Burma scraps military intelligence powers
Burma's military regime has scrapped a law that gave intelligence officers loyal to deposed premier Khin Nyunt widespread powers, state media reported on Friday.
Radio and television announced the abolition of the law that allowed military intelligence to penetrate all parts of society because it "did not serve the interests of the general public".
Burma's leadership has been riven with worsening political and business rivalry between a military intelligence faction and those from the mainstream military.
Khin Nyunt, the head of military intelligence for two decades, was ousted as premier on Tuesday and is under house arrest over corruption allegations.
His ouster was seen as a move by Than Shwe, the head of the junta known as the State Peace and Development Council, to consolidate control over the leadership and promote military hardliners.
The military has ruled Burma since 1962 despite the opposition National League for Democracy winning a landslide election in 1990.
The New Light of Myanmar ( Saturday, 23 October, 2004 )
1. Promulgation of Law Repealing National Intelligence Bureau Law and Dissolution of the National Intelligence Bureau
1. Promulgation of Law Repealing National Intelligence Bureau Law and Dissolution of the National Intelligence Bureau
YANGON, 22 Oct � At present, the State is in the process of establishing a developed and discipline-flourishing democratic State, and as it is found that the National Intelligence Bureau Law is no longer suitable for the welfare of the public to be in conformity with the changing situations and with a view to ensuring security and peace, the State Peace and Development Council promulgated the Law Repealing the National Intelligence Bureau Law and dissolved the National Intelligence Bureau, it is learnt.
The following is the full text of the Law Repealing the National Intelligence Bureau Law:
Union of Myanmar
The State Peace and Development Council
The Law Repealing the National Intelligence Bureau Law (The State Peace and Development Council Law No 7/2004)
The 9th Waxing of Thadingyut, 1366 ME (22nd October, 2004)
The State Peace and Development Council hereby enacts the following Law:-
1. This Law shall be called the Law Repealing the National Intelligence Bureau Law.
2. The National Intelligence Bureau Law (Pyithu Hluttaw Law No 10 of 1983) is hereby repealed.
Sd/ Than Shwe
Senior General
Chairman
The State Peace and Development Council
