DHAKA: Myanmar’s parliament has passed a bill that gives Aung San Suu Kyi a role similar to that of prime minister.

The Lower House passed the bill to create the post of ‘state counselor’, which now requires only presidential approval to become law.

Unelected military representatives holding a quarter of parliamentary seats boycotted the vote, calling the bill unconstitutional.

Suu Kyi’s party won elections but she is not allowed to be president, reports the BBC.

Clause 59(f) of the Burmese constitution bars candidates with foreign spouses or children, and Suu Kyi’s two sons hold British passports.

The clause was widely considered to have been written specifically to prevent Suu Kyi from taking office.

The bill has gone through both the lower and upper houses and now must be approved by President Htin Kyaw.

Htin Kyaw is Myanmar’s first elected civilian leader in more than 50 years, and a close aide to Suu Kyi.

BDST: 1917 HRS, APR 05, 2016
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