According to Karen National Union (KNU) sources, numerous freshly elected people in the organization’s leadership were identified this week to Myanmar Now, while an official announcement is still pending.
Former vice-chair Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win was elected as the KNU’s new head in an anonymous vote at the institution’s 17th Congress, which began on April 24 and stretched into early May—the first since 2016 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2021 military coup.
He took the place of Padoh Saw Mutu Say Poe, 90, who was present but did not vote in the election.
Padoh Saw Hser Gay, the former Kler Lwee Htoo (Nyaunglebin) District chairwoman, will be the new vice-chair. He also took over as head of the defense department from Saw Roger Khin.
Saw Roger Khin, along with other high-ranking KNU members such as Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win, has been accused of being involved in the creation of a so-called “new city” project and alleged illicit gambling hub with Myanmar military connections in Karen State’s Myawaddy Township.
More than 60 Karen civil society organizations demanded the resignation of all KNU central executive committee members in late February for alleged ties to the initiative, which they strongly oppose.
Saw Roger Khin, along with other high-ranking KNU members such as Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win, has been accused of being involved in the creation of a so-called “new city” project and alleged illicit gambling hub with Myanmar military connections in Karen State’s Myawaddy Township.
More than 60 Karen civil society organizations demanded the resignation of all KNU central executive committee members in late February for alleged ties to the initiative, which they strongly oppose.
According to a high-ranking KNU official, delegates from Brigade 2 and Brigade 5, two of the KNLA’s most militarily and strategically vital chapters, did not attend the Congress or vote.
Nonetheless, with 75% of KNU representatives present, the organization met quorum and was able to hold an election and confirm the results in accordance with its regulations.
Brigade 5, which is under KNLA deputy commander Lt-Gen Saw Baw Kyaw Heh’s command, also refused to send representatives to an online meeting held in preparation for the Congress in February of this year.
Source: Myanmar Now