By Mon Lay , Moe Nya – MPA
MAE SOT — A wave of resignations has hit the Prime Minister’s Office of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG), with former staff members accusing high-ranking officials of financial embezzlement, nepotism, and creating a “toxic” culture of fear that undermines the pro-democracy movement.
An investigation by the Myanmar Pressphoto Agency (MPA) has revealed that between September 2022 and September 2025, at least 19 staff members resigned from the office. The departing personnel—ranging from Oxford graduates to veteran civil servants who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM)—cite a pattern of abuse and corruption centred around Permanent Secretary Ma Kyi Pyar and her husband, Ko Nyi Nyi Min.
The allegations paint a picture of an office run not as a government institution, but as a “family business,” where revolutionary funds are allegedly siphoned off for personal luxury while staff struggle to survive without legal documentation.
A Culture of Fear and Intimidation
Ma Kyi Pyar, a former lawmaker for the National League for Democracy (NLD) who once enjoyed a reputation for transparency, is accused of overseeing a drastic shift in governance since the 2021 coup.
Interviews with former staff members reveal a workplace environment dominated by verbal abuse and coercion. Whistleblowers allege that Ma Kyi Pyar and her husband frequently used their political connections to threaten subordinates.
“We have PDFs [People’s Defence Forces]. If we are in Mae Sot, it is easy to clear you out,” the couple allegedly told staff, implying physical violence against those who criticized the office’s management.
One female staff member described working in a constant state of insecurity due to the Permanent Secretary’s volatile outbursts, noting that many former employees are now dealing with significant psychological trauma.
Financial Impropriety and the ‘Missing’ Grants
The investigation raises serious questions regarding the handling of funds intended for the revolution. The Prime Minister’s Office reportedly receives a monthly budget of approximately 150 Lakhs MMK (approx. $4,500 USD) from the NUG, alongside significant international grants managed through a “Public Initiative” (PI) entity.
Former staff allege that Ma Kyi Pyar and Ko Nyi Nyi Min maintained exclusive control over these finances with no oversight.
“The donors intended these grants for the revolution. However, in practice, only about 15% was used for operational costs. The rest just disappeared into unaccounted expenses,” said one former employee.
Allegations suggest the couple manipulated grant structures that did not require strict financial reporting, allowing them to utilize funds for personal benefit. This included the hiring of Ma Kyi Pyar’s two nephews and paying themselves substantial salaries—reportedly 5,000 THB each—while the office lacked standard bureaucratic accountability.
‘Valued Less Than Dogs’
Perhaps the most damaging allegations concern the stark contrast between the officials’ lifestyle and the welfare of their staff.
While junior staff members were reportedly denied assistance in obtaining legal residency documents (such as police or ‘pink’ cards) and forced to work in cramped, poorly ventilated rooms, the couple allegedly rented a spacious compound with a bungalow for their private residence at a cost of 16,000 THB per month.
Resignations were triggered by what staff described as humiliating inequality. Multiple sources cited the couple’s treatment of their two pet dogs. The investigation found that the monthly expenditure for the dogs—including goat’s milk, premium food, and spa treatments—exceeded the 4,000 THB monthly salary of some staff members who support families.
“In the last office we used, we had to work alongside the dogs. I am afraid of dogs, but when I asked for them to be moved from under my desk, I was told, ‘This is the dogs’ place,'” said one former female employee. “We were treated as if we had less value than their pets.”
Furthermore, staff described a rigid segregation where they were barred from using the same restrooms as the couple and were forced to wait outside entertainment venues like KTVs and bars while the couple socialized inside.
A Blow to Credibility
The whistleblowers, many of whom sacrificed their careers to join the revolution, expressed deep disillusionment. They argue that such corruption within the highest levels of the exiled government erodes the moral authority of the anti-junta struggle.
“Joining the revolutionary government means fighting against injustice,” said one female staff member who resigned. “We cannot tolerate it when similar injustices are committed by our own leaders.”
The former staff are calling for the immediate suspension of Ma Kyi Pyar and Ko Nyi Nyi Min, a freeze on their assets, and a formal investigation to ensure justice for the victims and donors.
Right of Reply: The MPA contacted Ma Kyi Pyar via Facebook Messenger to respond to these allegations, but no response had been received at the time of publication.