The National Unity Government (NUG) has officially resumed the fourth round of its university admission process, ending a brief suspension triggered by a high-profile controversy involving a senior administration official.
The University Admissions Steering Committee announced that applications reopened on the night of February 22, following a three-day halt in protest of the government’s handling of allegations against Daw Kyi Pyar, the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office.
The admission process was initially suspended on February 19. At the time, the committee criticized a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office as “lacking accountability” regarding the issues surrounding Daw Kyi Pyar and her spouse. The suspension was intended to remain in place until a satisfactory resolution was reached.
The deadlock broke after the NUG held a press conference on February 21 to address the complaints. Subsequently, Daw Kyi Pyar submitted her resignation on the same day.
While the government’s response received mixed reactions, some within the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) have expressed cautious optimism.
“Many are still not entirely satisfied with how the press conference was handled, but for us CDM members, it represents a certain level of progress,” a Mae Sot-based CDM teacher told the Myanmar Pressphoto Agency (MPA). “They have pledged to continue the investigation, and we welcome the reopening of the admissions process.”
In its latest statement, the Steering Committee acknowledged the Prime Minister’s Office’s efforts to listen to the voices of the public and CDM organizations. While expressing trust that the promised investigations will be carried out with integrity, the committee emphasized that it would continue to monitor the implementation of these commitments closely.
To compensate for the disruption, the committee has extended the university application deadline from March 2 to March 5.
The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges of transparency and governance within Myanmar’s shadow government as it seeks to maintain the momentum of the resistance movement and its parallel administrative functions.
