Myanmar civil service reform risks a two-tiered system

Subject Outlook for civil service reform in Myanmar. Significance On April 21, the government confirmed that permanent secretaries, abolished in 1962, will be reintroduced into the public administration system. The decision is part of President Thein Sein's "third wave" of reforms, following commensurate political and economic measures after the 2010 elections and Myanmar's transition to semi-civilian government. By restoring this most-senior bureaucratic post, Naypyidaw intends to enhance the bureaucracy and signal its intention to modernise public administration. Impacts Further civil service reform will require the government to define the centre-province administrative balance. Until then, civil service reforms may initially be felt in urban centres only. Additional pay may be required for civil servants.