Myanmar President Htin Kyaw resigns

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Myanmar's President Htin Kyaw resigned suddenly on Wednesday leaving the country's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi without a close confidant and political ally as she faces rising international criticisms over the Rakhine crisis.

The president is an old school friend of Suu Kyi, serving as her proxy in an office she was barred from occupying according to Myanmar's military-drafted constitution.

His role was largely ceremonial given Suu Kyi had awarded herself the title State Counselor and called the shots within her civilian administration.

May 24, 2017: Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (L) and Myanmar's president Htin Kyaw join a group photo after the opening ceremony of the 21st Century Panglong Conference in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. /VCG Photo

But he was nonetheless the country's head of state and a key domestic ally for Suu Kyi within her party.

Speculation had swirled for months about the health of Htin Kyaw, 72, who had recently lost weight and has had heart problems in the past.

"Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw resigned on March 21, 2018," a statement on the president's official Facebook page said.

October 15, 2017: Htin Kyaw (L) and Aung San Suu Kyi talk during the second anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) ceremony at Myanmar International Convention Center (MICC) in Naypyidaw. /VCG Photo‍

His office did not give many details for why he resigned Wednesday, only saying that "he wanted to take a rest from his current duty."

It added that a new leader will be selected "within seven working days".

There were no immediate candidates put forward as long term successors, but several senior party names were floated when Suu Kyi took power.

Myanmar's Vice President Myint Swe, a former general, will move into the role until a new president is in place, according to the constitution.

Source(s): AFP