Min Aung Hlaing has awarded a first-class technology excellence award to Colonel General Myat Min Oo, Director of the Military Information and Technology Department, who played a key role in enabling the military coup by falsely claiming irregularities in the 2020 election results. The award ceremony was held at the military headquarters in Naypyidaw on March 13, with an official ceremony following on March 16. Colonel General Myat Min Oo was instrumental in facilitating Min Aung Hlaing’s seizure of power through his role in fabricating claims of electoral fraud.
In the 2020 election where the National League for Democracy won by a landslide, Myat Min Oo collaborated with U Thaung Aye, a USDP candidate from Pyawbwe township, to conduct unauthorized inspections of voter lists. He then falsely reported to Min Aung Hlaing that there were irregularities in Pyawbwe’s voter lists. This provided the pretext for nationwide voter list inspections, which ultimately led to the military coup. As a graduate of the 36th intake of the Defense Services Academy, Myat Min Oo earned Min Aung Hlaing’s trust through these actions.
Although Myat Min Oo had hoped to be appointed as Minister of Transport and Communications or Minister of Science and Technology after the coup, these positions were given to others. However, he maintains close ties with Vice Senior General Soe Win and plays a central role in the military council’s e-ID project. He also has secured lucrative contracts to supply computers and technology equipment to the military council at significant markups. Currently, he leads technical cooperation projects with Russia. While previously residing in Yangon’s Myaynigone area with his family, they relocated to the military headquarters compound in Naypyidaw after the coup due to security concerns.
As Director of the Military Information and Technology Department for army, navy and air force, Myat Min Oo continues to provide technical support for the military council’s operations. His role in fabricating election fraud claims served as the catalyst for Min Aung Hlaing’s seizure of power through violent means. He remains a key figure in maintaining the military council’s technological capabilities while facing international sanctions and restrictions. The award appears to be recognition for his ongoing service to the military council’s interests, despite his earlier disappointments in not securing ministerial positions.
