NAY PYI TAW, Feb 3 — The National Defence and Security Council of Myanmar has enacted legislation to establish a new "Union Consultative Council" aimed at advising the presidency on security, peace, and legal affairs, according to an official announcement released Tuesday.

The law, designated as National Defence and Security Council Law No. (3/2026), was signed by Acting President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing under Article 419 of the Constitution.

The council enacted the measure by exercising the legislative authority of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Parliament), in accordance with Article 427 of the Constitution.

According to the text of the law, the President is empowered to appoint the council, which must consist of at least five members, including a Chairperson and a Secretary. The President will select suitable individuals to fill these roles.

The council’s primary mandate is to provide counsel and coordination to the President on critical national issues, including state security, the rule of law, international relations, the peace process, and legislative matters.

The legislation stipulates that the council must operate without infringing upon the existing powers of the executive and judicial branches defined by the Constitution.

Administratively, the council’s tenure will run concurrently with the President's term of office. The Union Government will determine members' salaries and allowances, while the Office of the President will handle the council's administrative functions.

The preamble of the new law states that the measure is intended to support the objectives of strengthening a genuine multiparty democratic system and building a Union based on a federal system.