San Yu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Yu
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|---|---|
| စန်းယု | |
| 5th President of Burma | |
| In office 9 November 1981 – 27 July 1988 |
|
| Prime Minister | Maung Maung Kha |
| Vice President | Aye Ko (1985-1988) |
| Preceded by | Ne Win |
| Succeeded by | Sein Lwin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 March 1918 Thegon, Pegu Province, Lower Burma, British Burma, British India |
| Died | 28 January 1996 (aged 77) Yangon, Myanmar |
| Nationality | Burmese |
| Political party | BSPP |
| Spouse | Than Shein |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | Rangoon University Medical College |
| Occupation | President |
| Awards | Independence Mawgunwin (First Class) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Myanmar |
| Branch/service |  Myanmar Army |
| Years of service | 1942–80 |
| Rank |  General |
| Commands | CO, Northern RMC (1959) CO, 1st Infantry Brigade (1961) CO, Eastern RMC (1961) CO, North West RMC (1961) Deputy Chief of Staff (Army) – (1963) Commander in Chief, (1972) |
President San Yu (Burmese: စန်းယု 3 March 1918 – 30 January 1996) was an important army general and leader in Myanmar (also known as Burma). He served as the 5th President of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma from 1981 to 1988.
During World War II, he was a squadron commander in the Burma Independence Army. He fought in battles against the Japanese forces.
Contents
Who Was San Yu?
Early Life and Education
San Yu was born in a town called Thegon, near Pyay (formerly Prome). He started studying medicine at Rangoon University's Medical College.
In 1942, he left his studies to join the Burma Independence Army. This was during World War II, a time of great change.
Military Journey
San Yu began his army career in 1942. He quickly moved up in rank because he was very loyal to his leaders. By 1946, he was a second lieutenant.
He became a captain in 1947 and a major in 1949. He commanded different battalions, which are groups of soldiers. He worked under Ne Win, another important general.
By 1956, San Yu was a colonel. He became a brigadier general in 1959. He led different regional military commands across Burma.
After a military takeover in 1962, San Yu became the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army. In 1972, he was promoted to General. He became the Commander in Chief of the Tatmadaw, which is Myanmar's armed forces.
From Soldier to President
Key Roles in Government
San Yu was a founding member of the Union Revolutionary Council (RC). This group took power after the military takeover in 1962. He served as the Minister of Finance from 1963 to 1972.
He also led a special group that wrote the 'New State Constitution'. This constitution was for the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma. He traveled all over Burma to gather ideas for this new constitution.
President of Burma
In 1981, the Burmese Parliament elected San Yu as the President. He served in this role until 1988. He was the second-longest serving president in Burma after it gained independence.
Even though San Yu was president, Ne Win remained the chairman of the main political party, the Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP). Many people believed Ne Win still held the real power.
In 1985, San Yu was also elected as the Vice Chairman of the BSPP. This meant he held important positions in both the government and the ruling party.
In 1988, San Yu announced his wish to retire from his positions. The BSPP Congress accepted his resignation, along with Ne Win's.
Later Life
After he retired, San Yu stayed out of politics. He lived a quiet life with his family in Yangon. He passed away peacefully on 28 January 1996.
