Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited Established under the 1990 Special Companies Act, the UMEHL’s primary function is managing the economic wing of the Tatmadaw, and fostering profit from commercial trade and small industry (Thein, 2004). It is important to note that when the United States suspended sanctions in 2012 following the democratic by-elections, penalties remained in place against the UMEHL due to its close affiliation with the Tatmadaw (Brady, 2012). A crucial aspect of the military link is the UMEHL’s management of the Myawaddy Bank and the Tatmadaw’s pension reserve (Zin, 2003). The UMEHL oversees a variety of businesses and corporations that provide the military with ways to maintain monetary sustainability and the funding needed for various operations. As author J. Emont (2019) explains: Military-controlled conglomerates spanning industries from gem mining to telecommunications bring in revenue for the army and give it operational independence from civilian oversight. to conduct military operations without any regard for consequences. . . . The business activities of the Tatmadaw enabled and enhanced the capability of the Tatmadaw. (p. 2) Emont goes on to discuss speculations that profit from UMEHL and its subsidiaries are now used to purchase weapons and fund clearing operations in Rakhine State. Although these suppositions have been disputed by those working within UMEHL, they highlight the ease with which the Tatmadaw can access both the public and private sectors of the economy if it is deemed necessary for maintaining the financial growth of the both military-institution and the top-tier generals and government officials who dictate its behavior. 46