[3][2] The complex is being built on the former grounds of Jubilee Hall, Rangoon, a colonial-era landmark, and the Defence Services Museum.
[4][2] The project has been the subject of significant controversy, particularly over the lack of civilian oversight and financial transparency on a US$2.18 million (equivalent to $2.57 million in 2023) lease agreement between the Burmese military and the Yangon Technical and Trading Company, a subsidiary of Zaw Win Shein's Ayeyar Hinthar, which is a proxy of the Burmese military.
[5][1] The funds from the lease agreement flow straight into the military's Quartermaster General's office, outside of civilian oversight.
[7] The organizations raised concerns that in addition to the land lease payments, the project would create "immovable long-term assets for the military, which can continue to yield income after the agreement is terminated.
[9] Ayeyar Hinthar did not respond to allegations of partnering with the Burmese military, while the Japanese investor, Tokyo Tatemono, issued a statement pledging to develop a corporate policy around human rights.