King Mindon was dedicated to religion, but Kanaung was skillful in administration, serving as the leader (,
thamada) of the
Hluttaw, the kingdom's administrative body. Under Kanaung's guidance, the following reforms were undertaken: centralization of the kingdom's internal administration, introduction of a salary system for the bureaucracy (to dampen the authority and income of bureaucrats), fixed judicial fees, comprehensive penal laws, reorganization of the financial system, removal of
trade barriers including custom duties, reform of the
thathameda taxes (to increase direct taxation), and modernization of the kingdom's army and introduction of new police forces. Kanaung tried to rebuild the Burmese Army with modern weapons. He sent men to study in Western countries to establish an up-to-date arms industry. His efforts were well depicted in contemporary stories and poems. One story relates to his effort in testing
depth charges in order to repulse British troops sailing up the
Irrawaddy. Eventually, these testings were thwarted by the head of the
Buddhist Sangha who protested against them by asserting their harmful effects on aquatic life. Another story tells about his visits to the factories on cold early winter mornings wrapped in a blanket. He was also known for his waywardness as depicted in a famous love song called
Seinchu Kya-nyaung bawlè written by his wife, Princess
Hlaing Hteik Khaung Tin. ==Assassination==