Anti-corruption is the duty of every citizen: Chairman of Anti-Corruption Commission

January 22, 2018

Following is the interview with the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission and experts at the paper reading ceremony in Yangon yesterday.

U Aung Kyi, Chairman of Anti-Corruption Commission

First, we aimed at keeping in touch with other CSOs in order to work hand in hand together. There are many steps which need to be adopted to combat Corruption. All the commission members arrived here to present their papers and we want to put some of the facts which are useful in our scheme. It is just like collecting data and we will analyze all the facts after the discussion. We could make great progress in our commission compared to the outcomes of previous years. It is mainly due to making the process easier than ever. We take all the complaints into careful consideration, and respond it rapidly. The corruption is a cause of poverty in a country. All citizens desire to eliminate the corruption. We are making efforts to satisfy the people and to fulfill their demands as much as we can. I would like to urge all our citizens not to neglect and forgive the act of taking bribery. We do need to operate with all of you to combat these malpractices together. Anti-corruption is the duty of every citizen.

Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet, an economist

I would like to urge all the businessmen not to involve in the corruption. There are three stages which are the State level, the private sector and CSOs. All of them need avoiding these malpractices. Everyone should change their mindset and perform these tasks dutifully. We need to make concerted efforts to wipe out this corruption in our society. Taking bribery depends on individuals and it needs to tackle with one by one. Any amount of money can be regarded as bribery. It is important for the government, government servants and businessmen to cooperate together to wipe out this practice.

These events are a step toward eradicating corruption in Myanmar

U Khin Maung Nyo (economist)

Our country is now in the democracy transition. In going toward democracy, there are good as well as bad things. There are many ways to control bad deeds. This is the good thing. However, there are also many ways in which bad things can be done. Simply going down a democracy path wouldn’t reduce corruption automatically. There are two ways. First is stick and carrot. Another is to make the habits better. These are the things that I’ll discuss. Commission will listen to what civil society organisations say here. As organisations from all regions come, it is expected that what is happening in these regions will be known. This event is a step toward eradicating corruption in Myanmar. Suggestions will be collected here. It’ll be the next step. I’m saying this especially for the government employees. On one part, we’ll have to fulfill their requirements and on the other part, we’ll have to raise their integrity. Another thing is we need methods that can prevent corruption as well as organisations. All of these need to be done.

People are seen to cooperate in corruption eradication

U Han Nyunt (Anti-corruption Commission member)

The title of today’s talk is “Promote integrity to prevent corruption.” Corruption can be eradicated only when the people’s integrities are raised. It couldn’t be done solely by Anti-Corruption Commission or a single responsible organisation. That is why anti-corruption law includes cooperating with the people and educating the people. The law especially includes the commission and the people to cooperate based on the knowledge gained. It can be seen that the people are cooperating to eradicate corruption. We need to have basic knowledge in order to cooperate. As knowledge, experience and skills increases, integrity can be maintained. There must be knowledge and experience in order to maintain integrity. That is why (all need to know) what sort of ways and means there are to eradicate corruption. Need to know the plans, aims, future works. Nowadays, state-run daily newspapers are publishing about amendments in the anti-corruption law. The amendments are to raise the integrity of the people, add in requirements, removes the weaknesses and flaws in the law. The people’s wishes and wills are being pursued. Our commission alone couldn’t do the corruption eradication work. We need to cooperate with the people. We need the help and information from the people for this work to be successful. That is why I’m inviting the people to cooperate, participate, suggest and help.

(Unofficial translation)

Interview: Yi Yi Myint, Nanda Win

Photo: Ye Htut

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar