Motion calls on gov’t to ensure transparency in tax collection

U Myint Thein of Wetlet Constituency presented a motion calling for the union government to be transparent and scrutinise carefully the national tax collection during the Pyithu Hluttaw session yesterday. The Hluttaw approved the motion and the speaker put it up for discussion.

U Myint Thein explained that owing to the weak tax administration and law enforcement, numerous and serious cases of tax evasion and illegal trade transactions were taking place. He said that although the state has the capacity to properly administer tax collection, there are cases where the Internal Revenue Department and tax evaders have collaborated on tax evasion.

U Myint Thein said the relevant ministries should inform taxpayers how their money is being used by the state, so as to encourage them to pay taxes. He said the union government could reward regular taxpayers with reduced tax rates and certain exemptions, and increase the yearly honorary certificates, and other commemorations for dutiful taxpayers. He added that doing so would instil dutiful taxpaying habits among the people and raise awareness about paying taxes.

U Myint Thein said that according to Article 389 of the constitution, it was the duty of every citizen to pay taxes levied according to the law. He said his motion is not to lobby for increased tax rates but to call for authorities to scrutinise the existing tax collecting system for loopholes and tax evaders. As Myanmar is transitioning into a democratic country, there needs to be more transparency and cooperation between the government and the people so that the correct amount of internal revenue flows in and can be used for the development of the nation.

The speaker requested MPs interested in discussing the motion to register their names.

Next, the secretary of the Hluttaw Bill Committee announced the acceptance of the Explosive Material Bill sent by the Amyotha Hluttaw with remarks. The Speaker announced that since both the Amyotha and Pyithu Hluttaws agreed on the bill, it would be put on record, once the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw approved the bill.

The next session of the Pyithu Hluttaw will be held on 21 May.

Flow meters in breweries discussed at Pyithu Hluttaw meeting

U Aung Kyaw Kyaw Oo of Hlaing Constituency asked Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance U Maung Maung Win about the progress report on installing flow meters in breweries during the fourth-day meeting of the eighth regular session of the second Pyithu Hluttaw yesterday.

U Maung Maung Win replied that inspections were carried out at 37 active breweries between February and March 2018, and the results showed 33 have flow meters installed according to the set standards, while the remaining four will have flow meters installed in the future.

He added that a plan to install online monitoring systems in breweries began in April and is ongoing but until then, all inspections will be carried out by the respective township Internal Revenue Department.

Daw Cho Cho from Ottwin Constituency raised a question on the plan to offer farmers long-term loans

Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance U Maung Maung Win replied that the Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank (MADB) received funds from the Myanmar Economic Bank (MEB) to provide loans to farmers before the planting season. MADB collects the loans during the harvesting season and sends it to MEB. This process is done annually, he said.

He added that MEB had set aside Ks200 billion to provide long-term loans of three to five years for farmers who meet the set standards. Farmers can apply for these loans at their respective MADB.

Aye Aye Thant (MNA)

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar