Myanmar Parliament to discuss asset disclosure laws

Photo: @ Reuters/Soe Zeya Tun

Myanmar parliament representative for Pathein from National League for Democracy, U Win Myint formally gave a proposal last July 24 to the parliament requiring all government ministers whether from national or local to openly divulge their financial assets, properties, businesses and other generating income revenues. This is in support for President Thein Sein’s call for transparency as part of nation building and development.

In response to this proposal, the parliament gave the approval and asks representatives who would interestingly take part in the debate to have their names registered at the parliament office on July 26, news report from Myanmar Times said.

The President’s ultimate goal is to lead the country with good governance bringing about transparency and full disclosure close to the people. Stating your own assets, liabilities and net worth are ways to eliminate and eradicate graft and corruption practices among government personnel and officials, he said.

It is therefore important that the government officials being public servants, selected and voted by the people has the responsibility and obligation to be accountable to the people irrespective of the positions they are holding. As a citizen, they also have the duty to abide by the rules and regulations implemented by the government.

Another political figure people parliament representative U Pe Than from Myebon in Rakhine State seconded the proposal. He said that good leadership must comprise good officials in the government.

The constitution of 2008 under section 68 stating only the President and two Vice Presidents are mandated to reveal their assets namely land, houses, buildings, savings account, businesses and other valuables together with values to the Head of the Union Parliament.

With the newest political system, there is an increased in transparency in which support were strengthened from other sectors like the government’s plan to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the publication of draft bills thru state media and broadcasting of parliamentary discussions and arguments, according to Myanmar Times report.

In almost democratic nations, the government observe transparency. This has been their practice while serving in government positions. According to U Thu Wai, chairman of the Democratic Party (Myanmar), it is high time for Myanmar government to value also transparency so as to enable people to believe in whatever laws they implement and to show and prove to the people that they are honest.

Disclosing their properties and assets this current year in comparison to year 2015 would surely determine whether they have acquired it legally or lawfully.

The Minister for Industry and Myanma Investment Commission chairman U Soe Thein during a meeting in Naypyitaw stated that he too will cooperate in disclosing his assets and properties. U Thiha Saw, chief editor of Open News journal further added that government ministers have already submitted their lists of assets to the cabinet, the report said.