As the Union Government steps up efforts to combat corruption and malpractices in governmental institutions, it is important that it spares no one, notwithstanding their role in the government machinery, so the message is loud and clear that in the eyes of the law, all are equal, and that things are to be done in accordance with the law.

In our efforts to combat corruption, which has become customary and has taken root in most departments, we must not spare anyone. This is because corruption poses a major obstacle to economic development, efforts to raise the living standard of the people, measures for reducing poverty, and the smooth flow of foreign investment.

People who seek to profit from graft are selfish, dishonest, and cruel.
The Union Government has taken steps to form anti-corruption units tasked with scrutinizing corruption cases, tackling the issue, and preventing graft among civil servants.

In his message to the people on New Year’s Day last year, President U Win Myint had said: “The Anti-Corruption Commission, the media, and the people will have to weed out corruption in a proper manner. It is very important that those involved are reported to the authorities, along with any efforts on their part to interfere, with accurate information and credible evidence. To intensify efforts to combat corruption, I have already asked the Anti-Corruption Commission to draw up an action plan and to make more efforts in this endeavor.”

Since then, the task of combating corruption is being carried out as a national duty.
To ensure a clean government and a good system of governance, the Anti-Corruption Act was amended to bring it in line with international standards during the tenure of the incumbent government.

The Union Government has been working to improve the administrative, legislative, judiciary, political affairs, and economic affairs sectors as the country makes the transition to a democratic system, while at the same time, it has clamped down on corruption, deeming it a national duty. This is being done to bring about clean governance, and to ensure greater transparency, responsibility, and accountability to prevent wastage of public funds and to protect public interest.

We would like to urge institutional leaders to lead the efforts against corruption and tackle it themselves to change the situation. This is because we all understand that people in positions of authority are often the ones to commit graft.

Leaders who want to eradicate corruption and want reform must ensure that no one is set-free without punishment for any act of corruption. Only then can there be no corruption.