10 December 2024
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered a speech at the ceremony to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day at the Myanmar International Convention Centre I in Nay Pyi Taw this morning.
Also present at the ceremony were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, council members, union-level dignitaries, union ministers, the Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, deputy ministers and officials of Anti-Corruption Commission, winners in the poster, video and article contests to mark the anti-corruption activities, students and guests together with chief ministers of regions and states through a video conferencing.
First, the Senior General pressed the button to unveiled the signboard to mark the commemorative day.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that the 9 December was designated as International Anti-Corruption Day in 2003 in order to enhance awareness about anti-corruption activities regarding the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD).
Since 2003, countries around the world have been commemorating this day annually.
The theme for this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day is “Uniting with Youth against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.” This slogan aligns with the efforts of Myanmar’s Anti-Corruption Commission, which has been implementing a youth education and awareness programme on anti-corruption since 2022, including talk shows, discussions, and collaborations in the field of education. It reflects the commission’s ongoing commitment to fighting corruption and its long-term goals in shaping a future of integrity.
Corruption, driven by malice, transforms human society into a world of suffering and destruction, undermining the well-being of socioeconomic environments. It leads to the disappearance of justice and harms both the State and the general public. Furthermore, corruption not only disrupts the country’s development goals but also endangers the rule of law and the maintenance of peace and stability. In practice, it is universally acknowledged that this perspective holds true.
The issue of corruption is not only a serious problem in Myanmar, but it is also a widespread disease around the world. It has become a problem that affects not only the governments of developed and developing countries, but also some private sectors and charitable organizations that engage in nonprofitable activities, which are also becoming entangled in corruption.
The term “corruption” is often simply associated with bribery and corruption, but in reality, it is a widespread and deeply harmful phenomenon in the human world. It includes extortion, deceit, the embezzlement of State funds and resources, the misuse of public money for personal gain, and obtaining self-interest through illegal means. These are all forms of corruption.
Corruption leads to committing crimes, encourages violent attacks, and undermines the rule of law and democratic systems.
As a result, it has become a global issue, a serious disease.
The government would like to state that it has set missions and visions aimed at reducing corruption, ensuring the establishment of a corruption-free society, and protecting the public interest. With good intentions for the country, the government is working diligently to combat corruption and put these efforts into action.
It has been observed with satisfaction that, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology, edutainment programmes to promote integrity and youth forums are being actively implemented in basic education schools and universities.
These efforts aim to foster a spirit of disapproval, shame, and resistance to corruption among the younger generation.
It is also noted that harmful emotions such as love, hatred, greed, anger, delusion, and fear contribute to the commission of unethical acts. Therefore, it is essential to educate young people, students, and learners from an early age to ensure they are free from malice and develop pure and clean minds, focusing on human dignity and moral conduct.
The assets and wealth acquired through corrupt practices and greed, which are seized as public funds, are clearly outlined in the Anti-Corruption Law. Therefore, it is necessary not only to take legal action against those who commit corruption, but also to ensure the effective and precise implementation of the law to confiscate the wealth and assets accumulated from corruption, as public funds, in accordance with the law.
According to the motto of the commission, “A country free from corruption, prosperous and peaceful,” it is essential for the government and the entire people of the nation to actively and harmoniously collaborate in the fight against corruption.
Each individual, group, and society must abandon corruption, work on improving themselves and their surroundings, and collectively contribute to the development and well-being of the nation. This call emphasizes the importance of commitment and joint effort.
The government, in line with its motto “Keep Moving Forward to Achieve Our Goal,” is committed to prioritizing the interest of the nation and all its citizens, striving to enhance the socioeconomic life. Therefore, it is essential to adopt the established objectives, goals, and policies as guiding principles, and to collaborate with the commission in efforts to combat corruption. In order to ensure a corruption-free nation, everyone is encouraged to treat the fight against corruption as a national duty, working together with determination as part of honouring the 21st International Anti-Corruption Day.
The Senior General awarded winners in the poster, video and article contests to mark the anti-corruption activities.
The Chairman of the commission presented a medal to mark the International Anti- Corruption Day to the Senior General.
Chairman of the commission U Sis Aye reported to the Senior General on work progress of the commission and its future plans.
The Senior General and dignitaries watched a video clip to mark the commemorative day and viewed round the documentary photos on activities of combatting corruption.
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