Parliament rejects proposal on assets

The proposal, submitted by U Win Myint, Lower House MP, was disapproved with 68 votes for and 271 against, with 15 abstentions, at a regular parliamentary session held on Wednesday.

Representatives who supported the proposal said the declaration of the personal wealth of cabinet members would facilitate democratic practices and encourage transparency. The international community usually sets a limit on gifts in order to avoid bribery and corruption. So, Myanmar also needs to adopt the practice. 

The representatives of the Defence Services pointed out that the proposal was contrary to the provision of Section 68 of the State Constitution in which the president and the vice-presidents shall furnish a list of family assets under his declaration, namely land, houses, buildings, businesses, savings and other valuables together with their values to the speaker of the Union Assembly.

Union Attorney-General Dr Tun Shin called for consideration of a requirement that all high-ranking officials, including speakers of the Houses serving in the legislative sector, declare their assets to ensure fairness and equality. 

U Win Myint argued that Section 101 of the Union Government Law states that personnel who are assigned by the president with the approval of Parliament shall furnish a list of their businesses and assets together with their values to the president. This is not contrary to the constitution despite not being prescribed in it. The proposal was made to have transparency and a clear mind in the public, he added.