Myanmar plans more budget cut

Win Myint told a meeting in Tamwe Township on April 8 at the Basic Education High School No.1 that civil servants needed to be dutiful and loyal, regardless of which party took office.

“These officials are granted allowances from taxes paid by the people. We should only look at the people without looking at an individual or a party. As we’re moving forward towards democracy, we should care about the people as much as we can. The people are our priority. That’s why the civil servants need to fulfil the people’s desires,” he added.

The National League for Democracy government had 21 ministries and 20 ministers compared to the previous administration's 36 ministries and more than 100 ministers, he said. 

"We have saved more than Ks5 billion from the government budget. Furthermore, we’re considering cuts in allowances to save more money for the state,” he said.

The law says the Speakers, chief justice, chairs of the constitutional tribunal and Union Election Commission are entitled to enjoy free accommodation, a furniture allowance, security protection, domestic and foreign medical treatment, free utilities and phone calls, one personal service officer, two house servants, two cooks, free gardening and four vehicles with free fuel and maintenance.

The Deputy Speakers, attorney general, auditor general and chair of the Union Civil Services Board are entitled to a government house, security protection, free domestic medical treatment, free water, electricity and telephone calls, one personal service officer, two house servants, two gardeners, three vehicles and three drivers. 

Win Myint also told officials to respect the people and avoid corruption.

“As our country is poor, we have reduced some government expenditure and are considering more cuts,” he said.