Economist urges reforms and transparency

Moe Thu, 04 January 2010, Mizzima News.

A leading Burmese scholar has urged institutional reforms after the advent of a new government following the elections this year, to improve people’s living standards across the country.

Dr. Aung Tun Thet, an economist and former senior UN official said health care, education and welfare sectors should be accorded priority in terms of reforms after the general elections. He urged more transparency in the country’s development process.

At a seminar on ‘Ethical leadership and ethical business’ held at the UMFCCI headquarters in Rangoon on January 2, the economist said leadership and business circles need to be ethical and held accountable to the public.

“If the ethics are poor at the top, it percolates to the grassroots in society,” he said.

The professor also urged establishing of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to make the business community more ethical in the country. “CSR is essential in Myanmar,” he said.

Many Burmese businesses have a nexus with the corrupt government.

The Burmese business sector does not usually have CSR, nor do they realize its need. There are some CSRs in foreign energy companies like TOTAL and Daewoo operating in the country.

Dr. Aung Tun Thet said the role of the media is very important in society as it can make business and leaders accountable. He said media today operates faster and can reach a wider audience in a short time.

He gave the instance of ShweGoneDine Special Clinic (SSC), which sparked a wide debate on medical ethics for the doctors in the country.

A patient, suffering from dengue fever was wrongly operated upon resulting in his death in SSC two months ago. The government had to intervene as the local media questioned medical ethics and the role of the private clinic in the country.

“Being ethical should not be confined to the medical profession but also be present in business and leadership,” he said.

Dr. Aung Tun Thet also expressed concern with the method of surveys that is based on answers from village heads and officials in villages or townships in the country.

It is better for the country to represent the voices of ordinary citizens to get the correct information, he said.

He also encouraged the young generation to be ethical in their work place and learning as it will give the best results and raise the value and moral standards which are critical for the people and society.

The January 2 seminar was attend about 500 people including academics, officials of the UMFCCI, young professionals and students.