Myanmar looks to S'pore, M'sia to tackle corruption

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http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC120704-0000026/Myanmar-looks-to-Spore,-Msia-to-tackle-corruption

Myanmar's fledgling Parliament reconvenes today for its biggest task yet: Debating an ambitious set of laws to reshape an economy that wilted during half a century of military rule.

Possible legislation on corruption will attract attention in a country ranked among the world's most graft-ridden by watchdog Transparency International.

Mr Thein Nyunt, 66, chairman of the New National Democracy Party and member of the Lower House, said lawmakers were forbidden to speak about parliamentary proceedings.

"But I can say that the anti-corruption law I have drafted is based on similar laws from Malaysia and Singapore," he said.

"Once enacted, this law will call for explanation of the source of wealth of those in power. I am sure this law will help resolve corruption, a major perennial problem in our society."

A separate law on Special Economic Zones is also expected to be debated in the new session. This may give companies additional incentives to invest.

Parliament may also get to debate a new media law, which is expected to run until September.

Press restrictions have been loosened but the authorities can still prevent the publication of material they disapprove of, as they did during recent sectarian violence in Rakhine state.