Economist urges reforms and transparency
labour
Economist urges reforms and transparency
Rangoon - 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.