In collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Kayin State Government, a workshop on corruption prevention titled “Administrative and Economic Integrity” with the technical assistance from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) took place at the Sri Hpa-An Hotel, in Hpa-An City.

    At the workshop, Chief Minister of Kayin State Daw Nang Khin Htwe Myint, and U Aung Kyi, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission, delivered their speech.
    In her speech, Prime Minister Daw Nang Khin Htwe Myint highlighted the global scale of the fighting against corruption and emphasized the state’s commitment to participate in this effort as a national cause. She emphasized the importance of building clean government and good governance, stating that being corruption-free is paramount. While acknowledging that eradicating corruption entirely may not be immediate, she stressed the need for progressive control and reduction of corruption. This requires individuals to possess knowledge about anti-corruption measures and actively avoid engaging in (4) corrupt practices. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of being drug-free and waste-free, in addition to being corruption-free. She called for collaboration and cooperation to expand corruption-free zones starting from smaller areas. The Prime Minister also highlighted the necessity of organizing similar workshops throughout the township to enhance public awareness.
    In his opening speech, Commission Chairman U Aung Kyi stated that corruption and misconduct in government offices are hidden evils that are spreading widely and destroying every society, including businesses. They can cause lower the level of the rule of law and democratic governance, leading to human rights violations. Additionally, they result in the loss of public trust in administration and businesses, divert public funds, and contribute to high prices of general goods as well as the loss of equality and fairness in societies.
    Anti-corruption is not a job done only by Commission or government departments, but also by private businesses and civil organizations. It is a task that must be carried out by groups and individuals. In the fight against corruption, individuals should learn to adopt a democratic mindset to prevent the perpetuation of malpractices. Good morals and ethical reforms are necessary to achieve righteousness and stability. The staff of each department is expected to get the public’s trust, provide services with goodwill, carry out their authority responsibly, make unbiased decisions, and implement them honestly and transparently. Every private business should establish its own anti-corruption ethics and practice to them.
    In accordance with the Commission’s notification letter 14/2018, the Code of Conduct must assess the potential risk of corruption and include an anti-corruption plan that applies not only to the business but also to all related business links. Corruption or misuse in border areas, such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, wildlife trafficking, and money laundering, pose fundamental problems within the complex links or networks associated with almost all crimes committed by illegal trade and other cross-border gangs, thereby affecting the entire country. Therefore, government departments, businesses, civil society organizations, and the public as a whole should have zero tolerance for corruption. By forming an integrity pact with an unforgiving policy and collectively fighting corruption, we can certainly break the link of evil.
    Continuing the workshop, Kayin State Project lanning and Municipal Affairs Minister U Than Naing discussed the topic of “An Administration Sector with Integrity.” Dr. Tin Maung Than delivered a presentation on “An Administration Sector with Integrity.” A representative from the UMFCCI, U Win Myint Aung, addressed the audience on the subject of “An Economic Sector with Integrity.” Daw Aye Myat Mon, Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission Office, talked about “Integrity in Public Service.” U Saw Han Aye, a representative of local businessmen from Hpa-An City, emphasized “Businesses with Integrity.” U Saw Kyaw Zwa, a local CSO representative from Hpa-An City, discussed the “CSO Sector with Honesty and Integrity.” Lastly, the UNDP representative, U Aung Tun, explored the topic of “Risk of Corruption.”
    In the afternoon, the attendees asked the questions they wanted to know, and the Officials provided answers. The ceremony was then concluded at 13:30.
    The Chief Minister and Ministers of the Kayin State Government, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the State Hluttaw, Chief Justice of the State, Attorney General, State Auditor General, Judges of the State Court, Representatives of the Hluttaw, Heads of departments at the State/District/Township level, city elders, officials from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), representatives from social organizations, business organizations, and the media, along with more than 500 invited guests, attended the event.