Corruption in Myanmar
While the official death count tallied thirteen killed, it is widely surmised that the true number far exceeded this figure.
[14] [15][16][17] Although the demonstrations were dispersed and suppressed by the military junta, the public would later vote a new government in and wrested power from Senior General Than Shwe by 2011.
This period ended in 2011, when a semi-civilian government took power and sought to regenerate the economy and draw foreign investment.
"[11] Kim Ninh of the Asia Foundation said in May 2015 that despite efforts to reduce corruption after military rule, the country's business environment remained essentially the same, with few new companies emerging since 2011.
[5] An October 2015 article in Wired stated that notwithstanding attempts by the US and other Western countries to promote transparency, the majority of Myanmar's economy remains in control of a corrupt elite.
[23] During the privatization process, according to a report by the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre that was updated in October 2014, "numerous state assets were sold to the military, family members, and associates of senior government officials at fire sale prices.
"[24] According to several reports, moreover, the military influenced the results of the 2010 and 2012 elections by means of fraud, restrictions on political participation, and prohibition of international monitoring.
[22] "As there are no competitive selection processes to enter the public sector," notes one report, "personal connections and bribery are maybe more important than qualifications.
For instance, it is common practice to select ministers and high-level civil servants from the military ranks rather than based on expertise.
Since gifts up to 300,000 Kyat (US$300) are not legally regarded as corruption, there are no penalties for this kind of activity, even though it "represents a huge cost for the government, undermines trust in state institutions, and violates the principle of equal treatment of citizens.
"[11] Since late August 2024, illegal trishaw drivers frequently join junta militia groups to circumvent petrol restrictions and avoid inspections.
[11] A firm wishing a construction permit must go through an application process involving (on average) 16 procedures, a 159-day wait, and a cost of about 567% of income per capita.
[25] Without notice or external review, Myanmar's government routinely promulgates new regulations and laws affecting foreign investors.
[25] Daniel Barrins of the Herbert Smith Freehills law firm, a partner of Australia-based Asialink, has said that corruption is denying Myanmar's citizens the benefits of foreign investment.
Problems with land ownership, intellectual-property rights, and the rule of law all create difficulties for potential foreign investors, according to Barrins.
According to an October 2015 report in The Wall Street Journal, land in Myanmar remains largely under the control of the military and their allies.
[10] Political corruption exists at higher levels of government, and comes into play especially "when large infrastructural works or other 'mega-projects' are being negotiated or implemented."
Companies pay bribes "to avoid trouble or delays," and often "establish illicit networks of patronage which can be exploited in future deals."
[11] In the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2013–2014, business executives rated the incidence of corrupt diversion of public funds to companies, individuals, or groups at 2.3 on a 7-point scale (1 being "very common" and 7 "never occurs").
According to the Global Enabling Trade 2014, corruption at the border and burdensome procedures are among the major challenges to importation of goods.
Judiciary officials in Myanmar accept bribes for various services, such as providing access to detainees and rendering a favorable verdict.
The government has expanded counter-narcotic efforts, but is "reluctant to investigate, arrest, and prosecute high level international traffickers," according to the CIA.
As a result, Myanmar was removed from the international Financial Action Task Force's list of "Non-cooperative Countries and Territories" in October 2006.
"[11] Thein Sein has reportedly made "significant efforts to minimise corruption in the extractive industries" in hopes of attracting foreign investment.
[11] In April 2013, several senior government officials charged with corruption were compelled to retire or to leave departments working on investment.
"[11] Anti-corruption laws "were further amended in 2014 to allow for the parliament to establish a committee to investigate allegations of corruption among government officials.
[1] A February 2014 report said that the Myanmar Police Force (MPF) had improved its ability to identify and acknowledge corruption.
"[38] According to a survey report published in November 2020 by Transparency Networks, 93 percent of Myanmar citizens think the government is doing well in tackling corruption.
