Aung Mara Kyaw, Rakhine state MP told Mizzima that Daw Si Si, the Rakhine State Judge has been accused of 'taking bribes and misusing authority' and investigations on the case have started on September 2.
According to the state Parliament records, 14 MPs, which constitutes1/4th of the total MPs in the state, have signed an affidavit on August 30 accusing Daw Si Si of taking bribes in a rice business deal.
A Committee of 5 MPs from the state Parliament was formed on August 30 to probe the charges against the State Judge. The state Parliament record shows that the probe will begin on September 2 and go on till September 16.
“We have to submit our findings after we investigate the charges. Daw Si Si could be removed from her position if two third of the state Parliament representatives find her guilty”, said U Aung Mara Kyaw.
He explained that the proposal to probe into the Rakhine State Judge was brought up at the state Parliament after the plaintiffs sent a complain stating Daw Si Si took bribes to defend a woman from Mrauk Oo Township, who allegedly swindled 430 million kyats from 90 residents in a rice deal.
Daw Si Si was unreachable for comments.
She was appointed as the State Judge by President Thein Sein in March 2011.
“I do not know her personally, but I must say that she is a brilliant lawyer”, said Daw Aye Nu Sein, an Attorney from Sittwe Township.
U Kaung San Shi, member of the state Parliament Legal Advisory Committee told Mizzima that corruption was widespread in Rakhine state but it was difficult to press charges due to lack of tangible evidence.
He added that this is the first time that the Rakhine state Parliament is investigating a state level officer since U Thein Sein became the President.
The Section (311) of the 2008 Constitution stipulates that state MPs can accuse the State Judge if he/she betrays the country, breaks constitutional law, is found corrupted or ineligible to hold office, and for dereliction of duty.
The Constitution also states that the accused shall be investigated by a committee, whose findings should be submitted to the state Parliament. The report of the investigation committee will be approved if two third of the MPs vote for it. It will then be submitted to the Chief Minister, who will in turn submit it to the President. The accused will be demoted from his/her position if the report that is submitted to the President find the accused guilty.
