Speaking after the 15-member commission was sworn in at the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on March 3, U Mya Win said it will achieve its objective if the people and the government cooperate.

“We urge not only the government but also the people to participate in the eradication of bribery,” U Mya Win, a retired military officer, told the media.

“The commission includes experts and professionals who will co-operate with other groups and if things go smoothly, we can finish our work in a timely manner,” he said.

“We’ve just started work, so I can’t share any details yet.”

The appointment and swearing-in of the commission follows an anti-corruption law enacted last August. The commission has the power to request government ministers, officials and members of their families to provide information about their assets. Failure to comply may result in a prison term of up to five years.

“We will act in accordance with the law,” U Mya Win said, adding that the commission would be impartial.

“However, our work may take some time, because we are starting from scratch,” he said.

The commission has the authority to acquire information about a person’s assets and can require anyone under investigation to justify their wealth.

Government officials also have to provide proof that they paid all necessary taxes on any property they sold, and may also be required to provide a list of any overseas assets or bank accounts.

Anyone under investigation may also be required to show assets held by their children.

Any person found by the commission to have been involved in corruption will face legal proceedings which could result in a prison term and the confiscation of any unlawfully acquired property.