Corruption in Myanmar is a greater threat than terrorism, said President U Thein Sein, as he addressed a ceremony to mark World Environment Day.
Speaking at the Myanmar International Convention Centre 2 on June 5, the President added that this corruption risks the stability of Myanmar’s development and disrupts eco-preservation efforts.
“That is why we formed the anti-corruption committee back in 2013,” said the president.
The president spoke of the whole nation’s responsibility towards the environment, pointing to section 45 of the constitutionthat states “the Union shall protect and conserve natural environment,” as one of Myanmar’s “basic principles” and section 390(b) that says “every citizen has the duty to assist the Union in carrying out environmental conservation.”
President U Thein Sein said that as Myanmar’s economy grows and becomes more industrialised, he would work hard to minimise damage to the environment and the country’s natural resources.
He said, “If we do not take action, we are at risk of overusing our natural resources, and ourfuture generations will suffer the consequences.”
The President drew links between poverty and the environment, highlighting that those in poverty are less able to access natural resources in a sustainable manner.
He added,“It is the poor of the nation who are hurt the most by flash floods, droughts and other natural disasters exacerbated by damage to the environment.”
