|
|
Former Burmese Telecoms Minister Investigated in Corruption Probe
Published on:
A week after he resigned as Myanmar's Telecoms Minister, Thein Tun is reported to be under investigation for accepting bribes - along with about 50 other officials at the Ministry.
This marks the first time that a Burmese government minister has been investigated for corruption and is seen as a sign that the reformist Prime Minister is keeping to his promise to cut down on corruption as the country moves towards democracy.
Deputy Information Minister and Presidential Spokesperson Ye Htut confirmed that a probe has been initiated, but did not give details.
A report by Radio Free Asia said that the former Minister has been placed under house arrest. The same report added that the bribery probe also includes handset supplies from China's Huawei and ZTE.
It had been reported last week that Thein Tun clashed with the President over plans to reduce the cost of buying a SIM card. The President wanted the fee lowered, but the Minister was concerned that would eat into the revenues of the state-owned mobile network.
Whether the resignation was prompted by the corruption concerns is currently unclear, but it may reassure investors considering bidding for the two telecoms licenses that corruption is being dealt with.
On the web: News24 - Radio Free Asia
Tags: [Myanmar]
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |