The objectives of this study are: to do some literature reviews in the area of Myanmar administrative transformation (reform) in the public sector; to identify general aspects of those development, together with other relevant topics; to review some specific aspect of changes in the context of Myanmar; and to analyze the findings and observations of the administrative transformation based on the literature reviews.
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Any types of future reforms, including with regional administrative mechanism, in Myanmar has begun in line with the future administrative framework produced from a new State Constitution and the general election 2010. The new government formed after the election must assume a responsible role in assuring that the necessary laws are put in place to protect both the interest of the government and the public. The question is: How will the parliament regulate, enforce and monitor market activities, for example? In modern societies, various political, governmental and private bodies are charged with setting rules which govern areas such as the economy, education, public safety, health, consumer rights, the environment and many other areas critical to society.
Obviously, many of the existing institutions established by the military government do not have the experience or capacity to undertake such a role, and the parliament will need to create new institutions and regulations in line with its new role as the representatives of the national at large. Institutional change usually takes time, unlike policy reform which can occur much faster. Under the existing Constitution, the new parliament will not be able to build new institutional management and oversight without the cooperation and consent of the military-wing of parliament, which will control the passage of legislation through its majority control of the body.
Among the many problems confronting the state will be a shortage of qualified personnel in the existing institutions and the fitness and qualifications of the military personnel who will assume civilian roles in parliament and newly created institutions and organizations. Efforts must be made to develop anew generation of well educated, qualified personnel, particularly in key ministries such as national planning and economic development, commerce, finance and revenue, education, health and other areas. At the same time, existing technocrats, academics and other experts must be allowed to participate in the policy-making process, and their input must be taken into consideration. In addition, many state institutions and newly created bodies must be guaranteed independence and be free from political control if they are to be credible in formulating policies, enforcing rules and working for the benefit of the society at large.
One of the biggest problems facing public sector reform is that many of those who have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo are the same people who will hold responsible positions of power after the election, both in the parliament and the government. For example, government tax agencies must collect taxes in accordance with tax laws with everyone treated equally regardless of their social status or affiliation to the military; the auditor general’s office must audit accounts of both public and private enterprises when necessary; the central bank must set monetary policies; an anti-corruption commission must prosecute corrupt officials. If governmental bodies cannot credibly do what they are designed to do, the role of the institutions and government will be put into question.
Above all there will be a great need for political will on the part of people elected to the parliament and the regional and state governmental bodies to implement public sector and governmental reform programs.
By – Naylin Oo (17 March 2010)