Government bodies should do more to weed out and prevent corruption, using the methods put in place by the Party and state.
This was the main message of a meeting held on Monday to disseminate and explain the content of the 3rd National Inspection Meeting and provide instruction on inspection procedures.
Party committees and leading officials were advised to raise public awareness of the importance of complying with the law and encourage people to stay away from corruption, as a first step in preventing systemic corruption.
The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to inform ministry officials about various issues relating to inspection and corruption. It was attended by Minister Prof. Dr Bosengkham
Source: Vientiane Times
Vongdara and other ministry officials.
Participants were keen to learn about inspection methods in relation to corruption, which is a corrosive practice that is causing huge losses to the public interest and is an obstacle to social and economic development.
People all across the country have been attempting to combat corruption by various means and measures that have been agreed upon by the global community.
Participants and committees in charge were asked to share their knowledge and skills in carrying out inspections and fighting corruption.
The Party and state have always considered the campaign against corruption to be of great importance. Since 1982, the government has provided directions for dealing with underhand activities in state administrative bodies and amongst public officials, and for preventing corruption.
The Party Central Committee has issued resolutions and regulations in relation to anti-corruption measures.
The National Assembly adopted the first Law on Anti-Corruption in 2005, which was subsequently promulgated by the President.
This law was subsequently amended and re-promulgated in December 2012. The Law on Anti-Corruption is the primary reference for every organisation in Laos in the prevention and combatting of corruption.
Corruption is not only widely practised by provincial bureaucrats, but also at the highest levels of government, according to officials in charge.
From 2012 to 2014, Laos lost more than 1 trillion kip (US$123 million) to corruption, according to a report presented to the National Assembly.
In addition, Laos has issued bonds worth several hundred billion kip to firms that failed to carry out road construction in Oudomxay province, according to the Ministry of Finance, adding to recent losses.
The current government is trying to strengthen anti-corruption measures through the development and amendment of legislation and by improving organisational mechanisms.
Source: Vientiane Times
