USDP to take action against corrupt MPs

Thursday, 06 January 2011 21:13 Kyaw Kha

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – A Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) meeting held in the Burmese capital Naypyidaw on January 2 and 3, has decided to take action against newly elected MPs found to be corrupt or indulging in illicit sexual activities.

The meeting was attended by over 300 central executive committee members, including top party leaders and recently elected MPs.

The discussion comes after the party received a number of formal complaint letters alleging misconduct.

MPs-elect decided first investigate allegations before taking action. However, a party source did not elaborate on the kinds of action that would be taken.

A USDP member who attended the meeting told Mizzima a resolution adopted at the matter said complaints reflected badly on the party.

The party resolution set out that USDP members were to consume alcohol in their homes, avoid eating at restaurants, and refrain from visiting massage parlours. Watching pornographic videos was also to be avoided, in addition to corruption and embezzlement.

According to a party member from Rangoon division, numerous voters had sent letters of complaints against USDP MPs-elect and party members, for visiting massage parlours, karaoke bars and restaurants and for indulging in illicit sexual activities, a party member from Rangoon division told Mizzima.

A number of the complaints had been signed with pseudonyms.

A second-hand car dealer from Rangoon said that USDP members had more disposable income to spend on such activities because of the power and authority they command. The party is lead and backed by the ruling military elite.

The committee meeting also deliberated on issues to be included in its parliamentary agenda, in preparation for the official opening of the People’s Assembly said to be on January 15.

The USDP won over 76 percent of contested seats in Burma’s first general elections in over 20 years held last November.

When parliament convenes, the USDP will occupy 882 seats out of a total of 1,154 seats across three legislatures.

The party still faces a number of outstanding complaints over electoral fraud and vote rigging.

The USDP was established by Burmese military officials in 1993 as a social organization. It was transformed into a political party just prior to the November 7 elections.