December 10: The Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission Aum Naten Zangmo says everybody must change culturally and behaviorally to uphold the notion of zero tolerance to corruption in country. She said corruption must be made risky and costly to corrupt people. Aum Naten Zangmo was talking to the participants who took part in a marathon organized to observe the International Anti-Corruption Day in Bhutan.

A marathon race was organized in the capital to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day in Bhutan. The theme of the marathon was run against corruption.

More than 800 people participated in the race which was divided into three categories. The participants in the veteran category ran five kilometers while the women participants ran seven kilometers. The open category participants ran 10 kilometers.

Cash prizes ranging from Nu. 50,000 to Nu. 3,000 were given to the winners.

The Labour and Human Resources Minister, the National Assembly Speaker, senior government officials and parliament members also took part in the run.

Speaking to the participants shortly after the marathon, the Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission said Bhutanese must change culturally and behaviorally to uphold the notion of zero tolerance to corruption.

Also speaking at the function the deputy UN Resident Representative to Bhutan said corruption affects the lives of people at all levels. He said it hampers the achievement of the national and Millennium Development Goals.
Therefore he said everybody must take part in preventing corruption.

Talking to BBS some of the participants said they are taking part in the marathon to join the Anti-Corruption Commission to fight against corruption.

The UN General Assembly designated December 9 in 2003 as International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness of corruption and the role of the UN Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing corruption.