Aug 31, 2009 (DVB), Civil servants in central Burma have been ordered not send complaints regarding workplace abuse or corruption to the government in the country's capital, according to a government worker.

A government employee in Magwe division said that local township officials had ordered those working in government offices to sign an agreement vowing not to complain.

"They said, whether political problems or personal disagreements, no complaint should be made to the government administration in Naypyidaw," he said under condition of anonymity.

"Township officials are now going to villages in the area to make everyone sign [the agreement], including school teachers."

The officials also reportedly warned the government employees not to spread any news about it.

He said the order was likely due to concern over a recent incident where teachers at a local primary school complained about students being made to clear a grassland near the school for a visit by a senior government minister.

Visits to locations by government officials are often preempted by instances of forced labour, such as the cleaning of refurbishment of an area.

Government workers in Burma regularly complain to authorities in Naypyidaw about mismanagement, workplace abuses and corruption in the workplace.

Reporting by Khin Hnin Htet