The Mon Unity Party (MUP) is allegedly demanding funds from gambling dens to construct an office for its MPs in Paung Township, Mon State, according to operators of these illegal businesses.

The MUP is allegedly pressuring gambling den operators to contribute funds toward building an office intended to facilitate direct public interaction with elected MPs representing the party.

Although no specific amount has been set, each gambling den is reportedly required to contribute between 500,000 and 1 million MMK to the MUP.

A gambling operator said they contributed money out of fear that non-compliance with the party’s demands could result in resentment and possible retaliation.

Than Lwin Times contacted MUP spokesperson Nai Than Shwe for comment on reports that the party is collecting money from gambling dens, but received no response.

The MUP, which secured decisive victories in Chaungzon, Mudon, Thanbyuzayat, Ye and Paung townships in Mon State during the last junta-organized election, has been accelerating the establishment of MP offices across those areas.

Despite establishing these offices, residents have criticized the party’s MPs for not holding meaningful in-person engagements with the community.

The MUP is a political party that contested the junta-held election at the state-level, securing five seats in the House of Representatives, five in the House of Nationalities, and seven in the State Parliament.