Attorney General Graham Leung has introduced the Code of Conduct Bill 2025 in Fiji’s Parliament, a significant move aimed at enhancing integrity, transparency, and accountability within the country’s governance framework. This proposed legislation outlines three specific Codes of Conduct targeting different categories of public office holders: the Executive Code, the Office Holder Code, and the Parliamentary Code. The objective is to foster high ethical standards among officials, ensuring that the welfare of the public takes precedence over personal interests.
One of the key aspects of the Bill is the requirement for public officials to declare their assets and financial interests, which will be made public through a Declarations Register. This initiative is designed to combat corruption and increase transparency, enabling citizens to closely examine the financial affairs of their leaders.
Additionally, the legislation stipulates that any instances of false or incomplete asset declarations will be punishable by law. Attorney General Leung underscored the importance of integrity and accountability among public officials, asserting that they must serve the populace respectfully. “The overarching principles for the three codes of conduct are that public office holders must act with integrity and uphold the public interest,” he remarked.
The introduction of the Bill also paves the way for amendments to existing laws, particularly the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding, and Disclosures) Act 2013, thereby synchronizing political regulations with the objectives of the new legislation. If passed, the Code of Conduct Bill 2025 could mark a transformative shift in Fiji’s governance landscape, addressing persistent issues of corruption and fostering transparency.
The Bill is scheduled for parliamentary debate later this week, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressing his support for these initiatives. This reinforces a shared commitment to instilling trust in public institutions and advocating for higher ethical standards among government officials. Upholding these standards is considered essential for cultivating a more accountable and engaged political culture in Fiji, ultimately benefiting its democracy.
These developments instill hope for a rejuvenated governance system that prioritizes public welfare and promotes citizen participation. As accountability measures take root, there is potential for a more interactive political sphere to emerge in Fiji, enriching democracy for all its citizens.
Leave a comment