Attorney-General Graham Leung will seek Cabinet’s approval to commence work on drafting legislation for a code of conduct for members of parliament.
The requirement for a Code of Conduct for leaders, including Ministers and Members of Parliament, is specified in Section 149 of the Constitution.
Leung said the Code of Conduct Bill 2016 (Bill No. 22 of 2016) was first introduced in Parliament in 2016 and read twice. The Bill was then referred to the Standing Committee of Justice, Law, and Human Rights. While under review by the Standing Committee, Parliament was dissolved, and the Bill lapsed.
The Government has a constitutional obligation to give effect to Section 149, noted Leung.
Codes of Conduct are already in place within the public service and many private sector organizations, he added.
“As far back as 1996, the Reeves Commission, whose work led to the adoption of the 1997 Constitution, had recommended that the Constitution should have an Integrity Code similar to a Code of Conduct. This was to ensure that national leaders do not use their office for personal gain,” he stated.
“A Code of Conduct forms an important part of the integrity system of government. It will encourage ethical conduct, reduce risks to the integrity of government, and enable Parliament, as the paramount political institution, to perform its functions more effectively.”
Leung emphasized that this will help enhance transparency and public accountability of leaders, thereby strengthening the public’s trust in government.