Attorney-General Graham Leung is set to seek Cabinet’s approval to begin drafting a legislation for a code of conduct for members of parliament.
The need for a Code of Conduct for leaders, including Ministers and Members of Parliament, is outlined in section 149 of the Constitution.
Leung mentioned that the Code of Conduct Bill 2016 (Bill No. 22 of 2016) was initially introduced in Parliament in 2016 and was read twice.
The Bill was then referred to the Standing Committee of Justice, Law, and Human Rights. However, while still under review by the Standing Committee, Parliament was dissolved, causing the Bill to lapse.
Leung emphasized the Government’s constitutional obligation to implement Section 149.
He noted that Codes of Conduct are already in place within the public service and numerous private sector organizations.
“As early as 1996, the Reeves Commission, whose efforts culminated in the adoption of the 1997 Constitution, suggested that the Constitution should include an Integrity Code, akin to a Code of Conduct. This was to ensure that national leaders abstain from using their office for personal gain.”
“A Code of Conduct is a crucial component of the government’s integrity system. It promotes ethical behavior, mitigates risks to the government’s integrity, and allows Parliament, as the ultimate political institution, to function more effectively.”
Leung asserted that the implementation of such a code would improve transparency and public accountability of leaders, thereby strengthening public trust in the government.