Jordan Times
Monday, September 25, 2006
Lower House endorses
anti-corruption commission draft law
By Mohammad Ben Hussein
AMMAN — The Lower House on Sunday endorsed the anti-corruption commission draft
law, under which an official body entrusted with combating corruption in the
public sector will be established.
At yesterday’s session, it was apparent that deputies were determined to put the
law on the fast track and endorse it as soon as possible.
Observers said MPs were keen on “proving their efficiency” by endorsing the law
before the extraordinary session adjourns on Sept. 28.
Senior officials had accused some deputies of deliberately involving the House
in prolonged debates in order to hamper the government’s efforts to have the law
endorsed during this session, said a senior deputy, who preferred not to be
named.
Last week, the Lower House endorsed four of the bill’s 25 articles, after
lengthy discussions on the definition of wasta and the independence of the
commission. At yesterday’s session, they discussed the remaining 21 articles.
As MPs were preparing to cast their vote on the draft law — after they had
discussed each article — several deputies suggested reopening discussion on
Article 3, which defines the anti-corruption commission.
The article was endorsed last week.
Deputies introduced an amendment under which the commission would be independent
from the prime minister’s office. After nearly half an hour of debate, however,
they decided to retract the amendment and link the commission to the premier’s
office.
The commission, created upon directives by His Majesty King Abdullah, will have
a free mandate to pursue current and former officials who are suspected of being
involved in corruption.
According to the draft law, corruption is any act that violates official duties
and all acts related to wasta and nepotism that could deprive others from their
legitimate rights, as well as economic crimes and misuse of power.
The bill specifies the level of officials answerable to the law, including the
prime minister and his Cabinet, members of Parliament and judges.
Article 8 details the commission’s duties and authorities, including
investigating financial corruption and scrutinising individuals who break the
law. It also authorises the commission to impound fixed and non-fixed assets of
suspects and freeze their authority.
According to the draft law, the commission will be managed by a six-member board
appointed directly by His Majesty King Abdullah upon the prime minister’s
recommendation.
A special committee comprising the minister of justice, the head of the Audit
Bureau, a member of the Senate, a deputy and a judge will recommend to the prime
minister individuals who can be trusted to take up the highly sensitive post.
Commission officials, who will not be working in other departments or running
private businesses, must disclose their financial assets before assuming their
duties.
The law also gives the commission the absolute power to demand information or
documents from any entity. The concerned party is compelled to answer promptly
without delay, according to Article 18.
The bill is part of a government drive to press ahead with measures to combat
corruption in the public sector.
Also during yesterday’s session, MPs endorsed amendments introduced to the
khutba draft law by the Upper House, which stipulate that no one is allowed to
deliver a khutba or a lecture in a mosque without the approval of the
government.
It also specifies the penalties that will be imposed on individuals who violate
the law — between a week to one month in prison as well as a fine.
Several deputies from the Islamic Action Front were displeased that the House
approved the Senate’s amendments, claiming the law was meant to silence people
and prevent them from expressing themselves freely.