The National Assembly did not support its Good Governance Committee’s (GGC) recommendation to providing adequate financial incentives and budgetary support to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The Committee, while presenting the Review Report on the ACC yesterday, made nine recommendations. Of it, three were turned down.
The Committee recommended providing financial incentives and budgetary support to the ACC to attract and retain its professional staff.
” ACC should be given full independence financially. They should not rely on anyone. And they should also be independent when it comes to management. Today they do not have full independence as it is managed partially by the RCSC. So this is a problem,” Gangzur _Minjey MP Kinga Penjor said.
However, Finance Minister Namgay Tshering said financial independence is not the most important factor to attract and retain the Commission’s staff.
“Of course, finance is important but more than that, I feel they should be given immunity and protection. When they exercise their power, they should have independence and support.”
Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering asked for more clarity regarding the ACC’s financial independence.
“When it comes to financial matter, we will support as much as we can. But there is less chance when we do not have the budget. The previous governments must have supported when necessary and we will also support. There is also a need for clarity.”
Only 18 members supported the recommendation. The house also did not support the committee’s recommendation of having a separate corruption bench in a court for corruption cases.
The committee also recommended that suspension of an accused from the public office on the grounds of corruption charges should be applied uniformly. This was rejected as well.
Meanwhile, the members agreed that it is important to improve the ethical competence of leaders to create enabling environment for promoting ethics, integrity and professionalism. This was recommended as local government authorities are seen to be more vulnerable to corruption.
The house also supported the recommendation asking the ACC to accelerate the establishment of the Ombudsman office. This was recommended during the 11th Session of the Second Parliament.
