The National Assembly has adopted a recommendation seeking amendment of the Anti-Corruption Act 2011. The members made the recommendation yesterday following the presentation of the review report of the act by the Good Governance Committee.
They said the act does not specifically define the forms or types of corruption. This ambiguity around the definition of corruption, they say, calls for a need to review and amend the act.
The Opposition Leader Dr. Pema Gyamtsho said curbing corruption in any form is important and for that, he added, review and amendment of the act has become necessary.
The works and human settlement minister Dorji Choden cited the example of Singapore where, she said, only bribery constitutes as corruption. Others are defined as administrative issues.
She added a clear definition of corruption in the Bhutanese context would go a long way in easing pressure on the commission’s manpower and budget. Currently, Lyonpo said, people lodge all sorts of complaints with the ACC.
The members also made four other recommendations. One is prioritising good leadership to combat corruption.
The Pabang MP said abuse of power is the most prevalent form of corruption. Good leadership, both in the public and private sector, he said would make a difference in combating abuse of power and nepotism.
The members also recommended putting in place a separate detention centre for the accused to protect their rights. This was proposed in light of cases where the accused are put behind bars even before they are proven guilty.
Nyishog_Saephu Member Kuenga said they have been pushing for this since the 6th Session of the Parliament, but it has pushed to the 12th Five Year Plan.
The house also recommended that the ACC report be deliberated extensively in a joint sitting of the parliament instead of the two deliberating on it separately.
The recommendations are to be deliberated on in the next parliament session.
