Government proposes ethics code reforms for MPs, including new asset declaration rules<\/p>\n
The government has presented a set of amendments aimed at strengthening the Code of Ethics and asset declaration requirements for Members of the House of Representatives, a government statement said.<\/p>\n
The amendments were tabled by Justice and Construction Sector Reform Minister Jonathan Attard in the Permanent Committee on Standards in Public Life, following discussions within government and its parliamentary group.<\/p>\n
The proposed changes seek to update the Code of Ethics to reflect present-day needs while raising the standards expected of members of parliament. <\/p>\n
The amendments also introduce a set of principles intended to provide greater clarity to MPs regarding the conduct expected of them, the statement read.<\/p>\n
In addition to updating the obligations of MPs, the reforms introduce an updated system for asset declarations and new obligations aimed at addressing conflicts of interest in parliamentary work.<\/p>\n
For the first time, a register of interests will be introduced, while reporting obligations will be extended to cover all parliamentary activity.<\/p>\n
The proposed updates take into account recommendations made in recent years by several bodies, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Office of the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life, and the Speaker of the House.<\/p>\n
Government representatives on the Permanent Committee on Standards in Public Life, Minister Jonathan Attard and Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue and Accommodation Andy Ellul, said they look forward to a constructive discussion with Opposition representatives.<\/p>\n
It said that its aim is to reach agreement with the Opposition on these amendments and continue the parliamentary process in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
Government reiterated its commitment to strengthening ethics and good governance in Malta, adding that the reform builds on a series of legislative measures and initiatives introduced by the current administration across the democratic framework, including in the legislative, executive, judicial and public administration sectors, the statement said.<\/p>\n