Declaration of Assets Bill : still on the waiting list or fading into oblivion?

The Declaration of Assets featured among the top 10 priorities of the Alliance Lepep manifesto. Since then, years have passed away and nothing much has been heard about it. During the last parliamentary sessions, MP Adil Ameer Meea questioned the Prime Minister about this new bill and when it will be ready.

The Prime Minister replied that a Ministerial Committee was examining the different aspects of a new regime for the Declaration of Assets. He also mentioned that the Bill took so long because they have to look at all the issues so that there are no loopholes. Another issue is whether this law will include only politicians or Chairpersons of parastatal bodies, Chief Executive Officers and Advisers to Ministers. While MP Adil Ameer Mea wants high ranking officials to be included, trade unionist Rashid Imrith is of a different opinion. Debate. 

 Adil Ameer Meea : “The law should include ministers, MPs and high ranking officials”

MP Adil Ameer Meea argues that, as compared to other countries, Mauritius is already late in the introduction of this law and it is now time to implement it. Mauritius needs to show it is fighting corruption.

“As compared to other democracies, we are lagging behind. For the time being, we only make a declaration at the ICAC that remains in the drawer and we do not need such a system. We need to make the declaration public. This is more efficient than just keeping everything enclosed in a file. This kind of law can take, to the maximum, one week to be implemented and we are really surprised why it is taking so long. We have already witnessed various cases of corruption and if this law is implemented, this will generate a new trust amidst the population. We have been referring to good governance and accountability, so this is part of it,” he states.

He believes that the law should include ministers, MPs and high ranking officials in public sector, parastatal bodies and government owned entities. “The high ranking officials possess powers for decisions as well as procurements decision and in this context, it is a must to include them. There have been cases in the past where officials have been caught in corruption cases.”  

The high ranking officials possess powers for decisions as well as procurements decision and in this context, it is a must to include them.

He highlights that there are several aspects that need to be analysed before implementing this law. Firstly, he underscores that there should be a clear definition of assets. “Earlier assets constitute only of land, cars and houses. But nowadays it also refers to shares, financial derivatives, bitcoins, among others. It should also consist of assets abroad as well an overview of assets of immediate dependent, including trust and companies.”

MP Adil Ameer Meea recalls that we should not mix declaration asset and political financing. “They are two different things and we should refrain from mixing them. Political financing is another set of law that should be implemented in due course.”

Rashid Imrith : “Why are high ranking officials in the public sector being targeted?”

President of the Federation of Public Sector Trade Unions, Rashid Imrith, does not understand why high ranking officials in the public sector are being targeted and why the root of the problem is not being solved. “It is good that a Declaration of Assets Bill will be introduced but why is it targeting public servants? The salaries of high ranking officials are already under control by the PRB and the MRA. Besides, if the parliament approves the salaries given, there are procedures to be followed before an officer receives his salary. This law should be applied for people who distort the laws and never hesitate to go astray,” he reveals.

The president also argues that the laws need to cater for the ways politicians enrich themselves. “Whenever there is a general election, we all know that there are all types of maneuvers that happen and it becomes really difficult to detect money transactions. Instead of focusing only on one aspect of the issue, why not attack the root of the problem itself? Why not initiate inquiry on people who tend to donate money during campaigns? This will ensure more transparency,” he says.

A candidate may declare its assets but they never declare the money they get for campaigning.  There have been several cases that generate doubts, so it is better to focus on them than target high ranking officials.

He further adds that all organizations registered with the Bureau of Association must submit their returns without the least failure. “If we are looking for transparency, all political parties, small or big, must submit their proceeds with respect to the deadlines. Just a Declaration Act will serve no purpose, if other aspects are neglected. Besides, there must be assurance that no false declaration is made. A candidate may declare its assets but they never declare the money they get for campaigning.  There have been several cases that generate doubts, so it is better to focus on them than target high ranking officials.”