Reality of a Code of Conduct

A reader has, in a letter published in the April 29, 2022 issue of your paper, attached attributes to the Code of Conduct proposed by me for Ministers, that are not really attributes of a Code of Conduct.

Here’s what the Code IS NOT meant to be –

*It’s not an instrument that seeks to “pass the buck” that sits with officials.

*It’s not an instrument that absolves officials of their responsibilities and transfers statutory and regulatory responsibilities to Ministers.

**It’s not a replacement for obligations and responsibilities that are vested in any functionary in terms of Laws, Government rules and regulations.

**It’s not the sole instrument that exists to ensure compliance with laws that have been enacted to prevent corruption, mismanagement, etc.

**It’s not the only instrument that will prevent all of the evils that we face today.

**It’s not an instrument that will make inefficient Ministers efficient.

**It’s not a Law, but is based on expectations contained in laws and regulations.

Here’s what the Code IS meant to be-

*It’s meant to be a set of standards in conduct that Ministers are challenged to comply with, and which will help public officers discharge their responsibilities with independence.

*It’s meant to be a set of standards in conduct, which if breached, contributes to corruption, mismanagement and loss of government resources.

*It’s a set of standards in conduct that will, if breached, contribute to the kind of situation that we’re in, today.

*It’s meant to be a set of standards in conduct that we like to see Ministers comply with, without having to be reminded.

I stand by the position that a Code for Ministers is very necessary. It adds to the plethora of efforts required to inspire good conduct amongst the highest level of policy-makers in the country. Acting in breach of the principles in a code does not justify not having one, just as much as a breach of laws does not justify the abolition of laws but rather, justifies a demand for better enforcement.

DHARA WIJAYATILAKE