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Continuing to fight corruption

Feb 08,2015 - Last updated at Feb 08,2015

A new commissioner and board members were recently appointed at the Anti-Corruption Commission, a sign that the country is continuing the fight against corruption while building on previous achievements.

His Majesty King Abdullah presided over the oath-taking ceremony of the new team, sending the message that he is staunchly behind the work of the commission members, which should endeavour to weed corruption out of the country, working in a manner that is bound to “yield results that citizens can feel” and that will enable the Kingdom “to become an advanced model for the region”.

Ridding the country of corruption is a cardinal principle of good governance, a basic tenet of sound economic planning and development, and a manifestation of democratic institutional work.

Jordan is a state party to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which it signed in 2003 and ratified in 2005, thus making it an integral part of the national laws.

UNCAC calls on state parties, which number 175, to adopt and implement anti-corruption measures, like criminalising certain conduct, strengthening law-enforcement procedures and providing effective mechanisms for asset recovery through international cooperation.

To be sure, the Anti-Corruption Commission has done a great deal already, investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in corruption, but there is still much to be done before the country is free of it.

Jordan is not alone in being plagued by this evil; practically all nations suffer from some kind of corruption or other, to various degrees, no doubt.

What is important is for a country to have the political will to combat corruption, transparently and judiciously.

The King’s interest in the issue should add impetus to the commission’s works, which are essential to the comprehensive national reform process.

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