PM reviews gov't anti-corruption measures during visit to JIACC

AMMAN — The government is commited to implementing all of its anti-corruption measures according to Royal directives, Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Omar Razzaz said on Wednesday, stressing that corrupt persons have "no immunity" and that the law "applies to all".

During a visit to the Jordanian Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (JIACC) and a meeting with JIACC Chairman Muhannad Hijazi, Razzaz said that His Majesty King Abdullah, while presiding over part of the Cabinet session on Tuesday, focused on a set of local issues, most notably anti-corruption action and the rule of law and its application to all.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs Sami Daoud and Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Razzaz highlighted the government's keenness on transparency, disclosure and the pursuit of accuracy and justice regarding all anti-corruption measures, "in order to uphold the truth" through the JIACC, other concerned authorities and the judiciary.

The prime minister pointed out accomplishments in enhancing integrity and combatting corruption in the legislative arena, fortifying the Audit Bureau and the JIACC, increasing oversight access to growth in wealth for officials and preventing the statute of limitations of crimes related to public money.

"What the JIACC is doing on the procedural level must be strengthened through legislation and regulations to help it play its role in recovering public money in the public sector as well as in the private sector in regard to tax evasion," the premier said.

Razzaz stressed that the Jordanian economy is still open to investments and encourages investment activity, adding that "everyone who invests in Jordan is welcome — whether from within or outside the Kingdom — because investment is the engine of the economy and employment and benefits everyone".

He also highlighted the need to address the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact responsibly under the rule of law and within the concept of solidarity.

The JIACC "has had and will play a major role" in ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, he said, adding that the government "adheres to the highest standards of transparency and disclosure".

For his part, Hijazi noted that the JIACC is "serious about fighting corruption in all its forms under the directives of His Majesty". 

"The JIACC seeks to establish the principles of integrity, transparency, good governance, law enforcement and prevention of corruption in all its forms", he added.