VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The government has tabled amendments to strengthen ethical standards and transparency obligations for Members of Parliament, including broader asset declarations and a new register of interests. Justice Minister Jonathan Attard presented the proposals to the Standing Committee on Standards in Public Life, describing them as an update to reflect present-day expectations and raise standards in public office. The reforms would revise the parliamentary code of ethics, requiring MPs to uphold the “status and dignity” of the House both inside and outside parliament, including during public and political engagements. A set of guiding principles, such as acting in the common good, maintaining honesty and transparency, and using public resources responsibly, will be formally introduced. MPs would also be required to respect parliamentary institutions and avoid abusing their powers. Under the proposals, all MPs must submit annual asset declarations by March to a public register held by the Speaker. Disclosures would include property, investments, bank deposits, virtual currencies, loans, income and intangible assets such as patents. Newly elected MPs would have one month to comply. Any conflict tied to legislation must be declared in parliament before a vote at second reading.
The revised code would ban MPs from accepting gifts from parties with an interest in legislation and oblige them to report attempts at undue influence. Separate provisions would require ministers and parliamentary secretaries to declare conflicts of interest to the Cabinet Secretary. The government said the reforms incorporate recommendations from international and local bodies, including the OECD.
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