Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, in his debate on the Formulation of a Code of Ethics and Conduct for members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) during the second meeting of the 22nd LegCo session on Thursday, emphasised that concerns raised by a member that the Code could potentially restrict their freedom of speech were unfounded upon closer examination.
The minister said the concerns appeared to stem from an overly broad interpretation of the provisions, explaining that as currently drafted, the Code of Ethics and Conduct requires LegCo members to maintain confidentiality only in respect of information expressly classified as “Secret” or “Top Secret”, rather than all official information received in the course of carrying out their duties.
Therefore, concerns that members may become overly cautious or hesitant to provide explanations to the public are unwarranted, as the Code does not restrict the sharing of official information that has not been classified as confidential.
The concern regarding freedom of speech was raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
Addressing a question by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee regarding the applicability of the Code to Cabinet ministers, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda said Cabinet ministers are fully bound by its provisions.
He noted that because Cabinet ministers have access to more sensitive Cabinet-level information, including matters involving national security and government policies, they are bound by higher standards of confidentiality than Appointed member of LegCo.
He said there is no question of Cabinet ministers being exempted, describing it as a responsibility willingly undertaken with integrity.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda also cited several overseas incidents that illustrate the importance of conduct and disciplinary provisions in safeguarding the dignity and credibility of an institution.
He described the Code of Ethics as a guiding document providing clear principles of integrity, which should not be viewed as a burden or restriction, but rather as a form of protection enabling members to act with confidence.
Regarding integrity and asset declaration, the minister shared insights from his previous service as Director at the Anti-Corruption Bureau, where he witnessed first-hand the importance of a transparent and effective system for declaring assets and property.
He stated that such a system serves as both a preventive measure against misconduct and a safeguard for public officials against unfounded allegations, adding that if one has nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear.
He urged all members to embrace asset declaration as a demonstration of responsibility and a commitment to transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness.
He expressed confidence that all LegCo members share the same aspiration to strengthen the LegCo as a respected and credible institution, noting that clear guidelines protect the interests of the institution and bolster public confidence in its members as custodians of public trust.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin ; pic source: Info Foto, Jbt Penerangan)
