AMMAN - Opinion leaders and citizens had varied reactions to the code of conduct recently signed by the Cabinet, with some calling it a step in the right direction and others saying it will not change the government's performance.
In a letter addressed to His Majesty King Abdullah last Thursday, Prime Minister Samir Rifai said every member of the Cabinet, including himself, signed a code of conduct that they all are required to adhere to and which is intended to serve as an additional reference by which Jordanians can judge their performance.
The document requires the ministers to put their personal interests aside when performing their duties and to work with integrity, abiding by the Constitution as well as existing laws and regulations, to which they will be held accountable.
Jordan Transparency Forum President Bassem Sakkijha told The Jordan Times yesterday that the pact is a step in the right direction and will increase the government's transparency and credibility.
"It is a very important document in the history of the Kingdom and adds to the government's efforts in combating corruption... We hope that it will be followed by additional steps and implemented in all public institutions," Sakkijha said, highlighting that the pact is in line with past legislation and government agreements.
"Now that such a document is endorsed, we call on the government to issue a whistle-blower protection law, to protect persons who raise concerns about wrongdoing taking place in an organisation," he added.
Sakkijha said the document will be an additional reference for the media and the public as a whole to assess the government's performance and achievements and hold them accountable for their actions.
"Though it cannot be used in the court of law, the agreement details laws in effect that obligate public servants to perform their duties in accordance with the laws and regulations, and thus the public will be more aware of the government's performance and able to judge its work by referring to the code of conduct," Jordan Bar Association President Ahmad Tbeishat said yesterday.
He noted that the pact, drawn up at the King's request, is intended to implement all the guidelines stated in King Abdullah's Letter of Designation to the prime minister and ensure that the government acts in accordance with the law and the Constitution.
The important thing now is for ministers to abide by the pact, he said, stressing that it is the job of the media, the public and institutions concerned with monitoring public sector performance to ensure their commitment.
Islamic Action Front (IAF) member Hamzah Mansour, however, believes that the government does not need a code of conduct, but rather must perform their duties with full integrity and in accordance with laws and regulations by default.
"When the new government was sworn-in before the King, they pledged to perform their duties in compliance with the Constitution. If that's not enough, then what is?" Mansour asked. He noted that the objectives of the code would be better served by ensuring that the right man is put in the right place when appointing public officials.
"The document is not expected to add anything new to the government's performance," Mansour, who headed the IAF bloc in the dissolved Lower House, told The Jordan Times.
For their part, citizens said it is the government's duty to be unbiased and do its job fairly, expressing doubt that a code of conduct would impact the ability or willingness of ministers to do so.
Asma Freij, a university student, said all ministers must be responsible before the prime minister and should be held accountable for their actions whether or not they sign a code of conduct.
"I'm not sure if this pact is going to make a difference. If you are honest and fair then you will do your job properly, but if you are not, what is going to stop you from violating the law," the 20-year-old said, adding that people should monitor the government closely, especially as there is no Parliament.
"I hope that this at least will put an end to wasta [favouritism] and bad practices such as appointments that are not based on qualifications," she added.
"We don't know what this code of conduct means. But a minister has to be honest and fair," taxi driver Ali Awamleh said, expressing doubt that this government will be any different than its predecessors.
"Whenever a new government comes, they pledge to work in the public's interest. I would give them a few months, and then they will be like the last one," the 46-year-old told The Jordan Times.
He added that he heard many times about government officials who violated the law but faced no consequences.
"They always come up with excuses and justify their wrongdoings," the father of three said.
By Hani Hazaimeh
© Jordan Times 2009
