People need to see outcome of anti-graft efforts — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday met with heads and members of the Royal Committee for the Follow-up and Evaluation of the National Integrity Charter and the Jordan Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (JIACC).

The JIACC assumed the committee’s job of following up on progress in the implementation of the charter and its executive plan after the latter completed its mandate.

During the meeting, held at Al Husseiniya Palace, His Majesty directed the JIACC to build up on the achievements of the Royal panel, according to a statement from the Royal Court.

The King said that any complacency in implementing laws and serving justice would lead to more corruption and would undermine people's trust in the state's agencies and instituitions.

It is time for citizens to feel the outcomes of efforts to combat all sorts of corruption, nepotism and favouritism on all levels, especially under the present economic situation, to eventually achieve justice and entrench integrity as a social and institutional behaviour, His Majesty said.

He stressed the importance of enhancing the rule of law, integrity and good governance as pillars of the civil state, as highlighted in the sixth Royal Discussion Paper.

The King expressed appreciation for the Royal committee’s efforts to follow up with concerned authorities on endeavours to implement the charter in real-life practices as a cornerstone in the holistic reform process. 

For his part, the committee’s president, Rajai Muasher, voiced appreciation for His Majesty’s support for the committee during its mandate, saying that the backing they had received enabled the panel to accomplish the mission and come up with its recommendations.

He noted that the Kingdom is highly ranked in terms of anti-corruption efforts, thanks to the King’s guidance and efforts.

JIACC President Mohammad Allaf said that the sixth Royal Discussion Paper has helped the commission draw up the National Strategy for Integrity and Anti-Corruption 2017-2025 as it focused on the rule of law and other important integrity-related issues.

The main objective of the strategy, he noted, is to make a difference in efforts to create an environment that rejects corruption and embraces the principles of integrity in public administration and the private sector.

Allaf added that the strategy is designed to reinforce the rule of law and ensure justice when accountability is decided.

The commission also works on implementing programmes related to combating favouritism, applying good governance, and raising the awareness of students and youth on the risks of corruption.

The Royal Committee for the Follow-up and Evaluation of the National Integrity Charter, formed in 2014, has several achievements such as periodical reports to follow up on and evaluate progress. 

It has also contributed to the enactment of the Integrity Law of 2016 after merging the Ombudsman Bureau and Anti-Corruption Commission into the JIACC as an umbrella body.