Interior Minister addresses Anti-Corruption Day

Manama, Dec 8 (BNA): Interior Minister Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa announced that Bahrain’s celebration to mark Anti-corruption Day comes as a response to the General Assembly of the United Nations' decision in 2005 to make December 9 a day to raise awareness about the risks of corruption. The Interior Minister said that corruption is an international phenomenon that includes economic, social, political, organizational and administrative levels, which negatively effects national progress, investment, productivity and development. He reiterated the need for law enforcement monitoring of authorities and the implementation of a precise and clear legislative and procedural system to fight corruption. He also stressed the importance of focusing on religious and ethical values that are against corruption. He said partnerships between law enforcement agencies at local and international level is also of the utmost importance. Bahrain joined the rest of the world in marking this important day by highlighting efforts with Bahrain to fight corruption, including participating in active international anti-corruption programs. In another anti-corruption effort, Bahrain has initiated a self-evaluation checklist in preparation second periodic review session at the UN Human Rights Council next year. The Kingdom attaches great importance to corruption indicators and transparency and strives to attain a high score at the Arab and international level. This includes the promotion of cooperation to achieve the objectives of the National Anti-corruption Strategy. These programs are the result of the ongoing reform project by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa that promotes sustainable development with the backing of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister and the coordination committee formed by the cabinet and chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Deputy Premier. Another anti-corruption highlight is the progress made by the committee to combat the five violations mentioned in the Financial and Administration Audit Court report. This committee has made tangible progress for the second year in a row, which shows the dedication to promote accountability in the handling and spending of public money. The minister applauded the efforts of the General Directorate of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security in investigating 64 corruption cases this year, including those referred from the Council of Representatives to the Public Prosecution related to violations mentioned in the audit court report and violations referred from the coordination committee. He stated that the anti-corruption hotline (Nazaha 992) ensures confidentiality for callers and that it has received 657 complaints of suspected corruption this year. The energetic response to the complaints filed via this hotline indicates the increased public awareness about their role in fighting corruption. The Minister concluded by saying that corruption is under control in Bahrain, thanks to the effective anti-corruption strategy and a support structure of strong religious and ethical values. He expressed thanks for the cooperation of citizens in the fight against crime and wished them all the best in the protection of national achievements. (Courtesy of MOI)