Qatar's record in its services provided to the general public and its corruption-free image on the international dealings and transactions have remained matchless for several years.
But Qatar never rested on the laurels, but has been striving to make the country better by implementing new regulations and methodologies to make the government services more transparent and hasslefree for the people in the country and at the same time proving its integrity and sincerity in the international arena.
President of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA), H E Hamad bin Nasser Al Misned, said on Monday that a code of conduct and integrity for public officials will come into effect soon, after the Cabinet issued its decision number 18 of 2020 on issuing a code of conduct and integrity for public officials.
The code will be binding on every civil employee serving different ministries and other government-run bodies and institutions. The code of conduct is also in line with the commitment to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) particularly Article No.8 which was dedicated to codes of conduct for public officials. Qatar ratified the agreement in decree no.17 of 2007.
According to the convention countries that sign the convention must assure that public services are subject to safeguards that promote efficiency, transparency and recruitment based on merit. Once recruited, public servants should be bound by codes of conduct, requirements for financial and other disclosures and appropriate disciplinary measures.
The convention also says that transparency and accountability in the management of public finances must also be promoted and specific requirements are established for the prevention of corruption in the particularly critical area of the public sector, such as the judiciary and public procurement.
Qatar’s code insists that the employ is providing a national service that public interest should be motivation behind the employee’s behaviour at work and the public money and property should be protected.
Qatar believes that the resources at the disposal of the state belong to the public and it is meant for the development and progress of all without prejudice or partiality and at the same time everybody is bestowed with the duty of protecting the resources.
The temptation for making easy money and wielding influence and dominating others can be interpreted as human nature, but resisting these urges is considered noble and sublime.
So being a part of a corruption-free and transparent system should be a matter of pride for every employee.
The code of conduct prompts every civil employee to hold the state’s welfare and progress above personal gains and thus be a part of moulding a country which stands tall as a model for the whole world.
