Disclosure of wealth

The rationale behind the idea remains as persuasive as ever. Publication of such information would go a long way towards reducing corruption in government and would also benefit the MPs and ministers who have kept their hands clean. It is not enough to be above reproach, one must be seen to be such, and publication of wealth information would help honest government functionaries demonstrate their integrity.

The current government's tenure has been marked by allegations of corruption being levelled against some senior cabinet ministers and lawmakers. Parliamentary standing committees have looked into the matter, but no report has ever been made public, and no charges have been brought against any senior figure.

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With the changing of the guard following an election, a new incumbent would bring charges of corruption and malpractice against members of predecessor cabinet in a predictable alternating sequence. Publication of wealth information would help bring an end to this totally counter-productive cycle of accusation and acrimony which is never resolved while corruption ruled the roost.

Unless corruption at the very top is tackled, there will be no way to deinstitutionalise it. There is even a high court order that has been obtained directing political parties to reveal wealth information of candidates. This, too, we support, and we should mention that it is equally important for the opposition candidates as well.

Well, the ACC may have been formed, but what has been accomplished by this? The PM says that corruption cannot be removed overnight. This is true, but why the process should not have been started four and a half years ago? That said, now is as good a time to start as any.