Editorial
MP and minister wealth statements
Good for the country, good for the government
GIVEN the fact that it was a manifesto pledge, reiterated by the prime minister after election, and now confirmed by the finance minister, we have every confidence that the wealth statements of the MPs and the ministers will indeed be released next month, as promised, and we await their publication with eager anticipation.
We also hope that this is the start of a new and sustained process of disclosure in which the MPs and ministers would continue to release their wealth statements annually and also to release one on exiting office, when the time comes. We firmly believe that this kind of continuous scrutiny can only have a beneficial impact.
However, even as we congratulate the government for its initiative, we would like to point out that this should not be seen as something that is being consented to only due to public expectations, but that it is in the government's own self interest to take the issue of full disclosure seriously, as it appears to have done.
Rampant corruption all the way up to the highest reaches of the government was the cause of the last BNP-led four-party government's downfall, and if the current government does not wish to suffer the same fate as its predecessor at the polls, then it must keep a lid on official corruption, and releasing wealth statements is an integral part of that process.
Not only will it cut down on corruption, but it will cut down even on the appearance of corruption, which will itself have a salutary impact. Taking such a step will enhance the government's moral authority and send a strong signal to the entire country. When the government sets the example, we can expect private individuals to follow its lead, and thus setting a good example helps create the right moral tone.
In conclusion, we hope that this pledge is implemented as promised, and that the disclosure is meaningful. There must be some kind of mechanism in place to ensure that the information disclosed is accurate and that nothing is hidden. It is important that the statements are not a mere whitewash. The independent media pledges its full support to the move and will itself follow the process closely. We caution that any lapses will be seriously taken by the media.
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