The prime minister has put through to parliament proposed amendments to the constitution that would see the term of suspension for a political leader in office extended, and to bring in public enterprises under the radar of the Ombudsman Commission (OC).
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape when presenting the proposed amendments to parliament, said the reason for this is to improve the functions of the OC and as a deterrence to any malpractices from people in office.
PM Marape said the penalty regime of the OC legislation has been outdated and not reviewed for a long time. and therefore, needs to be revised and updated to a reasonable and appropriate status.
He said the updated penalty should also capture and encourage deterrence and at some level, resonate the level and cost of resources utilized by the OC in the conducting the investigation as well as setting up the leadership tribunal.
“Hence, section 31- subsection 1 will be amended by removing the word three and replaced with the word five,” said the PM.
“These amendments, one, deal with term of suspension from three years to five years. This is the first part of this proposed amendment, the second part relates to section 219, bringing other office holders under the state-owned companies within the radar of the Ombudsman Commission.”
Marape said that although there will be opposition to these proposed changes, especially from the heads of the state-owned enterprises, the move is to ensure accountability on their part as well.
During debate time, most of the Members of Parliament supported the proposed changes; however, some did caution the PM about certain implications for mandated leaders that must be considered before the law is passed.
Meanwhile, the third readings for the two proposed amendments to the constitution and second required opportunity for debate and the second vote, have been adjourned to two months’ time as per the standing orders.