Code of Ethics for MPs

Parliament: Code of ethics needed for MPs
By LEE YUK PENG
KUALA LUMPUR: A veteran Barisan Nasional backbencher suggested that a committee be set up to draft a code of ethics for Members of Parliament.
Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad (BN-Johor Bahru) said Parliament still does not have a code of ethics for MPs.
“We often discuss and debate about having a code of ethics for other institutions, but not for we ourselves.
“We can set up a committee comprising the Speaker and also other MPs to discuss how to have a set of code of ethics to improve the standard of MPs -- what should be done and what should not,” he said while debating the supply bill in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.
A code of ethics would go hand in hand with the transformation and changes taking place in the current political scene, Shahrir said.
Shahrir also suggested that the Government adopt an open policy towards privatisation projects and not a “first come, first served” policy when granting such contracts.
Stressing that the outcome or end result was the priority, he said the “first come, first served” policy would only provide an advantage to those close to the Government.
He suggested placing advertisements for privatisation projects and also carefully filtering those who qualify.
“Such privatisation schemes should benefit the public at large and not serve as a platform to create entrepreneurs without qualifications or standards,” he said.