KHALEEJ TIMES, Wednesday, Sep 1, 2021 | Muharram 24, 1443
New federal decree to increase accountability of ministers, officials
Emirates:
A federal decree issued in the UAE will
enhance transparency in government by holding ministers and senior officials
accountable for wrongdoing.
Under the decree, the Public Prosecution can
receive and accordingly investigate complaints against a senior official and
take necessary actions.
The Public Prosecution can ban a minister or an
official under investigation from travelling and freeze their money, as well as
the funds of their wives and minors, if necessary.
The potential penalties for violators include
censuring, forced retirement, job termination, or relief of duties, along with
deprivation of pension or bonus at a maximum of one quarter of the total, the
decree stated.
Issued by the President, His Highness Sheikh
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the decree is part of efforts to adopt laws and
regulations that consolidate transparency and the rule of law within the federal
government.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took
to Twitter on Tuesday to announce the decree.
“We are a law-abiding country. The integrity and
transparency of our federal government is a top priority,” Sheikh Mohammed
tweeted.