The Prime Minister was speaking just prior to opening the three-day ‘Corruption-free Asia: A Long-Term Vision’ conference being held at the Sheraton Doha. Sheikh Hamad said in his inaugural address: “Democracy does not just mean voting or casting ballots. It ensures political participation. Democracy should be built on valued principles and be means of supervision and accountability.”
The Prime Minister said the fight against corruption was a part of good governance, which in turn, is important to political development. "Good governance should be backed by a strong development plan. But aspects of financial and administrative corruption damages development. The danger of corruption can affect individual values in society."
Public office was not meant to be abused nor should it be used to promote nepotism or personal interest, said the Prime Minister. He took note of the fact Qatar has signed various conventions related to anti-corruption measures and money-laundering. The latest initiative taken in the country is the recent formation of the National Committee for Integrity & Transparency (NCIT), which is organising the conference.
Abdul Hamid Haji Mohamad, Malaysia’ Chief Justice, said the fight against corruption is a difficult battle, as often the giver and receiver of bribes may be politically-connected if not being politicians themselves. "In most cases of corruption, the giver and receiver are willing partners, unlike in cases of theft, where one person is a victim," he said.
Another speaker, John Williams, the Chairman of the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), said: "There is no greater cause in the world today than the fight against corruption. Corruption condemns half of the population of the entire world to abject poverty, squalid living conditions and an early death."
