MPs could face stricter ethics rules under proposed overhaul of parliament code

The government has proposed amendments aimed at strengthening the parliamentary code of ethics and expanding the obligations of MPs to declare their assets and interests. 

On Monday, Justice Minister Jonathan Attard presented the proposals to the Standing Committee on Standards in Public Life, saying the reforms seek to update the code governing MPs’ conduct and raise ethical standards in parliament. 

Attard said the amendments are intended to update the code for present-day needs while raising the standards expected from MPs. They also introduce rules that clarify the conduct expected from MPs.  

The proposals will amend the schedules to the Standards in Public Life Act, which regulate ethical obligations for MPs, ministers and parliamentary secretaries. 

Under the revised code, MPs will be required to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the “status and dignity” of the House of Representatives both inside and outside parliament. The rules will explicitly apply to conduct in public life, including political events and constituency engagements. 

The draft code also sets out a series of guiding principles that MPs must follow in the course of their duties, including prioritising the common good over private interests, acting objectively and honestly, using public resources responsibly and being transparent about their decisions. MPs will also be required to respect the Speaker and other members of parliament and avoid abusing the powers and privileges associated with their role. 

Declarations of assets by all MPs

The amendments will introduce a more detailed framework for the declaration of MPs’ assets. By March each year, all MPs, including ministers and parliamentary secretaries, will be required to submit a declaration to a register kept by the Speaker and open to public inspection. 

Members will have to declare their profession and employment over the previous three years, immovable property they own and how it was acquired, investments and shares, bank deposits, virtual currencies and outstanding loans. They will also be required to declare intangible assets such as patents or trademarks, income generated from their work in the previous year and any directorships or paid roles in companies or associations. 

New MPs will be required to submit their declarations within a month of being appointed. 

At present MPs file an assets declaration to the Speaker, while members of the Cabinet file a more detailed declaration to the Cabinet Secretary including bank accounts, property holdings and shares.

The proposed reforms will also introduce, for the first time, a formal register of interests. MPs would be required to disclose professional interests or consultancy roles connected to individuals or companies with an interest in legislation before parliament, as well as membership of voluntary organisations, trips abroad paid for by such entities and any conflicts of interest related to parliamentary work. 

Any conflict relating to legislation will also have to be declared in parliament before a vote is taken on a bill’s second reading. 

The revised code will further prohibit MPs from accepting gifts from individuals, groups or companies that have a direct or indirect interest in legislation before the House. Members will also be required to report any attempt by third parties to exert corrupt influence, pressure or undue influence on their work to the Speaker and relevant authorities. 

Separate amendments will also affect ministers and parliamentary secretaries. The changes will require them to declare to the Cabinet Secretary any interest that can give rise to a perceived or actual conflict of interest. 

The government said the proposed updates take into account recommendations made in recent years by the OECD, the Office of the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life and the Speaker of the House.  

The reforms come amid ongoing debate over transparency in politicians’ asset declarations. In recent months, controversy arose after Prime Minister Robert Abela insisted that ministers’ asset declarations would not be published in full, arguing that ordinary citizens would not publish such information. 

The stance drew criticism from Standards Commissioner Joseph Azzopardi, who said refusing to publish the declarations undermined transparency and accountability. 

Attard and Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue and Accommodation Andy Ellul, the government’s representatives on the standards committee, said they hoped to reach agreement with the opposition on the amendments so the parliamentary process could move forward in the coming weeks.