Baghdad: The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Iraqi Media Network, Thaer Al-Ghanimi, has emphasized that combating corruption and establishing integrity within state institutions are crucial priorities for reform and essential components in reinforcing the principle of the rule of law.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Ghanimi stated that addressing corruption is vital for protecting public funds, enhancing citizen trust in state entities, and solidifying the rule of law. He emphasized the need for support in these efforts due to their direct impact on administrative efficiency and the quality of public performance.
Al-Ghanimi explained that the success of anti-corruption measures involves not only addressing existing cases and uncovering violations but also fostering an administrative environment that empowers honest officials and employees to exercise their powers responsibly. This empowerment, he noted, should occur within the framework of existing laws and regulations.
He elaborated on the nature of administrative decisions, noting that they are often made with limited discretion, requiring the selection of the best alternative based on available data and circumstances. He underscored the importance of distinguishing between unintentional errors and deliberate violations or power abuse when scrutinizing such decisions.
Al-Ghanimi highlighted the importance of oversight and accountability, stressing that they do not conflict with efficiency but rather form the backbone of good governance when paired with clear standards and fair application. Honest officials, he stated, require assurance that their decisions will be evaluated fairly according to the law and established procedures.
He emphasized that while officials must exercise their powers responsibly, this does not absolve them from accountability. Decision-making should be a blend of initiative and discipline, quick execution, procedural integrity, and a commitment to responsibility under the law.
Concluding his remarks, Al-Ghanimi asserted that combating corruption should create a balanced system that deters wrongdoing, protects integrity, and encourages accountability. He noted that the reform’s goal is to enhance the quality and integrity of administrative decisions, with oversight protecting these decisions and accountability ensuring institutional integrity.
He concluded that when this balance is achieved, combating corruption evolves from merely pursuing violations to embedding a culture of integrity in state administration, making accountability a guarantee of rights and responsible decision-making a path to achievement.