The new antinepotism bill, currently under review, could result in the termination of at least four government aides who lack university qualifications. The bill also aims to ensure that advisory positions are tied to the tenure of the appointing minister, promoting professionalism and combatting nepotism in public service.
The key ethical considerations for government adviser appointments include establishing minimum qualifications, such as a degree and age requirement, preventing conflicts of interest, avoiding nepotism, and ensuring advisers do not become a financial burden on the state. Tensions arose during a recent House Ethics Committee meeting, where a draft bill was introduced to address questionable appointments. The auditorgeneral expressed concerns about the criteria for advisers, and past appointments with inexperienced individuals and questionable backgrounds fueled the push for more stringent regulations.
