The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority recently unveiled its new structure. It demonstrates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to thwarting corruption and promoting openness in both public and commercial organisations.
This system is a reflection of the Kingdom’s concerted efforts to realise Vision 2030. It aims to provide a transparent and ethical basis for a flourishing society that endures for all time.
The New Anti-Corruption System’s Salient Attributes
The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority’s new system consists of several policies and changes designed to bolster the authority’s role in keeping an eye on and combatting corruption in all of its manifestations. These characteristics’ most crucial elements are:
1. Fortifying the Authority’s Independence:
The new anti-corruption framework gives the Authority total autonomy to carry out its supervision responsibilities free from outside intervention. So, it improves its capacity to identify corruption and take appropriate action against offenders.
2. Extending Investigative Powers:
The Commission now has more authority to look into instances of corruption, including calling witnesses and gathering the data and records required for the inquiry.
3. Turning up Risk-Reduction Measures:
With the implementation of stringent measures to stop corruption before it starts and a review of internal institutional structures and processes, the new system aims to strengthen the authority’s role in preventative monitoring.
4. Global Collaboration:
By improving the Authority’s capacity to collaborate with global entities and organisations in the fight against corruption, the system facilitates the sharing of best practices and experiences as well as the development of coordinated policies.
The Anti-Corruption System’s Implications on the Economy and Society
The new method will likely lead to increased public and investor trust in governmental institutions. Combating corruption is a critical component of long-term economic growth.
Encouraging foreign investments and enhancing the business climate are two further benefits of transparent and honest government processes.
Local and International Reactions
Many experts and observers hailed the new system, seeing it as an essential step in realising Vision 2030’s objectives.
For instance, journalist Fahid bin Salem Al-Ajmi stated in the Al-Jazeera newspaper that this system is a crucial component of Vision 2030, which attempts to establish transparency in all areas, and that it indicates the Saudi leadership’s commitment to sternly combating corruption.
Al-Ajmi asserted that this approach is a workable strategy that aims to safeguard public funds and make everyone responsible, without exception, rather than only being a catchphrase.
Furthermore, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting global anti-corruption initiatives.
This is particularly true of the “GlobE Network” initiative, which promises to strengthen international collaboration in the fight against corruption by offering a secure forum for information sharing amongst pertinent authorities.
Acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s dedication to enhancing its adherence to global norms concerning the fight against bribery and international corruption, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) backed Saudi Arabia’s endeavours to fortify the domestic legal structure against corruption.
In Brief
The Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority’s new approach marks a significant step forward in the Kingdom’s efforts to combat corruption and improve openness.
This approach is going to help create a society that is more trustworthy and honest, opening the door for sustainable growth in many sectors.
You may read about Vision 2030’s: Where does Saudi Arabia Stand in Terms of its Implementation?
