A JOINT select committee of Parliament has been meeting to consider and report on a bill titled: 'The Corruption Prevention (Special Prosecutor) Act, 2008'.

The proposed law seeks to repeal the Corruption (Prevention) Act and the Parliament Integrity of Members Act. It will establish the office of the Special Prosecutor for Corruption as a commission of Parliament.

This office will receive the statutory declaration of parliamen-tarians and public officials and their assets, liabilities and incomes.

It will also promote the reporting of corrupt conduct and will carry out the necessary investigations and prosecutions.

Submissions

As part of its deliberations, the committee is inviting written submissions from individuals and organisations on the proposed legislation.

Submissions can be made by the latest September 25, 2008. However, an official at Gordon House has advised that proposals submitted by next week would not be rejected.

Persons who make submissions may be asked to appear before the committee to provide details on their proposals.

The Corruption Prevention (Special Prosecutor) Act, 2008

General offence of corrupt conduct.

Offences relating to undue advantage sought by public officials.

Offences relating to undue advantage promised, etc, to public officials.

Offences relating to undue advantage by foreign public officials and officials of public international organisations.

Offences relating to advantage in private sector.

Embezzlement, misappropriation or other diversion of property by a public official.

Embezzlement of property in the private sector.

Offence of trading in influence.

Abuse of function.

Offence of instigating and aiding, etc. corrupt conduct.

Offence of illicit enrichment.

Defence to charge of illicit enrichment.

Offence of improperly using certain information or property belonging to the Government.

Offence of intermediary etc. illicitly obtaining benefit.

Offences of corrupt conduct by agent.

Offence of concealing property.

Offences of obstruction of justice.

Corruptly procuring or obtaining withdrawal of tenders.

Offence of making false or misleading statement or return in relation to Government property.

Duty to report corrupt conduct.