In a public notice issued today, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) emphasized the mandatory requirement for all public officers to declare their income, assets, and liabilities by the looming deadline of March 31, 2024.
The ACC, referencing Section 119 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 as amended in 2019, reiterated the obligation for public officers to make these declarations every two years and particularly emphasized the importance of adhering to the deadline.
The ACC outlined the specific categories of public officers obligated to declare their assets, encompassing individuals in elective offices, those appointed by the President, public officers in grade 7 and above, and those below grade 7 but with financial responsibilities such as bursars. Additionally, the declaration requirement extends to certain categories of teachers in government and government-assisted schools, including principals, vice principals, head teachers, deputy head teachers, and bursars.
Newly appointed or elected officials, including paramount chiefs and court chairmen, as well as former public officers, are also instructed to fulfill their declaration obligations to the Commission. Notably, public officers who declared in 2023 for the 2022 declaration year are reminded of the necessity to declare for the year 2024 by the specified deadline.
The ACC underscored the online submission process for all declarations, emphasizing the use of the Commission’s official website, [www.anticorruption.gov.sl](www.anticorruption.gov.sl) or [assets.anticorruption.gov.sl](assets.anticorruption.gov.sl).
Ministries, departments, and agencies were advised to facilitate registration on the Asset Registration Portal for new registrants using official email addresses.
According to Section 122A (1), public officers failing to submit their Assets Declaration Form without reasonable cause or providing false information may face administrative sanctions. Such penalties could include directives to withhold salaries, pension/benefits, suspension, dismissal, and/or criminal prosecution, in addition to any other penalties outlined in the Anti-Corruption Act.
Public officers are urged to comply with the declaration requirements promptly to avoid potential repercussions as outlined by the ACC.
