His Majesty King Abdullah said on Sunday that bolstering integrity is part and parcel of the comprehensive reform programme implemented by Jordan, based on the rule of law.

During a meeting with Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission President Mohammad Allaf at Al Husseiniya Palace, King Abdullah stressed that combating corruption in all its forms and ensuring that justice is served will enhance citizens’ trust in the state’s institutions.

His Majesty, who received a copy of the commission’s annual report from Allaf, called for working with the concerned parties to develop policies and amend the relevant legislation.

The King also stressed the need to benefit from best international practices and the latest technology to enhance the commission’s work and build its capacities, calling for continuing to raise awareness to instil the principles of integrity and anti-corruption as institutional and social practices.

The commission’s annual report details its achievements in 2016, and provides recommendation to enhance performance.

At the meeting, Allaf briefed His Majesty on the launch of the commission’s national integrity strategy for the years 2017-2025, and the creation of a department to enhance the national integrity system, in line with the National Integrity Charter and its Action Plan.

The report says the commission received 1,241 complaints in 2016, 165 of which were investigated as cases, while remedial measures were taken with regards to 487 complaints. A total of 432 others were filed after suspicion of graft or other administrative violations was ruled out.

The remainder, 157 complaints, are being investigated this year.

The commission also dealt with 635 investigations, 151 of which were referred to the prosecutor general.

The recommendations, which the King stressed the importance of implementing, included amending the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Law to widen the commission’s jurisdiction, as well as unifying the laws that regulate government tenders while addressing any loopholes.

The report also calls for amending the Illicit Gains Law to enhance anti-graft efforts, and drafting a law that compels companies to adopt a unified code for good governance.

Other recommendations call for expanding e-government services to curb bribery and favouritism, as well as reviewing the policies of appointing chairs and board members of companies whose shares are partially owned by the government.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the meeting.