At the initiative of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs, the Republican Forum of Ethics Commissioners was held in the Kyzylorda Region.
The event was attended by Chairman of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs Darkhan Zhazykbay, Akim of Kyzylorda Region Nurlybek Nalibayev, ethics commissioners from central and local executive bodies, civil servants, as well as veterans of the civil service.
The main goal of the forum was to promote the principles of “Fair Kazakhstan” and “Adal Azamat” (Honest Citizen), launched at the initiative of the Head of State, and to support the strengthening of legality and law and order among civil servants. In this regard, particular responsibility lies with the ethics commissioners.
In his opening remarks, Darkhan Zhazykbay recalled the words of the Head of State, voiced in the Address to the Nation: “Law and Order” is the unshakable foundation of our statehood. To embed this principle in society, all relevant agencies must develop a shared vision and a common position.”
He emphasized that upholding the principle of zero tolerance for any violations or unlawful acts is of utmost importance. Therefore, the work of state bodies in this direction must be fully supported. Only then will public consciousness develop intolerance toward violations, cruelty, and violence, and society will gain immunity against any antisocial phenomena. He also stressed that the implementation of the “Law and Order” principle must start with civil servants themselves.
According to the Chairman of the Agency, a new Prevention Service is planned to be established within state bodies. Its key tasks will include taking measures to prevent corruption, conducting internal monitoring of the quality of public services, and coordinating the activities of subordinate organizations, including compliance services.
One of the most important changes to note is the institutional reform of disciplinary investigation procedures. In this regard, HR departments will focus on their core function – staff development and implementing effective HR policies – while the authority to organize and conduct disciplinary investigations will be fully transferred to the Prevention Service.
These changes are reflected in a new draft law, under which ethics commissioners will play a leading role in its implementation. As representatives of the Agency, they will be seconded to government bodies.
The forum also discussed the updated text of the civil service oath. Its main aim is to define the civil servant not only as a bearer of legal duties but also of moral responsibilities as a representative of the state.
Darkhan Zhazykbay highlighted that embedding the principles of “Fair Kazakhstan – Adal Azamat” into the work of the public administration system is a strategically important task. Civil servants should be guided by these principles and actively promote their introduction into public consciousness. Special attention must be given to preventing violations related to gambling and the use of prohibited substances, as well as to fostering an anti-corruption culture based on honesty. Moreover, the preservation of family values remains a priority area.
It should be noted that in the first half of this year, 25 civil servants were dismissed from their positions for violating anti-corruption restrictions related to gambling, in accordance with legal requirements.
Forum participants exchanged views on strengthening the independence of ethics commissioners and on effective mechanisms for carrying out their assigned tasks.
As of today, 770 ethics commissioners are active in government bodies across the republic.
