Conflict of interest

GIVE to Caesar what is Caesars and give to God what is Gods.
This phrase has been used recently on the streets that prompted me to re-evaulate its meaning.
This phrase was used by Jesus when the issue of money, tax and government was discussed amongst his disciplines.
Jesus, in his wisdom, highlighted a key leadership issues that would affect generations to come including government and churches, the issue of conflict of interest.
In private organisations it’s defined under company code of conduct and ethics and in government or public sector under the leadership code.
The issue of conflict of interest arises when one cannot clearly distinguish between personal interest and organisational or national interest.
In government and public office, a situation in which a person is in a position to derive personal benefit from actions or decisions made in their official capacity.
I believe this is one of the major if not the underlying cause of corruption and mismanagement in the country today, especially in political leadership and public bureaucrats.
The ability to differentiate between what is personal and what is for the general good must set the tone and guide to decision making in all leadership capacities.
The conflict of interest under the leadership code governing publics office holders needs to be strengthened to enable good governance, the disclose clause should be given teeth so all leaders must be required by law to disclosed any conflict of interest situations and or faced severe penalties if there is a breach of this code.
The conflict of interest provision within the leadership code would greatly minimise the current political leadership and public office culture where personal interest is now prevalent and takes pre-eminence above common or national interest.
I marvel that Jesus predicted this some 2000 years ago and the reality today is staggering!
I hope that the new Government that comes into power seriously consider the issues of conflict of interest and ensure the leadership code captures it in all its essence and entirety, only then can we change the current political and public bureaucratic culture which is gradually and surely crippling the leadership code of this country.
Its high time ethical codes, moral and standards takes their rightfully place in public leadership and offices to establish foundation required for transparent and prudent leadership.

Samuel Ilau
Lae