The Minority in Parliament is set to file a motion today, November 9, seeking the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations of the sale and irregular issuance of Diplomatic and Service Passports.
The proposed committee is expected to conduct a comprehensive parliamentary inquiry into the alleged scheme, establish the number of passports legitimately issued, identify irregularities and determine the officials responsible for any breaches.
Addressing the media on Sunday, November 8, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Hon Samuel Abu Jinapor, said the Minority wanted the allegations to be subjected to a thorough investigation involving members from both sides of the House.
“We are asking for the evidence to be tested through a thorough parliamentary enquiry with both sides of the House participating fully in that exercise,” he stated.
He explained that the proposed investigation would cover all approvals and issuances of Diplomatic and Service Passports from January 7, 2025, to the date Parliament adopts the motion, with access to earlier records where necessary.
According to him, the inquiry must establish how many passports were properly issued, how many were obtained irregularly and what has happened to documents that should never have been issued.
“We must also establish where the checks failed and who had responsibility for ensuring that they worked,” he added.
Hon Jinapor argued that Parliament had the constitutional authority to investigate Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution, which provides for parliamentary committees to investigate the activities and administration of ministries and government departments.
He said the committee should exercise its parliamentary powers to summon witnesses, examine them under oath, demand relevant documents and, where necessary, arrange for witnesses abroad to be examined.
The Minority is also calling for access to passport applications, institutional recommendations, approval letters, issuance and collection records, payment records and relevant communications.
Electronic records, he said, must also be examined to determine who processed and approved applications and whether information was subsequently altered.
Hon Jinapor further indicated that the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Ministry’s Chief Director, the interdicted Director of Passports, identified agents, relevant passport and immigration officers, as well as individuals who obtained the passports, should all appear before the committee to account for their respective roles.
He said the investigation should produce clear findings on any wrongdoing and recommend appropriate action, including disciplinary measures, recovery of money or referrals for criminal investigations.
“Where disciplinary action, recovery of money, or referral for criminal investigation is warranted, the committee must say so clearly,” he stressed.