The Hon. Presiding Member

¶ 01 The necessary Bill to carry out these functions has been presented to Parliament today. It is to be implemented within 12 months. Within that period, by implementing this law, we will truly be able to identify who possesses property acquired unlawfully or irregularly, and in what form such property exists.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, previous speakers suggested that this Government is suddenly and rapidly catching thieves. Especially in recent months that has been stated. However, we have pointed out that we are acting properly, in accordance with the country’s prevailing law, and within the Constitution—not engaging in political vendettas. We are implementing these matters correctly. Therefore, we believe establishing these procedures and implementing them is extremely important.

¶ 03 Given my limited time, I will mention only four clauses in the Bill. Through them, you can see how strong the Bill is and how far it allows us to proceed. I thank everyone who intervened in drafting this Bill. In particular, Clause 124 sets out what should be done when property produced by an offense cannot be taken over—there are 12 such situations where property cannot be vested in the State. For example, if the property has been destroyed, sold, removed from the country, or mixed in a way that it cannot be identified. In such instances, provisions exist to recover the equivalent value from the offender; this is set out in Clause 124. Likewise, if it is difficult to proceed against the offender—if the person has died, is absconding, or has been acquitted by a court—Clause 126 provides for how to proceed.

¶ 04 Catching the thief is one thing; vesting the property in the State is another. But there are limits to our current processes; we must ensure the benefits do not revert to the very persons who unjustly profited. Therefore, establishing a Victims’ Compensation and Redress Fund, and the related mechanisms to intervene appropriately, are clearly provided in Clauses 129 and 132.

¶ 05 Particularly, from the Attorney-General’s Department’s side, during the Sectoral Oversight Committee deliberations, it was emphasized that, in drafting, special attention was paid to case property in crimes and to ensuring fairness concerning such property. This debate is nearing its end. After this Bill is passed and implemented, it will operate against those in possession of illicit assets in this country. It will apply to those who have governed the country so far and to some in the Opposition. Therefore, we are watching with interest how Members will vote in favour of this Bill, how many will support it, and how they will declare their votes.

¶ 06 Thank you very much.