The Integrity Commission (IC) has tabled an addendum to a 2017 special report of a disquisition into allegations concerning the allocation of arm permits to people of questionable character covering the period 2012 to 2018.
In the addendum, the commission has cleared former National Security Minister Peter Bunting of any impropriety.
The 2017 report had stated that two former ministers of national security, Robert Montague and Peter Bunting, approved the allocation of arm licences, on appeal, to people with significant felonious history.
Both Montague and Bunting had rejected the commission’s report when it was made public.
In the addendum tabled Wednesday in the House of Representatives, the Integrity Commission said the Director of examinations has concluded that Bunting acted in agreement with the recommendations of the Board of the Firearm Licensing Authority in respect of the substantiated operations.
There was no citation of Montague in the tabled addendum.
Former National Security Minister Peter Bunting has welcomed the addendum to the Integrity Commission’s report, saying it’s a estimable move by the anti-corruption watchdog agency.
“It demonstrates a commitment to fairness and impartiality by the Integrity Commission,” he said, adding that he feels vindicated since the report “now accurately reflects that dedication and integrity that I exhibited in discharging my responsibility”.
However, Member of Parliament and former National Security Minister Robert Montague has chided the Integrity Commission for what he described as unfairness in its operations.
Montague accused the commission of being biased in its actions to clear Mr. Bunting of any wrongdoing while there was no mention of clearing his name. He noted that the commission only reviewed a specific time period of the report.
“They did not review the whole period, but only a section, and then slammed the door shut, stating in the addendum that they will not disturb the rest of the report. Madam Speaker, no new information was sought or given,” he complained in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
“My quick read shows that they made the decision on information already in their possession. I, Madam Speaker, provided information to them in my public statement, but I was not good enough to merit a review. This is clearly prejudice, bias and malice,” he declared.
Montague has called for the Joint Select Committee reviewing the Integrity Commission Act to recommend changes to ensure there is fairness towards and protection of the subjects of the commission’s investigations.
Source: RJR news
