She clarified: "The declaration of private interests is often confused with the tax declaration. In fact, it should be reviewed by an ethics commission; however, meetings are not actually held, and therefore, materials on conflicts of interest are not recorded. The new draft law proposes to assign the verification to the human resources department, as this is the department that interacts with the individual taking on the responsibilities of public service. The completed declaration will be kept in the employee's personal file."
Surabaldiyeva expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of this initiative.
She noted: "The human resources department cannot oppose the management, as it depends on it. Recently, there has been a constant turnover of personnel. For example, when a new leader is appointed, their relatives or close associates may be affiliated and have stakes in various companies. Can the human resources department point out such conflicts of interest to the management? This issue needs to be addressed."
Usenalieva agreed with her. According to her, in reality, the human resources department sometimes cannot even ask the new leader to fill out a declaration of private interests.
She added: "Considering that a managerial position is political, this work should be carried out by the human resources department of the structure to which this position belongs."
Surabaldiyeva asked a clarifying question: "So, should the verification of conflicts of interest be conducted by the cabinet of ministers or the prime minister who appoints the person? Or is it the task of the State National Security Committee or the Prosecutor General's Office?"
Usenalieva explained that the issue of the declaration pertains to the structure that makes the appointment.
Surabaldiyeva noted that she supports the draft law, but she has some questions. "Why does the family of a new leader start to succeed and earn in the same field after their appointment? Such checks only begin after changes in the political situation. I believe this issue requires more thorough consideration," she concluded.
