Mr. Dictus who also holds the position of UNDP Resident Representative made the remarks during the opening of a consultative meeting for Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Appointments and Declaration of Assets on Tuesday 3rd November 2009 at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe.The Resident Coordinator gave an example of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament in South Africa which among other things aims at helping members conduct themselves appropriately as public representatives, holds members of Parliament accountable for their exercise of power, outlines acceptable behavior for the legislators and through disclosure reduces secrecy and ensures that Parliamentarians’ personal interests are open to public scrutiny.Mr. Dictus also cited an example of the Parliamentary Service Code of Conduct of Australia passed in 1999 which emphasizes on honesty, care and diligence, ensuring that false or misleading information is not given out, behavior that upholds the values and integrity and good reputation of the parliamentary service maintenance of confidentiality, avoidance and disclosure of any conflict of interest, among others.According to the Resident Coordinator, looking at scenarios from other countries regarding Codes of Conduct for parliamentarians, shares and financial interests, remuneration of employment outside Parliament, directorships and partnerships, consultancies and retainerships, sponsorships, gifts and hospitality, benefits, foreign travel paid for by outside sources, ownership of land and property and pensions need to be disclosed.“The reason that these areas are key is because the rationale for a Member of Parliament revealing all of this information is to ensure transparency in the manner in which parliamentarians function as per democratic norms. It is to show to the electorate that parliamentarians are observing the highest possible ethical standards in the manner in which they function and work, in order to lead as examples to the general electorate, the people of Malawi who have elected them,” said Mr. Dictus.On his part, First Deputy Speaker of the Malawi Parliament, Honourable Jones Chingola (MP) hailed the UNDP for supporting the National Assembly to develop a Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament.Honourbale Chingola explained that the issue of a Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament had been a public concern, especially during the last Parliament.According to the First Deputy Speaker, Members of Parliament were in the news for disorderly conduct of business in the House, a development he described as unfortunate and should never occur again.“The workshop today seeks to explore ways of ensuring that the challenges that dogged the last Parliament are never allowed to occur. Whilst it may be true that it (last parliament) might have (had) a few Members who behaved dishonourably, it cannot be denied that the effects of their actions demeaned the reputation of the whole House,” said Honourable Chingola.The Parliamentary Committee on Public Appointments and Assets Declaration is chaired by Honourable Dausi (MP), whose deputy is honourable Mphande(MP).UNDP provided financial support for the formulation of the Code of Conduct.