Kathmandu July 16 : At the Sardar Pritam Singh book release event a few days ago, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda said that Singh had travelled to Delhi numerous times to become Prime Minister before becoming embroiled in scandal.

Even on social media, he was the target of critical status updates from the opposition parties that were blocking the Parliament. The prime minister was forced to defend himself in front of the legislature, claiming that his contentious statement was influenced by his own emotions and exposed the parliament’s ongoing obstruction.

Dr. Toshima Karki, a National Independent Party member and former minister, recently faced criticism due to her controversial expression. Following the tribute to Prime Minister Prachanda’s late wife, Sita Dahal, she faced a barrage of online abuses on social media. Even during the time of separation from her husband, Toshima faced severe backlash for making negative comments about the Prime Minister.

What do these recent incidents indicate in the UK?

However, there is a different practice regarding such questions in the UK. Members of Parliament do not speak out of turn. They are bound by a code of conduct. They do not speak without careful consideration of what is on their mind.

There is a Code of Conduct in the UK for ministers, members of parliament, and local officials. The Central Government (Westminster), Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Welsh Government all have different norms and expectations of ministers.

Ministers must uphold high moral standards and follow seven guiding principles of public life, including the “Nolan Principles.” Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership are among these seven guiding values.

Once elected as a councillor, it is mentioned in the code of conduct that they must sign it. “There are strict rules here regarding discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender. The council must declare if there is any family or personal interest involved, or if any plan is connected to business or investment,” a counsilor said.

He also mentioned that if someone has sponsored them or given gifts worth more than £25, they have to declare it within 28 days.

“The way to work from a councillor to an MP or minister is the same,” said former Mayor Lakshaya Gurung. “Once in office, one must not have personal motives; they must work honestly and responsibly.”

Dinesh Khadka, a councillor from the Medstone Hythe Ward, also mentions that they cannot speak on sensitive matters. In his statement, he said, “I cannot talk about my personal beliefs regarding religion, caste, or class.” He added, “Whether it is a speech or speaking in the public domain, we are not free. The council’s communication department checks what we say on the subject that needs to be spoken about.”

He also mentioned that if someone likes or comments on sensitive matters on social media, it goes against the code of conduct. He stated that they do not reveal what happens within the council meeting or what is discussed in whispers.

During the time of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned after being criticized for holding a feast at his office or making careless remarks in disputes.

In recent months, Johnson had informed the “Declarations and Business Appointments” (ACOBA), which monitors the work of former prime ministers and ministers, only half an hour before informing them about his work.

In the UK, it is a code of conduct that former prime ministers or ministers must inform them publicly about their new position before being made public for up to two years.

On January 29, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dismissed the Speaker and former minister Nadhim Zahawi from the Tory Party due to “clear violation” of the code of conduct. One of the allegations was a violation of seven codes of conduct, including tax scandals.

Known as the mother of parliamentary democracy, the UK has even prepared written rules for elected representatives and employees from federal to local levels. Most of them adhere to those rules. In Nepal, due to the absence of such rules or a code of conduct, representatives and leaders repeatedly fall into controversy.