Reference no: EM132626275

Mr. Gilbert Rijbe's part-time duties as Government's chief scientist and as chief technologist for the mining company 'BAPEX' are not compatible and the position of chief scientist should be full time, according to a parliament committee recommendation.

Looking at the potential for a conflict, the committee reported that the dual roles of Mr. Rijbe had caused a reduction in the level of public faith in the office. The committee also said that there was no evidence that Mr. Rijbe had behaved inappropriately or improperly.

The inquiry came about after the Government prevented Mr. Rijbe from answering conflict of interest allegations in front of the parliament estimates committee.

Mr. Abraham Edward, an opposition leader, voiced his worries about Mr. Rijbe's position, particularly around the mostly untested process of burying greenhouse gas emissions, which is a process the coal mining industry would like to adopt. Although the report did not call for Mr. Rijbe to resign, Mr. Abraham said it was time for him to go.

Four recommendations in the majority report, supported by all the parliament members, included making the role of chief scientist full time, and strengthening the accountability of the position to resemble other senior offices in the government service.

The committee concluded that potential and apparent conflicts of interests arising from Mr . Rijbe's two roles did just as much harm to the office of chief scientist, as would any real conflict of interest. However, Government denied that there was any conflict in a report that disagree with the committee's findings.

Required:

Question 1: Explain the parliament committee's concerns from a capture theory perspective. You should first explain capture theory and link the theory in explaining the parliament committee's concern.