Transcript
RUTH LILOQULA: In terms of corruption in Solomon Islands it continues to rise, the level is growing and the amounts involved are quite big as well. But at the same time there is also renewed energy from a number of stakeholders and actors to do something about corruption.
KOROI HAWKINS: And on that note you have said people are talking about it more in daily conversations, preachers are preaching about corruption in churches and it is on social media it is in mainstream media.
RL: Yes.
KH: But it is stopping short of action or acting on corruption. What do you think is the problem there?
RL: I think the main obstacle is leaders to take decision to act. I think there has been a lot of consultations As you know the prime minister during the anti-corruption day said that the fight against corruption is one of the highest priority of his government and at the same time he also acknowledges that corruption is a huge problem and a serious challenge that should unite all of us in fighting it. And he promised that they will take to the parliament the independent commission against corruption bill the integrity whistleblowers bill, both of these bills have been put through first reading in the parliament. But that is as far as they go, second reading and third reading still to be done. And then he also announced that there will be the ombudsmans special provisions bill that is currently being discussed in the current parliament he has tabled that. And then the leadership provisions bill, the national and provincial elections further provisions bill, freedom of information bill and the review of the Political Parties Integrity Act and the national anti-corruption strategy.
KH: So quite a lot of legislation that the government has been working on to walk the talk so to speak. But why has it stopped short like with the other Bills you mentioned just going to the first reading and not going further?
RL: The reasons for it rests with the government because they have the numbers and at the same time to is these bills have been subject of nation-wide consultation. What is left now is for the leaders, the elected leaders of this country, to take the next step and pass the bills. So I think what is holding it back is political and not anything technical.
KH: And that is really the problem isn't it the very people who have the power to change things, to make a difference are how shall I put it are involved in some of these corrupt practices alongside the private sector and all other areas in Solomon Islands.
RL: Yes, yes. The very people who I mean. Let's look at it this way. Corruption is about the abuse and misuse of entrusted powers for personal gain. Now the members of parliament the powers that the exercise is actually entrusted power blo pipol ia [Pidgin Translation: The entrusted power of the people.] of this country. Therefore it is that entrusted power of the people that we are now looking for to enact what the people who vote them into the parliament want them, would like to see done. And it is not about, I mean these bills are not about particular leaders or institutions or any sector it is about good governance.
