BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the government is committed to strengthening our integrity institutions.
Manele announced yesterday during a media conference with local journalists that six candidates applied for the position of Director General of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) when applications closed late last month.
Manele said that an independent panel has been appointed to oversee the shortlisting and interviews, and will later submit its recommendations to the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.
“We remain committed to strengthening our integrity institutions. Our constitutional and legislative reform agenda is moving forward through ongoing work with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) on the Electoral Act, the Political Parties Commission on the Political Parties Integrity (PPI) Act, and the Office of the Ombudsman on the Ombudsman’s Act.
“These reforms are essential to ensuring our legal frameworks are modern, transparent, and fit for purpose. Regarding SIICAC, I am aware of the urgent need to finalize the leadership. The recruitment of the Director General is being done with oversight of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) with administrative support from the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
“Following the re-advertisement, six applications were received by the 23 February closing date. An independent panel has been appointed and will be responsible for shortlisting, interviewing and making its recommendation to JLSC for its decision.
“In the meantime, arrangements for an acting Director General have been initiated. The Chairman of SIICAC has also been briefed by my senior officials on the recruitment process and related SIICAC matters. As these reforms progress, a number of legislative measures will need to be considered through the parliamentary process.” Prime Minister Manele said.
On Parliament, the Prime Minister said he will call Parliament when there is enough government business before the House.
“Therefore, the Bills and Legislation Committee must be given adequate time to complete its inquiries and reports before I will call Parliament to meet,” he said.
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