PM Wale pushes for stronger anti-corruption body, advises revisiting issue of blocked Director General candidate as starting point
BY TONY IROGA
PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to ensure the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) is fully equipped to carry out its mandate effectively.
Mr Wale also revisited the issue of the previously recommended candidate for the position of Director General of SIICAC as a step forward to strengthen the institution, a statement by the PM Press Secretariat yesterday said.
SIICAC has gone without a director general for one year and two months, after former DG John Kouni’s contract expired in April last year.
The search for a new DG was politicised after Solomon Kalu, former chairman of the Leadership Code Commission, was recommended by an independent recruitment interview panel but was blocked by former Attorney General John Muria Jnr in January this year.
Speaking during his meeting with SIICAC Chairman James Apaniai at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday, Prime Minister Wale stressed the urgent need to restore public trust and integrity in the institution.
“It is time to bring back integrity and trust. We must prove to our people that SIICAC is working,” the Prime Minister said.
He acknowledged that while progress has been made, more work is required to strengthen the Commission’s operational capacity and public confidence, the statement said.
The Prime Minister emphasised that reforms must be accelerated to ensure SIICAC delivers on its intended purpose.
Mr Apaniai welcomed the Prime Minister’s stance, agreeing that urgent action is needed to address existing weaknesses within the organisation, the PM Press Secretariat said.
Apaniai noted that key challenges have already been identified but progress has been slowed due to the absence of a Director General.
“The lack of a Director General has significantly stalled our work. Addressing this must be a priority,” Apaniai said.
In response, Prime Minister Wale acknowledged the concern and advised the Chairman to engage with the Attorney General regarding the appointment process, including the previously recommended candidate, the statement said.
Both agreed on the need to urgently strengthen the institution, improve its effectiveness, and ensure it operates with independence and credibility.
Prime Minister Wale reiterated that the Government remains accountable for ensuring SIICAC is properly supported and functional, adding that restoring trust in the system is critical.
“We must make this institution work. Our people must see results and have confidence that corruption will be addressed,” he said.
The main role of SIICAC is to prevent, investigate, and prosecute corruption across both public and private sectors.
Established under the Anti-Corruption Act 2018, its core responsibilities are divided into four main pillars:
1. Investigation and Prosecution
Independent Powers: SIICAC can independently investigate allegations of corrupt conduct, such as bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of office by public officials, politicians, and private individuals.
Prosecutorial Authority: Unlike regular police units, SIICAC has the direct power to prosecute corruption cases in court, bypassing the traditional Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
2. Prevention and Public Sector Reform
Systemic Audits: The commission conducts Corruption Risk Assessment and Management (CRAM) surveys to identify loopholes within government ministries and recommend fixes to block corrupt practices.
Integrity Standards: It assists public bodies in designing codes of conduct and transparent procurement systems.
3. Education and Public Awareness
Community Engagement: SIICAC runs public awareness campaigns to educate citizens, businesses, and civil servants on the social and economic costs of corruption.
Reporting Channels: It establishes and maintains confidential mechanisms for whistleblowers and the general public to safely report suspected corrupt activities.
4. International Cooperation
Global Alignment: The agency ensures the country complies with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
Cross-Border Enforcement: It collaborates with international anti-corruption bodies to trace, freeze, and confiscate proceeds of corruption hidden overseas.
SIICAC has not received sufficient government support for most of its existence since 2018, though recent systemic reforms aim to reverse this trend.
PM Wale’s statements of support for SICAC during his meeting with Chairman Apaniai yesterday could indicate a government that aims to be the first to fully support and empower SIICAC to perform its important duties.
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