BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela says the fight against corruption must be comprehensive and persistent.
PM Hou made the statement during the second reading of the Anti-Corruption Bill 2017 in parliament when it resumed yesterday.
He said the fight for Anti-Corruption Bill is crucial for people’s interest and the country’s development aspirations.
Hou said, “Unlike other criminal offences, like assaults, corruption is secretive and normally operates and thrives in the dark making it harder to prove a corruption allegation.”
“It is against this backdrop that I would like to highlight the three-prong approach Government considered to be significant in the fight against corruption,” he said.
Meanwhile, the three-prong approach Hou said it focuses on are:
- The need to skilfully investigate corruption allegations and successfully prosecute them
- The need to provide preventative measures through public education and training
- The need for Government to work in coalition with the private sector, civil society and the international community in the fight against corruption.
Yesterday, parliament resume with second reading of the Anti-Corruption Bill 2017 as well as first reading of;
- The Constitution (Amendment) (Electoral Commission) Bill 2018
- The Electoral Bill 2018
- The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority Bill 2018
- The Goods Tax (Amendment) Bill 2018
- The Payment Systems Bill 2018
- The Development Bank of Solomon Islands Bill 2018
