BY NED GAGAHE
The Government has confirmed that Attorney General Gabriel Suri will revisit the appointment process for the Director General position of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC), including consideration of the previously recommended candidate.
This follows a meeting between Prime Minister Matthew Wale and SIICAC Chairman James Apaniai earlier this week, where concerns surrounding the appointment process were discussed.
Island Sun understands that lawyer Solomon Kalu, former Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission and current Programme Specialist at UNDP Country Office, was recommended by the interview panel for the position last year.
However, the Judicial and Legal Service Commission later determined that Kalu should not have been shortlisted or considered for the role, bringing the recruitment process to an end without an appointment being made.
The decision not to appoint Mr Kalu was largely based on concerns arising from his earlier non-compliance with the Government’s COVID-19 vaccination directive.
When contacted yesterday for comments Mr Kalu declined to comment stating that an active court case was before the court.
“I wish not to comment because an active court case is before the court,” Kalu said.
Press Secretary to Prime Minister Douglas Marau in response to questions by Island Sun said Kalu had previously been recommended by the selection panel but was not appointed following advice from the former Attorney General relating to the Government’s “No Jab, No Job” policy.
“The understanding is that it was a policy and not a law, and should not have been applied in government recruitment because the policy was revoked by Cabinet on December 31, 2023.
“Therefore, the matter regarding Mr Kalu’s appointment will be relooked into again by the Attorney General,” Mr Marau said.
The issue was brought to light this week between Prime Minister Wale and SIICAC Chairman James Apaniai as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s anti-corruption body.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Wale reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensure SIICAC is fully equipped to carry out its mandate effectively and restore public confidence in the institution.
“It is time to bring back integrity and trust. We must prove to our people that SIICAC is working,” Prime Minister Wale said.
He acknowledged that while progress had been made, more work was needed to strengthen the Commission’s operational capacity and public confidence.
Chairman Apaniai welcomed the Government’s support and agreed that urgent action is required to address existing challenges facing the organisation.
He said that the absence of a Director General had significantly affected the Commission’s operations.
Prime Minister Wale acknowledged the concern and advised the Chairman to engage with the Attorney General regarding the appointment process, including consideration of the previously recommended candidate.
Both leaders agreed on the need to strengthen SIICAC, improve its effectiveness and ensure the institution operates independently and with credibility.
Prime Minister Wale said the Government remains responsible to ensure that SIICAC is properly supported and functional.
“We must make this institution work. Our people must see results and have confidence that corruption will be addressed,” he said.
The review of Kalu’s candidature comes as the Government pushes ahead with efforts to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms and restore public trust in the country’s key accountability institutions.
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