BY INDY MAEALASIA
LEADER of Opposition Matthew Wale has called on police to immediately investigate the findings of the damning audit report on the economic stimulus package (ESP).
“Investigations must proceed with technical support for police in financial expertise for the investigations,” Mr Wale said in a statement yesterday.
The report findings are deeply troubling, he said, adding that the report provides “sufficient evidence for police to proceed with criminal investigations”.
“Pursue every lead,” Opposition Leader Wale said.
The Opposition Leader’s office has been informed that some very senior politicians and government officials are implicated in the report findings, Wale said in the statement.
Wale said that no one is above accountability and urged police to resist any pressures that might compromise the integrity of the investigations.
Wale commended the Auditor General and his officers for their diligent work producing a very clear report that point towards serious misappropriation of public funds.
The Opposition Leader urged the public to remain interested and engaged in the ESP investigations to ensure they are conducted thoroughly and transparently.
Wale expressed his office’s anticipation for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) when it will delve into the details of the ESP report at the appropriate time.
The Opposition Leader also encouraged the AG to apply the same level of diligence with the Pacific Games special audit.
“We cannot continue to sit back and watch whilst these evil deeds are happening,” he said.
The Office of the Auditor General released its report on the audit into the ESP on Wednesday last week.
The report uncovered a string of major fraud involving millions of dollars, weak government mechanism to ensure proper verification and documentation in the administration of the public funds, and lack of transparency.
The Opposition leader’s call is the latest of the growing number of calls for government and police to act on the ESP report.
Transparency Solomon Islands and the country’s council of trade union (SICTU) have called for responsible authorities and government to act, including a prompt for government to table the report in parliament.
