14 Nov 2017

Solomons says still committed to anti-corruption law

6:52 am on 14 November 2017
Solomon Islands coat of arms on Parliament buildings in Honiara

Solomon Islands coat of arms on Parliament buildings in Honiara Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins

The Solomon Islands government says that despite the ousting of prime minister Manasseh Sogavare last week the passage of anti-corruption legislation remains a priority.

The deputy secretary to the prime minister, Derek Gwali Futaiasi, told the UN Convention Against Corruption biennial conference last week in Vienna that once the bill becomes law, a new commission will have authority and jurisdiction to investigate all corruption cases that arise from that point on.

He said it would amend corruption offences in the Penal Code so these were consistent with the UN body's definitions.

Mr Futaiasi said all corruption cases that occurred prior to the law would be investigated under the law as it applied at the time.

Mr Sogavare's successor is due to be chosen tomorrow from either John Moffat Fugui or Rick Hou.