Solomons public service too politicised: Transparency
The chairperson of Transparency Solomon Islands says an over politicised public service is holding back development in the country.
Transcript
The chairperson of Transparency Solomon Islands says an over-politicised public service is holding back development in the country.
Ruth Liloqula says she is encouraged by government's promises to deliver new anti-corruption policies and legislation.
But told Koroi Hawkins she does not believe this will translate to meaningful change if politicians continue interfering in the everyday functions of the public service.
RUTH LILOQULA: The ICAC, or Independent Commission Against Corruption bill there is a draft, and the whistleblowers bill there is a draft, as are other bills in the overall anti-corruption strategy of the government. So for us we are continuing to rally support and continuing to speak to leaders as well as getting ourselves involved in the consultation with regards to these various bills. So that's where we are at the moment.
KOROI HAWKINS: Now one of the biggest issues across the region, not just in Solomon Islands, in terms of making this legislation, these policies, even the ICACs that have been established, the work is in enforcement. Is that something that is of concern to TSI?
RL: Yes that is true. You can have an independent commission against corruption but its citizens are not willing to come forward and report corruption. Cases and all of that, that's not going to be very much used as well. I think any commission should have investigative power whereby things reported in the newspaper or anybody they can do their own independent investigation and perhaps charge the people who have committed these corrupt conducts. So to me it's not one option will work, it needs to take the right approach with citizens, the government, NGOs and everybody else puts their heads together to do what is right for this country. Having a bill or having an act will not be enough. Encouraging and building confidence in citizens and in leaders to report corrupt conduct will make a difference.
KH: How entrenched is the culture of corruption among public servants?
RL: The way I see it as much of it is to do with mentoring of new public servants who come in and the biggest problem of course is the politicising of the public service. At the moment, most of those who are sitting in key positions, they're just not confident to do the right thing because they are frightened that they might lose their job. And if you don't know your way around the public service instrument etc then you cannot stand up for what is right.
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