SOLOMON Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) has been described as a ‘tiger without teeth to bite’ because it does not have the power to deal with corrupt practises and fight corruption.
Chairperson Sir Frank Ofagioro Kabui highlighted this last Friday at the official launch of the annual Corruption Perception Index (CPI) report 2023 in Honiara.
The launching ceremony was organised by Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI).
SI scored 43 out of 100 on the index and remained in the 70th position.
Following the launch, a panel discussion was organized.
That’s when the Chairman Sir Frank highlighted the challenges faced by the Commission since its inception in 2020.
The Commission was established under an Act of Parliament.
Sir Frank, who was one of the first two Solomon Islands lawyers said when the Commission was appointed, he came in as the chairman after completing his term as the Governor General.
But his team had to start from scratch as they were not given much resources and even an office space to operate from.
The challenges faced by the Commission was made known to the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC).
But despite a number of meetings with OPMC, there was not much support and progress to fulfil the roles of the Commission to curb corruption in the country.
“The Commission was neglected as a baby without much attention given to it by the government for the past four years.”
The former Governor General (GG) said the Commission was told that they were just part-timers with only a year left.
Sir Frank said over the years, very little was done to address of the important issues related to corruption because they were powerless.
He also questioned why the government failed to prioritise the Commission over the past four years.
“Although Government through Parliament was able to change the constitution by extending the life of the 11th Parliament to delay the election, yet, it cannot support or recognise the work of the Commission.”
He said the government has not done enough to support the work of the Commission.
Sir Frank, a former Chairman of the Law Reform Commission was also the Chairman of the Steering Committee tasked to formulate legislation to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) for Solomon Islands, said the lack of support by the leaders is a sad situation.
It seems no-one cares about the Commission, he added.
Sir Frank was also a member of the Political Parties and Integrity Committee assigned to draft legislation to control members of Parliament from moving across the floor and moving motions of no-confidence.
He served as Governor-General as of 7 July 2009 for a five-year term.
