MEMBERS of Parliament are told engaging in extra-marital affairs damages their reputation and lead to lack of public trust on their leadership.
Former prime minister and three-term North East Guadalcanal MP Dr Derek Sikua reminded his colleagues of the issue this week during an induction programme for parliamentarians.
“This 02 business (having more than one wife) has to stop as parliamentarians are public figures who deserve respect from the people,” Dr Sikua said.
It’s public knowledge that several MPs are engaging in this practice, while some left their wives since they became MPs and are living with younger women.
Dr Sikua has questioned whether anti-corruption agencies have the mandate to deal with national leaders that entertain extra-marital affairs.
“Those living this immoral life-style are going to lose the respect of the people they are supposed to look after,” the education minister said.
“As MPs, we must reflect virtues of Christian ethics so that the public can trust and put their hopes in us,” Dr Sikua added.
He urged relevant government agencies that deal with the integrity of national leaders to seriously look into the issue.
Dr Sikua said this issue is one of the contributing factors to MPs’ under-performance and lack of trust in the nation’s political leadership.
Dr Sikua raised the matter during a presentation made by the chairman of the Leadership Code Commission Francis Luza at the induction programme.
The programme was conducted for MPs to help them understand their roles and responsibilities as law makers.
The topic drew jokes and laughter amongst MPs but Dr Sikua wanted the responsible government agency to seriously look into addressing it in order to protect the integrity of the nation’s political leadership.
Meanwhile, Mr Luza told MPs their loyalty must always to the office they hold and not to themselves.
He said the Leadership Code is the guide for MPs when making decisions for the people and country.
Mr Luza said MPs are expected to do their business under the guidance of the Leadership Code.
By AATAI JOHN
