TSI urged to challenge new CDF Bill in court
TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands (TSI) has been urged to challenge the unconstitutionality of the new Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Bill 2023 if they want the Bill withdrawn.
PERMANENT Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) issued the stern advise last Friday in response to TSI criticising the Bill during a panel discussion organised during the International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) commemoration in Honiara.
Ruth Liloqula of TSI claimed the Bill will not bring much changes to the way Members of Parliament (MP) are controlling the controversial CDF.
She said it would increase corruption practises by MPs in relation to the disbursement of the funds.
Liloqula who has served as a public servant for many years before joining TSI said with the new Bill, it would mean recruitment of more officers to look after the Committees which will cost the government.
“So, it would be an expensive exercise for the government.
“What we are saying do not believe the Bill, go and read it yourself its online.
“In my opinion, I don’t see this Bill as preventing corruption but will make it worse.
“It’s understandable, why the MPs are eager to pass the Bill because they are still in the driving seat,” she said.
In response, PS Viulu acknowledged the good works of TSI as a watchdog from the civil society organisations but disagreed with the call to withdraw the Bill.
“We are not withdrawing the Bill as we will still go forward on Monday despite whatever the call.
“As I have raised this is the only option we have.
“If people are really genuine about the unconstitutionality of the CDF, then challenge it in the court, that’s they challenge I lay down with you.
“Prove your genuineness by challenging it in the court.
“If you don’t, then you are wasting your resources and time to criticize the CDF Bill.
“So, challenge it.
“But if we are to withdraw the Bill then we are going from bad to worse.
“So, we have to put the Bill through and we go step by step. Because the Bill can go either way, it can strengthen the CDF Bill or it can kill the CDF which ever you look at it,” he said.
PS Viulu said the Bill will go before the Parliament for its final readings this week.
He said the Bill aims to give control to the way the funds are administered in all constituencies, limiting the MP from deciding who benefits from the funds and where it would be spent.
Under the new Bill, the MP is no longer a signatory to the constituency fund account.
A constituency committee will be responsible to look after the funds to ensure projects are delivered based on the needs of the constituency.
BY MOFFAT MAMU
