The Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is reviewing the State-Owned Enterprises (Amendment) Bill 2024 following strong reservations raised by stakeholders and various ministries.
Several ministries, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and other stakeholders who appeared before the Bills and Legislation Committee expressed concerns about how the Bill was drafted.
A key issue is the proposed shift in authority, which would place significant power in the hands of the Minister of Finance and Treasury.
Under the existing SOE Act of 2007, this power is shared between two substantive ministers.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele acknowledged on Thursday that there are differing views on the proposed amendment.
He assured the public that Attorney General John Muria Junior and Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Albert Kabui, are closely examining these concerns.
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has been particularly vocal, with legal officer Joy Abia warning that the Bill would concentrate absolute power in a single minister.
Mrs Abia expressed concern that the ruling government, given its parliamentary majority, could pass legislation that centralizes control over state institutions and assets.
“This is concerning and should alarm everyone,” Abia stated.
She reminded Parliament of its constitutional responsibility to pass laws that promote peace, order, and good governance in the Solomon Islands, citing Section 59 of the Constitution.
Mrs Abia further suggested that the Bill represents a gradual but deliberate move to consolidate control over state institutions and assets.
“This Bill attempts to legitimize building syndicates around state institutions, effectively legalizing absolute power, fostering corruption, and promoting conflicts of interest,” she said.
She added that the Bill could compromise transparency and accountability by increasing political influence in the appointment of SOE Board of Directors.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
