The Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament has reminded the Minister of Finance and Treasury to be truthful and consistent in his responses when informing parliament of government policies and programs, in particular those that are under his portfolio and leadership.
John Dean Kuku made this reminder in a statement yesterday following Harry Kuma’s statement in parliament during the motion of sine die which was also carried by the Solomon Star newspaper on 11 December 2021.
Minister Kuma referred to the Customs and Excise Validation (Amendment) Bill 2021 as part of the government’s reform agenda however, went on to reveal that the Bill will be withdrawn in 2022 quoting that “major targeted legal issues that require Parliament’s consideration were already formalized by a Gazette in 2018”.
The Leader of the Independent Group questioned why it took the government three years to realize that the targeted legal issues were already formalized in the 2018 Gazette.
“Was it not that those issues were only brought to light by the Bills and Legislation Committee in its scrutiny of the Bill?”
MP Kuku stated that the Object of the Bill was to (a) give effect to the HS Code 2017 on and from 1st October 2018; and (b) validate the import duty rates and export duty rates levied and collected under the Customs and Excise Act on and from 1st October 2018.
In his contribution to the motion of no confidence last week John Dean Kuku highlighted the failure of the government to pursue passage of the Customs and Excise Validation (Amendment) Bill 2021.
The Leader pointed out that the collection of duties by way of import and export duties under the Customs and Duties Act (Cap. 121) under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 2017 from October 1, 2018 was never authorized by law which was a serious matter.
“If I have misguided Parliament as stated by the Minister, which I strongly deny, can the Minister explain why the Customs and Excise Validation (Amendment) Bill seeks to regulate the collection of export and import duties since October 1 2018?” Mr. Kuku questioned.
“This implies or suggests that the Minister is seeking to rectify or, to use a crude word, “cover-up” a blunder caused by the government through the Ministry of Finance in the collection of unauthorized customs duties under the HS Code 2017”.
The Leader further added “everything said by the Minister is on record therefore I find it very difficult to comprehend his persistent denial of facts”.
Hon Kuku further noted that the same ministry who was responsible for issuing drafting instructions for the Bill has backtracked on its own policy intention and is now saying that all is well and therefore intends to withdraw it in 2022.
The Leader advised that the government through the Ministry of Finance simply lacked the political will and diligence to withdraw the Bill to prevent us arriving at this dilemma.
Mr. Kuku also stressed the importance of being truthful, which he believes the Minister has consistently failed to meet this standard.
The Bills and Legislation Committee report on the Bill has recommended withdrawal and redrafting of the Bill due to possible infringement of the Constitution.
The Leader concluded that what transpired from the Minister’s remarks were misfired denials which he apparently came out of unscathed.
However, what cannot be denied is we are now in the festive season hence I warmly wish the Minister a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2022.
