The level of severity that corruption have been doing to our societies requires united approach to fight against says the Malaita’s Acting Premier Randal Sifoni.
Mr. Sifoni uttered the words when delivering the keynote address to mark the international anti-corruption day in Auki, Malaita province on Monday morning.
He said corruption is so severe that a united approach is needed by all stakeholders to fight against corruption.
“My good people of Malaita and Solomon Islands, corruption is the misuse and abuse of power for personal gain or own benefit.
“Any conduct that affects the honest exercise of official responsibilities and involves dishonesty of any leader is corruption,” he said.
He also highlighted that conflict of interest is like employing one’s own relative or people’s vote as bribery, extortion, demanding commissions, tax evasion, fraud or forgery, conversion and embezzlement are classic practical examples of corruption.
“And so when all those are present in the public sector including the provincial government, denial of access to basic services is the end product of corruption.
“The fact is corruption including other bad development practices has long been impediments to why Malaita province and Solomon Islands has not progress far as expected,” he said.
Mr Sifoni said commemorating international anti-corruption day yesterday should allow everyone to reflect on the opportunities for future development approaches that may assist the nation effectively fight corruption both at the provincial level and national level in Solomon Islands.
By WILSON SAENI
in Auki
