WHILST resources are highly important to implementing the National Anticorruption Strategy (NACS), proper coordination with all relevant stakeholders is also equally important.

Leader of the Official Opposition Hon Jeremiah Manele told Parliament this when contributing to the motion on the Strategy.

Manele then added that he is well aware that a Steering Committee arrangement has been chosen and questioned whether this arrangement will replace the earlier idea of setting up an Independent Commission Against Corruption or not.

The Leader of the Official Opposition affirmed his Group’s support toward measures and initiatives outlined in the Action Plan including work that is being undertaken on the Anti-Corruption Bill, the Whistle Blowers Bill, the Freedom of Information Bill, the Ombudsman Bills and other related legislations.

“We encourage the Government to proceed with these important initiatives and look forward to the debate and adoption of these Bills in Parliament.

“In view of the costs of corruption I mentioned earlier in general, I also welcome the proposed study contained in the Action Plan to look specifically into the costs of corruption in Solomon Islands. I look forward to the outcome of this study in early 2019,” Manele added.

He then told Parliament that it is therefore important that processes exist to educate and ensure that citizens are taught about the importance of core values such as honesty, respect for the rule of law, accountability and transparency in promoting development and making Solomon Islands a better place for all of us.

“This is also important bearing in mind the principles of proper management of public affairs and public property, fairness, responsibility and equality before the law and the need to safeguard integrity and to foster a culture of rejection of corruption,” Hon Jeremiah Manele said.