3. Anti-Corruption Corruption has always been rife in Fiji. The NBF Collapse saga, the missing Commodity Development Fund, FDB Mismanagement, Agricultural Scam, NLTB IT debacle are just few of those named. Corruption did not affect just one race of people but every citizen of Fiji yet their representatives were busy filling their pockets. There were calls within and outside (by World Bank, EU and ADB) for Fiji to have legislation and mechanisms to deal with corruption and mismanagement for a long time. However, none of the government had the political will to enact Anti-corruption laws. Why would they? After all, a lot of politicians, ministers and high profile people were benefiting directly from the proceeds of corruption. Unexplained property and money would be found in some peoples’ accounts but nothing could be done. There was some lip service paid to enacting anti-corruption laws but nothing was formulated due to obvious reasons. The Bainimarama Government took the initiative to bring into force the FICAC Promulgation 2007 which established Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption. With stringent enforcement corruption is now being tackled head on. Bainimarama was able to do that because he did not have to worry about political paybacks or pleasing the powerful which was the norm of elected governments. Accepted that corruption has not been eliminated totally but at least today people are afraid to give or accept bribes. People think twice before engaging into mismanagement and abuse of office. There is fear among the wannabe corrupts that someone is watching and they could be in Naboro for a long time if caught. There is respect for the law and process and honest people feel that they too stand a chance to progress in a fairer system. People will jump up and down if the local football or rugby referee takes money or gifts to make the other team win but in the same breath they will criticise the Bainimarama government even when it gave the country its first anti-corruption laws!!
Posted on: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 00:23:23 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015