“Government Will Not Tolerate Dishonesty or Corruption” -- Khaiyum

In marking International Day of Anti-Corruption on December 9, Attorney-General and Minister for Anti-Corruption, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, sent out a clear message. He said, “Government will not tolerate dishonesty or corruption.” The Minister said Government had put in place and would continue to support measures that would eradicate systematic corruption.

These measures include the successful establishment of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), the unreserved ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the Prevention of Bribery Promulgation, and the modernization of the Penal Code through the Crimes Decree. The Minister said that in May last year, Fiji ratified UNCAC, making the country one in three Pacific Island nations to have done so to date. At the same time, Fiji had volunteered to be part of a pilot project sanctioned by the United Nations to be scrutinised on the steps Fiji has taken in its fight against corruption. We must thank Government for its consistent stand against corruption in the country. Attitudes on corruption are changing. As recently as 10 years ago, corruption was only whispered about. Today there are signs of growing intolerance towards corruption. Since the establishment of FICAC, politicians and chief executives are being tried, but have yet to be convicted. We know that corruption is a serious crime that can undermine social and economic development in all societies. No country, region or community is immune.

Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries. United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, said on December 9, “When public money is stolen for private gain, it means fewer resources to build schools, hospitals, roads and water treatment facilities. When foreign aid is diverted into private bank accounts, major infrastructure projects come to a halt.” Former New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark, now the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said, “Corruption undermines governments’ ability to act and serve their people. It siphons off the finance intended to reduce poverty and discourages investment in economies.” Afghanistan Finance Minister, Omar Zakhilwal, said, “Corruption is a stronger threat than terrorism for Afghanistan. It is a cancer, a disease. It has destroyed the reputation of Afghanistan.” We know that corruption exists here in Fiji. We know that corruption is too big a problem and too important an agenda to be left to the Government alone. This is because corrupt practices sabotage development efforts; erode confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law. Everyone has a role to play, not only the Government. Corruption hurts us all; therefore, fighting it is a shared responsibility. Government is leading the fight to make Fiji a corrupt free nation. Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, said Government would increase funding to FICAC next year to allow it to vigorously pursue the many outstanding matters through increased and specialised personnel. In addition, FICAC will expand its community awareness programmes regarding the ills of corruption. We must pitch in and provide any information that will help to clamp down this illegal act.