Solomons government members investigated

Updated October 10, 2008 10:42:31

The Solomon Islands Leadership Code Commission has begun investigating members of the Sikua government for possible misconduct in office. Local news reports say at least 18 Cabinet Ministers and backbenchers had each secretly obtained what they called loans from a prominent Honiara businessman.

Sam Seke
Speakers: Chairman of the Solomon Islands Leadership Code Commission Emanuel Kouhota: Speaker of the Solomon Islands National Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea.

SEKE: According to the reports, the businessman had told the members that if they are unable to repay the so-called loan, then they have to join his political party. The members of parliament have therefore joined his newly formed Solomons Alliance Party.

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua, was not happy with this political move.

The Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission, Emanuel Kouhota, says the Commission has now launched an investigation into any breach of the leadership code by those involved.

KOUHOTA: The Commission has convened this morning and it has decided to start investigation into that loan.

SEKE: So far, what have you been able to find out about this development?

KOUHOTA: Yeah, at the moment, nothing so far. The Commission has just decided to carry out the investigation into those allegations and I think that's from today and onwards, we will start sending out our investigators to carry out the investigation into those allegations. So may be we would start in finding who's really involved, because at the moment, we do not have any names as to who is involved in getting these loans.

SEKE: So, would the members be required under the leadership code to declare such monies, even if it was a loan?

KOUHOTA: Yes, under Section 19 of the Leadership Code Act, it is an offence for any leader to accept any loan from private individuals, or companies, or corporations. So that is a misconduct in Office under Section 19 of the Leadership Code Commission Act.

SEKE: So if they are found to be in breach of the Leadership Code, what happens?

KOUHOTA: There are a number of things that have to happen if we find that those allegations against those involved are true. One is the Commission can give a number of penalties, including a reprimand. But the highest penalty the Commission could give is only up to $5,000 fine or if the Commission thinks that it is a very serious matter, then we could consider referring the matter to the High Court for its declaration.

SEKE: Chairman of the Solomon Islands Leadership Code Commission, Emanuel Kouhota.

Meanwhile, Speaker of National Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea, has agreed with the chairman of the commission.

KENILOREA: If it is true that such a situation occurred, then all I could say is that I would concur with the view of chairman of the Leadership Code Commission that it would be improper, and that it could be considered as misconduct in office.

SEKE: Could they have compromised themselves in any way, as far as parliamentary practices go?

KENILOREA: In terms of membership of political parties, again the information that one gathers from the media is that government caucus have already dealt with that and they have felt that some six weeks ago in the sense that they want to join a new party for the new election. There is nothing wrong with that, but they will have to wait until the 2010 election, there is nothing wrong with that. But as far as getting a loan outside a normal loan from the bank is concerned by leaders, it would be seen as misconduct in office.

SEKE: But could it be in anyway seen as may be affecting the ability of the Legislature?

KENILOREA: Well, I suppose the Legislature has been called into question in terms of activities and behaviour of members throughout history and if you want to consider it that way, I suppose it can be considered that it does touches on either maturity or sincerity or seriousness of the members of the Legislature yah.