Fiji's vice president has called for a strict code of conduct and close supervision to fight corruption.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi has made the call at a regional meeting of the anti-corruption watchdog, Transparency International, currently under way in Suva.
Ratu Joni says there's a real and constant threat to open government in the South Pacific from a variety of conduct which undermines the integrity of public offices.
He says weak economies, unstable political systems and the over-exploitation of resources provide fertile ground for the abuse of public office for private gain.
Ratu Joni says a code of conduct which states simply what is acceptable behaviour and what is not would be a good starting point.
He says public servants in positions of authority need to disclose their assets and other interests.
As well, Ratu Joni says serving officers need to be rotated at regular intervals.
