22 Aug 2005

Fiji's military commander says Fiji lacks transparent leaders

3:37 pm on 22 August 2005

Fiji's military commander says the country needs transparent political leaders for good governance but lacks them.

The Daily Post quotes Commodore Frank Bainimarama as saying good governance is vital for political stability, the enhancement of democratic principles, economic prosperity and social harmony.

The newspaper says the comments came at the Fiji scout commissioners conference just as Fiji's auditor general revealed gross mismanagement of public funds by cabinet ministers and senior civil servants.

Commodore Bainimarama said the people of Fiji need a reality check of how the country has fared in the last decade.

He said Fiji needs to truthfully face he effects of the coup on the nation and its people.

Commodore Bainimarama said transparent leadership must also prevail in the private sector to provide the basis for commercial and industrial growth and progress.