7 Dec 2012

Vanuatu's PM rejects opposition's allegations of corrupt practices

4:52 am on 7 December 2012

The prime minister of Vanuatu Sato Kilman says if people have evidence of corruption involving him or his government they should contact police.

Mr Kilman has roundly rejected allegations of corrupt practices made by the opposition which has been pushing for a vote of no confidence in his government.

The opposition had raised concerns about issues such as the sale of passports to foreign nationals and appointment of cronies to diplomatic positions.

But Mr Kilman rejects the accusations.

"You will always have critics. There have been a lot of allegations but unfortunately no one has proven anything and I am very disappointed that you can have all these allegations but knowing well that we have institutions that can deal with this thing. If a member thinks there is crime committed then they should report it to the authorities and have it dealt with properly by law."

Vanuatu prime minister Sato Kilman.

On Thursday Mr Kilman shored up his support by appointing former opposition MP, Kal Moli, as the agriculture minister.