The prime minister of Solomon Islands says he will bring a revised version of his anti-corruption bill back to parliament in 2018.
Photo: RNZI/ Koroi Hawkins
Manasseh Sogavare made the statement in parliament on Monday when withdrawing an anti-corruption bill which he tabled last year.
Opposition and independent MPs voted against the withdrawal and denounced Mr Sogavare's action as a slap in the face of Solomon Islanders standing against corruption.
But in a statement Mr Sogavare said his government is committed to re-introducing the bill.
He said the withdrawal was necessary to improve and strengthen the proposed legislation in accordance with reccomendations made by a committee.
However, opposition MP Derrick Manu'ari said that was a poor excuse given the committee comended the bill to the house.
"I think one of the most obvious reasons is that his cabinet or even caucus is divided over the bill. Because they fear it might back-fire on them. But I think that is a very bad way of looking at it. Because the bill is not only for members of parliament, it is for the nation, it is for all leaders."
