17 Nov 2017

Hope for anti-corruption efforts in new Solomons leadership

7:56 am on 17 November 2017

The chairperson of Transparency International Solomon Islands has welcomed new prime minister Rick Hou's pledge to pass the anti-corruption bill.

The Small Malaita MP was nominated by the former prime minister Manasseh Sogavare and the bulk of his government.

Mr Sogavare was ousted last week in a vote of no-confidence after tabling the long anticipated anti-corrution legislation.

Transparency's Ruth Liloqula said Mr Hou appears to be listening to the public's concerns about corruption.

"Maybe there is a turnaround in our politicians. Maybe we're seeing the start of the turn from what used to be the diverters, for their own interests, now to thinking about the country."

"So we are hopeful and we will be monitoring what's going on," she said.

Ruth Liloqula said that Mr Hou, as a former Central Bank governor, often highlighted how public money had been wasted.

"Mostly spent on wasted efforts not really achieving much, or indirectly where it's just not being used for the things that it should be used for so yeah, the choice is good," she said.

Despite the fact that Mr Hou previously faced a leadership code charge (in 2015) regarding alleged misuse of constituency funds.

"Most people here in the Solomons are happy with the outcome of the election and his stand on fighting corruption."

Solomon Islands parliament

Solomon Islands parliament Photo: RNZ/ Koroi Hawkins

New Solomon Islands government line-up.

On Thursday, 14 Ministers took their Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office at the Government House.

1. Manasseh Sogavare MP as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury;

2. John Maneniaru MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources;

3. Peter Shanel Agovaka MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Communications and Aviation;

4. John Dean Kuku MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development;

5. Jimson Fiau Tanagada MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Home Affairs;

6. Bradley Tovosia MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Mines and Energy;

7. Freda Tuki MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Women, Youth & Children Affairs;

8. Moses Garu MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Police & National Security;

9. Andrew Manepora MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Lands and Housing;

10. Bartholomew Parapolo MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Culture & Tourism;

11. Samuel Manetoali MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Forestry and Research;

12. Nestor Ghiro MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening;

13. Dr Culwick Togamana MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Environment & Conservation;

14. Connelly Sandakabatu MP as the Minister for the Ministry of Public Service.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Prime Minister Rick Hou and other senior Government officials.

The remaining Ministers will take the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance by today.