THE DEMOCRATIC Coalition for Change Government’s decision to withdraw its 2016 Anti-Corruption Bill over the weekend is a clear reflection of a government that has no confidence in itself and its leadership.
It was further reported that the withdrawal was linked to reports that DCCG will lose more than ten of its current government MPs if the bill is to be brought before Parliament.
A top government official who wished to speak on anonymity made the statement in total disagreement to the government’s decision to withdraw its flagship Bill.
“This is a slap on the face of the DCCG, the Prime Minister and the people of this country,” the official said.
The official said if the government is serious enough and stand by its words and their policies for the people of this country, this Anti-Corruption Bill should have not been withdrawn.
The officer further stressed that it is sad to see the government blaming the Opposition and Independent Groups for the withdrawal of the Bill.
Adding this decision only shows a desperate government who wish to hold on to power, than to do what it promised its people.
“The biggest mistake you would make is to lose the trust of the people. And that is to make false promises and try to cover up on lame excuses that only make you look foolish,” the top government official added.
Prime Minister last December stood tall to announce the DCCG’s commitment to bring to parliament this flagship bill in the first quarter of this year.
But it was confirmed that the government has decided to withdraw the Bill and put the blame on the Opposition and Independent Groups for lack of support towards this Bill.
However the announcement of its withdrawal brings public criticism and dissatisfaction from the public as evident in the Facebook page of the forum Solomon Islands international (FSII).
The Opposition and Independent Groups have denied the reason for the withdrawal of the Bill as stated by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Instead they revealed their support towards the Bill and described the statement by the PMO as misleading and incorrect.
Opposition Leader Jeremiah Manele said the opposition stand on this Bill is to give each MP their right of choice towards the Bill.
However, Hon Manele said he fully supports the Bill because he knew that is what his constituents wish for.
“The withdrawal of the Bill comes due to Sogavare being under heavy pressure by his own government MPs to withdraw it or else see his government fall,” the top official said.
Adding the Solomon Islands Ports Authority Issue has already rocked the DCCG Camp, putting Sogavare in a very awkward situation.
The top official further stressed that it is sad to see the leader, the people of this nation once see as the savior to bring it out from its aid dependency and corruption driven systems being handicapped and could not do what he himself promised this nation.
“But we cannot blame the PM too, because he is only a single person who can’t do nothing if the whole cabinet and caucus do not support him,” the official added.
Meanwhile, the top government official said the withdrawal of the Anti-Corruption Bill reflects the fear in MPs who see this Bill as a threat to themselves.
Describing the decision to withdraw the Bill as power hunger by PM Sogavare to save his leadership position and the DCCG regime than listen to the wish of the people of this country.
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