Transparency Soloman Islands: Parliamentary Integrity is undermined

The Parliamentary Entitlement Commission (PEC) is not independent of Parliament as it is dominated by current and former MPs. This issue is raised in response to the recent inappropriate amendment and increase of parliamentary entitlement provision made by PEC.

Currently PEC membership includes former MP Danny Philip who is the PEC Chairman, the Public Accounts Committee Chairman Hon Francis Zama, Minister of Finance and Treasury Hon Snyder Rini and Leslie Teama.

Section 69 A of the Constitution sets how the PEC is established. The Chairman and two other members are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. Two others are Minister of Finance and Chairman of Public Accounts Committee. The PEC chair and appointed members’ term of office is three years. Pursuant to section 69A (6) the Chairman and the members of PEC are entitled to receive a daily allowance at the rate prescribed in accordance with the Constitutional Offices (Salaries) Act 1978, but instead the Chairman of the PEC is now paid a full salary, provided a house, a vehicle and allowances for a meeting that happens once a year. The entitlements of the PEC chair and other members are prescribed by the Prime Minister by regulations made under the Constitutional Offices (Salaries) Act.

There is a clear conflict of interest when a committee comprising MPs and former MPs sets the entitlements of MPs and Former MPs and where the terms and conditions of service (remuneration) of the committee is set by the Prime Minister who stands to benefit from the committee’s decisions. In some countries, changes to Parliamentary entitlements can only take effect in the next term of parliament. This avoids MPs having an immediate conflict of interest. This could be a good measure to take.

In addition Transparency Solomon Islands calls for transparency in the submissions made to PEC. Any submission made to the PEC should be made public. For example, which MP proposed the terminal allowance for spouses? Who proposed the increase in terminal grants to $400,000? Who proposed the land and house provision for PMs?

TSI calls for a complete review of the Parliamentary entitlements along with the composition of the PEC to reflect true independence. The new and current provisions undermine the integrity of Parliament. The Prime Minister cannot attempt to distance himself from this committee which he has appointed and sets its remuneration. The Prime Minister must lead the way in restoring the integrity of Parliament.