Corruption is now Becoming a ‘Norm’

Reddy Law Principal Associate Radhika Reddy says corruptive practices are becoming acceptable conduct in society and not being reported.

This was part of her submission at the public consultation on the review of the establishment of the anti-corruption division of the Magistrates Court and other anti-corruption divi-sions of the High Court on May 18 at the Lautoka City Council Chambers.

“Certain conduct is becoming accepted, a policeman taking $10 from a person who is stopped, corruption is getting accepted in the community,” Ms Reddy said.

“As time goes by there will be more and more corruption cases coming across. At the moment there isn’t a great deal of awareness that people can go and report and they will be prosecuted under this, but if the courts are retained and there is more publicity that crimes under this particular court will be prosecuted in such a way, there would be a general deterrent to the community.”

She said sending Magistrates to the outer islands to preside over corruption cases was an extra expense for the Government.

“Perhaps in the next five to 10 years’ time, whether or not the Government can afford this is another question, but yes certainly in terms of the cost, definitely there will be a cost issue but if we did have the funds available, we can perhaps retain this just for a general deterrent purpose,” Ms Reddy said.

The Office of the Attorney General senior legal officer Sophina Ali said Ms Reddy’s submissions were noted, however the review team was only seeking to establish whether or not the anti-corruption divisions within the Magistrates Court and the High Court should be abolished.