Dear Editor,
The many allegations of corruption associated with the current government continue to increase. Access to lucrative opportunities and capital have allowed political influence to reach an all-time high in our country’s history. To curb the resulting immense acquisition of assets by public officials CRG suggests that it would be best to restrict the value of assets that can be accumulated while in public office. This is an issue that the constitution reform commission should extensively explore to ensure that asset acquisition and private investment interests by officials and their family members are restricted to what their salaries and current assets can allow them to achieve. The area of investment interests must be a dealt with at arm’s length, but it would also benefit our country if clear restrictions were put in place that prevent public officials from partaking in any private ventures that require government approval while they are in office and several years after they leave office. Thus, ensuring that political influence is reduced and not misused for personal financial gain within a clear timeline.
Currently, the opportunities to leverage the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or its equivalent have not been pursued but given the level of perceived corruption it is necessary that the authorities carry out some high-profile investigations with the aid of foreign law enforcement agencies. This will help deter future acts of corruption and help prevent public officials from treating their position and opportunity to serve our nation as an opportunity to enrich themselves beyond their means.