There is a need to set a culture of transparency in Fiji - AG

There is a need to set a culture of transparency in Fiji.

These are the sentiments of the Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum while delivering his address on International Anti-Corruption Day in Suva.

The Attorney General says a new law was put in place before the 2014 general elections in regards to the political parties registration, conduct and funding.

He says previously anyone could go and donate money to political parties and they could donate any amount of money.

Sayed-Khaiyum says previously individuals and companies actually funded political parties and once that particular political party got into government, these companies received special favors because of the fact they funded them to run in the elections.

The Attorney General says no company in Fiji, as the law stands since 2013, can donate even a single cent to a political party.

He says political parties also have to publish their accounts on an annual basis.

He says this particular law was not liked by some political parties because it brings about greater transparency.