The exploitive and corrupt nature of officials in this country is an issue that Government doesn’t take lightly. The Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said that while reforms taking place around the country provided tangible results, one issue these reforms addressed was the systematic corruption that existed over the years. Commodore Bainimarama reiterated government’s stand on corruption in the country, highlighting the implications it had on citizens. “My Government has made it very clear from the start, that corruption and ripping off the ordinary citizen has to stop and must be eradicated for Fiji to prosper into the future,” Commodore Bainimarama said. The Prime Minister said the various reforms carried out would expose corrupt practices especially from those holding high positions. “In the past, Fiji has had too many corrupt officials, businessmen, lawyers, accountants and institutionalised corruption,” Commodore Bainimarama said. “With the reforms the Government is introducing it has flushed out and will continue to flush out malpractice and dishonesty by some of those holding high offices and positions of trust.” Fiji has been recognised by the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) for its efforts in combating corruption and white collar crime in the country. This year alone, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) closed 38 cases in court of which 30 were convictions. -ends-