“Political officeholders and civil servants have a certain responsibility. If these people commit corruption or cause the state to suffer losses through negligence, they must be held liable and the damages must be paid,” Asiskumar Gajadien recently said on ABC Online.
Gajadien said that the issue of liability must be taken seriously. “Only then will we get a very different situation in the country. People will then be more cautious and pay better attention.” He further stated that certain people who are placed in positions must serve the people. “They should not enrich themselves or family members.” In Suriname, it is more common for people in positions to apply for large plots of land for themselves or family members. “This cannot be allowed.”
What he also finds unacceptable is when senior officials can purchase state property very cheaply after their term in office. “Items worth USD 100,000 are bought for just USD 4000 and USD 5000.” According to him, this also disadvantages the state. He said that holding people liable for certain matters should therefore instil a sense of responsibility among political figures. “All these matters will create the conditions to restore confidence in politicians.”
