Opposition criticise govt's appointment of Dr Roughan to SPM

The Opposition has lashed out on the appointment of well-known government critic Dr John Roughan as Secretary to the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Opposition Public Service Spokesman and North Vella La Vella MP, Milner Tozaka describes the appointment by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare as a slap on the face of other qualified Solomon Islanders.

Mr Tozaka says the Prime Minister's action is unfair because other qualified applicants have gone through the proper procedures and system of recruiting Permanent Secretaries.

He accuses Mr Sogavare of sidestepping the procedures by handpicking Dr Roughan before applications for the posts of Permanent Secretaries in the Public Service close on June 30.

Mr Tozaka says instead of addressing the deep underlying organisational problems, the Prime Minister has opted for a quick fix intervention which will only worsen the ineffectiveness of the Public Service.

He says the opposition believes in a Public Service that is impartial, neutral and free from political interference as the delivery of goods and services depends on a clear Public Service plan.

Mr Tozaka says it is a surprise that Dr Roughan a staunch government critic, especially in the areas of good governance and transparency, has not bothered to check if his appointment followed proper procedures, rules and regulations.

SIBC News is yet to get a comment from the Prime Minister on the matter.

It is also understood that Dr Roughan has accepted the appointment which comes into effect on June 25.

source: http://www.sibconline.com.sb/main.asp