By Staff Writer
The swearing in of the new interim Attorney General during the week raised questioning eyebrows, firstly as not in keeping with normal policy within the public service.
Questions also popped up at why equally capable senior service staff were overlooked since it was only a temporary placing until a permanent appointment is made.
Opposition Human Rights Protection Party leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, with his lifetime career in Government is highly sceptical.
In his many years as Government leader, CEOs and Heads of State Owned Enterprises, are normally sworn-in as permanent appointments.
“This is after going through the proper recruitment and selection process with a select committee to interview and evaluate job applications for recommendation to Cabinet for final endorsement,” Tuilaepa reflected.
He said the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa is familiar with the process of transparency and accountability in good governance with their time together in Cabinet.
“ Cabinet would sometimes advice on a committee recommendation for re-consideration but for only a few, most of the appointment normally go through without any change.”
He referred to established practice once an appointment is confirmed for the swearing- in to follow and it is usually organised as a group event.
The swearing in of interim Attorney General Su’a Helene Wallwork –Lamb made Tuilaepa wonder why it was not done for Justice Niava-Mata Tuatagaloa.
“When Justice Niava stepped up to take over temporarily from Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese when he left Samoa for medical treatment in New Zealand, why was there no swearing in?”
Interim AG Su’a is the innocent party, according to the HRPP leader, who placed the full burden of guilt on the Government made appointment.
Tuilaepa blames the unsettling reaction by the Public Service Association that has already led to a public meeting of members a week ago last Saturday, as further proof of Government not following proper policy procedures.
The PSA officially handed in a letter to PM Fiame and her Cabinet last Wednesday setting out job security concerns raised by members.
“The irony is we at the HRPP are accused of inciting the public servants to strike when it was the Government cleanup of CEOs and other top level positions in the service that has riled up the workers.
“The PM has stated publicly as well the importance of the public service sector yet the actions Government has taken so far contradicts all that.”
Tuilaepa reminded that public servants are smart people and they know when they are not being treated fairly.
He felt that the Government party’s favourite retort about the rule of law contradicts even more their uncaring treatment of the public service.
His worry is the PM and her Government are trying to surround themselves with yes people in the service who will agree without questioning, even if the advice is illegal or against policy.
“It shows a weak leader and goes against the principles of good governance with transparency and accountability.”
The PSA indicated after their members meeting that they will wait on a Government response before deciding on the way forward.
Five CEOs have already left the service since the new Government took over. Three resigned, one had her 3-year contract terminated, one is under suspension and one had her contract extension rejected.