By Staff Writer
The HRPP opposition is warning against the abuse of individual rights based on recent reports of possible violations inside the Public Service.
The removal of a computer hard drive from the Ministry of Health without the knowledge of its user, reportedly by the Public Service Commission, is one of the reported issues.
The frustrated attempts by the former Ministry of Customs and Revenue CEO to have a copy of a damaging report to defend against is the other.
“The removal of that MOH computer hard drive is a blatant invasion of privacy,” Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi warned in a press conference on Friday.
One of the expressed concerns in this reported incident is the violation of doctor patient confidentiality from the information contained in the computer hard drive.
“Only the court has the authority to allow invasion of privacy and access to private information. There does not seem to be any more privacy,” Tuilaepa added in a press statement.
“This is a grave situation and is a reflection of a government that does not operate under the rule of law.”
Tuilaepa echoed the same criticisms against the unsuccessful struggles by the former CEO of the Ministry of Customs and Revenue to have a copy of a Public Service Inquiry report damaging to her reputation.
“It is an abuse of authority when those accused of wrongdoing are not given the opportunity to answer allegations,” said Tuilaepa.
“It’s not honest to accuse someone of any wrongdoing when the person is not officially aware of any allegations and given the chance to respond.”
Tuilaepa referred to the case of the Ministry of Justice CEO who was handed the official allegations made against him to defend himself.
‘Everything was put before the CEO and it was only after he had responded that a final decision was made against him.
“This is why the Human Rights Protection Party was established in 1979 and the reason for the name adopted for our Political Party, because of the way the government of the day was not upholding the rights of the individual.”
He said that it now seems that the Fa’atuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party is doing the same thing, by refusing to give officials the opportunity to answer allegations against them.
Party Secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi joined in with a reminder of the support public servants deserve from the Public Service Commission in the performance of their duties.
His concerns were at the lack of support given to attempts by the MCR former CEO to clear her good name, smeared by the PSC inquiry report.
“Her rights as an employee of the government have been trampled on and PSC has not taken notice. It’s shameful,” said Lealailepule.
“I don’t know how the government can expect co-operation from public servants if they are secretive with their dealings with them.
“Witch-hunts do not bode well for stable governments,” said the Party Secretary.
“Leave our Public Servants alone to do the work they are qualified to perform,” Lealailepule urged.
Tuilaepa rejoined to defend CEOs victimised by the label of more supportive of policies by the previous administration of the HRPP than their current political masters.
He defended the call during his time for CEOs to resign if they do not agree with any Government policy, as is the acceptable practice everywhere in the Commonwealth.
“Nothing to do with politics but on the point of principle which is the rule of law, that if you don’t agree you can always resign based on your principles not politics.
“The standard advise to CEOs if they disagree with any policy is to put their protest in writing which the Cabinet of the day should take into serious consideration.
“It’s also the best safe guard against any accusations of political affiliations or loyalty and should be respected as the rule of law.”
Tuilaepa also referred to the 3 meetings they had before they stepped down from Government where they were urged to serve the new Government as they had served them.