BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Member of Parliament for Temotu Nende Constituency Stephen Kumi said the Public Service Bill 2025 is a significant bill that will address current gaps in the Public Service sector.
He said that some of the current practices of or by public servants are seen as unethical and some practices are seen as not acceptable to the public.
Whilst speaking in parliament, Kumi voiced that services offered might have financial strings attached to them.
“Service offered might have financial strings attached to, and so on. I am optimistic that this important bill comes at the right time and to address what we are trying to focus on and what we are currently facing,” Kumi said.
He said he is hoping that with the purpose of transparency, government operations, decision-making and resource management will be known to the public.
“The public and stakeholders will be allowed to access information about how public services are delivered and how decisions are made. Accountability to me may mean that public offices and institutions are responsible for their actions and decisions.
“For instance, elected leaders and public servants have different responsibilities in the governance. Transparency and accountability prevent collusion among elected leaders and public servants in the areas of tender processes or awarding of tenders, even employment or scholarships and so on,” said Kumi.
The Member of Parliament for Temotu Nende stressed that to him, transparency and accountability help reduce corruption and promotes trust in government and ensures that public resources are used effectively and ethically.
He acknowledges the Minister of Public Service for tabling the Public Service Bill 2025, thanks the senior management team of the Ministry of Public Service for their commitment and dedication in preparing the bill and also acknowledges the Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC) for scrutinising the bill.
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