BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has issued a strong warning to senior public servants, saying his government will not tolerate political disloyalty, delays in carrying out decisions, or actions that undermine government directives.
Speaking to journalist on arrival from his official visits in Australia and New Zealand, Prime Minister Wale said under his administration public servants must remain responsive to the elected government because the government derives its mandate from the people.
“You may like public service for serving people of your country. We’re a democracy and therefore public service must be responsive to the political government because political government is elected by the people,” he said.
Mr Wale revealed that shortly after Cabinet was sworn in, clear instructions were delivered to permanent secretaries and senior officials regarding expectations under the new administration.
“We made it very clear to senior public servants, permanent secretaries in particular, I think a week after the Cabinet was sworn in, that if I sniff political disloyalty, you’re out the door,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the government has no time for unnecessary delays or resistance within the public service.
“We don’t have time to waste. If decisions have been made, directions have been given, and you’re sitting on it, for whatever reason, good or bad, but you’re sitting on it, you’re out the door,” he warned.
Mr Wale also cautioned against officials becoming involved in actions or decision-making processes that work against government intentions.
“We just don’t have time for that nonsense. We just want to get on with running the country, rebuilding it, and redeeming trust for people, for government,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that restoring public confidence in government remains one of the administration’s key priorities.
“Government is to do good for the people, and so it’s very important that we regain the trust of the people in their government, that their government is working for them, not for a few,” Mr Wale added.
Photo credit: Ned Gagahe
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