PM must maintain discipline over gov’t: Wale

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LEADER of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale says Solomon Islanders expect the Prime Minister as leader of government to maintain discipline over government, especially over his ministers.

Hon Wale made the statement in response to the Speech from the throne in Parliament today.

He said political calculations and expediency often render a Prime Minister, by choice, to be ineffective in maintaining discipline over his ministers.

However, Hon Wale said if the Prime Minister does not maintain discipline, then it would be difficult to provide leadership.

“Without discipline, the government is vulnerable to agreeing to demands that may not be in the best interests of the country. In turn, this lack of discipline will undermine the government’s own budget, as resources are diverted to expenditure of poor quality,” he said.

Hon Wale said the Finance Minister is tasked with the responsibility to ensure government expenditure is of the highest possible quality.

However, he said pressure from the Prime Minister’s Office, Caucus and Ministers can easily undermine the discipline and restraint required in managing government finances.

The Opposition Leader said in recent weeks the size of delegations on overseas trips is very concerning.

“I am concerned that even in the current situation where government cash flows are in a precarious situation where hospitals and clinics lack medicines and basic supplies, when the condition of our roads are terrible, yet large delegations are going on overseas trips,” he said.

Hon Wale said he was baffled by that when reservations have been imposed by the MoFT to rein in expenditure, yet large delegations are still allowed to travel overseas, incurring further burden that cannot possibly be priority on the Treasury.

“There is a clear need for discipline in this. I know most people want to travel overseas. The lure of per diems & time away is too strong to resist. However, it is a burden on the taxpayer. Large delegations achieve very little. Negotiations are never done by large delegations,” he said.

Hon Wale said we must therefore assume that large delegations are more likely to be a waste of taxpayer funds.

The Opposition Leader said he is concerned that the Prime Minister is not in control of his ministers.

“The people expect better. It is important that the Prime Minister is not merely the coordinating minister, as important as that function is. The Prime Minister must also provide overall strategic leadership. Strategic leadership is informed and guided by a strategic vision of what Solomon Islands can be,” he said.

Hon Wale said strategic leadership requires discipline and discipline requires tradeoffs.

He said tradeoffs require a firm and decisive hand on all matters of government.

“The Prime Minister must not allow his ministers each to be doing their own thing, untethered to government’s overall vision and strategic direction,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said it is important that the Prime Minister is not being pulled by the nose.

He said Solomon Islanders have high expectations of the Prime Minister and ministers on these matters.

ENDS//