PM retains SSPM, Caucus to have a say before PAs appointed

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele today revealed that he has reappointed the Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Albert Kabui.

Kabui was reappointed after serving under the former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

The other reappointment was his Private Secretary Ronald Fugui, who also held the position under Sogavare.

The Prime Minister further stated that Caucus will meet next week to finalize the issue of Political Appointees.

He said after the meeting, the government will finalise its PAs.

Manele admits that the number of political appointees is always a concern to the public and they are cognizant of that.

He highlighted that political appointees will be done on the basis of merit.

“That will be done in the coming weeks and Caucus will be given an opportunity to have a say in the appointment of PAs. We will do our best to keep the numbers as required. The important thing is to appoint people on merit so that they can engage in the implementation of government policy,” said the PM.

The last government had between 30-40 political appointees.