Public servants urged to remain neutral amid political contest

PUBLIC SERVANTS URGED TO REMAIN POLITICALLY NEUTRAL AMID LEADERSHIP DEBATE

Public servants have been reminded to remain politically neutral and refrain from making public comments on the ongoing political debate between the country’s political leaders.

The reminder has been issued across the Solomon Islands Public Service as political activity intensifies following the filing of a Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Matthew Wale by former Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga.

The directive, circulated to senior government officials and public officers, reinforces existing requirements under the Public Service General Orders regarding political neutrality and the conduct expected of public servants.

The circular was issued by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service Mr Luke Cheka and addressed to the Secretary to Cabinet, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Permanent Secretaries, Provincial Secretaries, Human Resource Managers and all public officers.

Titled “Public Servants to Refrain from Commenting and to Remain Neutral in Light of the Political Debate Between Our Leaders,” the circular reminds officers of their obligations under the General Orders.

Mr Cheka specifically drew attention to General Order C107 (b) and (c), which sets out provisions governing the political conduct of public servants.

Under the provisions, public officers are required to refrain from publishing, either orally or in writing, making comments, giving lectures or broadcasting anything that may be deemed to be political in nature.

“Matters of politics are the responsibility of our elected leaders,” Mr Cheka stated in the circular.

He said the responsibility of public servants is to ensure the continuity, stability and effective functioning of government administration, while maintaining professionalism and continuing to provide services to the public without bias or favour.

The Permanent Secretary also warned that officers who breach the relevant General Orders provisions would be “dealt with accordingly.”