Suidani confirms his PS ‘legal challenge’ on suspension

Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani confirms that his provincial secretary has decided to initiate legal proceedings against his (PS) suspension unless the Permanent Secretary of Public Service withdraws the unlawful suspension—claiming he didn’t follow the process. 

Suidani in a statement today confirms that his PS, Fred Fa’abasua, was sent a letter by the PS of Public Service, Mr Nego Sisiolo last Friday 12 March. In this letter, Sisiolo accused Fa’abasua of financial allegations that were untrue, and in the same letter, he ordered his suspension, effective immediately.

Sudani said: “Unfortunately, in doing so, Sisiolo did not follow the process set out in the Public Service Act and its Regulations.  The Public Service Act and its regulations have a specific legal process set out, by which such accusations can be taken up and acted upon.  This legal process provides the opportunity for natural justice, and this process was not, repeat was not, followed by Sisiolo. As such, our PS has decided to initiate legal proceedings unless the PS withdraws the unlawful suspension.”

But a Government statement from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening today clarified that the Provincial Secretary for Malaita Province is suspended based on allegations raised by former disgruntled Malaita workers. Based on documents submitted, the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) perused those matters reported by former employees. Based on the allegations, the MPS carried out a preliminary investigation and decided to suspend the Public Officer to give way for a full investigation.

“These cases were brought forward by concerned and aggrieved citizens and not in any way reflect any attempts by the MPGIS or the Solomon Islands

But Premier Suidani says the Public Service Act sets out a process by which any officer alleging misconduct and having supervisory responsibility over the PS must have a report about this accusation filed to the PS of Public Service. 

He said the PS of Public Service in turn must give a minimum period of 7 days to the officer to respond.

Suidani stresses that none of these steps have happened or if it had happened the PS has not been aware of it, and therefore our PS has decided to put these issues before the Permanent Secretary of Public Service for him to do the right thing by following the clear process that is set down.  

• Read Government’s full statement in another link