Seruiratu Raises Concerns Over Appointments To Statutory Boards
‘We need to maintain the integrity of organisations and institutions that come under Government and the appointment of the right people to such boards’
Leader of Opposition and FijiFirst member, Inia Seruiratu, has expressed concern over the appointments of Government statutory board members, stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity of these institutions.
In a press conference on Friday, Mr Seruiratu said board members should be appointed on a fit-for-purpose basis, rather than any other criteria, to ensure good governance and continuity.
“We need to maintain the integrity of organisations and institutions that come under Government and the appointment of the right people to such boards,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“Board members need to be appointed on a fit for purpose basis rather than any other criteria.
“Earlier this year, in his end of week statement the honourable Viliame Naupoto had highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of institutions. “Fundamental in this is the need to ensure good governance and its continuity by appointing the right people into positions of leadership in Government ministries, statutory authorities, and public enterprises and so on.”
Mr Seruiratu urged for the appointment of the best people with the skill sets, competency, and experiences required for these boards, to maintain the integrity of these institutions.
“We are concerned to see more and more failed candidates of Coalition Government parties being appointed to boards,” he said.
“This has been seen again most recently in the appointment of members of the board to Post Fiji, Fiji Hardwood Corporation and a few others.”
He also raised concerns about officials from different parties being found in different ministries, which could potentially destroy the integrity of these institutions.
Questions were sent to the Office of the Prime Minister for a response but was none were received when this edition went to press