Rabuka waits for response
LEADER of Opposition Sitiveni Rabuka will await the Social Democratic Liberal Party’s (SODELPA) response to his queries regarding the party leader position selection processes.
While dismissing a statement from party president Ratu Epenisa Cakobau on Tuesday this week explaining the processes, Mr Rabuka said his questions were directly addressed to the party and therefore he expected a direct reply from them.
“I am aware of the statement from the party but my question was directly addressed to the party and they should answer directly to me,” he said.
“I will not comment publicly on my questions or the response from them.”
Meanwhile, Ratu Epenisa had defended the integrity of the party leader and deputy leader’s selection processes.
He has also called on party members and supporters to respect the decision made by the party’s management board (MB).
“The party constitution states that the party leader is appointed by the MB through a competitive, transparent and nationally recognised selection process, and that has guided the process followed,” he said.
“The MB approved that the management of the interviews be outsourced to an external HR recruitment company.
“I would also like to dismiss allegations of tampering with results of the interview as the interview panel report was signed off with a cover letter signed by the chairman and delivered to me on the afternoon of Thursday, 26th November.”
Ratu Epenisa explained that while no other party or person was privy to the report, the only changes to the MB before the voting took place were caucus representatives who were approved by Mr Rabuka himself.
“In relation to the Navosa constituency representative in attendance at the MB, this was the appointment of the Navosa Constituency Council as per the party constitutional procedures.
“With respect to the members of the interview panel, they were requested to submit their CVs which were accepted in good faith.
“The allegations relating to a member of the panel is an employment matter with a former employer and does not warrant a review of
the interview process.”