Let NEC decide the best person

WE REFER to the article “Confusion at DNP” (Jan 30). There should not be any confusion at all in appointing the departmental head for National Planning and Monitoring, which is very important in managing and developing the nation.
The department does not need someone who is incapable of detecting systematic and systemic corruption.
Let the NEC appoint the best person to do the job. And it should use the process already in place which uses the “fit and proper person’s test”, recommendations of those shortlisted from the Public Service Commission and the obvious qualifications.
The Public Accounts Committee’s findings tabled in the National Parliament has implicated the incumbent highlighting one of the worst records of mismanagement and abuse of process by a departmental head.
That finding should be sufficient to disqualify the incumbent.
And there should be no regional splits within the National Alliance ranks over this appointment.
All NEC members were appointed to represent national interests – not partisan themselves in the name of misguided, regional solidarity to satisfy the whims of those with vested interests.
Should the so-called Momase National Alliance resists the replacement of the incumbent, the public deserve to know whether this bloc really does include cabinet ministers from Morobe and Madang.
It is time to end this remote controlling of cabinet ministers – capable in their own ability, experiences and exposure that resulted in the mandate they have from their voters.
It might help to appoint top bureaucrats based on their original province’s developmental track record or their performance in running a province.
After all, if they don’t manage provinces, how can they manage national issues?
And if their provinces are found wanting, what can they really give to Papua New Guinea?

Mip’la Was
Via email