Lelang appointment ‘improper’: Papers

THE appointment of Joe Lelang as acting Secretary for Department of Planning and Rural Development could be improper, and may end up being challenged in court by Valentine Kambori.
Minister responsible for the department Paul Tiensten this week held conference with the media and presented Lelang to journalists, describing him as the best man to clean up the department.
Mr Tiensten also told the media there was a syndicate that existed in Vulupindi Haus in which public servants ask for 10% commission before processing claims worth millions of kina. He gave no evidence, and provided no names, saying a pending investigation would reveal all.
Mr Lelang also announced the removal of section 32 powers from the senior officers below, those empowered to sign cheques.
But documents obtained by this newspaper showed the proper process set by law in appointment of departmental heads might have been flaunted in Mr Lelang's appointment.
They suggest heavy behind the scene politicking by different factions in Government to get their man appointed.
The documents suggested the Prime Minister’s preferred man for this job is Dr Theo Yasause, his own chief of staff.
But cabinet members rejected him last year, and appointed Mr Kambori to act in the position, while the search and lobby for a new man went on.
The documents showed that Tiensten tried to influence the Public Service Minister and Public Services Commission into appointing Mr Lelang to the post.
While the Public Service Minister can be influenced, the Public Services Commission is a constitutional body and cannot be influenced or directed by any minister when making its recommendations.
The PSC makes recommendations and sends them to cabinet, and by law, cabinet cannot make appointments outside of the recommendations by PSC.
While Kambori is out, he is on the shortlist for the permanent appointment, which will go to cabinet soon, sources said.