PM: It is abuse of office

By HELEN TARAWA
CABINET ministers taking trips overseas without approval have been warned by Prime Minister James Marape to stop because it is tantamount to abuse of office.
“This blatant abuse of ministerial office must cease forthwith,” he said.
“And the ministers concerned are directed not to force their departments or organisations to pay for such travels, either overseas or within the country.
“Such abuse of ministerial office must stop immediately.”
Marape said in a circular that it has been brought to his attention that some ministers had been regularly travelling overseas “purportedly on official duties at government cost” without approval from his office.
He also reminded heads of departments travelling overseas to seek approval first from the Chief Secretary.
“I expect a good cooperation from all of you as a team of leaders full of energy working for the common good of the country and thus portray a good image of the Government,” he said.
He told The National yesterday that they needed to be productive.
“When we talk about public servants working, it should also start with the ministers.
“It’s just taking a cautious conversation with our ministers.”
He said the Government needed to tighten up its systems and processes to address abuse and mismanagement.
Marape said it was to ensure that the Government was doing the right thing.
“It’s just a management tool for us to ensure that we are all doing the right thing,” he said.
“In times like this, we need to be cost-conscious, saving and putting time and effort into productive use.”
Meanwhile, all appointments to see the prime minister should come through the acting chief of staff Lamech Palaso or through the prime minister’s executive assistant Rachel Tomuriesa.