Zurenuoc: Ila is still acting clerk

SPEAKER Theo Zurenuoc says the Deputy Clerk of Parliament will continue to be the acting clerk until a new permanent appointment is made.
Zurenouc said Simon Ila’s recent appointment as acting clerk pending disciplinary charges laid against him has not changed anything.
Ila was appointed under the Parliamentary Standing Orders after Don Pandan’s tenure expired on Sept 13.
However, Ila’s position has come under question following a suspension and internal investigations relating to conduct in office.
Information received by The National said Ila has been charged under the Parliamentary Service Act of 1997 over allegations of improper conduct in office on Sept 10.
An employee laid a complaint with both police and the clerk’s office but this could not be verified by police.
Documents signed by the acting parliamentary counsel indicated that Ila was suspended from duty with full pay until the charges were dealt with.
Although the clerk has to be appointed by the NEC, the speaker used Standing Orders 3 to make the acting appointment in the absence of the clerk.
Zerenuoc said that he was aware of the charges against Ila but he has to be proven guilty by the court of law.