PM dismissed claims Police Commissioner post will be a direct appointment.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has dismissed claims the Police Commissioner vacant post will be a direct appointment.

In an interview with Radio Polynesia, the Prime Minister said the post will be advertised as per Human Resources process.

Fiame was responding to concerns after two previousvacant positions were direct appointments, including the Attorney General and the Legislative Clerk.

The Prime Minister assured the Commissioner post will be advertised

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Regarding the recent direct appointments, the Prime Minister said these are constitutional posts and the prerogative is with the Government of the day.For the Attorney General’s post Fiame said Su’a Hellene Wallwork, was brought in on interim basis, however the position will be advertised.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the direct appointment of the Legislative Clerk, Leatisa Uitime Tala. She claims this was made possible under the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament which clearly states Speaker has the prerogative to make the direct appointment.

The Prime Minister said, all that is required is consultation with the leader of the Government and the leader of the Opposition and those requirements were met by the Speaker, Li’o Papali’i Taeu Masina’u.

Meanwhile the Public Service Commission has advertised seven Chief Executive Officers Positions, which includes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; Ministry of Communication and Information Technology; Ministry of Customs and Revenue; Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure; Ministry of Finance and the Commissioner of Police.