Govt. considers removing hire and fire powers from P.S.C.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 08 July 2018, 12:00AM

The Government is considering removing the powers of the Public Service Commission (P.S.C.) to hire and fire bureaucrats.

This will allow the P.S.C. to focus more on developing strategies to improve government services through its employees.  

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi revealed the plan during his weekly media programme.

He said there have been ongoing discussions in relation to the functions of the P.S.C. for a while and the Government is now looking at revising its roles and responsibilities.  

“It’s time for the P.S.C. not to be involved in the hiring and termination of Government employees,” he said. 

“One of the most important aspects of the changes is looking at hiring employees who are knowledgeable based on their education background, at the same time their working experience.”

“Most of the daily issues can be tackled utilising common sense. For example, while you are working on something, the law specifies that it’s illegal yet that is the only way and so this is where common sense is applied. 

“If you strike someone with your vehicle, the first immediate reaction is to conduct an ifoga (traditional apology). 

“But common sense should tell you that you need to wait. The victim’s family is hurting and timing is not right, when the ifoga is conducted immediately after the accident.”

The Prime Minister said it is time for the Commission to move away from hiring and termination of government employees, and focus their efforts on programmes promoting good governance and honest conduct at the work place. 

“What I mean is, if anyone that you know comes seeking assistance with their road project, for sure you’ll tend to the request ignoring the fact there are procedures in place that must be heeded such as the bidding process,” he added. 

Reiterating the role of the Commission is important, the Prime Minister said public servants should implement guidelines that would minimise the criticisms of state-funded projects.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 08 July 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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