Leader of the Opposition, Manasseh Sogavare, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as the growing politicisation of Solomon Islands’ Public Service.
And he warned that recent contract terminations of senior officials risk undermining the independence of the State’s key institutions.
Sogavare, a four-time prime minister, spoke out following recent comments attributed to the Prime Minister Matthew Wale, suggesting that public servants who are not seen as loyal to the Government could face consequences for their employment.
In a statement, the Opposition Leader said the Public Service is a national institution established to serve all citizens and must remain “professional, impartial and politically neutral at all times”.
He expressed concern over the use of clause 22(j) in senior public service contracts, which he said has been used to terminate Permanent Secretaries and other senior officials following changes in government or policy direction.
According to Sogavare, reports indicate that senior officials in the Ministries of Finance and Treasury, Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Infrastructure Development, and Police, National Security and Correctional Services have been removed under the same clause.
He said the provision allows government to terminate contracts without allegations of misconduct, poor performance or breach of duty – raising fears that appointments are being influenced by political considerations.
“This clause is now being used to remove senior public servants simply because they are no longer seen as politically convenient,” Sogavare said.
He warned that such practices risk undermining the constitutional role of the Public Service Commission, which is mandated to oversee appointments, promotions and discipline independently of political direction.
“When ministers can rely on contractual clauses like 22(j) to bypass the Commission, it opens the door to patronage, favouritism and the politicisation of the Public Service,” he said.
Sogavare stressed that public servants do not serve political parties, but the State and the people of Solomon Islands.
He said a professional Public Service is essential for continuity of government and for providing independent advice regardless of changes in political leadership.
“The Public Service is the machinery that implements the policies of the government of the day.
“While officers must be held to high standards of performance, they must also be supported to carry out their duties effectively.
“Our officers should be assessed on competence, professionalism, integrity and performance – not political loyalty.”
Sogavare said public servants must be free to provide frank and independent advice in the national interest without fear of political interference.
“A strong democracy depends on strong institutions. Public servants must be able to perform their duties with confidence that their advice will be respected,” he said.
He warned that any perception that employment or promotion within the Public Service is based on political allegiance would erode public trust in the institution.
“The Public Service belongs to the nation, not to any political party. Governments come and go, but the Public Service remains,” he said.
While reaffirming Opposition support for reforms aimed at improving performance and accountability, Sogavare said such changes must be grounded in merit, competence and the rule of law.
“The people of Solomon Islands expect a Public Service that is professional, independent and capable of serving any elected government,” he said.
Sogavare has called on the Government to immediately stop using clause 22(j) as a basis for terminating senior public servants and to review existing contracts urgently.
He also urged the Public Service Commission to assert its constitutional authority over appointments, tenure and discipline, and to ensure all contractual arrangements comply with principles of independence, merit and non-partisanship
