The Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui deplores Sasako’s front page Solomon Star article on Tuesday this week titled “SECRET ON MEDI,” describing it as derogatory.
Solomon Star article.
Responding to Sasako’s wild accusations and misleading article, SSPM Kabui explains, that the Malaita Economic Development Authority, MEDI, is a Cabinet-Sub Committee, established by Cabinet and not the Special Secretary to Prime Minister.
He stated, MEDI consists of the Chairman, appointed by Cabinet and the post of director, which is also established by Cabinet. These positions are created by cabinet and not SSPM.
SSPM does not have the legal authority to create these positions or employ people on contract.
“The SSPM is not an accountable officer and as such, he cannot engage people on contract. This is the law.”
The statement adds, Alfred Sasako has attributed a quote to SSPM during a meeting between the Deputy Premier of Malaita Province and Deputy Provincial Secretary. This meeting was held on Wednesday 21 st June and not Friday as Sasako erroneously claimed.
The core agenda discussed during the meeting was funding for tar-sealing of Auki Town road….. “For this project, 10 million has already been allocated,” he said.
The other issue discussed was payment of ward grants to Malaita MPAs to develop projects in their respective wards for 2023/2024. OPMC understands, ward grants to Malaita MPAs was not paid since 2020.
SSPM therefore questions what developments on Malaita he is obstructing when the meeting referred to in the article was for the development of Malaita province.
“I am confused, how am I blocking developments on Malaita? I am not aware of any contracts between MEDI and any other person besides the Chair and Director.”
SSPM confirms, a defamatory case against Solomon Star and Alfred Sasako for spreading lies is being collated.
End///
– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT
