I’m the best candidate for the position that I was selected to – Kuruleca

Questions are being raised on what constitutional steps the Prime Minister will take after Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro said that he rejects the appointment of Selina Kuruleca as the Permanent Secretary for Education.

Kuruleca was selected by the Public Service Commission through their independent recruitment process.

According to section 126 of the Constitution, the Public Service Commission has the functions to appoint permanent secretaries, with the agreement of the Prime Minister; and to remove permanent secretaries, with the agreement of the Prime Minister.

When questioned on her stand, Kuruleca says as a public servant she will respect the decision of the PSC and the Minister for Civil Service who is also the Prime Minister.

Kuruleca says as a former school teacher, a USP lecturer, a mental health professional, an iTaukei and a woman, she is the best candidate for the position that she was selected to.

She says she is awaiting further instructions from PSC as her employer.

Kuruleca says she has a signed contract and an appointment letter.

She looks forward to being an effective public servant, and working in a manner that utilises her skills set and expertise. Kuruleca says her passion, knowledge and expertise is with children and young people.

She anticipates that where ever she is appointed to, she will utilise her skills set for the betterment of our people and for the advancement of the needs of the Coalition Government.

Kuruleca also says conflict management is part of being a leader, and she stresses that she is the best candidate for the job.

We have sent Radrodro questions on why he has rejected Kuruleca’s appointment.

We have also asked the Prime Minister what is his final decision as the Constitution states that the Permanent Secretaries are to be appointed by the PSC with the agreement of the Prime Minister.

When questioned by fijivillage News, SODELPA General Secretary, Viliame Takayawa says Minister Aseri Radrodro had told the party that he was not given the list and was not consulted.

Takayawa says the party has nothing to do with this, and it is a PSC issue.