The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) is calling for stricter constitutional standards for senior public service appointments, including a mandatory “clean record” requirement for Permanent Secretaries and Fiji’s diplomatic representatives.
Speaking before the Constitution Review Commission on Friday, April 24, FCOSS Programme Manager Josaia Tokoni said those entrusted with leading public institutions and representing Fiji overseas should be held to the highest standards of integrity.
“The people who run our public service and represent Fiji on the world stage must be held to the highest standards of integrity and FCOSS believes the Constitution is the right place to enshrine that expectation,” Mr Tokoni said.
In its submission on Public Service provisions under Sections 123 to 127 of the Constitution, FCOSS proposed a constitutionally mandated “clean record” standard for the appointment of Permanent Secretaries and Ambassadors or High Commissioners.
Under the proposal, appointees would be required to have no criminal convictions, no history of complaints relating to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and no involvement in coups.
FCOSS also argued that integrity at the point of appointment alone was not enough and recommended a stronger performance management framework for senior officials.
The organisation said appointments should be tied to accountability measures to ensure leaders were assessed on their performance and results throughout their tenure.
Mr Tokoni further stressed the importance of citizen participation in monitoring public service delivery.
“FCOSS is calling for citizen oversight on public service delivery and performance because the public service exists to serve the people, and the people must have a meaningful voice in assessing how well it does so,” he said.
The organisation said a Constitution that prioritised integrity and accountability within the public service would better serve all Fijians.
