Part 5
We must ensure that the appointment of ministers are not simply based on the traditional policy of political patronage but must be merit-based. There must also be a ministerial code implemented to govern ministers and the Prime Minister must be responsible to the parliament for enforcing the code. Elections should be held every four years, on a date fixed by law, with strict laws in place to deal with campaign and party financing.
Reforming the Public Service: There must be more serious attempts at reform without fear of trade unions' rantings. The discussion, in our humble view, must start with the general policy of customer focus.We have too many complaints about the service delivered by public servants. Reform must cater for a new style of operations on par with the private sector which ensures efficiency and maximum output.
There are also several anomalies in the public service which should be discussed. For example, situations where there are workers who are answerable to the Permanent Secretary and or the line Minister, as opposed to those who are strictly answerable to the Service Commission. At the opening of the Industrial Court in 2013, the President of the Court made stark remarks about the continuing use of contract workers in the public service.
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