Twenty-two civil servants from six different ministries have recently been placed on suspension with pay this year, according to a report by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. In total, 47 suspensions have been documented across thirteen government ministries since the beginning of 2023. Rabuka disclosed this information in a written response to a parliamentary inquiry raised by Opposition MP Premila Kumar.
Rabuka detailed that eight civil servants were suspended in 2023, 17 in the previous year, and 22 in the current year. The financial implications of these suspensions have been noteworthy, with government spending on salaries and benefits amounting to $153,227.58 in 2023, $428,092.84 in 2022, and $429,841.63 in the current year.
The Prime Minister explained that, in accordance with the Civil Service Discipline guidelines, a Permanent Secretary has the authority to suspend an officer at any point in the disciplinary process. This can occur if the officer’s presence may threaten workplace safety, obstruct investigations, or compromise the integrity of ministry information or services. While suspended officers receive full pay during investigations, their salary ceases once the case is referred to the Public Service Disciplinary Tribunal.
Rabuka clarified that not every suspension leads to termination, as some officers may receive warnings or be reinstated after investigations conclude. The Public Service Disciplinary Tribunal is responsible for determining outcomes based on the findings of investigations, ensuring a balance between accountability and due process.
These developments come amid broader civil service reforms championed by Rabuka. He has called for civil servants to exemplify values such as honor, diligence, and discipline, emphasizing the government’s initiative to enhance public service efficiency. With a proposed salary increase for civil servants designed to alleviate living costs, there is a conviction that these reforms, coupled with accountability measures, can substantially improve governance and service delivery. The government’s ongoing efforts aim not only to address mismanagement but also to uplift the moral standards within the civil service, fostering a culture that serves the citizens of Fiji effectively and equitably.