THE leader of the Parliamentary Independent Group, Manasseh Maelanga, has called on the government to give due respect to post holders established under the national constitution.
Mr Maelanga made the call in light of the recent appointments of political appointees by the Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) government.
He said the appointments of the political appointees on the level of super scale four (SS4) which is equivalent to Permanent Secretaries’ is unreasonable as the latter are established under the constitution specifically to carry out administrative, technical and accounting functions.
“To have political appointees on the same level with PSs calls for serious re- consideration as the PSs are appointed by virtue of the national constitution which is the highest law of the land,” Mr Maelanga said.
“By having political appointees on the same scale with PSs reduce the integrity and respect that comes with being holders of posts established under the constitution,” he added.
The Leader of Independent Group stated that his office is of the opinion that political appointees should be subservient to PSs regardless of their qualifications and experience.
“Political appointees should submit to PSs and as such will draw the line between posts established under the constitution and appointees for that matter, and such also demarcates the prestige that comes with being a holder of a post established under the constitution.”
Mr Maelanga strongly calls on the government to re- asses its direction on how it deals with political appointments.
He further reaffirmed that there are other government sectors that are in dire need of resources as well and the government should prioritize on them.
In stating this, Mr Maelanga said he supports the call made by the Chief Justice in his opening remarks of the legal year, adding that the government should take into account the substance of the message aired by his Lordship.
“Hence, the Judiciary sector needs to be supported and provided with the appropriate resources and manpower by any government of the day,” Mr Maelanga said.