THE Parliamentary Opposition Group is questioning the Prime Minister as to why there has not been an internal investigation done on the sexual harassment claim within his office as he promised.
In a statement on Monday, the Opposition said the fact that the Secretary to Cabinet James Remobatu had told media that he was not aware of any investigations meant that the Prime Minister might have misled the people.
The Prime Minister came out publicly after the news made headlines in the Solomon Star late last month that investigations into the claims are ongoing and as soon as details are forthcoming, those involved will face the consequences of their actions.
However, following further enquiries, Mr Remobatu said he was not aware of any investigations and reiterated he should have been aware of any investigation in such serious matters in the PMO.
Mr Remobatu’s denial was also reported in the Solomon Star newspaper last week.
“So who is investigating these claims and who is telling the truth because the Opposition understands the alleged perpetrator and those involved remain at post without being suspended,” it said.
The Opposition reiterated that those involved should be suspended to allow investigations to proceed to restore some integrity to that office.
“The person (s) involved must be suspended with immediate effect to maintain the integrity of the office and to show the Prime Minister’s seriousness in tackling this issue,” it said.
“However, the denial by the STC and officers within the Prime Minister’s Office that there had not been any investigation only confirms that the Prime Minister has misled the people of this country.
“It is disgraceful and shameful that the Prime Minister has done nothing about this which only means that he accepts such immoral conduct in the PMO especially amongst his top officials,” it said.
The Opposition statement also added the ‘zero tolerance’ statement made by the Prime Minister is pathetic to say the least.
“Reports that he told Caucus that he will not suspend his advisors involved in the sexual harassment claim is also contradictory to his statement about his zero tolerance on such illegal and immoral conduct in the highest office of the land. If this is the case then surely the Prime Minister and his officers involved in the alleged incident have brought disrepute to the Prime Minister’s Office,” the Opposition statement said.
