The Office of the Prime Minister has been rocked by internal sexual harassment claims.
A prominent female political appointee claimed she has been sexually harassed time and again by the recently appointed Special Secretary to the Prime Minister (SSPM), Andrew Muaki.
The female, who is married, made the allegation in a letter she wrote to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on 29 January 2016.
This came just two months after Muaki was given the SPPM job.
“I wish to inform you that that I have been subject to sexual harassment by the SSPM Muaki from time to time,” the woman said in her letter to Sogavare, a copy of which the Sunday Star sighted.
She said since her official functions come under the PM’s Private Office, which is headed by the SSPM, she found it very awkward to work with Muaki.
“Two other female officers (within the PMO) also complained of the same behaviour towards them by the SSPM,” the woman claimed in her letter.
Muaki had left for Australia last Thursday and could not be reached for comments.
He has not responded to messages the Sunday Star sent to his email and facebook.
The woman had confirmed to the Sunday Star that she had written the letter to the prime minister because she can no longer stand the sexual harassment treatment.
An insider in the Office of the Prime Minister told the Sunday Star those working in the office were aware of the allegation.
“Surprisingly, the prime minister has yet to act on the complaint,” the insider said.
Comments are being sought from Prime Minister Sogavare.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
