THE MEDIA Consultant and advisor in the Prime Minister’s Officer, Alfred Sasako was reportedly being prematurely terminated.
Information posted onForum Solomon Islands International (FSII) claimed an insider within DCC Government confirmed Sasako’s premature termination last week.
But yesterday in a statement Mr Sasako clarified that he is planning to quit his job in order to set up his own PR consulting firm.
The FSII postquoted one of the sources claiming,Sasako’s termination was not procedurally done.
The source said, Sasako’s original signed termination letter was not handed to him, instead a copy of the letter was sent directly to the salary section of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
“It was when Sasako noticed changes in his last fortnightly pay that he queried with the Salary section”, the source revealed.
“That’s how Sasako knew about his termination”, the source added.
Mr Sasakoyesterday in response to his position with the Governmentsaid, he is planning to quit his job in order to set up his own PR consulting firm.
He made the clarification amidst rumour’s that he has been removed.
“A short answer to the reports of termination is that I have not been served with a formal termination letter. I can confirm that there indeed was an abnormal payment in my salary last Friday.
“Whether it relates to the reported termination, I am not sure as I have not received any formal letter on the matter.
“I have three and a week bit years to go on my contract so any termination would have to be consistent with the spirit and letter of the termination clauses in my contract,” he said.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in a statement last night said, political appointees are appointed and terminated at the pleasure of the government, guided by their employment contract.
“As a matter of fact, the government is conducting a performance review of all political appointees which will result in more termination.
“I’m surprised FSII is jumping into the issue and make all kinds of speculations. I’m committed to do what I promised the country about their concerns about too many political appointees.
“I promised that all political appointees will have to prove their worthiness to continue their employment.
“FSII would be hypocritical to question the government’s action which is consistent with what I promised the nation in parliament.
“It is FSII that needs to be consistent and careful with what it says.”
BY CHARLES KADAMANA
