Since the appointment of Debra Sungi as the Acting Managing Director of Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) replacing William Lakain, speculation went viral on Social Media, stating that her appointment was politicized or nepotism since her father is the Public Service Minister.
The Department of Personnel Management Secretary, Taies Sansan has clarified that due process was followed in the appointment of the Acting Managing Director for CCDA.
Secretary Sansan stated that the process towards the appointment of the Acting Managing Director commenced according to the relevant provisions to the CCDA Act for the convening of an Appointments Committee which deliberated on the candidates before it.
The Appointments Committee by law is made up of DPM Secretary as the Chair, Conservation Environment & Protection Authority (CEPA) Managing Director as Deputy Chair, and members includes the Department of Petroleum and Energy Secretary, Department of Agriculture Secretary, State Solicitor, Department of Provincial & Local-Level Government Affairs Secretary, and President or Chairman of the PNG Chamber of Commerce.
Secretary Sansan said the assessment was based on the resume and on criteria relating to; educational qualifications, relevant work experience, good governance, good administration capabilities, performance assessment, gender, age and other information at hand put before the Appointments Committee.
Ms Sansan said, in terms of compliance to the membership and quorum, this has been complied with and the Appointments Committee analyzed and assessed the three names and sent the Appointment Committee’s resolutions and recommendations to NEC for their decision in making an appointment.
“We (the Committee) resolved and sent the names of the three candidates in order of our preference to NEC,” Sansan said.
Due process was followed in the appointment of the Acting MD.
